Rituals Of Oblivion II
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Rituals of Oblivion II
Author: Izrem Verin'Vlos
3rd Path: Realization
Once the eyes of mortals
have been opened, they
see the decision placed
before them. Comply to
the inevitable or fight
for freedom.
The rituals of Realization:
Rebellion's Rebirth
Tearing away from the world that one knows can be a frightening experience, but also an extremely cathartic one. The exhiliration and joy of throwing off chains of illiberty and ignorance brings surpassing energy and strength into ones life.
1) Those seeking to know release must first seek out an emblem of oppression and ignorance. An overzealous and foolhardy paladin is an example, as is any other person who guards an ideal, without considering the cost it has to others.
2) Speak with them regarding their ways. If they say that they do what they do "Because it is right" and offer little other rationale, they have chosen the path of oppresion and are a fitting example.
3) Take the offender aside and tell him of his offenses. Of how his actions have cause others pain, without good cause. When he rejects your reasoning, kill him.
Note: To some, this is a hard step. While the action may seem brutal, the true meaning lies within the act of killing.
The man you kill represents the unrepentent and uncaring leaders of this world. Though they come acting as holy men and visionaries, they are actually wolves, seeking to devour you. This must be understood. They wield their "virtue" as if it makes them innocent of their crimes. Their sins make them scarlet, but with eyes of Realization, you can see through the facade.
Futile Cycle
To some, they consider the choice of surrender to inevitability as a reasonable alternative to seeking enlightenment. This ritual shows such people the flaw of such a way of thinking.
The first step is to drink readily, eat readily and spend your time in absolute frivolity. Whatever feels good, do it. Once you have spent the day in this fashion, take yourself to a gravestone, such as in the Memorium ritual.
Spend time considering the meaning of this. If surrender is what you desire for yourself, then short term pleasure is all you can grab. And in the end, you die. All the pleasure is fleeting and gone in that moment. The finest drinks are vinegar, the best foods, nothing more than ash in your mouth.
Repeat this several times, to allow for the full realization to grab hold of you. Do not turn away for its inconvenience or pain. To do so is to abandon not only Enlightenment, but also hope.
4th Path: Embrace
If rebellion from the old is the key to freedom, then one must consider what is to be done once they throw off the old chains. So many paths take you right back to the old ways and the old pains. When one lives for themselves or for something as ephemeral as an empire, they are drawn to serve short term ambitions that achieve nothing that will not soon be destroyed. It is key, at this time, to consider the goals of what lies beyond one self and beyond the world they exist in. Oblivion offers something that few other religions can.
It offers purity of form, giving you a new meaning in life. Working for something that is not only beyond the scope of your life, but beyond the reach of time and Entropy itself. It is a chance to achieve something that cannot be undone. Secondly, it offers purity of essence. With the new purpose given to you, you no longer need to fear that what you are doing is meaningless. With this knowledge comes the beginnings of a Peace that cannot be touched by this world. A Peace that protects you from destruction in this life and the next.
Rituals of Embrace
Black Mass
Time spent amongst those who do not follow Oblivion, while not dangerous, teaches you nothing new. However, time spent amongst those who have commited their lives to Oblivion, its precepts and its tenants are key to expanding your understanding. When a cleric of Oblivion calls the faithful, those who wish to learn more must find themselves obligated to come. While the events of Black Mass may vary, the purpose is always the same. To learn more and to see the world unveiled for its flaws, but also for its opportunities. It is a time to exchange ideas as well as knowledge.
Any who take part will find it most uplifting. Those who find themselves given to a moment of pause should speak with a cleric. Their questions can be answered and their hearts put at ease. Those who find themselves excited should seek out the oracles, as they can instruct them on how they can serve Oblivion, in their lives and their community.
The Black Mass is a time of renewal.
Further rituals for this step can be found upon attending a Black Mass.
5th Path: Peace
Once one has found their inner and outer purity they will notice a change. No longer do they accept the world as a flawed and weak inevitablity, but rather as something ready to be changed and made better.
Rituals of Peace
To those who reach this path, I call you not "student", but "brother". While there is still much to learn, you do it along side your brethren, no longer at their feet. Rejoice, brother. You have been prepared for the world. Now prepare the world for its final step towards purity.
"All is as it should be. Oblivion is evercoming and never ceasing. Blessed are those that hasten the day of its triumph, for they bring peace where there is pain. They bring the sweet silence of eternal rest. It is most splended."
Azalin, High Lich Lord of the Order of the Ebon Skull