Abyss Mysticism

Abyss Mysticism is a mysterious religious philosophy, whose subtle influences can be found in a majority of modern religions. It was created by the Prophet Assurdirapal in the ancient times of a different reality. Abyss Mysticism was the core of Valdreach state religion’s doctrine, and some say that the Abyss Mystics have a strong connection with the higher clergy. The followers of this philosophy can officially follow other religions, because of the universal nature of its beliefs. Their true number is known only to few. Nevertheless, according to rumors, their ranks are rapidly growing, and now they have hidden representatives in most nations. While their agenda remains unknown, they seem to value intelligence, wisdom and daring. People who catch their interest may even sometimes receive the offer to join the elusive Order, but only if they pass the test and prove themselves worthy.

History
The only ones who know the true history of Abyss Mysticism are the Abyss Mystics themselves. However, some obscure stories have been circulating among the controversial scholars and overly inquisitive priests. It is said that Assurdirapal usurped the sacred scrying arts of Icyism’s Chosen Ones to contact a mysterious being, whose voice spoke to him through the Bedrock. Others report that he rediscovered the lost art of Ice-Shaping, which was supposedly practiced by the forgotten people about whom speak the inscriptions on obsidian tablets, found in the glaciers near Aezenfjord.

At some point the Order must have been created. Sometimes artistically sensitive people dream about lost cathedrals buried beneath the ice, or about the unconquerable cities covered in snow. Some believe that these are the visions of a previous world, where Abyss Mystics were organized for the first time. The direct cause of the calamity which forced them to leave is unknown, but a few years ago on Rathnir a very strange event happened. Certain mothers reported that their children changed suddenly when entering maturity. Their personalities became alien and unfamiliar, they began speaking in foreign tongues and soon after that left their homes forever. Presumably, Abyss Mystics crossed the Void and were reborn with memories almost intact, as an effect of practicing their mysterious magic.

In recent years, more and more people have started to talk about their increasing activity, sometimes filled with dread, sometimes with hope.

Beliefs
The only way to understand Abyss Mysticism is to study the numerous writings of the Order. However, these are usually difficult to find, because Abyss Mystics gift them only to their members and close allies. There are only few libraries which hold them, and usually their scriptures are considered forbidden knowledge and kept under lock. The most popular, often possessed by obscure scholars and rogue warlocks, are listed below:

-         Mysterium Tenebris, the main holy text of Abyss Mysticism. According to the Prophet, it was passed to him from the Voice from Below.

-         The Commentaries, the most complete compendium on Abyss Mysticism that currently exists.

-         Visions from Beyond, a poetic story about Assuridrapal’s passage through the Abyss.

-         Untimely Meditations, a short collection of reflections on the calamity that devoured the previous world.

-         Rebirth, the thoughts and experiences of a new Mystic.

-         Façade of Peace, Assurdirapal’s commentary on the “Rebirth”.

-         The Cold One, translation of obsidian tablets found within a glacier.

Organization
Abyss Mystics are supposedly organized into a kind of secret society, vaguely called The Order. The only way to become a member is through invitation, which is often granted to those who catch their interest. No one can be sure if any internal hierarchy exists between them, although according to legends, new members must pass an apprenticeship before being exposed to all the secrets and responsibilities.