Abyss Mysticism

Abyss Mysticism is a secretive 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 had a huge influence over the developement of the VIR's Imperial Temple, eventually leading to the entire state being controlled by the Abyss Mystics from the shadows. The followers of this philosophy can officially follow other religions, because of its universal nature. Their true number is a mystery, known only to these within the Order of the Abyss Mystics. Nevertheless, according to rumors, their ranks are numerous and ever-growing, including many world leaders and obscure scholars alike, who secretly control the world and its history. Of course, such paranoid claims are usually dimissed for what they are. While the true agenda of Abyss Mystics remains unknown, they are said to value individuality, independence, power, 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 tests 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, born in the Obsidiana village on Jagdas, usurped the sacred scrying arts of Regilmold to contact a mysterious being, whose voice spoke to him from below the bedrock. Others report that he rediscovered the lost art of ice divination himself, which was supposedly practiced by the forgotten people about whom speak the inscriptions on obsidian tablets, found in the glaciers near his native land.

At some point the Order of Abyss Mystics must have been created. Sometimes more artistically sensitive people dream about the lost cathedrals buried beneath the ice, or about the black cities covered in snow. Some believe that these are the visions of 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 it is commonly agreed upon, that the world of Jagdas was no longer hospitable. Gibbering madmen are said to claim that these first Abyss Mystics escaped to Rathnir and possessed the aristocratic family of Tvear, the Hju Bolverkr.

Ancient records of Valdreach Imperial Republic speak of the rapidly growing influence of Hju Bolverkr at that time, whose members quickly dominated the Imperial Temple, Supposedly, the Order of Abyss Mystics stood behind the political instability that plagued the Republic, and eventually gained complete control over it, ruling from the shadows through the figurehead God-Empress, effectively abolishing democratic elements in favour of theocracy. The peak of their influence can be dated on the few days before the Fall of VIR, when strange markings and unnerving poems began appearing on the walls of cities throughout the entire world. Many whispered about the Karnak, and other esoteric concepts. In the following days, a terrible civil war swept through the Republic, destroying one of the greatest empires of that time in just a few weeks. How exactly it was fought and why it caused so much destrucion troubles scholars to this day.

After the Fall of VIR, all mentions of Abyss Mystics disappear from the official history. But the rumors surivive, and dark whispers never ceased, driving more than one who tried to uncover the truth into insanity. Some say that these days the shadowy tendrils of the Order reach further than ever before...

Organization
Abyss Mystics are said to be organized into the Order, which one can join only through direct invitation. Nevertheless, curious seekers often quest after supposed Sanctuaries or rituals, that supposedly allow contacting the Abyss Mystics. No information on internal hierarchy is known to the public, outside of the few mentions of Masters and apprentices. Therefore, it is assumed that membership in the Order involves some kind of apprenticeship. Many people have been accused of belonging to the Abyss Mystics, although none of these accusations have been ever confirmed. Scholars, magicians and priests seem to be the usual targets, but many politicians and world leaders have been also suspected. Nevertheless, the Abyss Mysticism is more of a myth or consipracy theory these days, and easily dismissed by the most.