The Inevitable

The mysterious paths after life

The Inevitable is one of the eight Archangels revered in Aglarion, embodying death as an essential and inescapable part of the life cycle. This Archangel is recognized not merely as the harbinger of the end but also as a symbol of renewal and transition. His presence signifies the acceptance of death as a natural and necessary passage, as well as the promise of rejuvenation that follows every conclusion.
The devotional practices of the Cult of the Inevitable focus on understanding and accepting mortality, as well as commemorating the departed. Its priests oversee the cemeteries of Agland, including the vast City of the Dead located beyond the northern walls of Honadir, amidst the cypress hills, where each deceased is buried near the roots of a tree. These trees are seen as guardians of souls, symbols of enduring life, and the connection between the realm of the living and the dead.

The Cult's practices include rituals designed to assist individuals in coping with loss, processing grief, and finding peace in the inevitability of death. A key element of the worship is the rite of passage, which guides the souls of the deceased on their journey to the beyond. These rituals are permeated with dignity and respect, emphasizing that death is not an end but a transition to a new existence. The Cult of the Inevitable encourages deep philosophical reflection on the nature of life and death. Its followers commonly contemplate the meaning of existence and the role of death in the grand scheme of the universe. Through this contemplation, they aspire to lead full and meaningful lives, mindful that death is an inevitable passage. This approach fosters a profound appreciation of life's ephemeral beauty and the intricate balance between life and death, encouraging a perspective that sees the end not as a moment of loss but as an integral part of a continuous cycle of renewal and growth.
A recurring symbol among devotees is a chess piece depicting a horse, possibly finely crafted, but with at least one crack or chip. The symbol is complex, and here we can only dwell on the superficial aspects.

The horse represents instincts, the energy of desire. Moreover, its symbolism encompasses two distinct ideas: the goddess of power and the idea of beauty. Also that of love, not to be confused with fertility. Taming a horse - symbolized by turning it into a chess piece - stands as a reminder to the devotee that we need to become masters of our impulses, to learn how to use them and direct them where we want them. But, and an elven secret is said to be hidden here, taming does not mean undoing, but rather finding the balance between instinctual power, which must not be stifled, and will, which is not desire.

The Cult in Honadir

The tradition of leaving small white stones on the graves in the City of the Dead, located in Honadir, is a poignant practice deeply rooted in the lore of the Inevitable. This custom transcends mere ritual, embodying the profound connection between the living and the dead, as well as encapsulating the essence of the Inevitable's teachings on life, death, and the continuum between them.
The white stones serve as symbols of purity and remembrance, chosen for their color to represent the unblemished and enduring spirit of those who have passed. The act of placing a stone is a physical manifestation of an internal process of reflection and remembrance, a small but significant ritual that allows the living to interact with the memory of the dead in a manner that is both respectful and intimate.

Each stone laid upon a grave is imbued with personal significance, carrying with it a thought, a prayer, or a memory specific to the individual it honors. This act creates a tangible link between the living and their beloved departed, a physical representation of the invisible bonds that death cannot sever. It is a testament to the belief that while loved ones may pass from the physical world, they continue to exist in the memories and hearts of those they leave behind.

The priests who exercise devotional worship to the Inevitable are in charge of the management of cemeteries, including the Garden of Rest, the Honadir cemetery where deceased loved ones of the wealthiest families and petty nobility are buried.