The Sky Seekers are a cult in
Welkin Gnome society who are convinced that spiritual enlightenment and perhaps even a chance for ascension can be found far,
far above, up where the
Gossamer Oaks go when they break free from the
Goldenweed Wastes below.
Brushes with Divinity
One of the hazards of life in Welkin Gnome society is getting lost in the sky.
Dirigible builders are sometimes lost when the oaken core breaks free from the docks during construction, and whole logging crews have been lost when a tree they were cutting free from the ground broke free from the logger's ropes as well. Most gnomes who are so lost are never seen again. Most believe these gnomes perish, but the Seekers believe that they have been blessed by divinity and brought to a state of enlightenment such that they no longer need their physical forms. Indeed, the Seekers tell stories of those who have come close to that divinity, but were to fearful of what they found and thus fled back to their homes.
Most gnomes who attempt this return die, falling thousands of feet before slamming into the ground far below. Those to have their
gliders with them, however, sometimes manage to make the descent safely, and return to the city. Those who do often speak of an odd euphoria that came over them as they rose up, even as they gasped for breath on the thin air. Some describe it as the joy of some great divinity, some describe it as a mad response to incomprehensible terror. Most Welkin Gnomes don't know what to make of this, other than vague superstitions about the sky above being a seductive killer. The Seekers, however, believe this euphoria is a process of spiritual transformation, bringing those who rise up closer to a divine spirit.
They are, however, vague on the specifics. The Seekers believe that this spirit is a benevolent being, but that only those who embrace its blessing can come to know its true nature. Most also believe that it is their duty, especially for those who return from the sky in the flesh, to bring word of this great spirit to their society and encourage everyone to join them, to raise entire cities up such that all can partake of its divine gift.
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