Returning
The ultimate goal of a Varlemite, an adherent of the teachings of the Lucid Path, is to traverse the Varlem Desert and reach its center, where they are convinced they will be taken out of the nightmare world they believe Nascindor to be by the mysterious god they believe communicates through the desert.
When a Varlemite departs into the desert in search of this liberation, it is referred to as Returning, and is considered to be the purest expression of the Lucid Path.
Some adherents do take along a small offering or sacrifice, believing that they must pay for passage. This notion is challenged by the vast majority of Varlemites, who argue that their god has no need for the paltry and unnatural gifts one might procure on Nascindor and that it might even be taken as a slight against the deity.
However, there are select few individuals that journey into the sea of dunes and never return. The Varlemites themselves of course claim that these adherents of the faith were judged worthy of returning and were allowed to reach the center by the gestalt consciousness of the desert and taken into its arms. Other parties interested in the desert, such as the Enlightened Few, take a more skeptical approach and posit that those who do not return have simply perished in the vast desert before the Varlems could apprehend them.
Whatever the case may be, it is not actually known what lies at the center of the Varlem Desert except that it seems to be a roiling maelstrom of anomalous activity that shrouds the area in swirling and collapsing sand, hindering remote viewing.
When a Varlemite departs into the desert in search of this liberation, it is referred to as Returning, and is considered to be the purest expression of the Lucid Path.
Preparation
Believing Nascindor to be nothing but a horrid dream, a Varlemite takes nothing with him or her except the meager robes he or she is wearing and perhaps a cane or other walking aid. So strong is their belief in their god that they do not even bring along any water or food, believing that all of their needs will be met and satiated beyond all expectation once they pass from this world to the loving arms of their god.Some adherents do take along a small offering or sacrifice, believing that they must pay for passage. This notion is challenged by the vast majority of Varlemites, who argue that their god has no need for the paltry and unnatural gifts one might procure on Nascindor and that it might even be taken as a slight against the deity.
Veracity
Most of the Varlemites that set out towards the desert's center eventually encounter Varlems which guide them back out of the desert, forcefully if need be.However, there are select few individuals that journey into the sea of dunes and never return. The Varlemites themselves of course claim that these adherents of the faith were judged worthy of returning and were allowed to reach the center by the gestalt consciousness of the desert and taken into its arms. Other parties interested in the desert, such as the Enlightened Few, take a more skeptical approach and posit that those who do not return have simply perished in the vast desert before the Varlems could apprehend them.
Whatever the case may be, it is not actually known what lies at the center of the Varlem Desert except that it seems to be a roiling maelstrom of anomalous activity that shrouds the area in swirling and collapsing sand, hindering remote viewing.
Do not cry, my dove.–A Varlemite husband to his non-Varlemite wife
Where I go, there will be no pain or sorrow. I do so wish you would join me.
by Midjourney
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