Eternal Lotus

The Eternal Lotus is a revered Mantis god in the Thri-kreen nation, known for its imposing and fearsome appearance. According to Thri-kreen mythology, the Eternal Lotus is a powerful deity that embodies the essence of destruction and renewal.

Description

The Eternal Lotus is often depicted as a towering figure with a muscular, insectoid body and long, powerful arms. Its exoskeleton is a deep shade of red, and its eyes glow with an intense, fiery light. The deity's most distinctive feature is its enormous scythe-like arms, which are said to be capable of demolishing entire buildings with a single swing.

Worshipers

The Thri-Kreen that follow the Eternal Lotus call themselves the People of the Celestial Mantis. They believe that the deity's presence brings both death and new life to the land, as old structures and traditions are demolished to make way for new growth and innovation. In their rituals, Thri-kreen often offer prayers and sacrifices to the Eternal Lotus, asking for its blessings and guidance in navigating the cycles of destruction and renewal in their lives and communities. Thri-kreen believe that the deity demands great sacrifices from its followers, whether through physical offerings or through the surrender of old ways of thinking and being. Those who are deemed worthy by the Eternal Lotus may be granted great power and knowledge, but only if they are willing to pay the price.

Monks of the Eternal Lotus

The monks of the Eternal Lotus are a highly trained group of Thri-kreen warriors who reside in temples on the planet of Drak'thrun. They are fiercely dedicated to the protection of their land and their leader, Tiktikik. They are known for their disciplined and focused approach to combat, honed through years of rigorous training and practice. They wear simple, austere robes and carry only the most basic of weapons, such as staffs and daggers, relying instead on their physical strength and martial skill to defeat their opponents.
In addition to their martial training, the monks of the Eternal Lotus also spend much of their time in prayer and meditation, seeking to attain a state of spiritual purity and oneness with the universe. They believe that by doing so, they can better understand the will of the Eternal Lotus and become more effective guardians of their land.
The monks are led by Tiktikik, a revered Thri-kreen priest and warrior. Tiktikik is a towering figure, even by Thri-kreen standards, with long, powerful arms and an imposing presence. He is known for his unwavering devotion to the deity and his fierce defense of the temples and their teachings. The monks see him as both a spiritual guide and a military leader, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect him and the land he represents.

Temples

The temples of the Eternal Lotus are located on the planet of Drak'thrun and are imposing structures that reflect the deity's powerful and fearsome nature. They are made of dark, volcanic rock and are built into the sides of the mountains, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The altar itself is an impressive sight, made of obsidian and carved with intricate designs that depict the Eternal Lotus in all its glory. It is surrounded by offerings and sacrifices made by the Thri-kreen faithful, including precious gems, rare artifacts, and even the occasional living creature.
The interior of the temples is divided into various chambers and halls, each dedicated to a different aspect of the Eternal Lotus's teachings. Some are used for prayer and meditation, while others are used for training and ritual combat. All are decorated with elaborate murals and carvings that tell the story of the Eternal Lotus and its role in Thri-kreen mythology.

Reputation

The Thri-kreen are a diverse and varied species, and as such, there are many different opinions and beliefs regarding the Eternal Lotus and its followers. While some Thri-kreen may view the Eternal Lotus as a legitimate religion, others may view it as a dangerous cult. They have been accused of extreme acts of violence and abductions of people in multiple parts of Realmspace. This makes the People of the Celestial Mantis untrusted on most worlds.

Tenants

The tenants of the Eternal Lotus are the fundamental principles of belief and practice that guide the Thri-kreen faithful in their worship of the deity. These tenants are taught and upheld within the temples of the Eternal Lotus on the planet of Drak'thrun and are considered to be essential to understanding the nature of the deity and achieving spiritual enlightenment.

• Strength through Discipline: The Thri-kreen believe that through rigorous physical and mental discipline, they can achieve greater strength and resilience, both in body and spirit.
• Respect for the Land: The Thri-kreen believe that the land and its natural resources are sacred, and should be protected and nurtured for future generations.
• Devotion to the Eternal Lotus: The Thri-kreen believe that the Eternal Lotus is the embodiment of all that is good and just in the universe, and that by worshipping and serving the deity, they can achieve spiritual enlightenment and eternal life.

Realmspace    World Encyclopedia    Deities & Religions      Eternal Lotus

Titles

• Guardian of the Red Shaar
• The Endless Swarm
• The Mantis God

Followers

• People of the Celestial Mantis

Power Level: Greater Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Symbol: A mantis lying flat

Domains

• Death
• Life

Channel Divinity

• Touch of Death
• Preserve Life