"Umbra" Cult
Structure
Like most other cults, there are priests and high priests that fulfill the duties one would expect. Notably, all the priests of Umbra have been granted gifts by him or have had their body altered. All priests seem to be granted ways to traverse across / under water to fulfill Umbra’s needs and desires. Some priests have become so altered that they resemble monsters. Some priests are known as librarians and are in charge of the creation, storage, and management of various magical books and writings. These librarians often wield these books in battle and some can be heard shouting chants as they read from these books in order to cast spells of chilling water, ice, ink and darkness or gravity.
High priests are made into children of Umbra. By being consumed, gestated, and reborn within several days at midnight they become demigods of the dark god. High priests have the pleasure of being some of the few “surface” mortals that can traverse all the way down to Umbra’s Kingdom of Shadows deep beneath the waves. Most high priests barely resemble their original form and appear like monsters of the night.
Culture
The cult has an expected reverence for the night and darkness. Like their god, they believe darkness to be the natural state of the world and things like light to be fleeting and weak in comparison to the divine power of darkness. Thus, one must have a healthy respect for the dark and too much reliance on light can prove a weakness in their eyes. As the presence of darkness is one of the only constants in the universe.
Like their god, the cult tends to lean towards learning magic that revolves around darkness, shadows, cold water, ice, water pressure, and gravity. However, the most widespread magic in the cult revolves around black ink and/or tattoos due to their convenience. There have also been many magical books and writings created using magical ink. A fact that gives the cult a strong connection to runes and symbols crafted from ink. Almost every adult member of the cult has some tattoo on their body. Usually in the form of tentacles / arms / beaks of giant squids or giant squids, or kraken-like monsters.
Members of the cult often wear black clothes or cloaks. Some also wear masks or hoods that obscure their face when in public. Similar to the Cult of Ludovic they believe in true names holding power and will rarely use their own true names. A belief that some member of the Umbra Cult take a step further by trying ot obscure their identity. Some claim that their parents gave them no name or names that no mortal can pronounce.
Killing a dragon of the solar dragonflight is considered very impressive and is an almost surefire way to gain Umbra’s favor.
The cult has a massive disdain for light and sound pollution and constantly monitors it while attempting to keep it to a minimum.
Various forms of calligraphy are very popular within the cult due to its relation to ink.
The cult has a well-known fascination with dreams, space, and the ocean. The cult has many seafaring vessels and submarines. They also tend to create buildings in dark places such as caves or underground caverns.
Demography and Population
The cult’s biggest population is mermidae due to the respective god spending most of its time in the ocean. There is also a considerable number of vampires in the cult due to Umbra’s association with darkness and the night as well as Umbra’s sensitivity to sunlight(something that many vampires can relate to). Some pray that Umbra will shield them from the harsh rays of the sun or increased their effectiveness / strength at night or when in shadows / darkness. Also, vampires in general tend to be more active at night, which has caused some to gain reverence for the night and gods associated with it. Those who live near the ocean or rivers / lakes connected to the ocean tend to be especially respectful or fearful of Umbra.
Many members of the cult are also followers of Nagi and / or Shia.
Territories
The Bermuda Triangle.
Some of the deepest darkest depths of the ocean and various dark caves.
One day all light shall fade and only darkness will be left.
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
Cult of Umbra, Giant Squid Cult, Cult of Giant Squid
Leader
Ruling Organization
Currency
Like many cults surrounding the gods, Umbra’s cult will accept basically any currency but is particularly favorable to coins and notes depicting the god of giant squid. Mostly these are in the form of coins depicting a new moon on one side and a swirling tentacle on the other.
Major Exports
Various types of ink and physical writings as well as printers and books. As well as fish and various satellite equipment.
Official State Religion
Permeated Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Notable Members
Comments