Personnal - Echoes of Deception
Plot points/Scenes
The Forbidden Text
Darja is drawn to a dusty old tome in a secluded part of a library or temple. This book contains teachings that closely mirror her own, suggesting she's not the first to hold such beliefs.
Ancient Schism
The more she reads, the more Darja learns of an ancient faction within her faith that broke away, citing visions and revelations that led to their heretical beliefs. They were ultimately suppressed and faded into obscurity.
Mysterious Benefactor
Within the text, there are several mentions of a "Divine Guide" who provided the splinter group with their insights. As Darja seeks out more about this entity, subtle hints start to align this figure with the Confuser of Ways.
Challenging Faith
Darja begins to experience dreams and visions, much like the ones described in the book. These visions show her the ancient faction's rituals, their divine guide, and the eventual fallout of their heresy.
Truth in the Shadows
Darja, determined to understand her connection to this ancient group and the role of the Confuser of Ways, decides to perform one of their old rituals. During the ceremony, she encounters a spirit or echo of the faction's leader who warns her of the Confuser's deceit and manipulation, urging her to be wary of the visions and to find her own path.
Reaffirmation or Doubt
The conclusion of the quest offers two paths:
a. Reaffirmation - Darja acknowledges the Confuser's influence but decides to stick with her beliefs, seeing value in them even if they were initially manipulated. She grows stronger in her faith, perhaps even finding genuine divine insights that align with her beliefs.
b. Doubt - The revelations shake Darja's faith, making her question her beliefs and their origins. This could lead to a deeper internal conflict for her character, opening up avenues for further character development.
Backdrops
Past Events
Misleading Dream Visions
There might be mention of certain heretics within Yendaj's followers who believed that not all dreams came from Yendaj. Some dreams, they claimed, were tests or temptations sent by a "Wily Serpent". It's implied that only the truly devoted could discern these deceitful visions from Yendaj's true guidance.
Ambiguous Night Figure
An old tale or parable speaks of a night when Yendaj was absent, and another figure, a "Guardian of Twilight", watched over the dreams. This figure was neither good nor evil but reveled in the chaos of dreams.
Clouded Vision
Amidst the text, Darja finds a passage that reads, “Sometimes, the mists of dreams cloud the truths we seek. Sometimes, they lead us astray, pulling us into deeper illusions.” This challenges Yendaj’s concept of dreams providing clarity and might suggest another force at play.
Twisted Sayings
Instead of “The Coddler will see you in your dreams,” there might be an older, distorted version like, "Beware the dreams where the Coddler does not tread, for other eyes might watch instead."
Hints in Art
Occasionally, amongst depictions of Yendaj in her comforting midnight blue and light gray robes, there are older sketches or fragments showing a deity with a similar robe but adorned with subtle snake motifs, maybe even having a serpent coiled around her arm.
Teachings of Discernment
There might be teachings about the importance of discerning truth from lies in dreams. “A dream's truth is in the heart of the dreamer. But remember, hearts can be swayed.”
Corrupted Lullaby
An old lullaby that mothers used to sing to their children, long forgotten by most. The lyrics speak of Yendaj's protection, but there’s a stanza that mentions a “whispering shadow” that might come if children didn't stay true to their dreams.