Development update #9 [Cults & Beliefs]
12 months ago
– Wed, Oct 04, 2023 at 12:46:34 PM
Hi all!
Thanks for being here and for all the kind support under the last update - you are truly amazing.
During the recent month, I decided to revisit the text for the additional chapter of the book, Cults & Beliefs, and with help from Christopher, we prepared it for the full release.
There will be at least seven unique religions or cults described in the rulebook for you to incorporate during your adventures. Most of them expand the lore behind certain races of Loor, such as Crusters, Dwarfs, Elves, or Cavians. Some add extra context to the world itself, e.g. to the entropic mutations, shattered moon, technology, and more.
Today I want to share with you a fragment about The Marvellous Whale, Cruster's deity of the hunt.
CULT OF THE MARVELLOUS WHALE:
"On the distant roaming islands of Hohonu, a local religion emerged, rooted in The Customs of the Sea. Once a distinctive tremor shakes the isles, the inhabiting Crusters set out on a perilous journey, during which many of them will eventually perish. The adventurers compete with one another in a ferocious hunt for the most terrible of sea monsters. Cruster sailors believe that adorning their armour with sacred symbols grants good fortune, as well as favourable winds during hunting expeditions. The obtained trophies are then offered as a sacrifice to the deity of the hunt, the Marvellous Whale – a majestic being from ancient legends. Its followers claim that the mighty beast dwells in the depths of the sea, and it resurfaces once in a while not only to breathe fresh air but also to absorb the pure moonlight. According to the lore, its skin glisters like polished steel, and its crystal eyes beam with a mysterious glare. The beast’s enormous maw spews fire, which consumes anything that dares to approach its brassy embodiment. "
"The tales about its existence may seem unlike, but there’ll always be a handful of fanatical Crusters, daredevils seeking to bask in the glory, that will recklessly attempt to hunt their deity. For there is no greater honour for the Islander than facing the indomitable power of the metallic beast. Many have tried to immortalise their names by challenging it, but very few came back from the search for this undersea legend. As of yet, no one has proven to confront the Marvellous face to face, albeit plenty of thrill-seekers claim they did. Undaunted by the futile endeavours of their predecessors, many arrogant individuals continue to partake in the Sacred Hunt, since the very participation in the festivity is a source of pride and admiration among the Commonwealth."
I hope that you like the idea behind Cruster religion. It is rather simple, but often so are the Crusters. What in fact is the Marvellous Whale, you ask - that's mainly up to your interpretation. Is it one of the powerful, enigmatic Pre-entrops? Or an ancient perpetual machine that somehow survived through the ages? The answer is yet to be uncovered...
In the next update, we will have a closer look at the City-States, crumbling domains of the last people, whose descendants live today and blend with other peculiar races of Loor.
Take care,
Bernie.
