Ardavan
Ardavan, also known as Ardavan the Sage, is an enigmatic figure whose origins are shrouded in mystery. Historical records suggest that he was born during the late 6th century AN, in the continent of Eura.
Birth and Early Life
Ardavan's birthplace is often debated among scholars, with some citing the ancient city of Rey, a port in Eastern Eura, while others point to the Gulf of Zinjibar. His early life remained largely undocumented, but folklore and esoteric texts hint at a childhood marked by a deep connection to nature and an innate curiosity about the metaphysical world.
Education and journey into mysticism
Ardavan's formative years were spent in rigorous study under the tutelage of various scholars and mystics. He was well-versed in Zurvanite theology, Euran occult practices, and the mystical traditions of neighbouring cultures. His extensive travels took him across the vast continent and beyond, where he sought wisdom from diverse sources, including the libraries of Apollonia, the temples of Keltia, and the secret enclaves of the Yehudim in Benacia.
The Manuscript of Whispers
Ardavan is most renowned for his creation of the "Manuscript of Whispers," an ancient Euran occult manuscript that blends Zurvanite, Talmudic, and various esoteric elements. This manuscript, written on aged parchment and adorned with intricate illustrations, is considered one of the most profound mystical texts of its time. It contains detailed depictions of Lilith of the Black Sun, the Tree of Duality, and the cosmic hierarchy, offering insights into the balance of light and dark, fate, and free will.
Philosophical contributions
Ardavan's teachings emphasised the importance of duality and balance in the universe. He posited that true enlightenment could only be achieved by understanding and embracing both light and shadow aspects of existence. His philosophy drew heavily from Zurvanite dualism, which views the world as a battleground between the forces of good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu), but extended it to incorporate a more nuanced understanding of these forces as interdependent and necessary for cosmic harmony.
Death and mythic status
The details of Ardavan's death are as mysterious as his life. Some accounts suggest he ascended to a higher plane of existence, while others claim he vanished into the depths of the Euran wilderness, never to be seen again. Over time, Ardavan attained a mythic status, revered as a sage who bridged the mortal and divine realms.
Legacy
Ardavan's influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting various mystical traditions and secret societies. His work attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, creating a syncretic faith represented a heretical deviation from Zurvanism. These followers, often referred to as the Nocturnals, formed secret societies dedicated to the study and preservation of Ardavan's teachings and the Manuscript of Whispers.
The works of Ardavan were sought and destroyed wherever possible by the pious clergy of the Babkhan Orthodox Church, the worship of Lilith and the Black Sun being reviled and excoriated as perverse manifestations of the Lie (druj) and an act of adoration directed towards a demon (dæva), and therefore considered hateful.
The destruction of Babkha in 1598 AN ironically had the effect of saving the teachings of Ardavan from oblivion, allowing both the Nocturnals and their carefully protected collections of his body of work to emerge from the shadows, at least partially. Contemporary scholars continue to rediscover Ardavan's contributions to Euran mysticism and philosophy. His works, although now formally prohibited in the Suren Confederacy, have become a subject of fascination and debate, with modern interpretations seeking to unlock its hidden meanings and apply its wisdom to contemporary spiritual practices.
