Agnis (Reformed Stripping Path)

Once an esteemed and highly revered member of the Reformed Bassarid Pantheon, Agnis was expelled from the congress of gods after attempting to stage a rebellion against Thalassa. Today, the worship of Agnis is prohibited in most parts of Bassaridia Vaeringheim, though she is still openly worshiped in Thyrea and other remote, rural corners of the country.

Agnis is a deity of the Reformed Stripping Path, representing the moon of the same name.

Agnis, once revered as the Lady Divine of the Underworld, holds a complex and tumultuous place in the mythology of Bassaridia Vaeringheim. Originally one of the esteemed deities within the Reformed Bassarid pantheon, Agnis ruled over the realm of the dead, ensuring the balance between life and death. Her dominion included guiding souls, presiding over the afterlife, and maintaining the sacred cycles of rebirth. However, Agnis’ ambition led her to revolt against Thalassa, the queen of the gods. This rebellion resulted in her expulsion from the pantheon and her descent into infamy.

Epithets

Agnis is revered by many titles that reflect her complex nature and tumultuous history. As the "Keeper of Shadows," she is acknowledged as the guardian of the underworld, overseeing the realm of the dead. Her fall from grace is encapsulated in the title "The Fallen One," marking her expulsion from the Reformed Bassarid pantheon. Known as the "Mistress of the Lost," Agnis is seen as a beacon for wandering and tormented souls. Her dominion over the dark and chaotic underworld is captured in the epithet "Queen of the Abyss," while her audacious challenge to Thalassa is remembered in the name "Harbinger of Revolt." These epithets collectively paint a picture of a deity who is both feared and respected, embodying rebellion, mystery, and the unyielding depths of the afterlife.

Worship and Festivals in Bassaridia Vaeringheim

Located on the shore of Lake Kedem in Thyrea, the Kedemonian Hall of Agnis is the center of Agnis worship in Bassaridia Vaeringheim. Only members of Helaen Kyklos are permitted access to the temple.

Though expelled from the official pantheon, Agnis still retains a cult following in Thyrea, and other remote, rural locations across the nation. Her followers, often those who feel marginalized or disconnected from mainstream society, gather in secret to honor her through the cult known as Helaen Kyklos. The most notable of rituals carried out by Helaen Kyklos, in the city of Thyrea, where Agnis is still worshipped, is the Rite of the Veiled Passage. This secretive ritual takes place deep within the underground catacombs that lie beneath the city, believed to be ancient pathways leading to the heart of the underworld. During the Rite of the Veiled Passage, selected initiates don elaborate, shadowy veils infused with herbs and oils said to enhance their connection to Agnis. They then undertake a silent procession through the catacombs, each holding a black candle that symbolizes their journey through darkness. As they navigate the pitch-black, labyrinthine passages, they chant invocations to Agnis, seeking her guidance and protection. The culmination of the rite occurs at a hidden chamber known as the Nyxian Hollow, where a life-sized statue of Agnis stands. Here, the initiates offer personal tokens and sacrifices, such as locks of hair or written confessions of their deepest fears and regrets, to the statue. This act is believed to symbolize their willingness to embrace the depths of their own souls and to seek Agnis' transformative power. The ritual is said to induce profound visions and insights, granting the initiates a deeper understanding of the cycles of life and death, and reinforcing their bond with Agnis. This practice not only honors the Lady Divine of the Underworld but also solidifies Thyrea's unique position as the last bastion of her worship.

The Helaen Kyklos

The Helaen Kyklos is a secretive cult devoted to Agnis. Its members, often outcasts or those who seek to understand the darker aspects of existence, perform rites and ceremonies to honor the Lady Divine of the Underworld. The cult views Agnis not just as a deity of the dead but as a symbol of defiance and the quest for personal sovereignty.

Mythology

Agnis' myth is one of power, ambition, and rebellion. She was once a loyal deity within Thalassa’s court but grew discontented with her subservient role. Believing she deserved equal status, Agnis led a revolt against Thalassa, seeking to overthrow the queen of the gods. The rebellion was quelled, and as punishment, Agnis was cast out of the pantheon, her name stricken from official worship. However, her story endures as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the quest for power.

Iconography and Depictions

Agnis is often depicted as a regal and imposing figure, embodying the mystique and authority of the underworld. She is shown with a tall, commanding presence, draped in flowing garments that suggest both grace and power, and crowned with a distinctive ceremonial headdress or dark thorns, signifying her sovereignty over the dead. Holding a long staff topped with a crescent moon, she symbolizes the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. In the provided image, she stands between classical pillars with a dark, swirling backdrop, emphasizing her dominion over shadow and mystery, while her stern expression and poised stance convey her authority and enigmatic allure. Temples and altars dedicated to Agnis feature intricate carvings and symbols of the underworld, reminding followers of her profound power and enduring presence.