Cult of Mors
The Cult of Mors is a secretive and enigmatic religious organisation that operates within the Benacian Union. Little is known about the cult's origins or how it came to be, but many it generally accepted as being tied to the ancient Cedrist religion and its god of death, Mors. Although the Cult insists upon an ancient and mystical past, it is most likely to have broken away from the Children of Mors in the aftermath of the Kalirion Fracture.
According to Cedrist mythology, Mors is considered the most powerful and eldest of all the gods. He is often associated with death, decay, and destruction, and some describe him as a malevolent being who delights in causing suffering and pain. However, others view Mors as a necessary force that brings balance to the natural order of things.
The cult worships Mors as their deity and seeks to embrace the workings of death as a path to enlightenment and transcendence. They believe that by accepting death and its inevitability, they can attain a greater understanding of the world and achieve a state of enlightenment.
Devotees of Mors see six as a holy number, and the cult's hierarchy and beliefs are structured around this number. There are six ranks within the Cult of Mors, each responsible for a different aspect of death. Additionally, the cult is divided into six houses, each responsible for a different type of death. The six thrones serve as the leaders of the houses, and the mark of the Cult of Mors is six interlinking rings.
Mors is said to have given the first six thrones six clay tablets with inscriptions on them, but he did not reveal what they contained or in what order they should be read. As such, each house holds one rule as the most important. The Six Commandments are as follows:
- Be not afraid to die, as in doing so, you will join with your God.
- Be knowledgeable of death in all its forms.
- Do not grant death in instances where it is not deserved; also, do not spare death when it is truly deserved.
- Death comes to all things, and you are no exception. Do not fight when your time comes.
- Do not use the powers granted to you for any purpose other than what is intended.
- Do not use heathen magics.
Initiates of the cult must undergo a series of trials and tests to prove their devotion and commitment to Mors. These trials may include physical endurance, mental fortitude, and moral dilemmas that challenge the member's beliefs and values.
Once initiated, members are expected to follow a strict code of conduct that emphasises obedience, loyalty, and secrecy. Members are encouraged to spread the word of Mors and recruit new followers, although they are careful to avoid drawing too much attention to themselves and their activities.
The Cult of Mors has a significant following within the Benacian Union, particularly among those who have experienced loss and tragedy. Despite its ominous reputation, its members view it as a path to enlightenment and understanding in a world that is often cruel and unpredictable.
The Cult of Mors had also been perceived, as of 1719 AN, to have exerted an increasing influence upon the practice of Cedrism in neighbouring Shireroth.
