basythiamods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
basythiamods) wrote2025-08-06 03:10 pm
basythiamods) wrote2025-08-06 03:10 pm
THE GODS & THEIR CONGREGATIONS
There are many gods to offer prayer within the Midnight City, but only six of them have the honor of being central to the city’s identities as a whole– each city wedge both named after them and being the places where the majority of their followers live and work. With modernization and time, the divine influence of the gods has faded into casual respect and tribute, with only the most devout upholding regular prayer. Now, with the dipsao so virulent in the city’s streets, all that remains of the civilians who once called these city wedges home is merely the knowledge these places had once been lived in. Each wedge of the city is named after its patron deity, and this is where characters will find that their congregations’ personal sanctuary– or Aedis– lies. Each section of the city has its own aesthetics and personality… or used to, anyway. Architecture and decorations only go so far now when there are no people living among them.
✧✧✧✧✧✧
The congregations now have been summoned from death to serve their patron gods and do what they must to purify this corrupted land. They are connected to each other through a mysterious bond, one that allows them– with focus– to identify the approximate position, health, thoughts, feelings, and “scent” of their kindred. Congregants may dress however they wish, so they may identify which god they serve by the warding symbols branded into the back of their hands. They can also check their fellows’ distinct accessories at a glance to see who’s who, as each god has their own aesthetic preferences.
✧ All congregations are led by the Praecordis– the protector and leader of their group and speaker for their patron god. The Praecordis holds the important task of keeping peace and harmony among their congregation, as well as balancing the corruption within their fellows: if one is simply too overwhelmed by the dipsao to keep themselves under control, the Praecordis should either do their best to calm them or, failing that, absorb their corruption into themselves. The Praecordis have a much higher threshold for corruption than the rest of their congregation due to their divine connection. Breaching this threshold, however, may come at a permanent price. Their position over their congregation also allows the Praecordis to make use of their influence over the mutual bond itself to force their will or desire upon the target… but this is not foolproof nor does it lack consequence.
The congregations now have been summoned from death to serve their patron gods and do what they must to purify this corrupted land. They are connected to each other through a mysterious bond, one that allows them– with focus– to identify the approximate position, health, thoughts, feelings, and “scent” of their kindred. Congregants may dress however they wish, so they may identify which god they serve by the warding symbols branded into the back of their hands. They can also check their fellows’ distinct accessories at a glance to see who’s who, as each god has their own aesthetic preferences.
✧ All congregations are led by the Praecordis– the protector and leader of their group and speaker for their patron god. The Praecordis holds the important task of keeping peace and harmony among their congregation, as well as balancing the corruption within their fellows: if one is simply too overwhelmed by the dipsao to keep themselves under control, the Praecordis should either do their best to calm them or, failing that, absorb their corruption into themselves. The Praecordis have a much higher threshold for corruption than the rest of their congregation due to their divine connection. Breaching this threshold, however, may come at a permanent price. Their position over their congregation also allows the Praecordis to make use of their influence over the mutual bond itself to force their will or desire upon the target… but this is not foolproof nor does it lack consequence.
THE NINE FACES ✧ #864A97
The Nine Faces is the god of humanity, sensuality, the self, illusions, and fire. Most prayers to them consist of wishes and desires for love and sexuality, luck with performances, and even spiteful curses against others. This is the god to pray to when you want something. Their followers tend to be free with their affections and fun and easy to get along with, and though spiteful when crossed they often get over it quickly.
The followers of The Nine Faces are required to wear an almost Japanese-style white half-face (upper or lower) mask in the shape of a fox or cat, with markings in the gods’ preferred color, which will luminesce in the dark. The Praecordis is required to wear a full black mask with the same color, instead.
All followers of The Nine Faces are named after various predatory wild animals of the land. (ex: Tiger, Wolf, Mongoose)
The followers of The Nine Faces are required to wear an almost Japanese-style white half-face (upper or lower) mask in the shape of a fox or cat, with markings in the gods’ preferred color, which will luminesce in the dark. The Praecordis is required to wear a full black mask with the same color, instead.
All followers of The Nine Faces are named after various predatory wild animals of the land. (ex: Tiger, Wolf, Mongoose)
THE SILENT RIVER ✧ #3c6d96
The Silent River is the god of storms, rivers, life, and water. Prayers to them are mostly those requesting safe passage over or through water, safety from storms and floods, and well-wishes for parents, children, and general happiness of the living. Curses of prayers wishing harm upon others is deeply frowned upon, as followers usually have a very upright set of morals. However, when insulted or mistreated, they can hold long grudges.
Followers of The Silent River are required to have almost Chinese-style silk embroidery over the back of their shirt, robes, or dress, with a circular border. The image inside may depict snakes or fish with any flower of plant, on a white background with the accents in the god's preferred color. The Praecordis must have an embroidered dragon in the same accent colors. Only the accent colors glow.
All followers of The Silent River carry the names of freshwater fish. (ex: Tetra, Danio, Corydora)
Followers of The Silent River are required to have almost Chinese-style silk embroidery over the back of their shirt, robes, or dress, with a circular border. The image inside may depict snakes or fish with any flower of plant, on a white background with the accents in the god's preferred color. The Praecordis must have an embroidered dragon in the same accent colors. Only the accent colors glow.
All followers of The Silent River carry the names of freshwater fish. (ex: Tetra, Danio, Corydora)
THE BLEEDING HEART ✧ #FFB8CA
The Bleeding Heart is the god of love, sacrifice, purity, death, and wood. Prayers to this god are often for good health and safety, love or affection, though there is a notable trend of invoking this god's name when attempting to barter one's own safety or happiness in exchange for another's. The Bleeding Heart is also frequently spoken of during funeral rites, regardless of the dead person in question's following in their life. Followers of The Bleeding Heart are sometimes self-sacrificial to a fault, and it takes a lot to push them past their limits, but they are steadfast friends and caring companions first and foremost.
Followers of The Bleeding Heart must wear a knitted shawl in white, with any pattern in the god's preferred color. The Praecordis must wear a black shawl. Only the pattern will glow.
Followers of The Bleeding Heart are named after plants, especially those that flower. (ex: Lavender, Plum, Sundew)
Followers of The Bleeding Heart must wear a knitted shawl in white, with any pattern in the god's preferred color. The Praecordis must wear a black shawl. Only the pattern will glow.
Followers of The Bleeding Heart are named after plants, especially those that flower. (ex: Lavender, Plum, Sundew)
THE LOYAL GUARDIAN ✧ #AC4F4F
The Loyal Guardian is the god of protection, dedication, justice, the home, and earth. Their prayers are most frequently invoked when desiring protection of the home, especially from danger or intruders, legal or social justices, and general well-wishing for home and family. Followers of this god are loyal and steadfast companions, and will rarely sway from a decision once they've made it or a person once they've befriended them-- unless doing so grates badly on their sense of justice, of course.
Followers of The Loyal Guardian wear a collar in white with small gemstones in the god's favored color, which glow. The Praecordis must wear a collar in black with a single large gemstone in the center of their throat of the same color.
Followers of The Loyal Guardian often are named for specific breeds of domestic animal. (ex: Brahma, Silkie, Collie)
Followers of The Loyal Guardian wear a collar in white with small gemstones in the god's favored color, which glow. The Praecordis must wear a collar in black with a single large gemstone in the center of their throat of the same color.
Followers of The Loyal Guardian often are named for specific breeds of domestic animal. (ex: Brahma, Silkie, Collie)
THE SCALED MIRROR ✧ #9FCF81
The Scaled Mirror is a relatively new god that arose to popularity very quickly, and for good reason-- they are the god of technology, advancement, good fortune, creativity by human hands, and metal. Casual prayers to this god often include exclamations of "PLEASE fucking work", desire for financial or business success, and well-wishes for future growth. Followers of this god tend to be fairly shrewd in many ways-- whether it's judging people, customers, or having a sharp eye for the quality of creative works. Despite sometimes coming off blunt or rude, The Scaled Mirror's followers tend to be some of the most imaginative in their creative endeavors and exceedingly honest when they do speak on feelings.
Followers of The Scaled Mirror must wear white gloves of any length with or without fingers, with circuitry patterns in the god's preferred color. The Praecordis must wear elbow-length gloves (which may be fingerless), in the same color circuitry patterns. The patterns luminesce.
Followers of The Scaled Mirror generally carry the names of insects. (ex: Dragonfly, Stag, Birdwing)
Followers of The Scaled Mirror must wear white gloves of any length with or without fingers, with circuitry patterns in the god's preferred color. The Praecordis must wear elbow-length gloves (which may be fingerless), in the same color circuitry patterns. The patterns luminesce.
Followers of The Scaled Mirror generally carry the names of insects. (ex: Dragonfly, Stag, Birdwing)
THE GOLDEN WINGS ✧ #FBE38B
The Golden Wings is the god of travel, safe passage, weather, the elements, the harvest, and air. When one prays to this god it is most often for prosperous harvests or good weather or rain, as well as well-wishes for traveling friends or family. The followers of this god exhibit a certain amount of wildness in spirit, a freedom that even the walls of Basythia cannot fully contain. There is always a sort of restlessness in them, a wanderlust, which cannot be denied-- nor would they want to. Unfortunately, they also tend to be a bit closed off and often run from their problems.
Followers of The Golden Wings are required to wear a white sash with any geometric pattern in the god's preferred color, which glows. The Praecordis must have a black sash with geometric patterns and tassels in the same color.
Followers of The Golden Wings are always named after wild birds. (ex: Kite, Wren, Cassowary)
Followers of The Golden Wings are required to wear a white sash with any geometric pattern in the god's preferred color, which glows. The Praecordis must have a black sash with geometric patterns and tassels in the same color.
Followers of The Golden Wings are always named after wild birds. (ex: Kite, Wren, Cassowary)
THE NINE FACES - AEDIS
The bedroom contains a large king size circle bed and a pull-out queen-size couch, but no other sleeping accomodations. There is a single closet for storage. There is a mirror on the ceiling above the bed, but it's hard to see any reflection through the grime.
The common area is an open plan split between the living room and kitchenette, with only a small breakfast bar separating them. The kitchenette contains a sink, mini fridge, electric kettle, and single-burner stove. The livingroom contains a couple of reclining chairs that need new upholstery, and a coffee table.
The bathroom is large enough to be comfortable, and has separated bathing and toilet areas. There is a jacuzzi tub in there… but it certainly hasn't been used in some time, so you may want to clean it before attempting anything.
The suite has no decoration, save for the hastily scribbled eyes of Nine Faces' symbols on the perimeter walls, and a single neon light over the bed that only sometimes works.
THE SILENT RIVER - AEDIS
What used to be a den now passes as a bedroom, with four futon-style beds folded up in the small storage closet. There are latticework wooden windows to the outside in this room, but strangely they don't seem to let in any elements or cold, and the view outside of them is strangely obscured.
The common area is a small room mostly taken up by the traditional kitchen; a wood-burning stove sits against one wall set in stonework with two burners for woks or pots, with a sink nearby, and a small icebox fridge next to that. Strangely, the icebox never seems to need new ice and the stove's wood bundle is replenished daily. On the opposite side of the room is a low table with a couple of cushions to sit on next to it.
The bathroom is separated from the main house by a short walkway, and has toilet on one side and a bathing room on the other. The tub is communal-style, and always warm, though the heating element seems to be hidden.
No decoration exists in the home or bathhouse save for the hastily scribbled loops of Silent River's serpentine markings on the perimeter walls, except that much of the corners and edges of both buildings have started to become taken over by softly-glowing moss.
THE BLEEDING HEART - AEDIS
The chapel contains a main hall with only six pews and an empty altar, and a side door to the rectory where presumably its previous priest or praecordis must have lived. The rectory is a small room with a single twin bed, though the pews in the hall seem large enough to sleep on. There's a kitchenette in there, with a two-burner stovetop, toaster oven, sink, and mini fridge.
The bathroom is shared, with one separate toilet and two conjoined shower stalls. There's a door leading from the bathroom outside; down the path lies what seems to be a hot spring, but the walkway is overgrown and it does not look safe to enter.
Only sparse decoration exists aside from Bleeding Heart's symbol scrawled on the perimeter walls: a series of stained glass windows that depict a unicorn, killed and beheaded and presented to a king.
THE LOYAL GUARDIAN - AEDIS
Like any studio, the bedroom, common area, and kitchenette are all within the same room. The kitchenette only contains a fridge and a hot plate, and the two king sized beds in each apartment are cheap, with folding bedframes. Both studios have fire escape balconies outside of their outer windows, but... the walkways and ladders do not seem to be up to code, and are mostly rusted out.
The bathrooms are average sized and feature a toilet, shower-tub combination, and a sink with a mirror that is too grimy to show one's reflection.
There are no decorations in the house save for Loyal Guardian's symbol marked around the perimeter, and each apartment having a cheap hanging sign on the doors that say "live laugh lobotomy."
THE SCALED MIRROR - AEDIS
The bedroom is a communal bunk room that contains a microwave and a mini fridge; it's small enough to be a bit cramped and does not really inspire any sort of hanging out. The common area, meanwhile, appears to be the remnants of some kind of lab or studio. A few locked cabinets remain here, with faded signage-- you may be able to parse a word or two. Is it art supplies? Chemicals? Maybe both.
The bathroom is a single standing shower and toilet in an entirely waterproof room for ease of cleaning. It also contains a safety shower, probably for chemical accidents.
Both rooms are highly decorated-- or once were, anyway, the paintings and graffiti now extremely worn down and faded. Scaled Mirror's symbol has been scrawled wherever there is open space around the perimeter.
Also there's a lead box in a corner. It cannot be opened.
THE GOLDEN WINGS - AEDIS
Predictably there is no kitchen, but just outside greenhouse door is a communal fire pit with a circle of logs to sit on, a grill to cook with, and a large metal camp cooler. The wood pile replenishes daily and the cooler ice never seems to melt.
The bathroom is outside the greenhouse in a public campground-esque building with a communal shower and a couple of toilet stalls. Unfortunately the water is very cold.
The perimeter symbols of Golden Wings' bird have been scratched directly onto the greenhouse glass, and while there are no decorative trappings within the building, strange flowers bloom nightly and softly glow-- and quickly recede into their tube stems when touched.
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