Or'sìth Spirituality
The Faith of the Ethereal The spiritual practices of the Or'sìth people, descendants of Li'en, the Vanished Nation. Their faith centers on the connection to Bhiahra, the Ethereal Plane, and the worship of Qan'eyra, the Dreamer of the Unknown.
Or'sìth Spirituality emphasizes meditation, astral projection, and communication with ethereal entities. With the loss of Li'en, many of their sacred practices have been forgotten or corrupted.
Relationship with Bhiahra
The sacred home of all Or'sìth, the place where the Dream Loom exists and all Or'sìth are born. To outsiders of the faith, it is simply the realm of dreams. To those who follow this faith, and to all Or'sìth, it is both their lost homeland and the mother they can never return to.
Foundations
Ethereal Connection — The Or'sìth believe that Bhiahra is the true home of consciousness, and the Material Plane is merely a temporary dwelling.
Cycle of Rebirth — Death is not an ending but a return to Bhiahra before rebirth in a new form.
Veil Walking — Trained practitioners can walk between realms, communicating with spirits and ethereal beings.
Sey-Ta — Sey-Ta was born from a mortal dream of unity—of love so deep it could not be unmade, even by death. The first Or'sìth to remain after the dream ended is remembered not by name, but by title: Sey-Ta, The One Who Remained.
Shadow Realm Trials — Spiritual growth comes through confronting one's darkness in the Shadow Realm. Its connection to Devindra, the force of entropy, reminds Orishians that darkness and decay are as much a part of life as light and creation.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Tal'ko'mah — A meditation ritual where followers gather to focus their energies towards the Ethereal Plane, believed to aid in connecting with Li'en.
The Passage Rite — A preparation ritual for those ready to confront the Shadow Realm spiritually, involving meditations and energy work.
Cycle of Rebirth — Celebrated on the eve of the new moons, this ceremony involves offerings of flowers and incense, and communal meditation focusing on the eternal cycle of the Dream Loom.
The Seven Kiranai — The Kiranai, the Or'sìth born from Sey-Ta, are never worshipped, but are reflected in Or'sìth philosophy, art, and meditation. During the Cycle of Rebirth Ceremony, seven lanterns are released—each in a color of the Kiranai—symbolizing the passing of old burdens and the welcoming of new dreams.
Pilgrimage to Bhiahra — Once a journey to sites closest to the Outer Realms, this rite is now considered a forgotten aspect of the faith with the loss of a connection to the Ethereal Plane. Festival of Lights — Celebrated on the longest day of the year, involving lighting and releasing lanterns symbolizing the path to enlightenment.
Symbols and Artifacts
The Ethereal Sigil — A complex design in shades of blue and purple used in meditation to connect with the Ethereal Plane.
Scroll of Ethereal Verses — Ancient texts with chants and verses used in spiritual practices.
Bhiahra Talisman — A talisman made from rare metals, granting courage and protection during spiritual pilgrimages. In modern times these talismans are extremely rare to find.
Dream Loom — A translucent loom symbolizing reincarnation and the cyclical nature of existence, given during significant life events.
Leadership and Structure
At the peak of Or'sìth Spirituality, it resisted rigid hierarchies, valuing personal experience and enlightenment over strict rules. Leadership was informal and adaptive, focusing on guidance and wisdom rather than authority.
The Riftweavers — A faction dedicated to understanding and mastering the Rift’s chaotic energies, believing it is the key to survival.
Bhiahran Monks — Teachers of Orishian meditation techniques, holding regular sessions and retreats.
C'atel Healers — Practitioners specializing in energy work for healing Or'sìth while in the Material Plane.
Sacred Locations
Grove of Ethereal Whispers — A secluded forest grove believed to be close to the Ethereal Plane, used for deep meditation and rituals.
The Shaded Threshold — A dark, mystical place blurring the boundaries between the Material World and the Shadow Realm, used for spiritual testing.
Bhiahra's Gate — A towering stone arch on a remote mountain peak, once offered glimpses into Bhiahra and granting spiritual insight to dedicated pilgrims.
The Dream Loom — By weaving the fragments of mortal dreams through the Dream Loom, new Or'sìth are born—not echoes of mortals, but offspring of collective dreaming.