The Whispered Conclave

The mythology of the Whispered Conclave consists of one telling and teaching method, known as the Twelve Lashes. The Twelve Lashes were physical lashings suffered by Varikkien before her accensions to demi-goddom. During these lashing, Varikkien had revelations of life itself and through these she know teaches her divine wisdom to her followers. Each of these lashings is a cornerstone of the Whispered Conclave's teachings, a pathway to guide their followers towards their own enlightenment. The acolytes are taught that through understanding and embracing each lashing's lesson, they too can achieve the clarity that Varikkien found. The Twelve Lashes consists of this:    The First Lash Physical: A thin whip, almost like a tendril, grazed across Varikkien's ethereal back, producing a sharp sting. Mental: This was the awakening, the first realization of her own vulnerability. With it, she learned that pain could be both sudden and unexpected, teaching her to always be prepared for the unpredictable nature of life.   The Second Lash Physical: The whip struck her front, close to her heart, making her gasp. Mental: With this lash, Varikkien understood her past errors and mistakes, the pain forcing her to face her regrets and thus learning the importance of self-awareness.   The Third Lash Physical: The whip wrapped around her wrist, pulling it taut. Mental: In this binding, Varikkien experienced the weight of her limitations. She learned the value of recognizing one's bounds, and the importance of striving to extend them.   The Fourth Lash Physical: A slow, dragged pull across her calves, testing her stamina. Mental: The prolonged pain made Varikkien understand that suffering can be a marathon, not a sprint. From this, she grasped the essence of patience and perseverance.   The Fifth Lash Physical: The whip struck the sole of her foot, an exquisite pain. Mental: Here, Varikkien felt the depths of loneliness, teaching her that isolation can be its own form of torment, but also a space for introspection.   The Sixth Lash Physical: The whip curled around her eyes, blinding her momentarily. Mental: In darkness, Varikkien was forced to rely on her other senses, learning that there are always alternative perspectives and ways to perceive the world.   The Seventh Lash Physical: The whip cut across her abdomen, a deeply personal and exposing pain. Mental: Experiencing this core wound, Varikkien realized the significance of emotional openness, accepting that vulnerability can lead to profound growth.   The Eighteth Lash Physical: A heated whip brushed against her lips. Mental: In the brief fiery touch, Varikkien tasted the hunger of longing and ambition. She learned the power of desire, and how it can both motivate and consume.   The Ninth Lash Physical: The whip encircled her neck, tightening just enough to restrict, but not end, her breath. Mental: Dancing on the edge of oblivion, Varikkien comprehended the essence of sacrifice, acknowledging that true progress often demands great personal cost.   The Tenth Lash Physical: The whip wrapped around both wrists, binding them behind her. Mental: Rendered helpless, Varikkien came to understand the importance of trust, both in oneself and in others. She learned that reliance can be both a strength and a vulnerability.   The Eleneth Lash Physical: The whip's barbs dug deep into her back, tearing old skin to pave the way for the new. Mental: With the agonizing rebirth, Varikkien recognized that significant change is often accompanied by immense pain, but it's through this pain that true metamorphosis occurs.   The Twelth Lash Physical: The final strike was a full-bodied lash, its pain resonating through every inch of her being. Mental: At the pinnacle of her suffering, Varikkien attained a profound clarity. She realized that pain is not just a sensation but a teacher, guiding souls towards deeper understanding and wisdom.

In the teachings of the Whispered Conclave, existence as we know it is a mere simulacrum, an imperfect reflection of a purer, truer reality. Drawing heavily from Platonic ideals, they posit that much of what we see, touch, and feel are mere distractions, transient and deceptive in their nature. This shadowy world, rife with imperfections, is a test, a gauntlet one must endure to achieve enlightenment and clarity.   To the followers of Varikkien, joy, love, and physical pleasure are ephemeral, transitory states that serve to divert the mind from its true purpose. These fleeting moments of happiness are not the conduits to understanding but are, in fact, obstructions. They veil the deeper truths of existence, ensnaring souls in a web of ignorance and complacency.   Pain, according to the Whispered Conclave, is the singular constant, the one true experience that pierces through the illusion. It is unyielding, unwavering, and its rawness breaks through the barriers erected by fleeting pleasures or deceptive words. In pain, one encounters the world as it truly is, devoid of facades. For in pain, one is forced into a state of heightened awareness, shedding the layers of deception and touching the core of existence.   The Conclave speaks of silence as the highest form of expression. In a world where words are seen as imperfect tools, prone to misinterpretation and deception, silence stands out as pure, unadulterated truth. It is in the quiet moments, free from the din and distraction, that one can truly listen, understand, and evolve.   Endurance, then, becomes a revered virtue. To endure pain is to journey through the trials of this illusory world, with each tribulation acting as a stepping stone to enlightenment. The Whispered Conclave teaches its adherents that, just as Varikkien transcended her existence through her trials, so too can they. By facing, embracing, and understanding pain, they can rise above this shadow realm, breaking free from its chains and achieving a state of transcendental clarity.   The Conclave's worldview is a stark contrast to many established beliefs. It challenges the common narratives of seeking joy, fulfillment, or love as the primary purpose of life. Instead, it offers a rigorous path, one that promises profound insight and enlightenment at the cost of enduring the harshest realities of existence. To the believers, this is a small price to pay for the ultimate truth, for ascension to a realm of pure understanding, as Varikkien did.

Endurance

Extended Rules: Every physical act of endurance is a step closer to enlightenment. This does not mean recklessly putting oneself in harm's way, but rather embracing the pain that life naturally brings. Sin: Avoiding or shying away from challenges, or using magic or medicine to unnecessarily alleviate pain. Pious Act: Embracing discomfort, whether it's fasting, enduring the elements, or engaging in rigorous physical discipline. Meditating in challenging environments to better understand one’s own limits.  

Silence

Extended Rules: Silence is not just the absence of sound but the active practice of introspection. Members are encouraged to have periods of silence daily, and special days in the year are dedicated entirely to silent reflection. Sin: Spreading falsehoods, indulging in gossip, or speaking without purpose. Speaking against the teachings of Varikkien or the Whispered Conclave. Pious Act: Spending time in quiet reflection, teaching others the value of silence, or holding one's tongue in moments of anger.  

Transience

Extended Rules: The world is transient, and its distractions are many. True faith lies in enduring through life's distractions and focusing on the teachings of Varikkien. Sin: Being swayed easily by materialistic desires, seeking constant external validation, or yielding to temptation without thought. Pious Act: Resisting worldly temptations, maintaining steadfastness in one's beliefs even when they're challenged, and helping guide others back onto the path when they stray.  

Everyday Guidelines for the Faithful:

Acts of Self-Reflection: The faithful are encouraged to engage in daily acts of self-reflection, drawing upon the pain and challenges of their life to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Purity through Pain: Using pain as a means of purification, the followers sometimes undergo ritualistic scarifications or tattoos that signify significant moments of understanding or milestones in their journey. Acts of Compassion: Understanding pain gives the faithful a unique perspective on suffering. They're encouraged to extend compassion to those in pain, not by removing their pain but by guiding them through it. This is a way to recruit and guide others towards the Whispered Conclave's teachings. Promotion of Silence: Engage in periods of silence, avoiding unnecessary chatter. These moments are to cultivate introspection and to listen to the whispers of Varikkien. Challenging the Physical Self: Engaging in physically demanding activities, not to harm but to challenge the body and mind. This might involve fasting, long treks, or other tests of endurance. Avoidance of Excess: While the material world is seen as a distraction, the Conclave doesn’t promote complete asceticism. However, indulging in excess – be it wealth, food, or any form of hedonism – is frowned upon.  

Pious Acts and Sins in the Eyes of the Conclave:

Pious Acts: Guiding someone through their pain, bringing new followers to the Conclave, or sacrificing personal comfort for a greater understanding. Sins: Betraying the Conclave's secrets, actively avoiding pain without purpose, indulging in excessive worldly pleasures without reflection, and rejecting the teachings of Varikkien after having embraced them.

Worship within the Whispered Conclave is a personal and introspective affair, deeply rooted in the act of experiencing and understanding pain.   Daily Lacerations: Each morning, members of the Conclave initiate their day with a self-inflicted wound. This act, symbolic of Varikkien's Twelve Lashings, helps them embrace pain as the day begins, grounding them in their faith.   Hour of Silence: Whispers dedicate an hour daily, preferably at dusk, to silent meditation. They reflect on their pains, understanding its teachings and seeking visions from Varikkien.   Ritual Flagellation: On specific days or events, members gather in secluded chambers for group flagellation sessions. The rhythmic beat of whip on skin acts as a form of group chant or prayer, with each strike bringing them closer to their deity.   Sharing of Scars: In weekly gatherings, followers present and discuss new scars, both physical and emotional. This sharing builds a sense of community, helping them feel connected.   Pilgrimage to Nynathrill: Each member, at least once in their lifetime, tries to undertake a pilgrimage to Nynathrill, to walk the lands Varikkien once roamed.

1. Whispers:

Whispers are the primary adherents of the Conclave, often being the ones who have just begun to embrace the teachings of the faith. Their initiation often involves an act of silence and minor self-infliction, symbolizing their first step into understanding through pain. Their role is primarily to learn, to endure, and to spread the teachings of Varikkien to those willing to listen. They are identified by simple, thin silver chokers around their necks, bearing the symbol of the Lash of Lust.  

2. Echoes:

As Whispers progress, they ascend to the status of Echoes. These individuals have gone through more rigorous trials of pain and silence, having internalized the teachings of the Twelve Lashings. They often serve as guides to the Whispers, directing them in their spiritual journey. Echoes don a silver arm cuff on their right arm, embossed with the symbols of the Twelve Lashings.  

3. Tomes:

The Tomes are those rare individuals who have not only endured immense pain but have also become living repositories of the teachings and lessons of the Conclave. Their bodies are etched with the sacred texts, each line a testament to their enduring faith and devotion. They are the keepers of knowledge and are often consulted for their wisdom and insights. Their status is marked by a series of intricate silver tattoos, each representing a different aspect of their belief system, running across their spine.  

4. Warden of the First Lash:

Among the Tomes, a select few are chosen by Varikkien herself to become Wardens of the First Lash. They are the closest to the demi-goddess, having achieved a level of clarity and understanding that few can comprehend. They are the chief advisors to Varikkien and play an instrumental role in guiding the direction of the Conclave. The Wardens wear an ornate silver diadem, a gift from Varikkien, symbolizing their exalted position.  

Appointments:

The transition from a Whisper to an Echo is organic. As an adherent endures, learns, and internalizes the teachings, they naturally ascend. However, becoming a Tome requires a special ceremony where they etch the sacred texts onto their body, a painful yet enlightening experience. The Wardens of the First Lash are directly appointed by Varikkien, often in her rare appearances or through dreams and visions. These appointments are not bound by time or ritual; they occur when Varikkien perceives the readiness and worthiness of a Tome.  

The Direct Connection:

The Whispered Conclave's structure may seem hierarchical, but given Varikkien's direct involvement, it's more fluid than most religious orders. Varikkien's presence on the material plane allows for unprecedented accessibility, and while she might not appear to every adherent, her influence is palpable. Dreams, visions, and sometimes even brief appearances mark her relationship with her followers, ensuring the Conclave's teachings remain pure and undiluted.

Pain Empathy: Those deeply embedded in the Conclave's teachings can sense the pain of others. This is not just physical but also emotional. It enables them to connect deeply with those in suffering and guide them better.   Pain Alleviation: A contradictory but necessary power, especially for the Tomes. They can choose to alleviate pain temporarily, not to remove it but to allow a moment of respite, so the individual can reflect upon it with clarity.   Whispered Visions: Drawing upon Varikkien's connection, certain Whispers can induce visions in others, showing them their truest fears, desires, and the path of enlightenment through suffering.   Endurance Augmentation: A power generally granted to those who've undergone several lashings and teachings. This ability allows them to push their physical and mental limits, enduring more pain and hardship than any regular being.   Pain Manifestation: Advanced members, especially Tomes, can inflict pain without any physical interaction. A mere touch, or in some rare instances a look, can make individuals feel intense pain.   Echoes of the First Lash: This is a rare ability, often seen as a direct blessing from Varikkien. The user can invoke the memory of the First Lash, making the target experience the profound realization and enlightenment that Varikkien herself felt. It's an overwhelming experience that can lead to immediate conversion or sometimes even insanity.   Silence's Cloak: Those of the Conclave can often move in complete silence, making them formidable in stealth and ensuring their teachings and rituals remain hidden from outsiders.   Touch of the Tome: Tomes, having endured immense pain and having written it upon their very souls, can transfer knowledge and teachings by a mere touch. This touch can impart wisdom, memories, or even intense sensations that can guide the receiver.   Meditative Trance: The Whispers of the Conclave can enter a deep trance where they relive their moments of pain and suffering. While this seems torturous, it also grants them insights and visions, making it a sought-after state.   Chains of Binding: Drawing upon the essence of Varikkien's torment at the hands of Asmodeus, Tomes can manifest ethereal chains that bind and restrict. These chains are not just physical but can also bind one's very soul or emotions.   All these powers come at a cost, and they often mark the user in some way. A Whisper who frequently uses pain manifestation might have hands scarred with ethereal burns, while one who employs the Echoes of the First Lash might find their eyes taking on an obsidian hue, reminiscent of Varikkien herself.

Nynathrill Chapter: Based in Nynathrill, this is where the Conclave originated. This sect strictly adheres to the teachings, emphasizing the significance of each of the Twelve Lashings. They see themselves as the purest followers, the torchbearers of Varikkien's enlightenment.   Undertow Alchemists: In the pulsating heart of Libertalia, a new sect has emerged that blends the faith with technology. They employ machinery to inflict and manage pain, taking self-flagellation to new, innovative extremes. They believe that by merging human-made machinery with divine pain, they can achieve unparalleled levels of enlightenment. While they are viewed with suspicion by the Nynathrill Chapter, their numbers are growing.   The Quiet Listeners: This offshoot believes in experiencing pain in complete silence, without any external manifestations. They don't resort to physical harm but focus more on emotional and mental agonies. The other sects often consider them heretical, but the Quiet Listeners see their path as a deeper, more profound connection with Varikkien's teachings.   The Seekers of the Last Lash: A radical faction, these followers believe there exists a thirteenth, final lashing that Varikkien has yet to reveal. This sect is continuously on the move, searching for clues and insights into this elusive lashing. Their beliefs often bring them into direct conflict with mainstream Whispers.