Umbra

Umbra is the enigmatic goddess of shadow, change, and the unknown, revered as one of the three primary deities in the ancient pantheon known as the Triad of Light. She embodies the mysteries of life and death, the inevitability of change, and the secrets hidden within the shadows. Umbra is seen as a force of transformation, challenging the status quo and bringing depth to the light of existence.

However, with the rise of Aurelia Orthodoxy during the Aurelic Shift, the worship of Umbra faced severe persecution. Her association with shadows, death, and transformation became increasingly viewed with suspicion and fear, leading to the violent suppression of her followers and the destruction of her temples. Despite this, secret worship of Umbra persists, particularly in the more remote regions of Eldrath.

The Triad of Light

In the traditional belief system of the Triad of Light, Umbra is honored as the goddess who governs the aspects of existence that are often feared or misunderstood—night, death, and the unseen forces that drive change. Alongside Aurelia, the Goddess of Light and Purity, and Lumeros, the God of Knowledge and Balance, she plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the cosmos.

Umbra represents the shadows that give form to light, the changes that drive the cycles of life, and the mysteries that challenge understanding. She is often invoked by those who seek to embrace change, uncover hidden truths, or navigate the uncertainties of life.

Worship of Umbra emphasizes the acceptance of change, the exploration of secrets, and the understanding that death and transformation are natural and necessary parts of existence. Her temples were often secluded, located in places of darkness and introspection.

Persecution During the Aurelic Shift

With the rise of Aurelia Orthodoxy during the Aurelic Shift, followers of Umbra were among the first to face persecution. Temples dedicated to Umbra were destroyed or repurposed, and her worshippers were often accused of heresy or witchcraft. The clashes between the new faith and Umbra's followers were violent, with many communities being forcibly converted or wiped out.

Violent Clashes

The persecution of Umbra's worshippers was marked by intense violence. Mobs destroyed her temples, and her followers were often driven out, executed, or forced into hiding. The suppression was so thorough that many of Umbra's sacred sites were lost or forgotten.

Secret Worship

Despite the persecution, secret worship of Umbra persisted, particularly in remote areas of Eldrath. Hidden enclaves continued to venerate Umbra as a vital aspect of the divine balance, even as her worship was officially condemned. These groups often met in secret, in hidden groves, caves, or the ruins of ancient temples, where they maintained the old rituals and honored Umbra in defiance of Aurelia Orthodoxy.

Worship and Influence

Umbra is still worshipped by those who seek to understand and harness the forces of change, death, and secrecy. While her following is much diminished due to the persecution during the Aurelic Shift, she is still revered by those who operate in the shadows, whether as rogues, mystics, or agents of transformation.

Temples and Shrines

Many of Umbra's temples were destroyed or repurposed during the Aurelic Shift. However, hidden shrines and secret places of worship still exist, often in remote areas far from the influence of Aurelia Orthodoxy. These sites serve as places of meditation, divination, and the exploration of life's mysteries.

Clergy

The clergy of Umbra are now mostly clandestine, practicing their faith in secret to avoid persecution. These followers are often mystics, seers, and those who embrace the unknown. They act as guides for those seeking to navigate the uncertainties of life, offering insight into the secrets of the universe and the inevitability of change.

Holy Days

While public celebrations of Umbra are no longer permitted, secret gatherings still occur on significant holy days such as the Night of Veils and the Festival of Shadows, which are times of reflection on the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

Relationships with Other Deities

Umbra is a key figure in the Triad of Light, working in harmony with Aurelia and Lumeros to maintain the balance of the universe. In Aurelia Orthodoxy, however, she is seen as a lesser aspect of Aurelia, representing the necessary changes and challenges that ensure the growth and evolution of all things.

Aurelia

In traditional beliefs, Aurelia is the goddess of light and purity, providing the light that Umbra shadows. In Aurelia Orthodoxy, Umbra is viewed as a manifestation of Aurelia's ability to govern the mysteries and changes that occur in the universe.

Lumeros

Lumeros is the god of knowledge and balance, working alongside Umbra to ensure that change is understood and integrated into the broader order of existence. Together, they represent the balance between understanding and mystery, stability and transformation.

Mythology

Creation Myth

According to traditional beliefs, Umbra was born from the shadows cast by Aurelia’s light, bringing depth and meaning to existence. She introduced the cycles of night and day, life and death, and the mysteries that drive the universe. In Aurelia Orthodoxy, she is seen as an aspect of Aurelia, representing the necessary changes and challenges that ensure the growth and evolution of all things.