Hypnolax

"Within the veil of sleep, truth and illusion dance as one. Embrace both, for in their embrace lies the key to your innermost self." - Hypnolax, God of Dreams
Hypnolax is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. He is the God of Dreams. Hypnolax holds a revered and feared position within the Empire's Pantheon. Believed by the Imperials to be the divine source of all dreams and nightmares in the mortal world, Hypnolax influences the subconscious realms that mortals traverse during slumber. His domain encompasses the full spectrum of nocturnal visions, from the most serene and inspiring dreams to the darkest and most terrifying nightmares. Followers of Hypnolax, known collectively as Dreamwalkers, often seek his favour to gain insight, creativity, or prophetic visions, while those who cross him may find themselves plagued by relentless night terrors.
Hypnolax's influence extends beyond mere dreams; he shapes the very fabric of The Dreamscape, his divine domain, where the subconscious minds of all believers converge. This realm is a fluid and ever-changing landscape, reflecting the myriad thoughts and emotions of its visitors. Hypnolax is depicted as a figure of ethereal beauty and haunting presence, often portrayed with eyes that seem to hold the very cosmos within them. His worshippers believe that, through prayer and ritual, they can navigate The Dreaming more effectively, unlocking hidden knowledge and overcoming their deepest fears.
== Symbology ==
The main symbols of Hypnolax are the crescent moon, an eye with a star at its centre, and a pair of crossed feathers. The crescent moon represents the night and the realm of dreams. The eye with the star symbolises Hypnolax's watchful presence over The Dreaming and his ability to bestow visions. The crossed feathers, often depicted in shades of black and white, signify the dual nature of dreams and nightmares, highlighting Hypnolax's control over both. These symbols are commonly found in his temples and worn by his followers as talismans.
=== Personality ===
Hypnolax is said to be enigmatic and multifaceted. He is perceived as a being of immense wisdom, often serene and contemplative, yet capable of invoking fear through his darker aspects. Hypnolax is known to be impartial, neither wholly benevolent nor malevolent, as he understands the necessity of both light and shadow in the mortal psyche. He is a distant deity, rarely intervening directly in mortal affairs, but his influence is felt profoundly through the dreams he bestows. His followers describe him as mysterious and unpredictable, embodying the ever-changing nature of the very dreams he commands.
Hypnolax maintains a complex relationship with the other gods, characterised by mutual respect and occasional tension. His neutrality and focus on the dream realm often place him outside the typical alliances and conflicts among deities. Some gods appreciate Hypnolax for his wisdom and the balance he brings through dreams, recognising his role in providing guidance and foresight. Others, particularly Bane (God of Order) and Baltrea (Goddess of Light), view his connection to nightmares with suspicion and caution. Hypnolax himself remains largely indifferent to celestial politics, valuing his independence and the sanctity of The Dreamscape. He sees the other gods as necessary counterparts, though he rarely seeks their counsel or intervention.
== Hypnolax's Realm, The Dreaming ==
The realm of Hypnolax, known as The Dreaming, is a vast and ethereal landscape that defies the conventional laws of reality. The Dreaming is ever-changing, filled with surreal environments that blend seamlessly from one scene to another. One moment, a visitor might find themselves in a tranquil, moonlit forest, and the next, they could be navigating the twisted corridors of a labyrinthine castle. The colours in The Dreaming are more vivid than those in the mortal world, and the sounds are often otherworldly, with whispers of forgotten languages and the echoes of distant music. Time flows differently in this realm, making it difficult to discern how long one has been there. The Dreaming is also inhabited by strange creatures, some benign and others malevolent, all serving as manifestations of the dreams and nightmares of mortals.
For mortals who visit The Dreaming, the experience is both enchanting and disorienting. Upon entering, they often feel a heightened sense of awareness, with their emotions and thoughts magnified by the realm's influence. The Dreaming can be a place of profound insight, where individuals encounter symbolic representations of their deepest desires and fears. However, it can also be perilous, as the line between dream and reality blurs, and the unwary can become lost in its labyrinthine passages. Navigating The Dreaming requires a sharp mind and a strong will, as succumbing to the allure of its wonders or the terror of its nightmares can all to easily break one's psyche.
== Cult and Worship ==
Mortals hold diverse opinions on Hypnolax, ranging from reverence to fear. Many view him as a necessary deity who governs the subconscious, providing guidance through dreams and warnings through nightmares. Artists, poets, and seers often revere Hypnolax for the inspiration and visions he grants them, believing that his influence enhances their creative and prophetic abilities. On the other hand, some individuals, especially those who suffer from chronic nightmares, may view him with apprehension, seeing his darker side as a source of torment. 
The Cult of Hypnolax, the primary religious organisation devoted to him, is comprised of a diverse group of followers known as Dreamwalkers. These include scholars, mystics, and healers who seek to understand and harness the power of dreams. The Cult practices a range of rituals aimed at connecting with Hypnolax, such as meditative dream journeys, the crafting of dreamcatchers and other protective talismans, and the interpretation of dreams to glean divine messages. Temples dedicated to Hypnolax often feature quiet chambers for meditation and sleep, filled with soothing scents and sounds to facilitate deeper connections to The Dreaming. The Cult emphasises the balance between dreams and nightmares, teaching that both are vital for personal growth and understanding. Through their devotion, Dreamwalkers aim to navigate the complexities of the subconscious, seeking enlightenment and inner peace under the guidance of Hypnolax.
== Trivia ==
* Hypnolax's name is taken from the word hypnosis, which can sometimes create a sleep-like state in the subject.