Sombrandian Mythology

== The Sombrathum Order ==
The Sombrathum Order is a group of beings known as the Lords of Technomania. The Sombrathum Order is all of the lords and ladies put into one group. These figureheads of Sombrandian mythology represent the key values of the Propagandalasyusis religion, and the Sombrandian people.
=== Lady Lumenara - Bringer of light and knowledge ===
* Symbol - The symbol of Lady Lumenara is a glowing sun with an eye at the centre
* Role in religion - Wisdom, technology, and enlightenment - It is said that Lumenara 
* Mythology Tale - It is said that Lumenara first taught the original Sombrandian royal family how to create and use new technology, which helped Sombrandia to become the tech giant it is in the modern day world. It is also said that Lumenara brought the first spark of knowledge to humanity, which may have led to the foundation of Sombrandia's technical power. Her followers believe that innovation and learning are the highest forms of worship. These values can be done by both learning and teaching the book of Lumenara. This book is a diary written by one of her first followers. It tells of the teaching of Lumenara, so modern day Sombrandian's can pass on her legacy for centuries to come.
=== Lord Umbros - Bringer of shadows and secrets ===
* Symbol - It is a crescent shaped moon which is surrounded by darkness
* Role in religion - Secrets, mystery, and the unseen
* Mythology Tale - Umbros is the keeper of hidden knowledge and the guardian of Sombrandia's anceint secrets. He is also believed to grant visions of the unknown to those who seek knowledge and wisdom in the dark. Sombrandia has a relatively unknown histroy. We believe that this is mostly because of the Great Fallout of 1384, where most of the histroical records were burned and destroyed. However, some people theorise that Sombrandia may have had a much darker and more sinister role in history than what has been shown from current historical records. Lord Umbros may have been a figurehead in leading the dark nature of the past Sombrandian Kingdom. This may also pose a reason for Norway's troubled history with Sombrandia, and how perhaps it may have discovered Sombrandia's dark secrets, leading to them destroying most of the ancient Sombrandian Kingdom in 1384.
=== Lady Terramora - Bringer of Earth and stability ===
* Symbol - A mountain with roots going deep into the ground
* Role in religion - Earth, stability, and resilience
* Mythology Tale - Lady Terramora is said to have grounded Sombrandia during it's tough times, ensuring that the nation remained unshaken by adversity. Her influence is seen in the country's strong foundations and enduring spirit. Also, Lady Terramora's existance is almost certain to have been true, as historical records talk about a valliant leader who led Sombrandia through the toughest of times and ensured its safety. This sounds very similar to the tale of Lady Terramora, so there are popular theories that Lady Terramora may have just been the name of the leader, or what she was called by her admirers
=== Lord Aqualis - Bringer of water and renewal ===
* Symbol - A wave encircling a water droplet
* Role in religion - Water, healing, and rebirth
* Mythology Tale - Aqualis is said to have cleansed the land of Sombrandia after its rough history, pardoning the sins of Sombrandia's ancestors, bringing renewal and life to Sombrandia after the Great Fallout of 1384. His followers perform rituals in bodies of water to seek purification of the soul, and rejuvenation of the body. Some people also say that they can feel the presence of Lord Aqualis whenever they enter the Lake Sombrola in Bretagne, with some even claiming to have heard his voice whispering wisdom into their ears.
=== Lord Pyronis - Bringer of fire and innovation ===
* Symbol - A flame intertwined with a metal gear and a light bulb
* Role in religion - Fire, innovation, and creation
* Mythology Tale - Pyronis is said to have been the driving force behind Sombrandia's industrial revolution, following the knowledge brought to the Sombrandian people by Lady Lumenara. Legends say that he gifted humanity with the first flame of invention, sparking the age of progress. The Progress party - the leading Sombrandian political party - was founded based off the teachings of Lord Pyronis, and his values and teachings are the core values of the Progress Party.
=== Lord Aerion - Bringer of wind and change ===
* Symbol - A vortex with an infiinity symbol inside it
* Role in religion - Wind, change, and freedom
* Mythology Tale - Lord Aerion is the bringer of change, guiding Sombrandia through transitions of the ages. His presence is felt during times of significant change, bringing new opportunities and fresh starts. There are many histroical records which recall people feeling his presence after the Great Fallout of 1384. There is also a link between both Lord Pyronis and Lord Aerion, as Pyronis brings the tools required for change to occur, and Aerion is felt once these tools are put to use. Put simply, whenever Lord Pyronis is present, so is Lord Aerion. There have been many theories throughout Sombrandian history about what the relationship between these two lords of Technomania, and why they are always together and never alon. Some people also theorise that is one or the other is missing, then no change will be able to happen in Sombrandia.
Symbols of each deity
Lord/Lady 	Image of symbol
Lady Lumenara 	
Lord Umbros 	
Lady Terramora	
Lord Aqualis 	
Lord Pyronis 	
Lord Aerion 	
== The main myths of Sombrandian Mythology ==
=== The Illumination of Sombrandia ===
In the beginning, the land of Sombrandia was shrouded in darkness and despair. However, one day Lady Lumenara descended from the heavens, bringing the first light of knowledge, pushing back the darkness. She shared the secrets of the universe to a select few. These few were the founding fathers of Sombrandia, and Lumenara's teachings inspired them to create and innovate, with these core values being the same ones which built modern day Sombrandia, and are still followed to this day. This myth highlights the importance of education and technological advancement is Sombrandian culture, and reminds people how we were given the opportunity to thrive, so everyone should use that opportunity wisely.
=== The Binding of Shadows ===
During the time of great chaos, Umbros emerged from the depths to bind the shadows that threatened to consume the land. Alongside Lady Lumenara, they saved Sombrandia. Lord Umbros taught the people of Sombrandia to harness the power of secrets and use them wisely. This is supposedly the reason why Sombrandia hid its advanced technology from the world for so long, with it not being revealed until the Great Reform of 1996. This myth highlights the value of understanding and controlling hidden forces for the greater good, linking to how Sombrandia protected the secrets of their technology until the rest of the world caught up, to prevent the technology getting into the wrong hands. Also, it is said that Lord Umbros and Lady Lumenara cannot exist without one another, because if one of them disappears, then either light or darkness will consume the land, neither of which will be good. They both keep each other in balance, as they represent opposite elements, being the light and the dark. The Binding of Shadows and The Illumination of Sombrandia combined are known as the Great Balance of Sombrandia.
=== Lady Terramora's Sacrifice ===
When the Earth trembled and the foundations of Sombrandia were at risk, Terrramora sacrificed part of her essence to stabilise the land. Her roots extended deep into the ground, anchoring the nation. However, as previously stated, it is theorised that Terramora was a person who was a strong and determined leader, suggesting that this myth may just be an overexaggerated recollection of one of her famous victories. Despite that, this myth is still a reminder of the resilience and stability that built Sombrandian society, and how without these core values, the kingdom would collapse.
=== Lord Aqualis' Cleansing ===
After the Great Fallout of 1384, Lord Aqualis washed over Sombrandia, cleansing it of its past sins and wounds. His waters brought new life and hope, symbolising the nation's capacity for renewal and growth. This myth links to the modern day Sombrandian tradition of cleansing yourself in Lake Sombrola, where legend suggests that it is the last known lake to contain some of Lord Aqualis' water, so people go here to cleanse themselves of their sins and wound to start anew. This myth is also celebrated with water festivals and other more complex rituals aimed at healing and renewal.
=== Lord Pyronis' Flame ===
Lord Pyronis appeared shortly after the Great Fallout of 1384, gifting the early Sombrandians a divine falme. This flame became the spark of the Sombrandian Industrial Revolution, which saw the creation of countless inventions and technological marvels. This myth emphasises the significance of innvoation and creativity in the development of Sombrandia, and allows people to reflect on the amazing opportunities they were presented by Lord Pyronis, and how everyone should seize these opportunities, and strive to do the best they possibly can do in life.
=== Lord Aerion's Winds of Change ===
Lord Aerion's Winds blew through Sombrandia, bringing change and transformation to all parts of the nation. With each gust, old ways were swept aside, making room for new ideas and progress. Some people say that the centurion winds - that happen only once a century is Sombrandia and are incredibly strong and damaging - are Lord Aerion's Winds of Change, and how the destruction of the current things makes space for new and innovative things to be created in the kingdom. This myth is also referred to during times of major societal shifts, symbolising the inevitability of change.
== Sacred Places And Artifacts ==
# The Luminous Library - A grand library dedicated to Lady Lumenara, housing ancient texts and modern innovations. The library was built by Lumenara's first followers, and was formerly a hub for knowledge and advances in light technology. Scholars and inventors often visit the Luminous Library in search of inspiration and knowledge.
# The Shadowed Caverns - A network of caves which are believed to be the domain of Lord Umbros. It is said that those who venture deep enough into the caves will uncover secrets that can change the world. This theory is supported by the fact that only one person has ever returned from the caves alive, with that being Queen Sombra I herself, with her knowledge of the secrets being passed down to each one of her ancestors, ensuring that the Sombrandian monarch is the protector of these secrets, as well as able to use these secrets for the benefit of both Sombrandia and the wider world.
# The Mountain of Resilience - Mt Terranova is the tallest peak in Sombrandia, with a peak of 4,236 metres. The mountain is sacred to Lady Terramora, symbolising strength and stability. Pilgrimages are made to its peak to visit the grave of Lady Terramora. Her grave does not contain her body, as her body is thought to have been cremated, based off the theory that she was the former leader of Sombrandia, and records which show that this leader was cremated. Instead, people visit her grave to speak to Lady Terramora's spirit, and ask her for guidance and the gift of resilience.
# The Crystal Springs - Located within Lake Sombrola, the Crystal Springs are where followers of Aqualis come to perform the purification rituals, as the springs are said to contain the water of Lord Aqualis' waves. Water fesitvals are also held here by various Techno Remnant communities who pilgrimage to the Crystal Springs.
# The Forge of Innovation - A legendary forge built by Pyronis' first followers. It is the forge where Lord Pyronis is said to have kindled the first divine flame of invention. Inventors come to this forge seeking Lord Pyronis' support for their creations, as well as inspiration for how to improve their inventions.
# The Vortex Temple - A temple dedicated to Lord Aerion. The temple was built by Lord Aerion's first followers, alongside the followers of Lord Pyronis. The temple is designed to capture the wind and use it to spin the giant infinity symbol which stands proudly at the top of the temple. The spinning of the infinity symbol generated small amounts of electricity, which was enough to power the lights in the temple. This innovation in the controlling of wind is thought by many to be the first steps in the discovery of wind energy, which is now a common resource of renewable energy. To this day, the temple is still powered by the spinning of the infinity symbol. Also, festivals are held at the temple which celebrate change and new beginnings, such as on New Years Eve, the national Sombrandian celebration of the new year is held at the temple.
== Festivals And Rituals ==
=== Festival of Illumination ===
This festival celebrates Lady Lumenara's gift of knowledge with public lectures, technological exhibitions, and light shows. For example, CES (a technological exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in technology) has been held in Sombrandia during the Festival of Illumination on two occassions.
=== Night of Shadows ===
This festival honours Lord Umbros with secret-sharing ceremonies (more common in schools near the day of the festival) and night-time explorations of the Shadowed Caversn. However, the Shadowed Caverns are not considered safe for public use, therefore only the beginning of the 5 caverns are explored during the Night of Shadows.
=== Earth Day ===
This festival does link to the modern Earth Day celebration in the rest of the world. However, in Sombrandia Earth Day is a day dedicated to Lady Terramora, featuring community-building activities, tree planting, and resilience training for multiple different career paths and life situations.
=== Water Renewal Festival ===
This festival celebrates Lord Aqualis with water-based rituals, healing ceremonies, and communal baths in the Crystal Springs. During this festival, many isolationist Techno Remnant communities join together with the rest of Sombrandia, signifying the unity which the Water Renewal Festival shows, and emphasises the shared beliefs between everyone in Sombrandia, no matter which community they are from.
=== Fire Innovation Festival ===
This festival honours Pyronis with inventors' competing against each other in arenas with different inventions which they use in a battle of fire and innovation. These battles are spectacles and are one of the most popular events in Sombrandia, These events happen quite frequently, however on the day of the Fire Innovation Festival, the final of the Inventor Clash Championships happens, which is held in the Sombrandian National Stadium in Sombrathum City, with the 82,000 seats available selling out every year. The event is also broadcast nationally for free by the Sombrandian Broadcasting Agency, and it is also broadcast worldwide by for a small fee, or by other broadcasting companies. However, there is more to the Fire Innovation Festival, with there also being many fireworks displays, bonfires in local communities, and creative competitions where different schools compete against each other to become the local innovation champions of that year.
=== Winds of Change Celebration ===
This festival celebrated Lord Aerion with kite-flying, wind chime making, and events focused on embracing and managing change. Also, paper aeroplane competitions are held in local areas, where different schools compete against each other to see who has made the best innovation in aerodynamical engineering, with this form of engineering being a key sector in Sombrandian employment and research, due to Sombrandia's deep connections with the wind.
== Sombrandian Mythical Creatures ==
=== Sombardan Eagle ===
The Sombardan Eagle was a ferocious predator, which terrorised the people of Sombrandia for decades. Eventually Lady Terramora defeated the mythical bird at the cost of her own life, as she flung herself and the great feathered beast off the top of Mt Terranova.
=== Lasyusisa Viper ===
The Lasyusisa Viper was a venomous snake that terrorised the people of early Sombrandia. It's sharp fangs contained enough venom in one bite to kill 100 people, and it's skull shaped club of the end of it's body could hit anyone with a bone-shattering force. The Lasyusisa Viper is said to have been destroyed by a great warrior known as Anders The Brave, who was eventually killed in the Great Fallout of 1384 by Norweigen raiders.
=== Armoran Hellbringer ===
The Armoran Hellbringer is said to have been forged in the Shadowed Caverns by Death itself. It had a golden skull shaped mask which covered its face. Legend has it that if you were to remove the mask, the face revealed would be so horrific that anyone who witnessed it would die within a matter of seconds. It was eventually slain by Lord Umbros and Lady Lumenara during the Great Balance of Sombrandia.
== Concluding Thoughts On The Effects of Mythology On Sombrandian Society ==
The mythology of Sombrandia is deeply ingrained in its culture and people, influencing everything from the education system - with mythology being a compulsory subject taught in schools - and technological advancements, to its societal values and community rituals. The stories of the Lords of Technomania serve as the guiding principles for all Sombrandian people, encouraging them to pursue knowledge, control secrets, build resilience, seek renewalm innovate constantly, and embrace change, all of which make for a much better society as a whole.
Category:Mythology