Nocticism

Nocticism is both a religion and a way of life. Followers of Nocticism are referred to as nightlings or nyxians. They believe in the goddess of night Nyx who gave them the Elixir of eternal youth. Nightlings prefer to live in the dark, but they are not hurt by light. Most of them are pacifists, but they may become hostile towards humans if they overdose on the Elixir. You can usually recognize nightlings by their pale skin and red or purple eyes, though not all of them may have these features.
== History ==
Long long ago there were many groups of people who worshiped Nyx, but for one reason or another they have all disappeared. The only proof there is of them even existing are a few underground crypts. Recently, Mega Zro discovered one of those crypts and found the Elixir of Life inside of it. After drinking it he became a nightling and started to produce more of it. Several of his neighbours in New Askalon drank the Elixir, but only a few decided to become nightlings. After the Chawolfist Church found out about it, they started a purge of all nightlings in New Askalon because they thought of them as abominations. After some negotiations peace was achieved and the nightlings decided to settle in the newly built Askalon Undercity.
== Beliefs and traditions ==
Nightlings deeply value personal freedom. Their most sacred symbol is the night sky, where Nyx resides. Even though all nightlings worship Nyx, many of them are also members of other religions. Nocticism doesn't have set rules or commandments because Nyx encourages freedom above all else and does not wish to limit any individual for following her. To honor the blessing Nyx gave them, nightlings often drink the Elixir of Life. When a nightling dies they join Nyx in the night sky. From there they watch over other nightlings, helping Nyx guide them. Nightlings also follow the moon cycles and organize festivals during full moon. During their festivals they ascend to the sky for a few brief moments in order to get a chance to talk with their ancestors.
=== Nyx ===
Nyx is the goddess of night and the mother of all nightlings. As with many things in the religion's past, it is unknown how Nyx first came to be. Nyx resides in the night sky, endlessly watching over her followers. She often interacts with nightlings in more subtle ways like giving them protection from harm instead of directly talking to them. If a nightling commits a noble act, Nyx may grant them purple eyes as a symbol of their good deed. Other than being just a symbol, nightlings with purple eyes have a direct link to Nyx at all times and may always ask her for guidance. It is known that Nyx is powerful, but her exact limits or capabilities are unknown due to her never using the full extent of her power. During the full moon festivals Nyx shows herself to all who participate in the festivals. Her immense beauty burns a clear image into the eyes of those who see her.
=== The Elixir of Life ===
The Elixir of Life was given to humans by Nyx a long time ago. By drinking it, they ascended and became nightlings. The Elixir is a red liquid whose recipe is somewhat of a secret, as only select few nightlings know how to make it. When nightlings drink it, it makes their bodies younger and their eyes more red. During their festivals nightlings gather and drink it in an organized ceremony. While every nightling should drink the Elixir, they should never drink too much at once as it may lead to blood lust and outbursts of violence. The only publicly known ingredient of the Elixir is blood. Even though any blood can be used, nightlings most often use spider blood.
== Becoming a nightling ==
Anyone can become a nightling, regardless of their physical attributes. The process starts by drinking of the Elixir of Life. Then, if the person truly wants to become a nightling, they are given Nyx's blessing and their transformation begins. The transformation lasts for a few days, during which the person is weaker than usual and bothered my light. After a few days the transformation period ends and their skin gets pale, and their eyes turn red. At this point they have completed the initiation and have become a nightling. It is currently unknown how to remove Nyx's blessing.
Category:Religions
Category:Traveler's Era