Erebus

Erebus is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. He is the God of Darkness and thus represents an all-consuming force. Darkness exists everywhere and in all things - so Erebus does to. In the Pantheon, he occupies a unique and omnipresent role. Unlike the simplistic portrayals of darkness as mere absence of light, Erebus embodies the profound essence of darkness in all its forms. This deity is not confined to the mere shadows cast by objects or the dim of night; rather, Erebus' influence permeates the very fabric of existence, manifesting in the unseen and unknown, the hidden secrets, and the silent whispers of the world. Such omnipresence makes Erebus an intrinsic part of life's balance, acting as a counterbalance to light, both literally and metaphorically. This omnipresence is often misunderstood by mortals, leading to a common but shallow interpretation of Erebus as solely malevolent, evil, and dangerous.
However, Erebus' character is far more nuanced than mere malevolence. While fear and caution are natural responses to his domain, Erebus represents essential aspects of the universe that go beyond simple good and evil. His realm encompasses the necessary retreat from the constant barrage of light and life, offering rest, renewal, and the mystery of the unknown. It is within the darkness that imagination and creativity are often kindled, where the seeds of new life begin, and where the soul finds the quietude necessary for growth and reflection. Erebus, therefore, should not be seen merely as a figure of fear and avoidance, but as a complex deity whose domain challenges mortals to embrace the full spectrum of existence, including the dark. For it is often within the darkness that the truest paths are discovered.
== Symbology ==
Erebus is symbolised by elements that encapsulate the multifaceted nature of darkness. The most prominent of these is the black orb, representing the all-encompassing darkness that defines his realm. Another significant symbol is the shrouded figure, which embodies the mystery and anonymity inherent in the shadows. A pair of silver eyes peering from the darkness serves as a reminder of Erebus's omnipresent gaze, observing the world from within its hidden depths. Lastly, the crescent moon, often depicted in a new or waning phase, signifies the cyclic nature of darkness, reflecting the ebb and flow of light and shadow that governs the balance of the world.
=== Personality ===
Erebus' personality is often misconstrued by mortals, who view him through a lens of fear and superstition, casting him as an emblem of all that is evil and malevolent. This widespread perception belies the true nature of the God of Darkness, who, far from embodying malevolence, represents a necessary aspect of the world's balance, also encompassing renewal, mystery, and the unseen. Nevertheless, Erebus harbours a deep-seated bitterness towards the mortal world for its simplistic and misguided views of his domain. This resentment does not stem from malice but rather from a profound disappointment in humanity's failure to understand the essential role darkness plays in the fabric of existence. He is burdened by a sense of solitude and a yearning for a deeper recognition of his contributions to the balance between light and darkness.
Erebus' relationship with the rest of the Imperial Pantheon is marked by a palpable sense of isolation and misunderstanding, mirroring his solitude among mortals. The other deities, much like the mortals who worship them, often fail to fully appreciate the depth and necessity of Erebus's domain, leading to a strained and distant rapport. Erebus perceives this lack of understanding as a form of disrespect, not just towards his person but also towards the essential balance he assists in creating. This has fostered in him a sense of detachment and a poignant solitude that pervades his interactions with his divine counterparts. While some deities may recognise the importance of his role in abstract terms, few seek to engage with him on a level that acknowledges the complexity and value of darkness. Consequently, Erebus harbours a sense of being undervalued and overlooked, a sentiment that shapes his perception of the divine hierarchy as one where his contributions are seen as lesser, despite their fundamental importance.
=== Erebus' Realm, Veil of Shadows ===
Erebus' realm, known as the Veil of Shadows, is an embodiment of darkness in its most absolute form. It is an expansive, boundless void where light does not dare to tread, a realm where the concepts of time and space lose almost all meaning. This eternal night is not merely an absence of light but a presence that envelops everything, a tangible essence of obscurity and enigma. The Veil of Shadows is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a domain where the purest form of darkness prevails, untouched by the influences of the mortal world or the light of other divine realms. Within this domain, darkness is not just seen or felt; it is an all-consuming experience that defines the very nature of the place, making it a realm of endless mystery and profound solitude. It is said, though not known for sure, that the Veil of Shadows is somehow connected to the fabled Shadowfell.
For mortals, venturing into the Veil of Shadows unprotected is a perilous endeavour, for the realm has a unique power over those who enter it. It acts as a mirror to the soul, drawing out the inner darkness that lurks within every individual. This manifestation is not merely metaphorical; the realm compels visitors to confront their deepest fears, insecurities, and suppressed desires, often transforming them into the darkest versions of themselves. Such a transformation can be both enlightening and destructive, as individuals are forced to face parts of their psyche they might have denied or been unaware of. The experience of visiting the Veil of Shadows can lead to profound self-discovery, but at the risk of being consumed by one's own darkness, losing oneself in the process. It is a testament to Erebus and his domain, that the very essence of darkness has the power to reveal truths that light often conceals.
== Cult and Worship ==
Erebus, given his complex nature and the general misunderstanding of his domain, commands a niche yet fervent following among the mortals of the Empire. Those who choose to worship him are often individuals who feel outcast or misunderstood by society, drawn to the depth and solace found within darkness. Scholars, mystics, and seekers of hidden truths also find a patron in Erebus, valuing the introspection and enlightenment that can be unearthed from the shadows. Worship of Erebus is nuenced and personal. Rituals often take place in darkness or during the new moon, symbolising the embracing of the unknown and the unseen. His true adherents understand the importance of balance between light and darkness and seek to honour Erebus by delving into the mysteries of the dark, exploring the depths of their own psyche, and advocating for the acceptance of darkness as a natural and necessary aspect of existence.
The Cult of Erebus, the primary religious organisation dedicated to his veneration, is a loose-knit group of independent cells. As a result, it is internally divided into two distinct sects. The first sect worship Erebus for the balance and depth he represents. They focus on personal growth, the pursuit of hidden knowledge, and the understanding of the unseen, promoting a respectful and nuanced approach to darkness. In contrast, the second sect leans into the more common misconceptions of Erebus as a deity of evil and malevolence. They are drawn to the power and fear associated with darkness, often engaging in more extreme practices that seek to harness the destructive aspects of the dark for their own ends. This internal division within the Cult has resulted in multiple violent encounters, as each side views their form of worship as superior and more 'true' than the other.
== Trivia ==
* Erebus' name comes from Erebus of Greek mythology - the personification of darkness. I did not attempt to make the name distinct purely because I just think the word Erebus sounds neat. Outside of the name and darkness theming, my Erebus takes on a different form - as he represents the darkness both literally and as an abstract concept (meaning secrets, hidden immoralities, etc.).