Zegram

Zegram is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. As the God of Death, he stands as an impartial and essential force in the cycle of mortal existence. Personifying the natural conclusion of life, Zegram is not to be feared as an embodiment of malevolence but rather revered as a solemn arbiter. Traditionally clad in a sombre robe and wielding a balanced scale, he is a stoic figure overseeing the transition from the mortal realm to the afterlife. His visage is shrouded in an aura of neutrality, devoid of malice or benevolence.
Zegram's role extends beyond mere escort to the afterlife; he is the ultimate judge of the departed. Guided by an unwavering sense of fairness, he weighs the deeds of the deceased with meticulous impartiality, determining their ultimate fate in the cosmic tapestry. His presence is a constant reminder that death is not an end, but a continuation of the intricate dance of life and beyond. In the Empire of Man, the followers of Zegram find solace in the understanding that his role is not to instil fear but to maintain the delicate equilibrium between life and death, ensuring a harmonious existence for all beings.
== Symbology ==
Zegram's symbols are stark and universally recognised in the Empire. The most prominent emblem is a balanced scale, embodying his role as a meticulous judge of the departed. A simple hourglass, often inverted, signifies the fluidity of time and the inevitability of life's end. Additionally, a stylised skeletal hand, open-palmed, represents the impartiality and neutrality with which Zegram approaches the souls under his scrutiny.
=== Personality ===
Zegram emanates an aura of solemnity and impartiality that reflects his essential role in the cosmic order. His personality is characterised by a calm and detached demeanour, devoid of the emotional extremes often associated with other deities. Zegram approaches his duty with a sense of unwavering fairness, meticulously judging the departed based on the balance of their deeds. Neither fickle nor compassionate, he stands as a stoic figure, upholding the natural cycle of life and death with a serene composure. In his interactions with mortals and other divine beings, Zegram remains a symbol of neutrality, a force necessary for the harmonious continuity of existence in all realms.
The other gods generally respect Zegram for his impartiality and the essential role he plays in maintaining order in the mortal realm. They recognise the inevitability of his presence in the grand tapestry of existence. Zegram, in return, views his fellow deities as integral components in the cosmic design, each contributing to the overall balance. He does have his preferences though and, in particular, is said to have a close relationship with his twin sister Xasara, Goddess of Life.
=== Zegram's Realm, The Black Court ===
The Black Court, Zegram's divine realm, is a sombre and unfeeling expanse that mirrors the gravity of its purpose. A vast, obsidian courtroom stands at its core, with towering pillars of shadow supporting an immense ceiling that seems to extend into infinity. The air is heavy with the weight of judgment, and ethereal echoes of past proceedings linger in the stillness. Onyx benches stretch across the expansive chamber. Dimly lit corridors lead to archives where the records of every mortal life are meticulously kept, an eternal testament to the god's commitment to fairness.
For mortals, both living and deceased, visiting The Black Court is a solemn experience. Souls arriving in death find themselves in a queue, patiently awaiting their turn to stand before the balanced scales of Zegram. The living, on rare occasions, may enter the realm through divine rituals or in moments of transcendental connection. The atmosphere is one of hushed reverence, and the living visitors often describe a sense of being in the presence of an unwavering cosmic order. The Black Court serves as a reminder that mortality is but a part of a greater cycle, and its ambiance, while imposing, is marked by an absence of fear or malevolence.
== Cult and Worship ==
Among mortals in the Empire, the worship of Zegram is widespread and characterised by a pragmatic acceptance of death as an integral aspect of existence. The deity's followers consist of a diverse range of individuals, from the stoic scholars contemplating the mysteries of life and death to the compassionate healers who understand the importance of acknowledging the inevitable conclusion of mortal journeys. Zegram's worshippers, in general, are pragmatic and seek solace in the certainty that their actions will be impartially judged in the afterlife. They approach life with a measured perspective, recognising the cyclical nature of existence and the importance of leaving a balanced legacy.
The Cult of Zegram, the mainstream religious group devoted to the God of Death, is an organised and influential institution in Magnula. Comprising priests, scholars, and devoted followers, the cult emphasises the teachings of Zegram as a guide for leading a purposeful and morally balanced life. Worship ceremonies are solemn affairs, often held in temples located in graveyards and places traditionally associated with death. The cult plays a crucial role in conducting funeral rites and ensuring that the departed are prepared for their journey to The Black Court. Despite the deity's association with death, the Cult of Zegram promotes a philosophy of life well-lived, emphasising the importance of ethical conduct and the acceptance of one's inevitable fate.
== Trivia ==
* A big inspiration for Zegram was the Grim Reaper. But over the course of his creation and as the 'neutral judge' aspect of his character became more prevalent he became more comparable to the Egyptian god Anubis.