Jakal

### Basic Information

Jakal is an Ichor deity often attributed with Morphosis and the concept of being a duality of both growth and decay.

### Aspects of Jakal

#### Boon

Boon, being seen as symbolizing growth, blessing, and peace. It's with this orb that Jakal supposedly transforms mortals into something close to a Rai known as a Mortal-Born. In the left hand of Jakal Boon is carried. Those that have witnessed Jakal first hand claim that it is with Boon which Jakal uses to transform mortals into Mortesanians.

Those that bear the aspect of Boon believe in diplomacy, and seek peace in their lives through Jakal. Boon represents the healing aspect of Jakal's power, and those who find themselves with even the worst morphosis strain will look to Boon for guidance in turning curse into blessing. However, some believe Morphosis is Bliss, the highest honor, and deserves to be shared with all. Some who do not believe too strongly will find themselves just identifying with the feelings of hope that are tied with Boon.

#### Equipoise

Equipoise is a conceptual symbol that represents balance, duality, and stability. This symbol is made up of both Boon and Bane, representing both in harmony. Jakal herself is often represented by a scale, her arms being the bar, and her body the point upon which they balance. It is thought that every so often Jakal will switch which orb she holds lowest to the ground, shifting the balance in a cycle.

Those who believe in the Equipoise of Jakal understand that to have Boon, you must have Bane, and that life isn't black or white. They believe Morphosis is what you make of it and can be both a blessing and a curse, not because it literally is, but because it exists as any other condition does (however this belief is not always mandatory for an Equipoise follower). They often believe Mortesanians are masters of their own fate and not explicitly good or evil, and it is very rare to see a follower of Equipoise worshipping or groveling before one. Some who do not believe too strongly will identify with Equipoise because it keeps them grounded while still exploring themselves, be them Mortesanian or infected with Morphosis.

The Equipoise Seer of Jakal, Gauntseer, believes that being Mortesanian, and even a Deity is nothing more than a state of existence like any other, like being short or tall, young or old. He advises against worship of any kind as there is rise and fall in all things.

#### Bane

Bane, often thought as representing decay, curse, and chaos. In the right hand of Jakal is the little-seen Bane. It is said that when Jakal allows Bane to hit the ground great tragedies are unleashed across reality. Quezochiod is said to have tried to steal Bane for its power.

The followers of Bane are not shy to the horrors of Morphosis and what lies beyond the gates to the Realm of None. They often believe Morphosis is a curse, or a punishment, and will share their misery with others, or perhaps revel in it. Morphosis and Mortesanians to them are key to power and utilize said power to accomplish their goals. While seeing Mortesanians often as a means to an end, they are often the most passionate in their worship of them, however some turn that worship to hate as they feel they were cursed. Some who do not believe too strongly will often find solace in suffering with others under Bane, or seek mastery and learn to harness their inner beast.

### Impact on Earth

Little is known about the truth of this Deity on Earth, however some isolated groups carry varying ideas of who Jakal is and what she represents or actually does. From a benevolent gift-giving harbinger, to an evil demon determined to bring about the end of humanity, Jakal worship varies greatly and generally no two groups think the same of her.

#### Jakal Worshippers

Jakal worshippers are those who follow the idea of Jakal in any way they see fit. Originally only Mortesan worshippers made waves on Earth, but after one of them got trapped in the Realm of None and had a face-to-face encounter with Jakal, that changed. Out of all 'unconventional/demon' worshippers, Jakal followers are the most common, and are usually nomadic, moving from place to place to avoid the possibility of prosecution.

Those that stay in one place reside in forests or other areas of cover and dress heavily. They are well known and seen as almost a novelty; often welcomed by small towns as they attract tourists and help small businesses. The following are some details that most of these worshippers share. Worshippers often will wear long masks with pointed ends to imitate the perceived facial structure of Jakal, and protect their identities. These masks are made of whatever is available including wood, bone, leather, and sometimes clay. Dark robes are often paired with masks to hide any morphosis that may be present to avoid detection by the Rose Corporation.

* Worshippers often will wear long masks with pointed ends to imitate the perceived facial structure of Jakal, and protect their identities. These masks are made of whatever is available including wood, bone, leather, and sometimes clay.
* Dark robes are often paired with masks to hide any morphosis that may be present to avoid detection by the Rose Corporation.
* Amulets or trinkets bearing the symbols of either Boon, Bane, or Equipoise. Occasionally they will shape masks in honor of these symbols instead.
* They often will adorn themselves with bone or other things found in nature. This includes living animals.
* They are likely to have morphosis, as a reasonably common belief is that Morphosis is a gift from Jakal. Or, these groups serve as refuge for the afflicted.
* Occasionally Jakal worshippers will bind their faces when infected with Contotic Morphosis to achieve a growth that appears similar to how they believe Jakal to look.