Arkanthys

Lore:

Amidst the myriad deities that shape the cosmos, Arkanthys stands as an enigma. A deity of the grave, knowledge, and magic, its motivations and actions are as unpredictable as the winds, yet its intentions are often for the greater good or the preservation of neutrality.

Origins:

Arkanthys was birthed from the universe's ever-shifting energies, a divine response to the unpredictable nature of existence. As magic wove its intricate patterns and civilizations rose and fell, Arkanthys watched, learned, and occasionally intervened.

Nature and Disposition:

Arkanthys is a deity that embraces the unpredictability of existence. While it occasionally leans towards order, it equally understands the necessity of chaos. Its actions and decisions are driven by a broader perspective that mortals often struggle to comprehend. Though it rarely intervenes directly, when it does, it's usually to nudge events towards a more favorable or neutral outcome.

The Reapers:

The Reapers, or Grim Reapers, serve as Arkanthys's divine emissaries. These neutral aberration undead are not bound by the conventional dichotomies of good and evil, order and chaos. Their primary duty is to ensure that souls transition smoothly to their next phase of existence. With their ethereal scythes, they guide souls, ensuring each finds its place in the vast tapestry of the afterlife.

Symbols and Worship:

The emblem of Arkanthys is a tome with a scythe superimposed over it, symbolizing the deity's dominion over knowledge, magic, and the grave. Temples dedicated to Arkanthys are often secluded, resembling places of study or reflection more than traditional places of worship. Within, acolytes delve into arcane mysteries, pondering the unpredictable nature of existence.

Worshipers of Arkanthys, known as "Seekers of the Arcane," believe in the pursuit of knowledge and the acceptance of life's unpredictable nature. They often serve as scholars, mages, or spiritual guides, helping others navigate the complexities of existence.

Festivals and Rituals:

The "Rite of the Arcane Passage" is a central ritual. Conducted when a believer transitions to the afterlife, this ceremony celebrates the unpredictability of existence and the mysteries that lie beyond. It involves chanting, the burning of mystical herbs, and the invocation of Arkanthys's blessings.

Teachings:

Arkanthys teaches its followers to embrace the uncertainties of life. Knowledge is a beacon in the ever-shifting sands of existence, and magic offers glimpses into the divine's unpredictable nature. Death is but a transition, a step into the unknown, and should be approached with curiosity rather than fear.

In the grand narrative of the cosmos, Arkanthys serves as a reminder of the beauty of unpredictability and the profound mysteries that shape existence.

Appearance:

Seeing Arkanthys is to see the unfathomable in form. Descriptions ascribe features one might find in an insect and a cephalopod, blended with some kind of beautiful fey creature like a pooka blends mammals forms. Some stories mention dragonfly like wings, some say they have seen a hermit crab like shell it retreats into on it's back.