Shadowism/History

History of Shadowism

Welcome to the Library of Shadows. We collect here some of the memorable events, debates and happening of Shadowism

The Foundation

It was a cloudy day. A drizzle had been pouring on the poor masons' heads at regular intervals throughout the finishing stages of the roofing, and all construction workers were drenched. Thyra had wanted to be about the new building at the time of the finishing touches. The weather took no notice, and she was just as inconvenienced as everybody else. No matter, she had been on campaign many times. And changeability and adaptation were the hallmarks of Shadowism. All this was perhaps a sign. Scriptists would have argued there was no other possibility but most Shadowists would have just thought it was the way it was, and the best of it should be made. Probably the best to be made of such a day was to head to the "Melted Candle" and have a drink. It was very much a commoner's religion... By the afternoon the last rooftiles were in place. The temple was unlike any other religious building, really. It included: a scene, which marvellous machinery could rotate so as to transform the cozy theatre into a venue for open air shows; a small library of scrolls; various function rooms; and a drinking establishment, "The Thirsty Shadow". Rumors had already started to circulate about labyrinthine corridors and sinister cellars. Hushed voices already linked the presence of hidden chambers with the disappearence or accidental deaths of workers on the site. Thyra was pleased, as this talk showed that the Shadowist spirit was still strong, despite the encroaching presence of foreign cults and superstitions.

At sunset all was ready for the inauguration.

Thyra had donned a beautiful grey robe. The silk created shifting patterns of lighter and darker tones on the surface of the fabric, but the hood and the trimmings of the robe were pitch black. She had chosen darkness. she stepped on the scene at the presence of a small crowd and a few Nobles who had chosen to come.

My dearest Performers,

May the Stage always host the Assassin's show, may our Actors always know their part and all enjoy the Play.

May this building be a testimony to the resilence of our beliefs.

I dedicate it to all citizens of the Dark Citadel and to the generous funders of this project.

Und die einen sind im Dunkeln Und die anderen sind im Licht Doch man sieht nur die im Lichte Die im Dunkeln sieht man nicht

A letter to all Shadowists on the organization of the cult

Dear Actors,

first of all let me apologize for being off the scenes for so long. I have been busy establishing a more secure faithful basis for our cult, the only original creed of the Bakker woods.

As you probably have noticed we have now a structure in three tiers. The creed is and remains horizontal, in the sense that all religious practices are individual and Thyra's doctrine does not prevail on anybody else's doctrine.

The organization only divides followers into three groups for the purpose of co-coordinating contributions to the Cult and performing the Sacred Play.

Cult Elders are three.

The Shaman of Shadows is at the top and is the referee of the spiritual debate, which is animated by the Shaman of Light and the Shaman of Darkness.

• The Shaman of Shadows is neutral, never takes sides but runs the show. This means that she arbitrates the debate and decides who is winning between Light and Darkness taking into account whichever parameters she feels are most appropriate at the time.

• The Shaman of Light and the Shaman of Darkness play the angelic and the demonic advocate's role. They both study illusionism and conjuration to further their goals, but most importantly they are masters of recitation and performance. They must be Shamans (Priests).

At this time the positions are open, the Shaman of Shadows can only fill in both positions, or none. So I need two candidates.

• Senior (full) members are promoted by the Elders

Priests of Shadowism: these keep the traditions alive and eventually expand them.

Disciples: these are immediately full members, for they are accorded special respect within our Cult. Their skills in manipulating the Shadows set them apart from other cultists.

Senior shadowists are selected from shadowists by the Elders. They have made substantial contributions to the cult (OOC - Roleplay and BMWiki). They can progress to benefactor by making a donation to the cult.

• Follower and Shadowist ranks are for Noble members who incorporate some Shadowist practices in their daily activities. Followers can proceed to Shadowist by paying a small fee to the organization

Shaman Kevlen is called by the Light

Kevlen Stood in the in the great theatre of the temple. All had left, and even the softness of shadows seemed subdued. Darkness and Silence filled the room. His mind warped with ideas. Great things were being woven in the shadows, great and terrible things. The script was hidden from him at that moment, much was hidden. He reached out with is mind. "Higher, higher!" he thought. Kevlen felt is head throb in Concentration and anxiety, his shadow quaked in effort. Then...a sound! A strange noise filled the room Kevlen could not describe. A feeling of complete joy and Ecstasy filled him. Light was everywhere, light, sound and shadow! His purpose was laying out before him! Kevlen saw that for him it was not just the shadow, it was the sound, feeling, and Light! It was the four together! He had to share his Discoveries with others, more had to know what this feeling was!