The Way of The Serpent

[fetty bridgers 4492]

 

THE WAY OF THE SERPENT

The Bastion of Purity

WER IDOL DI WER ADULESE

 

 

The Child - The descendents of Azdromoth, Nephilim.

The Father - Azdromoth, the Daemon of Fate.

Bithe’Vah - The Binding End, the sealing of the realm in which the plane of the Father is entered from.

The Serpent - The egregore in which the Serpent has created.

Egregore - An egregore is a non-physical entity that is thought to arise from the collective emotions and thoughts of a group of people.

The Known - Tenets or Commandments of the Order. 

The Order of the Serpent

The Order of the Serpent is a path that counteracts conventional philosophies and worship of Azdromothian Descendents. It is founded on the principle of transformation of oneself and the world around them through contrivance and manipulation. It is a collection of the Ascended Child, each embodying a unique aspect of the Serpent. These Children are not only the living embodiments of the Serpent’s nature but are also the harbingers of Bithe'vah—the ultimate cleansing of the world. Each soul that rises to Nephilim-hood mantles a part of the Serpent’s form that represents them best. When the serpent is fully complete, only then shall the day of Bithe’vah rain down upon the world.

 

 Followers of the Order master the arts of deception, power, and sacrifice to reshape reality according to their desires. Their existence is a manifestation of their ambitions, and through their ascended roles, they personify the very lies and aspirations they projected to gain their place among their kin. The Order’s hierarchy reflects different facets of the Serpent’s essence, with each member contributing to the enactment of Bithe'vah, ensuring its realization as both their embodiment and their destiny.

 

To engage with the world around them, the Order works together to form a false identity in which they enact their goals and plans. Whether this be the broken image of a noble family, a band of traveling merchants, ancient knights descending from the ruins atop a mountain, the Order rarely engages directly with the world. This is to preserve the desire that is Bithe’vah so that the Order may succeed in their attempts. 

 

The Definition of Bithe’vah

The meaning of Bithe'vah has long been misunderstood. Commonly translated as "The Binding End," it was originally interpreted as a sacred day for the Material Realm, when the world would darken and be revealed to the Flames of Perfection. Bithe'vah was believed to cleanse everything of its sins, curses, and maladies, leaving only purity and perfection in its wake. However, with the Ascension of the Father, the definition of Bithe'vah has been redefined for the New Age:

 

It is now understood as the act of a convergence of the Material Realm—the unifying of the world into a single, untouched state of existence, a canvas that will bear no artist. This includes the removal of all worldly influences, even those who usher in this sacred day, as they ascend with its fires once their duty is complete.

 

 

The Known

In the wake of the Father’s Ascension, the material world found itself deprived of a sovereign worthy of the throne. The realm lay vulnerable, exposed to the insidious influence of the Aengudaemonic beings who once again extended their grasp over it. Below lies the Known, a term encapsulating the current state of the material world and its denizens.

 

I. The mortality of descendent-kind has been forsaken, their precious gift of life withering away as they fail to seize the reins of ascension.

 

II. No longer shall descendent-kind be regarded as the world’s driving force, for their souls and bodies too easily influenced by the Aengudaemonic presence.

 

III. The Father, having ascended in Victory, is no longer King of the Material Realm.

 

IV. The Father’s realm must be zealously safeguarded from those who would seek to taint and infiltrate it with their unworthy souls.

 

V. The Child, an eternal being, is bound by existence itself to assume the vacant throne of the Father.

 

VI. The Aengudaemonic hands must be manipulated as they reach into the Material Realm.

 

VII. Those who seek to undermine the Child's ascension shall be met with an unyielding and devastating response.

 

IX. The sanctity of the Father's legacy must be preserved, and all who challenge it shall face relentless opposition.

 

X. The ascension of the unworthy must be thwarted at all costs, let dragonfire rain down upon man. 

 

Ascension

In the Order of the Serpent, ascension represents the ultimate transcendence beyond mortal limitations, achieved through the completion of trials embodying various aspects of the Serpent. Each trial demands that aspirants demonstrate mastery over manipulation, power, and sacrifice, reflecting the essence of the Serpent’s nature. 

 

Those who aspire a place within the Order mentor beneath one of the Order’s crucial parts, undergoing a series of trials until the day of their proposed Ascension. Should they complete the tasks to determine their value to the Order, a vote will be held by the parts of the Order to determine if the aspirant shall ascend and claim a role of the Serpent itself. Should the aspirant seek to claim the role of an existing member a duel will be held on the greatest stakes a life can endure - the risk of eternal death. On the rarest of circumstances, a new role may be found within the mind of an aspirant, a feat never accomplished before. 

 

To ascend is to shed one’s mortal soul and reject their descendent-kind nature, embracing a higher, divine existence. This transformation is not merely a reward but a profound rebirth, aligning with the tenets outlined in The Known. It is a necessary step for those who seek to contribute to Bithe'vah, the grand cleansing of the world, as it signifies their readiness to fulfill the role of the Serpent’s embodiment.

 

 Ascension thus marks both the renunciation of the failures of descendent-kind and the preparation for the ultimate enactment of Bithe'vah, where the world’s flaws will be purged, and only the purified will remain. 

 

 

The Serpent

The Serpent in itself is that of an Egregore - an entity that will form through the collective beliefs and actions of those who embody its existence. Each Nephilim within the Order takes upon a part of the Serpent to serve as a physical representation of it. Bithe’vah cannot come until the entire Serpent has been formed, as it is the Serpent that will be the weapon which is Bithe’vah - the Serpent that consumes reality itself.  Should a part of the Serpent fail to the highest degree, it will be severed in an attempt to save those that remain.

 

To accompany the Nephilim of the Order, the Serpent is also manifested in a series of relics and artifacts that members of the order wield. The Nephilim that make up the Serpent  act as a joint council of the Way of the Serpent. These Nephilim cannot be intercepted from other groups of Nephilim, nor can they be outsiders. Nephilim within the Way of the Serpent can only be created from students within the Order. All nephilim are teachers, and are expected to contribute to guiding the mind of those who fall upon the bed of our lies. Nephilim of this path are signified by a wispy, serpentine voice. Their voices sound as if there are multiple whispers behind it. Should you be in the room of a Nephilim from this path, you will often hear otherworldly voices accompanying them. Many take upon yellow or golden fires to further tie themselves to this Way.

 

(Roles that are filled are denoted with a * )

 

The Tongue*

The Tongue of the Serpent embodies the aspect of manipulation and lies. To achieve greatness, all things must be accounted for—whether it be deception, politics, persuasion, or preaching. Nothing should be overlooked to accomplish what must be achieved. The foundation of this Way relies on the interpretation of the Serpent; how it is portrayed determines the success of Bithe’vah. The Tongue is the voice that guides and misguides, weaving the narratives that lead followers and foes alike toward the ultimate goal.

 

The Eye*

The Eye of the Serpent serves as the ceremonial figurehead of the Order's beliefs, guiding all aspirants and Parts of the Serpent through the rituals ordained by prophecy. The Eye shares prophecies and leads rituals to strengthen the belief in and conviction toward Bithe’vah, celebrating ascendants who achieve their place within the Serpent. The Eye oversees all, ensuring that every step taken is in alignment with the sacred path, providing vision and insight into the Serpent’s ultimate design.

 

The Heart*

The Heart of the Serpent is the gamemaker and teacher who upholds the Order. This role ensures that all members perform their duties effectively, propelling students forward and designing trials to test their resolve and capabilities. The Heart maintains the Order's structure, providing guidance and support to ensure that every part of the Serpent works in harmony toward the fulfillment of Bithe’vah.

 

The Gut

The Gut of the Serpent emphasizes the importance of timing, mercy, and diligence. Serpents must know when to recede into the shadows and when to strike. It is crucial that they practice restraint and patience, avoiding the pitfalls of greed and overreach. The Gut serves as counsel for decision-making, balancing morals and pragmatism, and ensuring that the Serpent's hunger is satisfied at the right moment without succumbing to reckless ambition.

 

The Fang

The Fang of the Serpent is its most notable feature, executing the orders of the Council with deadly precision. This role is responsible for teaching combat techniques, assassination methods, and espionage skills. The Fang strikes swiftly and decisively, ensuring that the goals of the Order are met through direct and often lethal action. They are the enforcers and protectors of the Serpent’s will, eliminating threats with cold efficiency.

 

The Tail

The Tail of the Serpent is the great Inquisitor of the Way, tasked with excising those who would hinder the coming of the Holy Day. The Tail constricts around enemies, eliminating them before they realize the danger. Teaching the art of appearing unassuming and using the element of surprise, the Tail ensures that the Serpent can strike effectively from the shadows. They are the guardians of the Order’s secrecy and integrity, rooting out and destroying internal and external threats.

 

The Scale

The Scale of the Serpent is the creator and smith, crafting and tinkering to advance the Order’s cause. This role is responsible for producing the tools, weapons, and artifacts necessary for the Serpent’s members to fulfill their duties. The Scale’s creations are essential for the survival and success of the Order, providing the means to overcome challenges and achieve Bithe’vah.

 

The Flame

The Flame of the Serpent is the screamer and martyr, the one who professes the beliefs of the Order to the world through fire. This role is for the loudest and most fervent members, those who are unafraid to proclaim the Serpent’s teachings and incite others to follow. The Flame inspires and rallies the faithful, sacrificing themselves if necessary to ensure that the message of Bithe’vah is heard and heeded. They are the torchbearers of the Order’s ideology, spreading its influence far and wide.

 

The Shadow

The Shadow of the Serpent is the master of stealth and subterfuge. This role involves gathering intelligence, spying on enemies, and executing covert operations. The Shadow works unseen, collecting vital information and performing tasks that require absolute secrecy. They are the unseen hand that manipulates events from behind the scenes.

 

The Wing

The Wing of the Serpent embodies the dual aspects of freedom and protection, essential for expanding the Order’s influence while ensuring its safety and stability. This role involves exploring new territories, establishing the Order’s presence in distant lands, and gathering vital information to identify opportunities for expansion. The Wing ensures the Order remains aware of external developments, allowing it to react swiftly to potential threats or opportunities.

 

 

The Trials

There are many trials that lay ahead of those who seek to join the Order of the Serpent. The first of these trials is unofficial, and refers to the discernment of prospective students. It is well known that the Order only takes students should they believe they can provide an unfilled, substantial role to the Order’s current standing.

 

Students will be selected sparingly throughout time. Whether it be a stranger that approached the lands in which the order holds, or a selected being amidst a crowd in a town. These students enter a high stakes game which is their trials. They will be filtered and tested to ensure that they can serve a purpose. There may even be times, in which one does not know they have been entered onto these trials. 

 

Aspirants may select their trials based on their interest within the order. Once the completion of TWO trials has been made a marking is bestowed upon the aspirant. Once a total of FIVE trials has been made the marking is enhanced, expanding the power of the aspirant so that they may complete a total of SEVEN trials before undergoing the Serpent’s Trial. 

 

The Tongue

The aspirant must infiltrate a high-stakes political or social gathering, using their skills in persuasion, deception, and rhetoric to manipulate key figures and influence the outcome in the Order’s favor. This trial serving as one in which the aspirant can show their ability to subtly steer conversations, sow discord among enemies, and secure alliances without revealing their true intentions.

 

The Eye

To understand the role of the eye, the aspirant is set out on a quest, seeking prophetic insights through engaging with the ebb and flow of the world on the most sacred of degrees. They must return with a vision of the Order’s future, interpret its significance, and lead a ritual that aligns the Order’s actions with this prophecy, demonstrating their ability to foresee and guide the path to Bithe’vah.

 

The Heart

The aspirant is tasked with designing a trial of their own design. This trial is one that they will undergo themselves as the results of such is studied by the Order. To succeed in this trial it must have a positive reflection on the members of the Serpent. There are no bounds that this trial may follow, leaving it to the hands of the one who undergoes it. 

 

The Gut

The aspirant must navigate a series of moral and strategic dilemmas, making difficult decisions that balance mercy, pragmatism, and timing. They must demonstrate their ability to exercise restraint and patience, striking only when the moment is right. The options of this trial are determined by the member of the Order which presents it to the aspirant. Their success is judged by the outcomes of their decisions and their ability to maintain the Serpent’s integrity without succumbing to reckless ambition.

 

The Fang

To complete this trial the aspirant is given a target of the Order’s choice. To complete it the aspirant must effectively carry out a mission utilizing any tools available to ensure its success.. This trial tests their combat prowess, stealth, and precision. The completion of this trial is determined by their ability to complete the mission swiftly and efficiently, leaving no trace of their involvement.

 

The Tail

The trial of the Tail involves an aspirant being taken to a busy square. Upon which the giver of the trial will disguise themselves into the crowd. The aspirant will then be tasked to use the skills imparted onto them to find them within  the crowd. The goal of this being the aspirant's ability to process the world and threats around them to use them to their own gain.

 

The Talon

The Aspirant will be set out on a mission decided by the Order. They are to take their own students or companions to form a small force of warriors to show their capability to lead. They must complete the goal set forwards at all costs necessary. Lives may be lost, blood can be spilled, the only thing that matters is that the task at hand is completed.

 

The Scale

The aspirant is tasked with designing and crafting a unique artifact or weapon that addresses a specific need of the Order. They must demonstrate their creativity, technical skill, and understanding of the Order’s requirements. Success is measured by the functionality, innovation, and impact of their creation on the Order’s missions.

 

The Flame

The aspirant must publicly profess a strong belief of the Known, inciting passion and loyalty among the faithful while enduring intense scrutiny and opposition. They must demonstrate unwavering conviction and the ability to inspire others, even in the face of personal danger. In many instances this may incite a riot, in others this may rally more to the cause.

 

The Shadow

The aspirant must gather critical intelligence on a formidable enemy without being detected. This involves infiltrating enemy territory, collecting vital information, and returning undetected. To succeed in this trial the success is determined by the one which holds the trial and the measurement of the accuracy and value of the intelligence gathered and their ability to remain unseen throughout the mission.

 

The Wing

The aspirant must explore a new territory or realm  as well as establish a connection for the Order to begin its workings within it. They must demonstrate their ability to adapt to new environments, gather intelligence, and expand the Order’s influence. Success is judged by their ability to establish a foothold and provide valuable insights for the Order’s strategic planning.

 

 

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The Serpent's Trial

The Trial of the Serpent, and the last trial of the Order, is that of ascension. It is in this trial that the student will stand before the Order, giving their plea to be fully implemented into the Serpent’s Workings. A vote will take place, should a ⅔ majority be achieved then the student will be granted ascension onto the Serpent. It is here that the final sacrifice will take place as their soul becomes consumed by the very entity before them, a flame claiming the husk of a body that is to be left behind.

 

 

Spoiler

If you are interest in this form of roleplay, please join the discord! 

 

https://discord.gg/SgDeHETxys