Lands of Tyranny
Day 17 of The Centaur, Year 416
The Rot
Beastkin Beliefs
Natural order, Law of the strongest, Raw nature, Natural disasters, Natural evolution, Decay.
In the beginning, there was chaos and pure, formless life—an untamed expanse where potential thrived unchecked. From this boundless energy, The Raws emerged naturally, each manifesting the inherent strength and vitality of the world. Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire arose not by design but from the raw power of existence itself, sculpting the world through their dynamic interplay. As these forces shaped the landscapes, animals, Beastkin beastkins, and other creatures were born from the environments most suited to their nature, each adapted to thrive under the influence of their respective Raw.
Scholars consider The Rot a well-known manifestation of Venatus (venatus-khonvoum-sylvar), if not completely overlapping with it. The Rot is the main entity worshiped by the Beastkin and the one that also incarnates The Raws, the various natural powers that manifest in reality, in turn, at least according to some scholars, all manifestations of Venatus.
The Raws
Beastkin do not accept the strength of creatures or things that can not be seen. Their pragmatic minds will contemplate nothing that does not manifest its power into reality: this shows in their beliefs, too, and shapes their worship of the Rot and the Raws. Bolverks are said to draw their wisdom, knowledge, and divine connection from The Raws, using them to grant boons to their warriors, to feed the Rot, or to bring calamity and diseases to their enemies. The Rot is not something that is often invoked to ask for help, as usually such requests might go against the natural order of things, but something that needs to be fed and feared. Infections and disease are feared in particular as emissaries of the Rot, being forces that can bring down even the strongest of the fighters and the Beastkin can not oppose.
Earth, the Stalwart Provider Earth is both a nurturer and a force of destruction: it provides the solid foundation from which all life springs and the cataclysmic shifts that forge mountains and valleys. Its dual nature is revered by the Beastkin, who see Earth as a guardian of life and an ever-present reminder of the world’s changing face, even more so by those tribes living in caves or in the corners of the Underworld.
Water, the Shaper Water is both a nurturer and a force of destruction: it carves the land with gentle streams and ravages shores with fierce floods. Beastkin living near water bodies honor its capacity to sustain life and respect its potential to reclaim it, embodying Water’s dual role in their rituals and myths.
Wind, the Howler Wind is both a nurturer and a force of destruction: it carries the seeds of new growth across vast distances and heralds devastating storms. Revered for its elusive nature, the Beastkin view
Wind as a critical guide and a powerful force capable of altering the very landscapes they inhabit.
Fire, the Dual-Hearted Fire is both a nurturer and a force of destruction: it warms the frozen and consumes the forests. In the coldest realms, Fire is the center of life, essential for heat and surviving harsh winters, yet it is feared for its destructive power. Beastkin balance their dependence on Fire with a deep respect for its fierce and transformative nature.
The Eternal Cycle
Under the ever-watchful presence of The Rot, these elemental forces—The Raws—maintain the world’s balance through their continuous interplay. The Rot itself does not govern but is the embodiment of the inevitable cycle of decay and renewal that underpins existence. It is the eternal cycle where life arises from decay, and strength is born from the remnants of the old. This cycle is fundamental to Beastkins’ philosophy, shaping their understanding of life, death, and rebirth and guiding their interactions with the world around them.
The beliefs of Beastkin are deeply intertwined with their commitment to the natural order: these bring them not only to value the principle of ‘survival of the fittest’, which includes first of all strength, prowess, ability to survive in an environment, adaptability, but also other characteristics that bring success to an individual but also to their rejection of civilization: the cycle of life and death teaches that all must return to the earth to foster new growth. Permanent settlements and the accumulation of material wealth contradict this teaching, causing a separation from the very cycle that sustains life, on top of causing a great risk for those who embrace it, as they would grow weak and lazy, both physically and mentally. To embrace civilization would be to deny the principles of The Rot, leading to mental and physical decay as surely as that follows the denial of natural laws.
Sacred Sites
Each of The Raws has sites where its power is more explicitly manifested and where Beastkin feels a deeper connection to the world. These sites often include:
Great Trees and Ancient Forests for Earth, where roots dig deep into the ground, embodying the strength and endurance of the earth. Mighty Rivers and Waterfalls for Water, places where water shows both its nurturing and destructive power. High Peaks and Open Plains for Wind, where the air moves with great force and clarity. Volcanic Fields and Natural Hot Springs for Fire, where the earth itself breathes flames and warmth. At these sites, Beastkin perform ceremonies and leave offerings to appease and commune with The Raws and The Rot. These locations are often marked with totems and symbols crafted from materials found in the surrounding area, connecting their religious practices directly to the land.
Totems
Totems, crafted with meticulous care from the bones of fallen creatures, enemies, or even tribe members, as well as from wood, sticks, and other natural elements, can be more than just symbols. They are the very essence of tribal identity, protection, and communal unity. These totems, whether simple and symbolic or intricately carved and decorated, stand as a testament to the skill and reverence of the craftsmen who created them. These totems represent the essence of life and The Rot and, at times, specific Raws. Each totem is positioned strategically around dwellings, at the borders of territories, and in sacred spaces. More than mere markers, they act as guardians against malevolent forces and as beacons attracting beneficial energies; reinforce the bond between the Beastkin and the natural world, reminding all tribe members of the enduring strength and wisdom passed down through generations, as well as the reverence for the cycles of life and death, and act as both a reminder of and a commitment to the natural order.
Rituals and Practices
Small daily or seasonal rituals play a crucial role in Beastkin life, maintaining a constant connection with The Raws. One such ritual involves planting seeds or spreading mushroom spores in the remains of meals or near fecal matter, symbolizing the belief in life springing from decay—a core principle taught by The Rot. This act is a practical application of their reverence for life cycles and serves as a lesson to the young on the importance of respecting and nurturing the environment.
Another common practice is the creation of temporary shelters or tools that are deliberately left to decay after their use, symbolizing the transient nature of physical existence and the importance of returning what is borrowed from the earth.
When a Beastkin is nearing the end of their life and their strength is waning, the tribe calls it the Last Passage. In this solemn ritual, the dying one faces their tribe alone, a testament to their bravery in their final moments. Once they die, the Bolverk or the Primal consume their heart, a symbolic act to inherit the knowledge and strength of the Beastman. The corpse is then respectfully placed away from the camp, left to decay as an offering to the Rot, a final act of reverence and respect.
Authors: Vlaek, Rashan
