Morbina

Deliberately spreading disease or causing harm to others is considered a grave sin in Morbina's faith. While she believes in the natural balance of health and disease, she does not condone the malicious use of her powers.

Hoarding medicine or medical supplies, especially during times of epidemic, is seen as a violation of the community's well-being and is strongly discouraged.

Showing disrespect or disdain towards those who are afflicted by disease is considered a taboo. Morbina's followers believe that everyone is subject to the natural cycle of health and disease, and no one should be stigmatized for their condition.

Whenever a new disease or epidemic arises, it is the obligation of the faithful to collect the "First Tear" from someone afflicted and offer it at the temple. This is seen as a form of acknowledgment and respect towards Morbina's role in the natural order.

Followers are expected to engage in community service, particularly in healthcare settings. This could range from tending to the sick, distributing medicines, or educating people about hygiene and health.

Active participation in the various rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Morbina is considered an obligation for devout followers. This is seen as a way to understand and respect the balance between health and disease.

A long, flowing robe dyed in dark shades of green and brown, representing the colors of decay and disease. The robe is often adorned with patterns resembling bacteria or viral shapes.

A veil made of translucent material, worn to symbolize the thin boundary between health and sickness. It is usually embroidered with Morbina's holy symbol.

A pendant featuring Morbina's holy symbol, the Ouroboros encircling a wilted rose. It is worn by all clergy and devout followers.

Soft, leather gloves worn during rituals that involve handling items representing disease or decay. They are a symbol of the care and caution that must be exercised when dealing with the powers of disease.

Footwear made from natural materials, meant to symbolize the connection between the earth and the cycle of life and death. They are often adorned with small charms or tokens representing various ailments and cures.

A sash worn across the chest, usually in a color that contrasts with the Robe of Affliction. It is embroidered with scales, representing the delicate balance between health and disease that Morbina oversees.

For high-ranking clergy, a staff topped with a representation of Morbina's holy symbol. It is used in rituals to invoke her powers and to focus the congregation's prayers and intentions.

Lorian was a charismatic bard who traveled the lands, spreading joy and mirth wherever he went. His songs were not just of happiness, but also of the realities of life, including the inevitability of disease and death. During one of his performances, he sang a hauntingly beautiful ballad dedicated to Morbina, acknowledging her role in the grand tapestry of existence. Morbina, intrigued by this mortal who neither feared nor despised her, watched over him. As fate would have it, Lorian contracted a rare and deadly illness during his travels. Despite the best efforts of healers, his condition worsened. As he lay on his deathbed, it is said that Morbina herself visited him, her form shrouded in a veil of shadows. She whispered words of comfort to him, and as he took his final breath, a single tear from the goddess fell upon his cheek. Lorian's ballad became legendary, describing the complex relationship between mortals and the goddess of disease.

Varnak was a dark sorcerer who became obsessed with the power of diseases. He believed that by harnessing the might of plagues, he could control nations, bending them to his will. Varnak dedicated himself to Morbina, not out of reverence, but out of a desire for power. He delved deep into forbidden texts, seeking rituals and incantations to invoke the deadliest of afflictions. His actions caused untold suffering, as villages and towns were decimated by outbreaks. Morbina, while recognizing his devotion, was wary of Varnak's ambitions. His unchecked actions could disrupt the balance she sought to maintain. Varnak's end came when he attempted to unleash a cataclysmic plague, only to fall victim to it himself, a poetic justice that many believed was Morbina's own intervention.

Elara was a wise and learned scholar who spent her life studying the natural world. She saw the patterns in everything, from the changing seasons to the cycle of life and death. To Elara, Morbina was not a malevolent force but a necessary aspect of existence. She wrote extensive treatises on the role of disease in population control, ecological balance, and the evolution of species. Elara advocated for understanding and respecting diseases, not just fearing them. She established sanatoriums where the sick were cared for with dignity and compassion, and where researchers could study ailments to better comprehend them. Elara's teachings emphasized that by understanding Morbina's realm, humanity could find ways to coexist with diseases, respecting their place in the world while also seeking cures and treatments.

Beliefs:
The Cult of the Black Veil embraces the darker aspects of Morbina, seeing her as a force of retribution and control. They believe that plagues and diseases are tools to be wielded against their enemies and those they deem unworthy. The cult views sickness as a means to cleanse the world of the weak and the corrupt, making way for a stronger, purer society. They often engage in dark rituals, invoking Morbina's wrath to unleash epidemics upon their foes or areas they believe are steeped in sin.

Practices:
Members of this sect often wear black robes adorned with symbols of decay and disease. They gather in hidden temples, where they conduct ceremonies to summon and control various ailments. The cult also has a practice of deliberately infecting themselves with minor diseases, seeing it as a form of communion with their goddess. The most devoted members might even act as carriers, spreading diseases to targeted areas or individuals.

Leadership:
The cult is led by the "Veiled Hierophants," individuals who have shown an exceptional ability to harness and control diseases without succumbing to them. These leaders are both feared and revered within the cult.

Beliefs:
The Order of the Natural Balance sees Morbina as a goddess of equilibrium and the natural order. They believe that diseases play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, preventing overpopulation, and driving evolution. To them, Morbina is not inherently evil but is simply fulfilling a necessary function in the grand scheme of things. They advocate for understanding diseases, respecting their place in nature, and finding ways to coexist with them.

Practices:
Members of this sect are often herbalists, and scholars. They establish sanatoriums and research centers dedicated to studying diseases and learning to live with the disease until naturally cured. While they seek to alleviate suffering, they also emphasize the importance of not interfering too much with nature's course. Rituals in this sect often involve meditation, reflection on the cycle of life and death, and prayers for wisdom and understanding.

Leadership:
The Order is led by the "Guardians of Equilibrium," wise individuals who have dedicated their lives to studying the intricacies of diseases and their role in nature. They are respected figures in the community, often sought out for their knowledge.

This is the most sacred relic associated with Morbina. Legend has it that this tear was shed by Morbina herself over the death of a beloved mortal. The tear, crystallized into a beautiful, clear glass droplet, is said to embody both her power and her compassion. It serves as a poignant reminder of the deity's dual nature – her capacity to both inflict and mourn suffering. The Glass Tear is often displayed on a velvet cushion within a protective case, and it's brought out during special ceremonies or times of great epidemic to offer solace to the afflicted.

A sealed vial containing a sample of the very first disease that Morbina is believed to have introduced to the world. The vial is ornate, crafted from dark metal and adorned with symbols representing various pathogens.

A beautifully crafted scale made of dark wood and polished metal. One side holds a representation of health (often a blooming flower or a radiant sun), while the other holds a representation of disease (a wilting flower or a shadowed moon). The scale, always in perfect balance, signifies the delicate equilibrium between health and disease in the world.

An ancient book detailing various diseases, their symptoms, and their effects on societies throughout history. The tome is not just a medical record but also a philosophical reflection on the role of disease in shaping civilizations and cultures. It's often used by the clergy to educate and offer perspective during outbreaks.

• Purpose: To recognize the onset of a new disease or epidemic and seek Morbina's guidance.
• Procedure: A gathering is held at the nearest temple or shrine of Morbina. The afflicted or their representatives bring forth a sample of tainted water, soil, or a piece of cloth from the sick person. The high priest or priestess then places these items on the altar, lights incense, and recites prayers acknowledging the disease and asking for Morbina's insight into its nature and purpose.

• Purpose: To mourn the first death from a new disease and to seek Morbina's mercy.
• Procedure: The community gathers, and a procession is formed, leading to the temple. The deceased is wrapped in a white shroud, representing purity and innocence. The Glass Tear of Sorrow is displayed prominently. Prayers are offered, asking Morbina to limit the suffering and to show compassion to the living.

• Purpose: To remind the community of the balance between health and disease and to seek protection during an outbreak.
• Procedure: Participants form two lines, representing health and disease. They walk in parallel, chanting hymns dedicated to Morbina. At the temple's entrance, they intertwine, symbolizing the delicate balance. Inside, they place offerings of healing herbs and symbols of disease on the Balance Scale, praying for equilibrium.

• Purpose: To offer solace and support to those directly affected by a disease.
• Procedure: Families of the afflicted hold a night-long vigil at the temple. Morbina's Veil is draped over the main altar, and candles are lit around it. Throughout the night, stories of recovery, resilience, and hope are shared. The veil serves as a symbol of the thin boundary between health and sickness.

• Purpose: To celebrate the end of an epidemic and to give thanks to Morbina for her lessons.
• Procedure: A grand festival is organized, marking the end of suffering. People wear colorful clothes, and the streets are decorated with flowers. A large feast is prepared, and the community comes together to eat, dance, and sing. The high point is the release of white doves, symbolizing the souls freed from the grip of the disease and the hope for a healthier future.

• Purpose: To meditate on the lessons learned from an outbreak and to prepare for future challenges.
• Procedure: Held annually on the anniversary of a significant epidemic's end. The community gathers at the temple, where the Tome of Afflictions is read aloud. This serves as a reminder of past challenges and the importance of vigilance, understanding, and compassion.

This heresy argues that Morbina's plagues are not just a natural part of the world but are actually inevitable and necessary for individual spiritual growth. Followers of this doctrine believe that everyone must willingly expose themselves to disease to truly understand life's fragility and to grow spiritually. They argue that avoiding sickness of disease is an affront to Morbina and disrupts the natural balance she maintains.

This heresy posits that Morbina's true desire is not to inflict disease but to test humanity's ability to overcome it. Followers believe that by mastering medicine and eradicating diseases, they are fulfilling Morbina's ultimate plan. They see her as a goddess of challenges, not of plagues, and think that by conquering diseases, they are proving their worth and understanding of the cosmic balance.

Founder: Seraphina Darkthorn
Seraphina Darkthorn, a charismatic herbalist, founded this cult claiming to have received a special revelation from Morbina. According to her, the wilted rose in Morbina's symbol actually represents a secret elixir that grants immunity from all diseases. Members of this cult focus on finding this mythical elixir, disregarding Morbina's teachings about the natural balance of health and disease. They believe that once they find the elixir, they will become Morbina's chosen ones, immune to all ailments.

Founder: Malachai the Unveiled
Malachai claims that the Ouroboros in Morbina's symbol is a lie and that the cycle of life, death, and rebirth can be broken. He teaches that diseases are not a part of any natural balance but are curses that can be lifted. Members of this cult engage in rituals aimed at "breaking the circle," which they believe will free them from the cycle of health and disease, making them immortal. They often alter Morbina's holy symbol to show the Ouroboros broken, signifying their belief in the possibility of escaping the natural order.

Founder: Elysia Weepwillow
Elysia Weepwillow, a former high priestess, claims to have been visited by Morbina in a dream where she was given a vial containing the goddess's tear. She asserts that this tear has the power to either cure any disease or inflict incurable plagues. Members of this cult see Morbina as a goddess to be bargained with, not revered or understood. They believe that by offering significant sacrifices, they can persuade Elysia to use the tear for their benefit, either to cure loved ones or to inflict disease upon their enemies.