The Seekers of the Celestial Veil

Origins:

Origin Story:

The Seekers of the Celestial Veil were originally a group of scholars, musicians, and storytellers from Bardtown, a city famed for its rich traditions of oral history, music, and arts. Bardtown itself sits on the edge of Song Tide, a region known for its mystic energies, and its proximity to both the sea and the heavens made it a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance.

The founders of the Seekers were once members of Bardtown’s intellectual and artistic elite. They were particularly fascinated by the stories of celestial beings, the myths passed down through songs, and the deep cultural ties between the people of Song Tide and the stars above. The celestial bodies in the night sky were seen not only as metaphors in their stories but as vital, guiding forces in their lives.

Over time, however, the founders began to feel that Bardtown’s focus on music and tales of the past left little room for the true understanding of the stars. They saw the city as a place full of distractions and excess, where the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual ascension was being drowned out by the chaos of culture and society. They felt that the celestial bodies held the answers to the future of Deluvia, answers that could save the world from an impending doom.

Driven by visions of a coming cataclysm and the belief that they could find the answers by studying the heavens, the founders left Bardtown. They traveled to the Riftlands, where the jagged spires and high rifts offered a closer connection to the stars and a quiet sanctuary away from society’s distractions.

Influence of Bardtown on the Seekers’ Beliefs:

The Seekers’ religious and mystical practices still carry remnants of Bardtown’s rich artistic traditions, even in their isolated existence. Music, storytelling, and poetry play a subtle but integral role in their spiritual practices:

  • Celestial Hymns: The Seekers of the Celestial Veil still sing ancient hymns, passed down from their time in Bardtown, to honor the stars and the celestial events. These songs are said to help align their souls with the heavens, preparing them for the revelations the stars might bring.
  • The Star’s Tale: While the Seekers are primarily focused on cosmic knowledge, they still believe in the importance of telling the Star’s Tale, a great narrative that is said to be written in the constellations. Each Seeker is encouraged to contribute to this tale, which tells the story of the world’s beginning, its middle, and the prophecy of its end.
  • The Celestial Orchestra: The Seekers believe that the stars play a divine “music” that they can tap into during specific celestial alignments. Though they left Bardtown, the Founders’ fascination with music lives on in their belief that the movements of the heavens are like a grand orchestra. They view their spiritual practices as a form of listening to the celestial symphony, attuning their souls to the music of the cosmos.

Believing these signs were harbingers of the apocalypse, the Seekers abandoned their former lives. They set off in search of a place where they could study the stars uninterrupted, hoping to uncover divine answers about the nature of the world’s impending destruction.

Location:

The Observatory of the Rift is perched high on one of the jagged rifts of the Riftlands, an area torn apart by the great cataclysm. Towering spires of stone rise from the Long Sea, remnants of what was once stable land. The rifts provide an ideal vantage point to the stars, and the Seekers believe these elevated positions allow them to be closer to the heavens, where they believe the answers to the apocalypse lie.

The Riftlands themselves are a dangerous and volatile region—its jagged peaks and deep chasms are not only hard to traverse but often filled with ancient ruins, dangerous creatures, and remnants of past civilizations. Few are willing to venture into the Riftlands, making it an ideal hiding place for the Seekers and their study. The Long Sea, now partially teeming with life but also a desolate wasteland, surrounds the region, making the area nearly inaccessible.

Beliefs and Mysticism:

The Seekers’ central tenet is that the cosmos, the stars, and the movements of celestial bodies are not just metaphysical phenomena but signs of an impending cosmic event. The Seekers view the heavens as a divine message, a veil between their world and a greater one, and they believe that unlocking the secrets of the stars will reveal the path to survival—or the inevitability of the world’s end.

Their central belief is known as the Veil of Celestial Truth. According to their teachings, the world’s fate is intertwined with the stars, and only by understanding the stars’ alignment can they avert or prepare for the coming apocalypse. The Seekers perform nightly rituals under the stars, meditating, observing, and attempting to interpret celestial movements. They believe the appearance of certain constellations marks the phases of the apocalypse.

Key elements of their beliefs include:

  1. The Celestial Eye: A symbol representing the convergence of the cosmos and the mind’s eye. It is said that those who understand the stars will gain the ability to perceive the truth of all things—past, present, and future. The Seekers believe their order will be the only ones who can see through the Celestial Veil that clouds mankind’s understanding of the world.
  2. The Five Rings of the Cosmos: The Seekers interpret the universe in five rings that represent different planes of existence—spiritual, physical, divine, chaotic, and temporal. They believe that the coming apocalypse will bring these rings into alignment, causing the world to enter a new phase of existence. Some believe this phase will be a cleansing, others think it will be a rebirth. Either way, the Seekers believe that by preparing their souls and minds, they will be able to transcend to a higher plane of existence.
  3. The Prophecy of the Falling Star: The Seekers believe that when a star falls from the sky and crashes into Deluvia, the final prophecy will be fulfilled. This event will signal the last days and open a portal to an unknown realm, potentially leading to a new era or the end of everything. The Seekers believe they must prepare by uncovering knowledge from the ancient ruins and studying cosmic events, as they believe they will be the chosen ones to either guide the world through the event or escape it entirely.

The Observatory:

At the heart of the Seekers’ faith is their Celestial Observatory, a massive structure built atop a rift that juts out of the sea. The observatory houses the Great Telescope of the Celestial Veil, an immense instrument crafted using the highest craftsmanship, magic, and technology, allowing the Seekers to study the stars in greater detail than anyone else in Deluvia. The telescope is said to be able to see into the very heart of the cosmos, allowing them to decipher the patterns of the stars and predict celestial events that could be tied to the end of the world.

The observatory is both a place of study and a temple. The Seekers gather here to meditate, pray, and observe celestial events, holding grand ceremonies during eclipses, meteor showers, or other significant celestial occurrences. The monks wear robes adorned with symbols of the cosmos—stars, constellations, and the five rings—and their chanting echoes through the riftlands, adding an eerie, mystical ambiance to the region.

Practices:

  1. Starwatching Rituals: Each night, the Seekers perform a ritual where they gather on the cliffs of their riftlands observatory and spend hours observing the stars. During significant events like eclipses or meteor showers, the Seekers believe the heavens communicate directly with them.
  2. The Path of Ascendance: New initiates into the Seekers’ order must undergo a trial known as the Path of Ascendance. They are sent to wander the Riftlands alone for a period of time, meditating on the stars and communing with the heavens. The journey is fraught with danger, and many do not return, believed to have been taken by the gods or lost in the vast, tumultuous terrain.
  3. The Celestial Divination: The Seekers often engage in divination, using the patterns of stars and celestial events to read the future. Their predictions are highly respected, though also feared, as they are seen as both harbingers of doom and potential guides through the coming cataclysm.

Leadership:

The Seekers are led by a council known as the Starborn Circle, composed of the most senior monks, all of whom have spent decades studying the stars. The highest-ranking monk, known as the Elder of the Celestial Eye, is said to have the greatest connection to the stars and can see the future through the celestial patterns. This Elder is both a spiritual and political leader within the order.

Theories on the Apocalypse:

The Seekers have differing views on the nature of the apocalypse. Some believe the alignment of the stars will bring a great cataclysm that will destroy the current world, while others hold that it will lead to the birth of a new cosmic order. In either case, the Seekers see themselves as protectors of this knowledge, believing that they must either guide the world through the coming change or prepare for transcendence.

Current Influence:

While the Seekers remain a secluded and mysterious order, their growing influence has begun to attract attention. Some view them as dangerous zealots predicting the end of the world, while others seek their counsel on the mysterious celestial phenomena. They remain neutral in political conflicts but are growing in number as more individuals are drawn to their prophecy.

Their role in the coming years will be crucial as the world’s fate becomes intertwined with the celestial mysteries they study.

Key Characters:

1. Elder Astralus (Elder of the Celestial Eye)

  • Role: Spiritual and Political Leader of the Seekers
  • Description: Elder Astralus is the highest-ranking monk, revered for his deep connection to the stars. His pale blue eyes are said to shine like the distant stars themselves. He is a quiet, enigmatic figure, often found in the small chapel, meditating in front of the glowing orb of the Celestial Eye. He speaks in cryptic riddles about the future, believing that the stars have revealed the ultimate truth of the world’s end. His hands are worn from years of study, and his long, gray beard gives him the appearance of someone who has seen many lifetimes pass by.
  • Personality: Despite his age and wisdom, Astralus is somewhat aloof, dedicated to his visions of the coming apocalypse. He rarely engages with outsiders but can be incredibly persuasive when speaking about his prophecies. Many view him as both a guide and a harbinger, a figure of great reverence but also quiet fear.
  • Belief: He believes that the Celestial Eye will reveal a cosmic event in the near future—a star’s fall that will either signal the rebirth of the world or its destruction. His personal meditation focuses on uncovering the exact moment when this prophecy will come to pass.

2. Sister Calenor (The Stargazer)

  • Role: Lead Scholar and Astrologer
  • Description: Sister Calenor is the chief scholar of the Seekers, with a brilliant mind for both astronomy and divination. She has sharp, observant eyes and a calm demeanor, which she uses to decipher celestial patterns. Her dark hair is always neatly tied back, and she is often seen with a telescope lens or scroll in hand, studying the skies. Calenor is a patient teacher and spends much of her time mentoring the younger Seekers.
  • Personality: Calenor is logical, focused, and practical—qualities that sometimes clash with the more abstract and mystical beliefs of the order. She is fiercely protective of the Seekers’ teachings and tends to get frustrated with those who seek to understand the stars without first dedicating themselves to the discipline of the study. Though she is stern, she is not without warmth for those who prove themselves worthy.
  • Belief: Calenor believes the prophecy is a series of interconnected events that can be prevented if the Seekers discover the right celestial alignment. She is skeptical of some of Astralus’ more apocalyptic interpretations and seeks more concrete, calculable answers. She spends long nights tracking the movements of distant stars, convinced that a sign will emerge soon.

3. Brother Ilden (The Keeper of the Veil)

  • Role: Guardian of the Celestial Scrolls
  • Description: Brother Ilden is a keeper of the ancient texts and sacred scrolls passed down through the generations. His small, wiry frame contrasts with the vast knowledge he carries. Ilden has a quiet presence and is often seen in the library, carefully restoring old books or transcribing new findings into the order’s archives. His fingers are stained with ink from years of meticulous writing, and his glasses are perched at the edge of his nose as he inspects star charts.
  • Personality: Ilden is humble, quiet, and reserved. He is deeply devoted to the order but sometimes questions the unyielding devotion to the prophecy. He’s more interested in preserving the knowledge than in interpreting it as Astralus or Calenor does. While he respects his fellow monks, he occasionally wishes they would spend less time in mysticism and more time documenting the realities of their world.
  • Belief: Ilden believes that while the stars may have answers, they are not as simple as the monks believe. He thinks that the coming event could be a natural phenomenon, and he seeks to preserve the knowledge of the stars to help the Seekers survive it—whether it is an apocalypse or not.

4. Novice Lira (The Seeker)

  • Role: New Initiate into the Order
  • Description: Lira is a young, bright-eyed novice who joined the Seekers a few years ago. She is deeply curious about the stars and is eager to prove herself in the eyes of her mentors. She came from a distant land and, like many, was drawn to the Seekers’ prophecy after hearing of the strange celestial events. Lira’s dark brown hair often falls into her face as she bends over star charts and ancient texts. She is not as physically strong as some of the other monks but possesses a keen intellect and a natural talent for observation.
  • Personality: Lira is enthusiastic, idealistic, and deeply passionate about her studies. She has an unshakeable belief in the prophecy, even though her understanding is still growing. She looks up to Astralus and Calenor but is also aware that the world she is joining is fraught with uncertainty and dangerous unknowns. She is full of wonder and a sense of urgency about the future of the world.
  • Belief: Lira has completely embraced the teachings of the Seekers, believing wholeheartedly in the coming prophecy. Her greatest hope is to discover the precise moment when the stars will align and to be ready when it happens.

5. Brother Malak (The Watcher)

  • Role: Keeper of the Watch Tower, Guardian of the Riftlands
  • Description: Brother Malak is a rugged and stoic monk who stands guard over the observatory’s high rift, watching for any signs of danger from outside or celestial phenomena. While most of the monks stay within the sanctuary, Malak is always on alert, ever ready to defend the monastery or report unusual events. His tan skin is weathered from exposure to the elements, and his face is marked with the scars of past conflicts with the dangerous creatures of the Riftlands. He is the most outwardly physical of the monks, skilled in survival, and has a sharp sense of alertness.
  • Personality: Malak is practical, no-nonsense, and fiercely protective of his fellow monks. He has a deeply spiritual side but tends to keep it hidden, focusing more on the here-and-now. While he believes in the prophecy, he’s less concerned with the fate of the world and more focused on survival and preparing for any immediate threats to the order.
  • Belief: Malak believes the prophecy holds some truth, but he’s uncertain if the stars have the power to change the fate of the world. His primary concern is ensuring that the Seekers are ready for any eventuality, whether the world ends or not.

Quests

Quests that Can Drive Players to the Observatory:

  1. The Falling Star Prophecy:
    • Quest Giver: A distraught scholar or celestial priest from outside the Riftlands, who has heard rumors of the Seekers’ prophecy and believes that the stars’ fall could be linked to an impending disaster.
    • Objective: The player is tasked with traveling to the Seekers of the Celestial Veil to confirm or disprove the prophecy of the “Falling Star,” a celestial event that some believe will herald the end of the world.
    • Challenge: The players must first gain the trust of the Seekers, who are suspicious of outsiders. They must undergo a series of trials—either intellectual tests or spiritual rites—to prove their worth.
    • Outcome: The players may uncover an ancient map or text that reveals the possible locations of the “Falling Star” or an event tied to it. Depending on their success, the prophecy could either be true, altered, or debunked.
  2. The Celestial Alignment:
    • Quest Giver: An elder of the Seekers or a visiting astrologer.
    • Objective: A rare celestial alignment is approaching, and the Seekers believe it holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the cosmos. The player is asked to assist in preparing the observatory for the event.
    • Challenge: The players must gather rare materials from the Riftlands or other regions, some of which may be dangerous to obtain. They might also need to repair or upgrade the observatory’s telescope.
    • Outcome: Players witness a celestial event that confirms or denies the Seekers’ beliefs. This could lead to new insights about the universe, a shocking revelation, or a clue that sets off a chain of events related to the coming apocalypse.
  3. A Starfallen Messenger:
    • Quest Giver: A scholar or astronomer from a nearby city who has found a strange artifact believed to have fallen from the stars.
    • Objective: The artifact is linked to a prophetic event and has connections to the Seekers. The player is tasked with delivering it to the Observatory for further analysis and study.
    • Challenge: The artifact is cursed, magical, or dangerous. Players must survive encounters with guardians of ancient celestial knowledge, rogue factions trying to steal the artifact, or even strange visions linked to the artifact’s power.
    • Outcome: Once delivered, the artifact reveals a new celestial omen or prophecy, helping the Seekers discover new information about the apocalypse.
  4. Celestial Rites of Passage:
    • Quest Giver: Novice Lira or another Seeker initiate.
    • Objective: A new initiate has failed their trials in the Riftlands and has gone missing. The player is tasked with finding and rescuing them while navigating the treacherous terrain and dangers of the Riftlands.
    • Challenge: The players must venture into the dangerous riftlands, where they must deal with creatures, environmental hazards, and perhaps even rogue Seekers or exiles.
    • Outcome: The initiate may be found, but their experiences could reveal a deep spiritual truth about the Seekers’ faith—or perhaps a hidden conspiracy or threat to the order.

Quests Found Within the Observatory:

  1. The Silent Star (Investigation Quest):
    • Quest Giver: Sister Calenor, the Lead Scholar and Astrologer.
    • Objective: A strange star has appeared in the night sky—one that does not belong. It has moved against the known celestial patterns. Sister Calenor seeks the player’s help in investigating this anomaly, and they must spend nights in the observatory to study the star’s path.
    • Challenge: Players must assist in taking precise measurements and perform celestial divination. They may be attacked by nightmarish celestial apparitions or strange creatures that seem tied to the star’s power.
    • Outcome: The investigation reveals a cryptic message in the stars or leads to the discovery that the star is actually a signal from another realm, possibly related to the coming apocalypse. This quest could have consequences depending on the truth they uncover.
  2. The Celestial Key (Treasure Hunt):
    • Quest Giver: Brother Ilden, Keeper of the Scrolls.
    • Objective: In the library, an ancient text is discovered that mentions a Celestial Key, a forgotten artifact that is said to unlock the true power of the stars. The key is rumored to be hidden somewhere within the Riftlands.
    • Challenge: The player is sent to find the key, which is located in a hidden temple or ruins from the age of the dragons. The location is dangerous, filled with traps and celestial guardians that have waited for centuries to prevent the key from being taken.
    • Outcome: Upon retrieving the key, the player must decide whether to hand it over to the Seekers or keep it for themselves. The key might have powers that could alter the fate of the prophecy.
  3. The Trial of Ascendance (Personal Growth Quest):
    • Quest Giver: Elder Astralus, the spiritual leader.
    • Objective: Players are invited to take part in a personal trial that will help them align their spiritual and physical selves with the cosmos. The trial involves a pilgrimage to the highest rift peak, where they must meditate and face visions sent by the stars.
    • Challenge: The journey is both physically and mentally taxing. Players will face psychological challenges (visions, hallucinations, doubts about their own faith) and external challenges (dangerous wildlife or treacherous paths in the Riftlands).
    • Outcome: Successfully completing the trial grants the player deeper insight into the Seekers’ beliefs, allowing them to gain new abilities tied to celestial knowledge (such as the ability to read the stars for future events). The trial may also offer a glimpse into the player’s own destiny.
  4. The Riftborn Creatures (Combat Quest):
    • Quest Giver: Brother Malak, the Watcher.
    • Objective: Strange celestial creatures, possibly sent as harbingers of the apocalypse, have begun appearing near the Observatory. Malak believes these creatures are connected to the celestial events and asks the players to eliminate them.
    • Challenge: Players must hunt down and defeat these creatures, which could range from celestial beasts to monstrous entities twisted by the cosmic power. The creatures may also have powers related to time or space, making the battle even more dangerous.
    • Outcome: Defeating the creatures reveals that they are connected to a growing celestial storm—possibly another sign of the coming apocalypse. This quest ties the physical dangers of the Riftlands with the spiritual themes of the order.
  5. The Divination of the Falling Stars (Event-Based Quest):
    • Quest Giver: Sister Calenor or Elder Astralus.
    • Objective: The Seekers have discovered that a major celestial event—a meteor shower—is approaching, and they believe it will reveal key omens about the fate of Deluvia. The player is asked to assist in preparing the observatory and the area for this significant event.
    • Challenge: The players will need to gather special materials to enhance the observatory’s capabilities (perhaps by recovering rare crystals or making the telescope adjustments). There may also be pressure from outsiders who wish to exploit this event for their own gain, adding political intrigue.
    • Outcome: The event could yield significant revelations, such as a prophecy being fulfilled, the appearance of a celestial being, or the unveiling of a new power that affects the outcome of the apocalyptic prophecy.