Arafia

Arafia

Realm	Noirra
Aspect	Darkness, The night sky
Osia	Arasia

Arafia, the primordial spirit of darkness and night, emerged from the chaotic energies of Astram within the Primordial Void. Born as a counterbalance to the radiant force of Dharas, Arafia is not merely the absence of light, but the embodiment of the unseen, the force that shrouds, protects, and transforms. Its presence defines the mysteries of the night, the silence of the unknown, and the infinite depths yet to be discovered.

Nature and influence

Arafia is not merely the absence of light; it is a presence in its own right, a force that shapes the world just as surely as its radiant counterpart, Dharas. Arafia embodies the night sky, the shadows that dance in the corners of perception, and the darkness that conceals mysteries untold. It represents the unknown, the unseen, and the hidden depths of existence.

Where light reveals, Arafia conceals. It is the embodiment of everything yet to be discovered, the potential for transformation and wisdom that lies within the unknown. Just as the night brings rest, introspection, and dreams, Arafia governs the mysteries of the mind and the spirit, offering insight into the subconscious and the uncharted territories of existence.

The physical world of Adaris hangs between these two realms, as if suspended on a string. As the world turns, it shifts between the influence of Noirra and Aurelion, creating the cycles of day and night.

Relationship with other elements

Arafia’s influence seeps into the hidden aspects of all things, the unseen currents of the ocean depths, the hushed passages of the wind through unseen corridors, and the forgotten hollows within the earth where light has never reached. It exists wherever there is mystery, ensuring that nothing is fully revealed, preserving the balance between knowledge and the unknown.

Realm

The realm of Arafia, known as Noirra, is a domain of pure darkness. Unlike any other realm, Noirra is a vast expanse where no light can penetrate. It is a place of absolute blackness, where sight is impossible. In Noirra, darkness is not just a lack of light but a tangible presence, enveloping all that exists within its boundaries.

Noirra is not an empty void but a realm where darkness itself breathes and shifts, forming unseen currents that move without light. There is no sight here, yet presence is felt, a silent awareness that extends beyond form. It is a realm where even the stars are swallowed, where silence holds as much power as speech.

Osia

The practice of Arasia is a branch of Osia that deals with the manipulation of the nascent spirits of shadows, darkness, and mystery. Practitioners of Arasia, known as Arasiari, attune themselves to the unseen and unknown, harnessing the power of darkness to influence both the physical and metaphysical realms.

Arasiari are capable of controlling and shaping shadows, drawing strength from the hidden aspects of the world. Their abilities often focus on concealment, illusion, and the exploration of the subconscious. By attuning to nascent spirits of Arafia’s essence, they can manipulate darkness as a tool, using it to hide, protect, or discover hidden truths.

Abilities of Arasiari include:

Shadow Control: The ability to control and manipulate shadows. Arasiari can shape darkness to create forms or obscure objects, using it to evade detection or create illusions.
Shadow Walking: Skilled Arasiari can travel through shadows, moving unseen from one place to another by stepping through the veil of darkness.
Night’s Insight: By meditating in complete darkness, Arasiari can connect with the hidden aspects of the mind, unlocking subconscious knowledge or gaining insight into the unknown.

Arasiari are often seen as mysterious and enigmatic figures. They are both revered and feared, for their connection to the unseen grants them a power that is difficult to comprehend. They walk the line between wisdom and secrecy, using the power of darkness to navigate the unknown and reveal truths that cannot be seen in the light.

Yet the power of darkness is not without cost. Those who dwell too long within the unseen risk becoming lost within it, their identities dissolving into the void. Some Arasiari speak of moments where their own reflections vanish, where shadows whisper secrets only they can hear. The greatest practitioners walk a delicate line—harnessing mystery without becoming consumed by it.

Significance and worship

Arafia is revered throughout Adaris as a source of wisdom, transformation, and hidden power. Temples and shrines dedicated to Arafia are often dimly lit, adorned with symbols of the night and the unseen. Rituals and practices associated with Arafia often involve meditation, dream interpretation, and the exploration of the subconscious.

Many seek Arafia's blessings for guidance in times of change, for the courage to face their fears, and for the wisdom to navigate the complexities of life. Artists and mystics find inspiration in Arafia's depths, seeking to capture the essence of the unknown in their works. Others offer prayers and sacrifices to appease the shadows and ward off nightmares.

Devotees of Arafia often wear rings or pendants of obsidian, believing the stone captures the essence of darkness. The crescent moon is a common symbol in Arafian shrines, representing both the hidden and the revealed. Certain sects practice the "Veiling," a ritual where they spend a full night blindfolded in meditation, attuning themselves to the unseen world.

Cultural practices

Night Vigils: Devotees of Arafia often hold night vigils, meditating in darkness to attune to the spirit’s influence, seeking clarity through introspection and solitude.
Shadow Festivals: Festivals celebrating the mysteries of night and the unseen often include performances and art that plays with light and shadow, symbolizing the delicate balance between the known and the unknown