Arafia

Type	Primordial Spirit
Abode	The unlit corners of Adaris
Symbol	The night sky

Arafia, the Primordial Spirit of darkness and night, was born from the chaotic energies of Astram within the Primordial Void. Arafia emerged when Daathir contemplated the void around them, bringing forth the essence of darkness as a counterpart to the light of Dharas.

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.

Relationship with Other Elements

Arafia’s influence extends into the hidden aspects of all things, from the depths of the earth to the mysteries of the oceans and the quiet forces of air. Its relationship with other elements is one of balance, ensuring that nothing is fully revealed or fully understood without the accompanying veil of mystery that Arafia represents.

• With Oras (Earth): Arafia and Oras share a connection in the deep caverns and unlit tunnels beneath the earth, where shadows and stone intertwine, representing the unseen forces that shape the world from below.

• With Jala (Water): The depths of the ocean, where light cannot penetrate, are governed by Arafia’s influence. The unknown creatures and uncharted waters symbolize the mysteries that darkness brings to the domain of Jala.

• With Shasae (Air): In the unseen winds and the silent whispers of the night, Arafia’s influence mingles with Shasae. The movement of air in the darkness reflects the elusive and ever-changing nature of Arafia’s domain.

Realm of Arafia: Noirra

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, and everything is shrouded in eternal night. In Noirra, darkness is not just a lack of light but a tangible presence, enveloping all that exists within its boundaries.

Noirra, like all of Adaris, is filled with a consciousness that permeates the darkness, a silent awareness that exists without sight or form. This realm is a place where no light exists to reveal or define; instead, it embodies the essence of the unseen and the unknown. Noirra and Aurelion, the realm of light, exist as cosmic counterpoints to each other, balancing the forces of light and darkness in the universe.

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.

Arasia: The Osia of Darkness

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.

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.

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.

See Also

• Dharas: The primordial spirit of light, Arafia's cosmic counterpart.
• Osia: The overarching magical system in Adaris.
• Arasiari: Practitioners of Arasia who manipulate the shadows and darkness.
• Noirra: The realm of Arafia, where darkness reigns.
• Cosmology of Adaris: The broader context of Adarian beliefs about the universe's origin and structure.
• Primordial Elements: The foundational aspects of reality, including light and darkness.