Desilusion

The "Hell" realm of Ombs. A dimension that is feared as the end of all lives, yet the beginning of others. Home to the deceased, Desilusion has also been the unfortunate destination of people cursed by dark magic and others who've suffered traumatic events.

History

It is unknown when, but legends suggest that Desilusion was one of many realms created by Jereth. It is a place that reflects the deepest chasms of one's mind, forcing those trapped inside to relive their worst fears or doubts manifested as demonic forms, in the hope that they'll come to terms with their past. While it is an afterlife of sorts, it is often the destination of many an unfortunate soul cursed by dark magicks and those who've wandered into a form of insanity that reaches supernatural extremes. Those who survive these tribulations have a chance to be reincarnated or live in the realm free of torment if the world of the living nolonger suits them. Those who succumb are enslaved entirely and become wraiths that will torment a new victim. Rarely though, those with a strong will can control these evils, and they become something infinitely stranger.

Prior to the ascetic Mwatuangi becoming the master of the realm, another powerful being once served as its steward, known as Borurú. It is presumed that many others before it also did at some point.

Environment

Accounts from survivors who once visited the realm vary, but all agree that Desilusion, unlike the archetypal "Hells" of the many Earthly religions, is not essentially a place of Divine damnation and judgment, as Desilusion is not a realm associated with any particular religion, and there are no known "heavens" that the dead who live virtuous lives are believed to travel to. For the dead, it appears that the afterlife is equally a journey of self-discovery and perseverance reflected in how they respond to the consequences of the choices they made and/or make while living. As a result, there are myriad locales to be found in Desilusion. While the realm is thought to be fathomless, it nonetheless still reflects aspects of the living world; these include mountains, valleys, and other natural formations, remote populations where the dead and those trapped in the realm congregate, and on the occasion, more abstract locations that seem to be subversive mirrors of important places in the material realm.

There are no specific regions established purely for damnation or punishment; these tests can manifest anywhere, but nonetheless are still concentrated in areas that wraiths and other malevolent spirits are known to frequent. The general regions of Desilusion are known collectively as Famiun; in Famiun, that the narratives of its inhabitants are shared amongst each other as they come to terms with their new fates. The regions of Desilusion most commonly associated with tribulation and torment are known as the Kim'thah, a desolate wasteland known to reflect the realm of the living and thus, where the unfortunate still living are most commonly sent when cursed by magick. Here, their innermost fears and insecurities - as well as consequences of their life choices, both positive and negative - are manifested.

Those who survive this journey to reconciliation with themselves have the chance to be reincarnated or - if they've tired of the material world entirely - earn the right to the end of their suffering. Most of the newly-deceased also arrive here first, but as the Kim'thah is not a region separate from the rest of the Desilusion, are not bound here until their trials are complete.. if they can survive the confounding perils of its harsh terrain and reach other regions of Desilusion. As Desilusion is a realm that Jereth created, it is common for higher spirits like demigods and sprites to occasionally visit it. Some have existed in Desilusion since its creation, only leaving the realm when summoned by the living. The place where these spirits interact most often is known as the Oppip Tal. The final region of note - although many others are suspected to exist, is the great void where all wraiths -known as alabasters, for their ominous ghoulish gleam although they also come in other shades that reflect twisted perversions of those they test and torment- are born and return upon their destruction, called the Nys Sea. This great expanse is exactly what it sounds like; a great mass of chaotic, ethereal waters. Those who fall into its depths often never escape being consumed by its rapturous environment, filled with restless spirits and all the known emotions that can be conceived.

Culture 

The inner-workings of Desilusion are especially complex; while there is a ruling entity over Desilusion, it is not omnipotent, and has been replaced by more powerful ones throughout the realm's existence. It is unknown whether Jereth created a spirit specifically to rule Desilusion, but it is doubtful; Jereth rarely, if ever, interferes with the intricate inner-workings of the inhabitants here. At their most base level, are the mortals that arrive, either through misfortune by magick or death, and the malevolent and tormented souls the weakest among them ultimately become. Those that do not succumb to the tribulations of Desilusion retain their essence and usually spend their time in Famiun, until they are reincarnated if they wish it or escape, although some of the deceased lose the desire to live in the material realm. No spiritual entity or mortal being's soul is truly immortal; they are capable of dying again, and thus depart to the Nys Sea, which is also the place where their essences are reborn. Those still capable of reincarnation however, do not have to travel there for the phenomenon to occur.

Time passes entirely differently in Desilusion; many years, even eons can pass in a fraction of the time it would take in the material realm, and as a result, these spirits can gain massive influence and power as they master the inner-workings of Desilusion's trials. However, even the most powerful of them cannot become a true god like Jereth, no matter how godlike their powers may seem in contrast to the average mortal's. Their power however, can rival that of the sprites that Jereth sired. There are no known spells that can resurrect the dead, but the dead can return to life barring special circumstances; mainly, divine intervention, or if the one who has gained mastery over Desilusion wishes it.

This of course, only happens when Jereth permits it, and thus has rarely ever taken place in the entire history of Ombs. Mwatuangi is known to have done this several times to the fabled heroes of the Dialogues in the struggle for the Ark of Jereth once he gained mastery over the realm. While the master of Desilusion can manifest themselves in the physical world in spirit form at will, they can only reincarnate themselves in physical form during specific intervals in time. When the latter happens, they cease becoming the ruler of Desilusion; the realm is a constantly evolving place; those who are revived however, can retain their status, although they will nonetheless be challenged by other spirits vying for the coveted power they wield.

Time in Desilusion is thus measured by each cycle of rulership, beginning with the first ruler of Desilusion, and their subsequent dethroning by their successor. Their span of rule is chronicled by the number of challengers they've defeated, as the realm is constantly vying for a new leader.

Previous Rulers

Mwatuangi, the former tyrant-turned ascetic.

Borurú, a masterful deceiver and manipulator that ruled Desilusion for many ages.

Azilí, a liberatory master that is believed to have dramatically reformed the reallm of Desilusion during her rule. Her ferocity was matched by nothing other than her compassion and unflinching devotion to preserving the stability of all the spirits that inhabited the realm of Desilusion.

Ogbunabaalé, renowned as one of the most intimidating and terrifying masters of Desilusion, as well as a fierce champion that was challenged many times and built an extensive reputation on brutally defeating them.

Grann Bodlau, one of the earliest rulers of Desilusion, such so that he's thought to be the first, though it can't be proven.

Danaathalah, the primordial serpent that arose from the Nys Sea and could shapeshift however it wished. It was first master of Desilusion said to have left the realm and ascended far into the heavens themselves, bringing with it great power that allowed it to easily best any spirit that challenged its rule. Danaathalah is said to have populated the Nys Sea with an immeasurable population of spirits just by shedding its scales, each serving it to rule the expanse while it oversaw the rest of the realm. It retreated back into the Nys Sea of its own will and relinquished its rule, leaving a void as the remaining spirits fought for control. To this day, Danaathalah is the only ruler of Desilusion never to have been defeated; some say it rests and will return one day.

Toxohnassou, the ferocious spirit that first made Famiun hospitable for human beings who arrived in Desilusion.