Pymes, the Wistful Cynic

Darkness, Trickery, Fate
Exiled from his homeland, striped of identity. He sat at the edge of the world. Darkness took his senses, but gave him something more.

Pre-Ascension
A rogue that coveted his companions. In the end, darkness consumed him: stealing his senses and expanding his mind. He was the first to ascend.

Tenants

 * Fear not death, embrace the time that remains
 * Keep to the shadows, they shall be a haven to all
 * Complacency breeds ignorance, seek out new horizons

The Children of Dusk
Criminals may ask the Cynic to harbor them, and cripples may call upon him to give them shelter, but none are so devout to Pymes as the Children of Dusk.

The Astraeu believe to carry his blood in their veins. They look to Pymes as a patron and follow his tenants accordingly.

Hierarchy
The faiths members are made entirely of Astraeun females.

The Nightmother is the highest ranking spiritual leader of the Children. She oversees the choice and training of Sovereign Sisters, leads in holy festivals, is the final interpreter of Pymes' will, and maintains the faith's relations with other cultures.

The Sovereign Sisters lead the Astraeun community in worship. They swear a vow of celibacy to reserve their purity for the Cynic. During the Long Night, they fast and walk the community nude in a right of purity. Upon death, it is believed that Pymes will take the Sisters as wives and allow them to become part of the Eternal Dark. There are roughly twenty Sisters each generation.

Fate's Daughters tell the parables of the Astraeu and teach the youth Astraeun history. They assist the Sisters in religious ceremony and rituals.

Symbolism
Pymes' symbol is a balance resting on an arrowhead. On one side of the balance is a ram's horn, on the other is a moon.

The Nightmother wears the symbol tattooed across her back. It is constantly displayed by her backless black robes. The Sovereign Sisters wear the symbol on earrings and often have it embroidered into their purple and gray robes. Fate's Daughters carry a small emblem of the symbol.

Holy Days and Feast Days and Other Important Days

 * Festival of Fallen Stars: A 3-day celebration during the Long Night in which the Astraeu celebrate their proud heritage and give thanks to Pymes.
 * Day of Remembrance: A formal affair in which the Children remember those that have passed, especially during the Crusade of Seven Lances. It is a melancholy affair, but one whose importance is paramount to the faith.
 * Fate's Festival: A week long celebration of life. The Children indulge in all of the pleasures of the flesh with reckless abandon.