“In the echoing silence, we whisper, oh Devourer of Thought,
Within the slick pod’s cold embrace, we surrender to the dark’s embrace.
Extinguished light, a canvas bare, let thoughts dissolve into the air.
No flickering flame, no guiding ray, only the whispers where shadows play.
Grant us stillness, oh Silent One, a mind unclouded, the battle won.
Let knowledge bloom in the void’s embrace, a deeper truth, a holier space.
For in the absence of what we see, we yearn to know the mystery.
Take our fear, take every doubt, and in the darkness, light us out.”
-Seeking stillness, A prayer from The stillness
Today I’ll be quickly creating a new religion based on the Belledonna from the Mothership RPG Uncomfirmed Contact Reports module, I had to put something together for a player of mine because of how sudden the religous aspect of his character came into play, not that I have an issue with it, in fact it created some extremely tense scenes during our last session! Be prepared because this ones gonna be a bit messy.
I plan on answering the following questions to set the foundation of this religion:
- How did The Stillness emerge?
- What are the followers called? Furthermore does this religion have a formal clergy? How is the hierarchy set?
- Is the Silent Witness the only deity, or are there other beings in their pantheon?
Is the Silent Witness a real entity or a powerful symbol? - What are followers drawn to?
- How is faith expressed?
- What does an afterlife (if any) look like?
The Stillness Origins:
The Stillness emerged from a series of philosophical and cultural shifts within the universe. Here are two possibilities as to where it came from:
- Encounter with the Belladona: A horrific encounter with the creature known as the Belladona sparked a fascination with darkness and stillness. Survivors, forever marked by it’s toxin, may have interpreted the experience as a divine revelation, leading to the formation of the religion.
- Existential Dread: In the harsh and unforgiving environment of space, a pervasive sense of existential dread took root. Some sought solace in complete stillness, believing it offered a gateway to a deeper understanding of the universe or a connection to a higher consciousness.
Followers and Hierarchy:
- Followers are called Seekers of Stillness. They strive to achieve a state of perfect mental and physical quietude.
- The Stillness does have a formal clergy known as the Silent Order.
- Hierarchy is based on demonstrated mastery of stillness. Higher-ranking members (Whisperers, Adepts) guide novices and oversee religious ceremonies. The most revered leader is the Keeper of the Void, believed to have the closest connection to the Silent Witness.
Gods and Beliefs:
The Silent Witness is the only deity. Some believe it’s a literal entity, a cosmic being of pure darkness and knowledge. Others interpret it as a powerful symbol – the embodiment of the ultimate stillness and understanding sought by the religion.
Attraction to Stillness:
Seekers are drawn to the promise of inner peace, enlightenment, and a deeper connection to the universe. They believe that by achieving perfect stillness, they can escape the chaos and suffering of the material world.
Expressing Faith:
- Meditation: A core practice, allowing Seekers to quiet their minds and achieve stillness.
- The Rite of Absolute Dark: Followers enter light-deprived chambers or pods to experience a state of complete sensory deprivation, seeking a connection to the Silent Witness.
- Vows of Silence: Some Seekers take vows of silence, believing it fosters inner clarity and amplifies their connection to the deity.
The Seekers believe the simulated darkness of the slickpods offers the ultimate test of their faith and the key to achieving true stillness. However, this is a cruel delusion. The prolonged absence of light in the slickpods actually has a detrimental effect on the Seekers’ minds. The Silent Witness, in its true form, is a malevolent entity that feeds on the chaos and fear it cultivates within the darkness.
Stages of Descent:
- Initially, Seekers might experience a sense of calm and clarity in the slickpods. However, the longer they remain, the darkness begins to twist their perceptions.
- Stage 1: False Peace: A deceptive sense of tranquility masks a creeping unease. Seekers might emerge feeling strangely detached or emotionally numb.
- Stage 2: Tormented Visions: Nightmares and hallucinations plague the Seekers, fueled by their deepest anxieties. They may misinterpret these as cryptic messages from the Silent Witness.
- Stage 3: The Abyss Beckons: The Seekers succumb to complete madness, consumed by their own fears and the Silent Witness’s insidious influence. They may become violent or even catatonic.
The Afterlife:
Beliefs about the afterlife are shrouded in mystery. Some Seekers believe those who achieve true stillness in life become one with the Silent Witness, existing in a timeless state of pure consciousness. Others fear those who fail to achieve stillness are forever lost in the void.
The Seekers of Stillness offer a fascinating exploration of faith and fanaticism in the dark and unforgiving setting of Mothership. But this religion is just a starting point! How would your players react to encountering the Seekers? Would they be drawn to the promise of inner peace, or repelled by the religion’s extreme practices?
- Have you ever encountered a cult or fanatical group in your Mothership games? How did it play out?
- Imagine your player characters come across a Seeker recruitment drive. What are their first impressions?
- How would the Seekers react to the presence of psionic abilities or other supernatural phenomena?
- Could elements of The Stillness be incorporated into other sci-fi RPG settings? How would they be adapted?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on our socials for more Mothership content! And don’t forget to check the rest of our blog out, we post every Monday and Thursday, we also do livestreams in between!
Conclusion
This article explored the creation of a new religion for Mothership, the Seekers of Stillness. We delved into their origins, beliefs, and practices, uncovering a dark truth lurking beneath their serene facade. The Seekers serve as a cautionary tale about the allure of fanaticism and the dangers of seeking enlightenment in the wrong places.
This religion offers a compelling addition to your Mothership campaigns, providing opportunities for tense encounters, moral dilemmas, and exploration of psychological horror. For further inspiration, consider delving deeper into real-world cults and religious practices. How can you adapt these elements to create a truly unsettling and unforgettable experience for your players?
