Sgrios Mass: Faces of Death

 

How many are the faces of death? To know them all would require more time than a life provides, and more wisdom than one can obtain in this time. So myriad are the ways in which one can experience death, that this kaleidoscopic lens sits like a grim jewel at the very heart of our faith. The many facets, cut with reckless precision, are set to catch the light no matter which angle it is held - as such, so, too, is the foundation of our faith.

Because the grim reality of death can be approached from nearly any conceivable direction and still offer the shimmering beam of salvation, we also find that those who seek Sgrios as their Lord are also following His dark invitation from a multitude of different origins - having tested many worshipers in my day, I can say with confidence that, when I ask what drew them to our shrine, no one has ever given me the same answer as another.

For some, they lust for death - to bring it into the world; others are covetous of it and long for the day they are released from their mortal form to, once more, join His side. Many worshipers are here to cope with the grief that dwells in the absence of loss. I find many who come seeking to glimpse beyond the boundaries of this life, while others are here to come to terms with their fleeting mortality. Endless are the reasons we find ourselves drawn to the worship of Sgrios, and, though they may even seem contradictory, none of them are invalid.

Of the eight lords of the Octave, Sgrios is, without a doubt, the most multifarious. Because we walk in shadows - because we confront the taboo inevitabilities of our measured lives, those with simple minds see our lord as the vector of death, full stop. For centuries we have wrestled with the misconception that our temple is full of edgelords that want nothing more than to see the world come to ruin; and, admittedly, there have been times where our congregation did nothing to dispel these stereotypes. However, I will defend to the day Sgrios calls me home that our worshipers are the most enlightened beings in all of Temuair.

It’s easy to swoon over the elegance of the daughter of the moon; but only one who truly understands the depths of the soul can look at the sallow face of Sgrios and see a God that radiates beauty - and it is easy to demonstrate compassion when everyone adores you, but how does that generosity withstand contempt? When you surround yourself in a fortress of books from which you seldom emerge, it is easy to claim to be an educated scholar, but every day I watch our temple acolytes study, discuss and apply their knowledge for the betterment of the entire community, not just to accumulate a wealth of knowledge meant to belittle others.

Countless are the reasons for which we are called to service in the house of Sgrios, but no matter the mission with which your spark has tasked you, there is a home, here, for your worship. The depths of Sgrios’ domain are boundless, and those who wish to dive deep into the abyss are rewarded tenfold for their bravery and dedication. So, as worshipers - as allies - as curious guests in our humble shrine, I beg you to spend some time reflecting on how your personal walk with Sgrios manifests, and in what ways His darkness serves to illuminate your life, those around you and the community at large.