The Nine Divinities of Death - Tenets of the Onyx Path

[fist of death]

*Dispersed among the adherants of the Hand of Nerull.*

The Nine Divinities of Death
The Tenets of the Onyx Path

1. All death has meaning and it is our duty to chronicle that meaning or find it's place in Nerull's grand scheme. There is no worthless death for all death is valuable in the eyes of Nerull.

2. Nerull does not seek only death itself, but the death of one's weaknesses. The death of the ego is the only way to unearth one's tethers to the mortal coil.

3. Life and all its aspects are temporary, the only true eternal aspect is Death. Nerull is death, thus Nerull is the only thing that is truly powerful, and all other gods are only temporary. Nerull has many faces and acts through many agents of death, though in the end there will only be Him.

4. Nerull has decreed all living things are his enemy, and thus life must be purged. Only through punishing life and embracing death may we become more than struggling insects.

5. Nerull cherishes the ironic death, the tragic death, and the romantic death. Those who offer these tithings unto him shall be rewarded in body and mind.

6. Each life snuffed is claimed by the killer. What was theirs becomes yours. Their strength, your strength.

7. Undeath is a blessing, ascribed to only his most favored children. As Nerull deceived men into accepting death, we must deceive those who would oppose his children. Those who shepherd his children must be granted succor and nourishment.

8. Secrets are kept only in the grave, and thus they will be our stock, but not trade. We learn them, keep them amongst ourselves, and never speak of them. To do so defies His will.

9. To become like Nerull is to demand what Nerull demands. The living must die, if they shall not die, they shall suffer, if they shall not suffer, then they shall fear.

[fist of death]

*Dispersed among the adherents of the Hand of Nerull.*

The Four Steps in Malachite
Initiation to the Elder God's Path

Step of Discipline

Death must come willingly and freely, dedicated to the God of Death. To test one's discipline in the face of death, the adherent must willingly drown themselves and show no sign of fear. They willingly breathe in the water and surrender to the end. Only those that wake may walk His path.

Step of Secrecy

There exists only one currency that pleases Nerull: secrets. Indulge the favor of others and learn their secrets, offering them to the Elder God. The death of a bond of trust is a death that curries His favor.

Step of Atonement

To atone for one's life as an affront to Nerull, something must be given. A life in place of life. As Nerull rewards murder, the bloodshed, the only way to atone for one's crimes is to pay a tithe of death in a murder committed in His name.

Step of Devotion

The final step is to dedicate their life to the path of death and the will of Erlin. The only thing certain in life is the grave. Those who would give themselves to the God of Death must become one with death and endure the weight of the grave. Those who survive are granted the favor as one of His children.

[fist of death]

*Dispersed among the adherents of the Hand of Nerull.*

The Fist of Nerull
The Martial Code of Death

I. Death strikes all.

II. Death strikes last.

III. Death has no mercy.