Abun Theology and Chromatology

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A Primer

The usage of sacrificial altars, powerful totems, and guardian sigils are integral to Abun theology. Known as the Plüta'rah (PLOO-ta-AH-rah), these totems are inscribed with mystic icons of the Aurägga (orr-AH-gah) or the Abun spiritual collective. These icons are color-coded to each spirit's powers and unique aura of influence. 

However, these icons are more than mere representations. According to Abun theology, shades of color are tangible examples of spiritual and magic power. Therefore, whenever an Abun sigil shaper or pigmentist creates a particular icon or dye, they are not necessarily channeling the powers of the spirits or the spirit world—they are compelling them to impart the icons with their arcane powers. Thus, Abun religious symbols and dyes are not just icons, but places where spiritual power is forcibly manifested for collective or personal gain.

The Abun Chromatology Orthodox

Collectively called Augráagrá (orr-GRAH-ah-GRAH), or "Chromatology", inscribing specific colors into sigils and icons is deeply rooted within Abun culture, and is considered a highly-revered activity. The Abun Chromotology Orthodox, and each corresponding spiritual category, is as follows:

RED/SCARLETT - Associated with knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and holy enlightenment, shades of red are the icon of the Graeda (GRAY-da), the spirits of wisdom and foresight. Typically made from the crushed petals of the Záh Krah (ZAH KRAW) (or as it is more colloquially known, the Flareflower), red pigments are cherished by Abun soothsayers and intellectuals alike. En lieu of Flareflower dye or when darker inks are needed, Abun pigmentists will use crushed oxidized iron found across Ābus-∑'s surface and the bodily fluids of non-believers (usually from other species).

AMBER/ORANGE - The color of plantlife, crops, and agriculture, shades of amber and orange are the manifestation of the Khœrahk (KOY-rawk), the spirits of growth, prosperity and health. Amber and orange dyes and their associated symbols are almost exclusively utilized by Abun farmers and alchemists and are usually made from harvested cash crops grown specifically for dye-making. However, when harvest yields are low or non-existent, dye-makers will occasionally use crushed powders from local Coprene (KOH-preenn) deposits scattered across Ābus-∑'s more arid locations.

YELLOW/GOLD - The embodiment of the Vlædá (FLAY-dah), yellow and golden pigments are synonymous with air, humility, and frugality. Made from paste collected from the Flá drékká nak (FLAH DREH-kah nock)—or as it is known by its local name, the Crushed Valley—underneath the Eastern Skylands, the icons of the Vlædá are coveted by Abun clerics, warriors, and scholars alike. 

GREEN - The symbols of outsiders, green pigments are the only Abun dyes designed to deter spirits rather than attract them. Associated with any and all things alien to the Aurägga, green dyes and all related sigils are crafted exclusively on Pano, Ābus-∑'s forest moon. There, Abun makers channel powers found in non-believers and traitorous heretics (usually through their ritual sacrifice) to create holy wards protecting all true Augráagrá believers from the "evils of the outside". 

BLUE - Synonymous with fire and vitality, shades of blue are tied to the Zärdä (ZAWRR-daw), the spirits of passion and energy. Though lesser sigils are typically made from the iridescent the Ha'ka dwáá (HAH-ah-KAH DWAH) berry—or as outsider agriculturalists call it, the "PyrePome"—shrines visited by the Abun warrior class and royalty are only painted with dyes crafted from Lüjan (LOO-yan). A rare mineral located high in the Western Skylands, Lüjan is considered "flame made solid" by Abun clerics and is one of the holiest symbols in Abun cosmology. Though Lüjan is a neutral and non-reactive substance in geode form, it is highly explosive and combustible when crushed into a fine powder. Regardless of composition, blue dies are coveted by all of the most zealous of Abun citizens. 

INDIGO - The icon of the Bürbrádda (BOOR-brah-DAH) spirits of vengeance, indigo is the color of violence and revenge. Emulating the natural color of Abun blood, indigo is the most revered and widespread pigment utilized across Ābus-∑. As such, they are a necessity for all devout Abun soothsayers and soldiers. Forged in the heart of the Imperial Capital by the finest Striggan makers, the symbols of the Bübrádda are said to bestow incredible tactical power and combative prowess upon all who harness them. It is considered an enormous honor for an Abun to "bleed for the spirits" and harness the raw power of war. 

PURPLE/VIOLET - Made from either powdered Violum from underground deposits or fermented Abun blood mixed with red dyes, purple sigils are associated with muscle, speed, and willpower. Synonymous with the Rānmn (RAYN-mun) spirits of discipline and bravery, purple-coated sigils are a common sight among every member of Abun society. Regardless of social status or occupation, it is maintained that purple icons imbue Augráagrá believers with the will to "stay on the righteous path" despite all temptations to "betray the will of the spirits".

WHITE - The symbol for water, healing, and rejuvenation, white dyes and sigils are usually made from mixtures of metallic compounds and chalk-like clays found in the deep river beds of the Northern Skylands. Connected to the Qïó (chee-OH) spirits of water and fertility, white pigments are often intermixed with other colored symbols to alter them. Typically, mixing white pigments with other dyes signifies the importance of purity and healing within the corresponding colors. For example, if a Abun dye maker mixes blue and white pigments together, they stress the mercy and sterility of fire. Thus, if white pigments are mixed into other pigments at a particular sigil or shrine, Abun worshippers are compelling multiple spirits to attach their powers to the site simultaneously. 

GREY - Calling upon the spirits of the departed, grey symbols channel the powers of the dead to impart strength and wisdom upon the living. Created from cremation cinders of fallen Abuns, grey-colored symbols are closely associated with ash, decay, death, and sacrifice. However, grey dyes are not solely used for iconographic empowerment. On rare occasions, Abun nobles will ingest the ashy remains of their fallen brethren the moment after their ceremonial incineration. In this way, the strength and power of the ruling class never leaves their bloodlines, and ensures that only the most faithful and pure of spirit are allowed to rule Ābus-∑. For lower socioeconomic classes, ashes from burned foliage or animals are typically used as substitutes for grey dyes and sigils—or on rare occasion, the burned remains of heretics.

BLACK - Associated with the earth, strength, durability, and fertility, black dyes harness the powers of the Çorglá (CHORR-glah) spirits of patience and virility. With shrines located across Ābus-∑'s Southern Canyonlands and crop-fields, black pigments are primarily derived from two indigenous mineral deposits, that of Guilite (GEYEL-leye-tt) and Strabile (STRAW-beye-ll). An extremely brittle and fragile metalloid, Guilite becomes a powerful adhesive agent when mixed with water or similarly viscous liquids. Meanwhile, Strabile, a long crystalline mineral possessing particular rigidity, is typically used for writing utensils and trimming on buildings. However, when heat-treated, Strabile can be used as a fine-pointed chisel for carving all manner of materials. As such, the two main materials utilized for black dye-making are not only essential for religious empowerment, but also integral to Abun infrastructure. This makes black pigments integral for more than religious symbology—they are the foundation of all Abun architecture and construction.