The Sh'yalva Llothite Orthogodoxy

The Sh'yalva Llothite Orthogodoxy*

We know and fear that Lloth is all powerful, but what does that mean? What are the implications of that terrible and total power?

Absolute power implies absolute agency. What then does it mean to have absolute agency? To have absolute agency is to have total control of one's self and world, to be unbound by any and all limits. This brings with it another implication: absolute agency necessitates one be infinitely capricious. An absolute agent such as Lloth cannot be anticipated because any predictors or obligations would impose constraints and therefore impede her absolute agency.

This is how we know all other "gods" are feeble imitations of Lloth's perfection. They have clear and coherent dogma. Their followers serve and are rewarded for that service. There is a structure of reciprocation. The relationship of god and faithful is symbiotic.

It cannot be so for Lloth. If an external actor can influence Lloth through their own actions, then either Lloth is not all powerful or the actor was a manifestation of Lloth's will and not an external actor at all. Since we know (and fear) that Lloth is all powerful we can safely ignore the first possibility.

This poses a plethora of pressingly pertinent ponderances: If Lloth is infinitely capricious, how might we worship her? What rituals and prayers can win the favor of a god that by their harrowing nature cannot be anticipated? Is it folly to even try? Must we strive to be as capricious as she? Does anything matter?

If you have the answers to any of these questions, send them to House Sh'yalva in the Sharps District, care of Baven Sh'yalva.

(*Orthogodoxy: existing at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the orthodoxy and therefore being right.)