Just on the Cyrodilic side of a rather ordinary-looking slope of the Valus Mountains lies the cult’s main shrine. It is a glorious building, made of a fusion of Heartland and Vvardenfell architectural styles, draped in all manner of colours and materials, some bright and jovial, others pensive and longing.
The flora decorating the shrine both inside and out is expansive. Stepped courtyards abound, and each new layer offers a new microclimate for different species to grow. Every plant from across the five continents is present here, somehow.
The fauna is not afraid, but it shows deference; even they clearly acknowledge the sanctity of this place.
I open the doors and am greeted by a multitude of devotees, most of whom live here. There are three types of residential devotees: the Perrifans, who adorn red robes and sport a multitude of tattoos, earrings, makeup, and other such accessories across every inch of their being. Then there are the Silics, who decorate themselves humbly with deep blue robes, and express their differences minimally, with little personal ornamentation. The men and women of Perrif beam at me and chuckle warmly. The women and men of Sil gently smile at me with kindness in their eyes. And yet a few more sported an unboastful purple, with calm expressions but passions within, or vice versa. Their fashions are diverse, uniting them in each other’s individuality.
Most of the devotees are Cyrods (particularly but not exclusively Nibenese) or Dunmer (particularly but not exclusively of the Houses) or some sort of racial mixture of the two, but there are a few other races dotted here and there.
I gaze upon the main altar and see a red stone held gingerly yet firmly by an intricate silver clockwork contraption. Behind this stands a devotional statue of Saints Alessia and Sotha Sil — as Perrif and Sil are more commonly known — smiling knowingly, hand in hand, Sil to Perrif’s left, and Perrif to Sil’s right.
Light bounces into the shrine from various skylights and intricately designed windows, made from a fusion of natural and artificial styles and materials. Some parts are brilliantly lit, others form dim and reclusive corners, and yet others still form a contented sort of twilight.
The Perrifans show me the joys of the world and the hope and pleasure to be found in improving it and becoming one with it. The Silics teach me the ecstasies of wisdom and the knowledge necessary to understand the truth of all things.
The others show me how these two philosophies are truly one.
Together will they protect the world, through the sacrifices of their founders. Mundus shall become perfect, self-sustaining, and undiminished by the dangerous interruptions of outside forces.
Their shared saint-deity is Perrif-Sil, whose sphere is the Joy of Wisdom and the Wisdom of Joy.
This shrine is extensive beyond belief, and houses all manner of rooms and instructive literature, to aid in constant experience and a lack of boredom.
Why Perrif-Sil and not Sil-Perrif? Because Perrif came before Sil.
I shall be safe here. Never have I felt more at home. Never have I wished less to leave.
I believe in Perrif-Sil, the deity of Mundus. Guide me, and please help us fix the world.
“Mulvera the Dark Elf” | Illustration courtesy of FinnbarrMartin, DeviantArt