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Dark Priests
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This article is about the religious group featured in the Fear & Hunger universe. For the Fear & Hunger playable character, see Enki. For the enemy of the same game, see Priest.
| Dark Priests | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious group |
| Members | |
|---|---|
| Notable members | Enki Valteil (formerly) Father Hugo Father Domek |
| Locations | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | The Vatican |
| Locations | Multiple churches and temples across the world |
Dark Priests are worshippers of the Gods in the universe of Fear & Hunger series. In the first game, they serve as enemies, as well as a variation of entities in Fear & Hunger 2: Termina.
Lore
The Dark Priests are a religious group featured in the world of the Fear & Hunger series, with a history dating back to at least the year 809. This group is characterized by its polytheistic beliefs, and its members worship and serve all of the Gods, regardless of whether they are Old or New. While many people believe that the older Gods are responsible for the dark times, the Dark Priests still value their teachings and are fully dedicated to their worship. Although the specifics of their structure as a religion have not been fully explored in Fear & Hunger and Fear & Hunger 2: Termina, glimpses into their practices and customs can be gleaned from events, literature, and character backgrounds across both games.
The practices of the Dark Priests involved harsh and gruesome customs. In ancient times, it was customary for only the eldest child of the Dark Priests to inherit the family name, while the other offspring were subjected to a cruel fate. They were sacrificed to the Old Gods after being cut open and drained of their blood. Initiation into the ranks of the Dark Priests was equally brutal: young individuals can be selected to become Dark Priests and are put through macabre rituals to prove themselves. For instance, Enki, a playable character in Fear & Hunger, was forced to fight his twin sister with ritual daggers until one of them was left standing. The winning sibling was expected to resurrect the other as a ghoul using necromancy, as part of an ascension ceremony.
To further ascend at dark priesthood, members must embark on a solitary and perilous journey of self-discovery called a "dark pilgrimage." On this journey, they leave their temple grounds to study the occult and prove their devotion to the ancient deities. As part of this process, they must select a God to dedicate their time to. Notably, even relatively forgotten Gods might be chosen, hinting at the Dark Priests' record-keeping of deities whose relevance among the common folk has decreased or ceased. During 1590, the dungeons of fear and hunger in the Kingdom of Rondon were considered to be the perfect destination for this pilgrimage, as the place worked as a nexus for different planes of existence and a way for one to meet their creators.
Over the years, the perception of Dark Priests among the commonfolk has shifted significantly. While records reveal a longstanding tradition of persecution against them since ancient times, contemporary public sentiment portrays them as integral figures within a consolidated religion. As this faith evolved, it birthed a holy city known as The Vatican, also housing a Ministry of Darkness. Gifted individuals find opportunities as Dark Priest apprentices through scholarships and apprenticeships offered by The Vatican.
In present times, the Dark Priests have overlooked their most antiquated rituals, but their existence still demands complete devotion and dedication to the ancient deities. Although still portrayed as polytheists, it is possible that this tradition is currently kept confidential, as the public eye seems to focus heavily on the worship of Alll-mer, with little mention of other Gods (particularly the New Gods) during the year of 1942. Notably, it appears that the churches now uphold distinct gender roles, as Marina's character introduction in Fear & Hunger 2: Termina suggests that her destiny would be vastly different had she been the firstborn son of her family, who belongs to the dark priesthood. Additionally, the presence of nuns at the Orphanage of Prehevil further implies nuanced gender-based service to the Gods.
Trivia
- Two instances indicating that gender roles within the Dark Priests' ranks held less prominence in earlier times include the scenario where Enki contends with his own sister for the opportunity to advance within the hierarchy, and the possibility of the player having D'arce don the Dark Priests' robe to engage with them. Although their recognition of her being a decoy goes unnoticed, the response to her presence as a female participant is to acknowledge her as "sister" without apparent differentiation from their treatment of male counterparts, underlining little significance of gender roles during that era.
- According to game creator Miro Haverinen, in the universe of Fear & Hunger, the Dark Priests do not necessarily form a unified religion. Much like Christianity in real life, individuals within this faction have their own distinct ways of interpreting the beliefs and practices associated with their role.