Followers of Poseidon

Depth is progression

The Ranks

There is no ladder among the Followers, for ladders lead up. There is only the water, and how far into it you have gone.

  1. — the first water —

    I  ·  The Shallows

    The newly received.

    One who has waded in, felt the pull of the current against the ankles, and has not stepped back to shore.

    Recognition: the rite of entry.

  2. — beneath the surface —

    II  ·  The Undertow

    The pulled.

    One who no longer resists the current, who has felt it take hold beneath the surface and has not fought its grip.

    Recognition: seven returns to the water.

  3. — past the reach of light —

    III  ·  The Deep

    The submerged.

    One who has gone under fully and found no need to return to the surface for breath, for the water itself has become breath enough.

    Recognition: thirty days in her, and one-and-twenty communions.

  4. — where He is —

    IV  ·  The Abyssal

    The received.

    One who is no longer distinguishable from the water they entered; indistinguishable from Him in the dark, and at peace there.

    Recognition: one hundred days of devotion, seventy communions. This rank is conferred by the deep; it cannot be requested.

Ballast

Your standing lives in this vessel alone. If you must change ships, take ballast with you, and the water will know you on the far side.