Post by Sahar Karalif on Nov 15, 2017 16:40:48 GMT -5
The Gods of the Wild Elf Tribes
The Sect of the Righteous
Intro:This religion does not bear a name. The Wild Elves who practice this religion are so attuned to it that it is second nature to them; therefore, there is no name.
The Dieties:
Ulnos (The God of the Sun)
Ulnos is normally depicted as a glorious older man, wearing gold and red flowy robes. The depictions also have him dressed in leather armor, a scimitar and shield at his side as if he is ready for a battle. Ulnos inspires his followers to always stand for righteousness, and fight for it by whatever means necessary. Ulnos is primarily celebrated at dawn and during the course of that day, prayers asking him to inspire his people to keep persevering to make it through the obstacles the day might bring. Because of this, Ulnos is associated with combat.
Yria (The Goddess of the Moon)
Yria is depicted as a beautiful young woman, with long black hair floating amongst her purple and silver robes. Unlike Ulnos, Yria is never depicted with weapons or armor (such a depiction would be considered blasphemy). However, Yria stands on top of the earth. Yria stands for temperance and kindness, reminding her followers that everything that is done must be done with good will. Yria is primarily worshipped at dusk and the course of the night, prayers thanking her for protecting those who sleep from evil things like bandits and undead. Because of this, Yria is associated with healing magic.
The Myth
The nomads that follow this religion know this tale, for many mothers use it to teach their children on how to live good lives.
In the beginning, there was only chaos and evil. Winds and darkness clouded the entire world, enticing such in many humans. Ulnos looked down upon this monstrosity and wanted to do something about it. No matter how many times he tried to teach the people about righteousness, no one seemed to pay him any mind. They continued their lives in carelessness.
Finally Ulnos had no choice. He called upon his daughter, Yria, and instructed her to start the world anew. The man had faith in his daughter’s power; she was his child after all. Out of love and respect for her father, Yria did as she was told. She left the comfort and safety of the heavens and forcefully landed onto the earth’s surface. It was then that her power became realized, for the moment she rested her feet onto the ground everything around her began to be destroyed. The chaotic wind and the darkness fled into nothingness, yes, but everything else came with it.
After Yria released her power she went back up to the heavens and looked upon the world she just destroyed, and saw the people dead on the ground. Some were women, and some were even children. In a world filled with evil and corruption, the few good people that were left were forced to suffer and be punished. And then Yria began to cry. She wept for everything that had been lost, and her tears managed to seep from the heavens and onto the land below. From Yria’s tears came the oceans and waters of the world. But the tears that managed to fall onto the people she killed magically allowed them to stir and come back to life. They were reborn from her salt water, and then went on to carry her blessing in their lives soon after.
After the miracle occurred Yria approached Ulnos and scolded him for making her do what she did, but quickly forgave him because she understood that his heart was in the right place. And so Yria instructed Ulnos that kindness and righteousness but be in balance in order for the new world to function. The father and daughter agreed to this pact, and continued their mission until present day.
The events of this story came to be known as the Reckoning and the Rebirth, the first representing Yria’s destruction of the earth and the latter representing the new world she helped create.
Teachings
The followers of this religion believe in always standing for righteousness, but remembering to be kind to others. A follower must not force his or her ideals or religion on others, let alone commit any action with force unless absolutely necessary. Actions such as murder, robbery, rape, zealotry, and many other actions of that kind are considered sins according to this teaching.
Followers also have a unique view of Redemption, one that has caused much debate in neighboring regions. Instead of forcing an evil-doer the path to the light, one must instead gently and carefully guide the evil to goodness. Redemption happens over time, as immediate redemption is considered forcing one’s own. After the options are set, and the follower has done what he or she could toward the evil doer, a choice is given to the individual in question.
Should the individual accept the help, the follower is required to help the fledgling learn about the religion. If the individual does not accept the light, the follower must step away. Everyone is responsible for their actions, and action should be taken if harm is threatened to occur to the people.
There is also a teaching that says that overindulgence is a sin. The gifts of the Goddess are for the people and are considered sacred. The most important gift is water, something desert folk rely on to stay alive. A follower must remember that while one can enjoy the gifts of life, like food and material goods, too much of it is considered evil. If one has more goods than what he or she needs, the individual is expected to give the goods away to those who need it.
Concerning Undead
Undead is cause for much debate within the religion, specifically because one has the free will to give permission to be raised after he or she has died. Also, Necromancy could be used as a last resort or in good will; but another side says that Necromancy is technically forcing one’s will upon others. So the clerics came up with a policy regarding Undead. If a citizen gives a necromancer permission to use their body after death, he or she is required to have a symbolic tattoo marked somewhere on the body. Traditionally the tattoo is placed on the individual's upper arm.
The Sect of the Righteous
The clergy of this religion are comprised of clerics and paladins, the paladins normally dressed in the same regard as the depictions of Ulnos. Clerics are normally wearing robes that are reminiscent of Yria and her depictions. Clerics have the task of facilitating religious ceremonies and teaching. Paladins are expected to assist the clerics if necessary, but are mainly tasked with protecting the people and inspiring good will into others. Members of this sect are permitted to marry as long as they promise carry on the will of the Goddess through their marriage.
Paladin Code
I am a Shield of Ulnos. I will protect the people and strive for righteousness, even at the risk of my own life. If I die in the field of battle, I have died in honor.
I am a hand of Yria. I will be kind and just to all around me, even if not appreciated for it.
Everyone has good in them, but I mustn’t force it out. I will help one go into the light. If the one I help does not accept the Goddess’s mercy, they will understand that my blade will strike them down if their actions will harm others.
-I am responsible for my actions. I will not lie if I have committed a wrong. I will accept whatever punishment is given to me.
I will respect the good of all, no matter what region or world they hail from. Yria gave life to many cultures and thus their chosen path amongst society is to be respected. I will fervor this belief regardless of my personal feelings.
When the day grows darker, and if the night brings me fear, I will remember: Fight for Righteousness, but be Kind.
Holy Places and Temples
Due to the nature of the nomadic folk, there is no set place for worship. However, the nomads ensure that a special tent is designated for prayer and sanctuary. It is always placed in the center of the town, and is always upholstered first with a special ceremony. The nomads of the religion also consider an Oasis as holy ground. This is because they believe that such a bountiful place is a gift that had arisen from the Goddess’s tears, where the water was purified by the Goddess herself to allow the people to drink and be well.
Prayer Positions
The prayer positions are different regarding each deity. For Ulnos, the indvidual begins on his/her knees, and then bends over. He or she then places his/her hands flat on the ground, and then lowers the head and shoulders toward the ground. The reason the followers of this religion do this position is because it is to acknowledge Ulnos’ power and to show servitude in order to avoid his wrath.
The prayer position for Yria is more modest. The participant kneels and holds his or her hands, placing them on his/her lap. The individual then slightly leans forward, lowering their head to face the ground just ahead of them. The reason this prayer position occurs is so acknowledge the goddess’s kindness and humility.
Religious Ceremonies and Rites
The Dusk Ceremony
This ceremony takes place every sunset, where the followers participate in prayer thanking Ulnis for inspiring them during the day. After this, they welcome Yria and ask her for her protection while they sleep. The ceremony only requires the participants to stand in the direction of the sunset, while a cleric leads a prayer.
The Dawn Ceremony
This ceremony takes place at the sunrise every morning, and goes about the same way as the Dusk Ceremony. During this ceremony the participants use prayer to thank Yria for her protection, and then call forth Ulnis to help them start another day. This ceremony is especially important and is emphasized when the nomads must move to another location, for Ulnis will guide them to wherever they are meant to be and will grant his people the strength to face the obstacles to come.
The Rising of the Temple
As mentioned before whenever the nomads decide to stay in a new area, they always make sure the tent designated for worship is upholstered first. While the crowd gathers around the designated place, the clerics bless the area by chanting and sprinkling salt water on the ground. After this the tent is built with the help of everyone who wishes to assist. Then the crowd disperses and goes off to build their own tents.
Marriages
Marriages are very unique in this religion. Each spouse picks which deity they will represent in their family. The reason for this is to remind the couple of the values that must uphold in their marriage for their children and those around them. One spouse picks Ulnis, and the other picks Yria. They are then given necklaces that represent the deity they choose. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges the necklaces by fastening it on each others neck. They recite the following:
Yria Representative: I give you to moon, for during your walk of righteousness you will remember to have peace and kindness in the future we shall behold.
Ulnos Representative: And I give you the sun. In your kindness and temperance you will have the strength to face the obstacles our future will bring.
Funerals
Once someone passes away, the body is burned to ashes (unless a necromancer requests to use a willing body) in a rite praying for their soul to transcend into the spirit world safely. Afterward, the ashes of the individual is spread into the nearest body of water. This is because they say “From water you were born, and to water you will return”. This service is normally a somber time, but it is attempted to be a hopeful time. After the service has ended, clergy members are expected to attend to those left behind by doing acts of comfort and care. Practitioners of this religion normally do not ask for some of the deceased person ashes because they believe that the spirit will live on, whether it be fighting with the Gods or continuing to watch over his or her family.
Life After Death
Even in death, the deceased person still bears a choice. Practitioners of this religion believe that, when you die, you ascend to the heavens to meet Ulnos and Yria themselves. Once you meet them, you are given a choice. You will be asked to continue to serve the Gods in the spirit world according to your talents in life (Ie: A Paladin will continue to be a paladin because of his fighting skills). What happens if one chooses to not serve the Gods is unknown, however some living individuals give witness accounts of strange paranormal events around them. Because of this it is assumed that the spirit will wander the world as he or she pleases, the most likely scenario being that the spirit will watch over his or her family.
Holidays and Special Days
The Winter Solstice (The Reckoning)
This event designates the beginning of winter for the followers. During the winter, it is a time of reflection about the Reckoning. Normally this is a somber time where individuals reflect on their deeds in life, both bad and good.
The Spring Equinox (The Rebirth, New Year)
This officially designates the end of winter and the beginning of Spring. Spring represents the Rebirth, the time when Yria remade the earth she destroyed. It births a season of celebration. On the first day the clerics host confessions, where individuals confess what deeds that had done in the past year. The cleric uses salt water to bless the person, cleaning him of their sins and starting anew.
The Summer Equinox (The Festival of the Daughter)
Followers of this religion hold the family in a high regard because of the relationship between Ulnos and Yria. On the day of the Summer Equinox the relationship between a parent and his or her child is celebrated. This day involves giving small gifts to the families and gathering in the temple for blessings. Pregnant women get a special gift during this festival, like gifts to specifically help with the upcoming baby and a special blessing of her and her womb.
Eclipses
In this religion, solar and lunar eclipses are seen as messages from the Gods. Usually they are received as signs that the Gods are pleased with their people’s deeds. Because of this, because Eclipses are deemed to happen at any moment, short prayer services are called thanking Ulnis and Yria for showing them the way.
Coming of Age
In the society of this religion, parents are charged with the care and teaching of the children. But children are even more special; they are tasked with carrying on the next generation by reshaping the world to be better for their own children. So when a child turns 15 years old, his or her birthday is special. While celebrated in more private circumstances, the day designates the child growing up and preparing reshape the world.