It is Siadas, 22nd of the Month of Cinder, in the year 95
Pantheon of the Great Houses, Part 2
On this page are the following Gods...
XI. - Justice
XII. - The Hanged Man
XIII. - Death
XIV. - Temperance
XV. - The Devil
XVI. - The Tower
XVII. - The Star
XVIII. - The Moon
XIX. - The Sun
XX. - Judgement
XXI. - The World
"Prison gives you all the time to think."
- A common sentiment of a Hanged Man cultist
XI - XII - XIII
XI. Justice
God of: Law, Truth, Integrity, Accountability, Honesty
Representation
Justice is most commonly represented as a man standing tall, in one hand balanced scales and the other a sword. The scales represent a fair decision, the unfairness would unbalance the scales and be considered an injustice. The sword represents the righteousness of Justice and the law and has also been considered the threat of holy retribution against the worst of society.
Cult
The Cult of Justice is one of the more exclusive cults among the Elf Pantheon. Elf nobles are counted among the majority of this cult, those who specialise in the administration of laws and justice or advise their liege of them.
At least one Cultist is often kept on as a retainer in most noble courts to advise their respective lords on their own decisions. This is something that has divided the Cult as one side believes they ought to be the sole arbiters of justice, while the other believes the respective Lords have that right.
One of the more notable ‘sects’ is the Inquirers of House Daramos. Although their charge is more specialised towards experiments and the nature of aetheric dabbling.
XI. Justice
Tenets
Law -
The sanctity of the law is a concept that originated from the Cult of Justice, and it is the primary point in which they argue against the ability of Lords and nobles who are not arbiters or judges
Truth -
Truth has become a considerable paramount desire for those who take their charge of a judge seriously. To apply the law in the fairest and most just manner, then the truth of the situation must be known. To discover the truth, they require honesty from all those they question.
Accountability -
The single most contentious point that divides the Cult of Justice from the various nobles and lords they find themselves serving. While the cult can be known for trying to push for all to be punished equally, often when it comes to the nobility this is not the road taken. The Cult debates among itself over its role in ensuring the stability of Elven society, and if toppling nobles and lords in the name of justice would mean the same to those that would feel the negative impact of it.
Worship
Justice is an uncommon god worshipped among the pantheon, his sphere of concern is considered more niche than the rest despite the wider implications of what the god represents.
Most commonly, various nobles acting as arbiters or judges of law in civilised Elven society worship Justice as a divine aspect that binds their society together and prevents the rapid descent into chaotic retribution dealt out by the will of the common man or woman.
Worship of Justice does not typically come in the form of prayer or sacrifice, rather it is generally considered that the best way to worship him is to act in the manner best befitting his tenets. This is not a universally agreed stance, as many believe that prayer for Justice and offerings being made are an important part of accepting The Eleventh as a way of life.
Creating a follower
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Followers of the Cult of Justice are few and far between, they see the Law as something that is beyond and higher than themselves. The principle of erasure of status in favour of legal precedence is a deeply debated topic among cultists.
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Consider if your character believes the priority of Justice is to maintain stability in Elven society, prevent the eruption of chaos or is it to deal out justice equally.
XII. The Hanged Man
God of: Sacrifice, Martyrdom, Contemplation, Confinement
Representation
The Hanged Man is typically represented in two ways. The first is of an Elven Man being hung from a tree, his body lifeless, and is commonly associated with legal punishment for criminals.
The second representation, and one that is becoming more popular, is the Man being hung by his ankle from the same tree. His face was serene, contemplative. He uses the time wisely to reflect on his past to pave a future where he thinks not only for himself.
Cult
The Cult of the Hanged Man is typically made up of former criminals who have dedicated their lives to bettering society rather than themselves. Almost all of them have had some form of spiritual awakening brought about by punishment for their sins.
The most honoured among them are those who have sacrificed their lives in the protection of others. Saving them from burning buildings, hazardous environments and even the clutches of brigands or bandits.
Cultists of The Hanged Man are almost always treated with some suspicion by those unfamiliar with the group. Even those who are, still see criminals before them despite whether there were or weren't.
XII. The Hanged Man
Tenets
At the core of the teaching of the Hanged Man is a contemplative outlook on one's own life, to pick it apart and see where true good was done and where evil has resided. It is then understood that they can serve a greater purpose, a better purpose, to be hung willingly by the ankle rather than unwillingly by the neck.
Sacrifice comes naturally thereafter, to cease fretting over worldly possessions and to go further through the great act of martyrdom to forever become more than just a person, but an idea that serves to the benefit of all Elven kind.
Worship
The Hanged Man is typically seen in prisons or cells meant to hold criminals. A reminder of the consequences and a symbol to reflect upon. And often where individuals first pray to him.
His worship comes in the form of repentance for crimes, of giving sacrifices to The Hanged Man and lastly to embody the selfless life to free oneself of unneeded confinements.
The Hanged Man is commonly associated with criminals and prisons. Those who have been confined to an area as they cannot be trusted. The phrase “Pray to the Hanged Man.” Is typically said to criminals as an encouragement to bring their life into perspective, to re-evaluate.
The notion has however been taken further by those who are familiar with The Hanged Man. Mainly former criminals, who have taken to the God as a redeemer. These few have turned their lives around and have become nothing like their old selves. Spending day after day contributing the society that once locked them away.
Creating a follower
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When creating a follower of The Hanged Man, first consider if your character is a former criminal and how they came to know the faith more intimately.
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Consider how other criminals or the crimes they committed affected the path they eventually walked down.
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If the character was not a criminal to begin with then consider why they were attracted to The Hanged Man. Were they interested in self-sacrifice for the greater good or were they seeking penance for a wrong they committed but weren't caught for? Perhaps the wrong was or even illegal, perhaps a taboo.
XIII. Death
God of: The End, Mortality, Inevitability, Rebirth, Suffering
Representation
Death is mostly commonly represented as a dead or dying person in a dark robe, often surrounded by new life springing up around him. In some attributes he is walking across a field of the dead, notably, there are nobles and Kings whom he is stepping over. A symbolic meaning that no one can escape The End.
He has a mixed reception among most Elves, feared because he represents the end of their life but that is a singular aspect that encompasses him. He represents an end in all things, not just a life, and this end must come about to give birth to something new. Many forgo the latter part of rebirth due to the discomfort with the former.
With life coming to an End, Death can be seen as the protector of their spirit as they travel to the world beyond to be born anew.
XIII. Death
Cult
The Cults of The End are the most typical Cultist of Death. They are mostly concerned with the duties of handling the dead, their rites, and the respect given to lost ones. They are also known to comfort those who have experienced such loss in their lives, although their offer of comfort extends to all types of ‘end’, and not just death itself.
From the End Cults, and those who slip too far into the idea of death and rebirth, warp the cult's intentions into something that, on the face of it, seems more malicious than it tries to be. Rather than apply their methods to the individual, they apply them to society. When this happens they can inevitably form a ‘true’ Death Cult. These cultists vary in their particular branch of philosophy and partake in ritualistic killings of those they have deemed to be causing stagnation, to suicide pacts to the most deranged kind where Death at a large scale seems to be their only preoccupation.
Tenets
End and Rebirth -
A core principle of Death followers is the fact that everything must come to an end. And it does not matter what it is, it will eventually succumb to inevitability and thus pave the way for rebirth. Rebirth is then something new, and something better. In general, what comes from The End might be painful or difficult, but considered good.
Accept Mortality -
The Followers of Death are very much aware of their own mortality. They do not believe that physical death is the end for them in totality and that it is rather a process of transformation whereby they will travel to The World Beyond.
Burden of Suffering -
Although not something typically associated with Death, it has become an important aspect as a point of warning and a condition to understand that either the end of something is approaching, or that you need to bring an end to something to be truly renewed.
Worship
Worship of Death is typically seen at the ceremony given to those who have died, where many will give an offering of coin to Death as payment to ensure that their loved ones' souls can safely travel to the world beyond. - These ceremonies are not always a sad affair, and there is no ‘standard policy’ adopted by the Death Cults in how they should be conducted. Often it is due to the preference of the family of the loved ones.
Although the End Cults have made it their charge to perform the Rite to The World Beyond, being the keepers of the dead is not their only function. The various ‘End Cults’ throughout The Dominion also advocate the end of painful or harmful relationships, undertakings and other situations that they consider bad for the person or those involved. They are sometimes brought in as advisors to nobles and other authorities to bring everything into a ‘perspective’, although their popularity is not high.
Creating a follower
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Hold the tenents true to yourself, but do not make it the entire character.
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Preside and advise over matters of death and mortality, comfort those who experiencing what is essentially an 'end' and aid them to understand it is really a rebirth. Start a Cult of The End.
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Descend into the madness of a true Death Cult and the unique philosophy of their kind based on their interpretation of Death, Rebirth and Mortality.
"The fear of death is such a strange thing, you know?"
- The End Cultists acknowledge the fear, despite believing in The World Beyond
XIV - XV - XVI
XIV. Temperance
God of: Duality, Balance
Representation
Temperance is depicted, resoundingly, as a beautiful winged elf. Feathery wings extend from her back, as white and pure as driven snow. White hair tumbles from her head to match it, and she is clothed in a matching gown or robes. She is usually presented holding a cup in either hand; from which, water flows between them. Sometimes She is pouring from one to the other, and other times the water seems to magically flow through the air laterally from one cup to the next. She has two symbols; a cup, and a feather.
Cult
She lacks an organised religion entirely, as some of the other deities do. She is difficult to dedicate to; Temperance is more concept than God, on a mortal level. Scholars believe Her power and influence is above Mortal understanding, but include symbols and dedications to Her across rituals to other Gods to ensure that She is seen, heard, and may extend balance and success into those endeavours.
Some wildcard cultists may, however, take ‘balance’ into their own hands. It is not unheard of for someone to take drastic actions - murder, arson, destruction, extreme generosity, self-sacrifice - in the name of fixing an imbalance, crying out for Temperance all the while. Some theorise that She possesses these folk to carry out Her whim. Others believe they have simply gone mad. There’s no proof either way.
XIV. Temperance
Tenets
Too much of One Thing is Bad for the Body and the Mind -
This is a general virtue in Elven society, and has roots in this Goddess. It is not taken as a means to live humbly or bare-bones, but rather that everyone has a different balance.
As Above, So Below -
Any action as a reaction, a result perhaps unseen that sets right any universal imbalance.
Worship
Temperance lacks festivals and organised worship, but is nevertheless still a present part of the Pantheon. Her imagery is striking, but Her sphere is far less well-defined. She is the concept of duality, both sides of the coin, light and dark; but She is these things in balance, explicitly. Many other Gods feel Her influence, as it is Her power to keep the good in balance with the bad.
Much like The Wheel of Fortune, Temperance is used by the people to find solace when things turn badly. There is always something positive to outweigh the bad. However, Temperance allows the Elven people to take responsibility and feel they have influence over these outcomes. She would have them deliberately balance out life through thoughtful action. A minor tradition under Her wing, for instance, is to give when receiving. Should someone come into a great fortune or even a small unexpected bonus, many believe they should pass some of that on. Gaining and losing.
Many find the truth of the faith, the details, to be esoteric and difficult to grasp. Her role is less about being worshipped and more about the literal power and universal peace that She extends in a spiritual sense. She is often times part of other Gods stories and theories from scholars, playing parts in Elven myth and legend, but without having a quantifiable ‘prayer’. Her symbols have become simple representations of luck, however.
Creating a follower
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Temperance is most likely to play a minor role in the lives of any Elf
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Someone truly dedicated to this Goddess may be fixed on creating ‘opposite’ action to balance out what other people do
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They may also have an awareness for not over-indulging or enabling over-abundance, and for aiding with the stark opposite
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Twisting the lore, you may create an extremist acting out the whims of primordial balance!
XV. The Devil
God of: Deception, Indulgence, Deals & The Sea
Representation
The Devil is represented as a willful, stormy woman. She is as harsh as She is beautiful, often made of raging waters or depicted as bound to the ocean by great ties or anchors. It’s extremely rare to find statues to Her, and most often if She is depicted, it's in relation to House Soletera and The Tower.
Cult
There is no organised church dedicated to The Devil; most often, any references to Her involve appeasing Her for the average Elf. Her chaotic, beckoning nature appeals mostly to outsiders and is oftentimes scary to most folk.
However, a few seaside cults have risen in coastal caves, where the denizens commit to a life half-severed from the land, only venturing out when the tide is low. Some of these dedicated souls have learned that She does answer ritual asks, though to call upon Her is frightening and risky - just like the ocean, The Devil is unpredictable. It’s said that during frightful storms, shadows and mist from the waters, or even waves themselves, take on Her shape to make bargains with those She deems worthy. In the myths, She offers some immediate reward, an instant gratification, with a great cost to come in the days beyond.
A popular legend references Her love affair with The Tower, another God of Disaster. Their relationship wrought danger upon the Elven realm and it took The World’s wide power to separate them for good. Cultists would see them reunited.
A grim aspect of this faith is that it is strongly, and widely, believed that those who die from downing go to Her domain in the afterlife - where their soul is warped into howls and words on the wind during sea-storms. These pleas roll into coastal towns with temptations, begging, and offers to get people to turn toward Her.
Some Sea-Priests may deliberately drown themselves, known then as the Once-Drowned, Twice-Drowned, and so on for each time that they survive. Every attempt is considered an exchange of life for power from the Goddess. These wild fanatics are also willing to drown non-believers in exchange for divine gifts, too.
XV. The Devil
Worship
Open worship of The Devil is frowned upon, as well as anything that implies glory to Her. Rather, She is a force to appease and ward off. This may involve a small alcove of a coastal Elven home having a collection of shells or sea debris. The further inland you go, the less this divine name is said, as they feel far less pressure to entertain Her jealousy and fury.
Generally, She is regarded as a deceiver who gained power and ascended through tortuous bargains and the draining of other people’s power, Aetheric or otherwise. She has become a mask and insult for ambitious women, oftentimes used to cut down those who seem voracious in pursuit of success. Frequently She is also regarded as sexual and seductive, trying to convince men to make mistakes through such low tactics.
Towns that are completely reliant on the sea for their trade and survival usually have a large carving of her on the docks, or simply of a gorgeous woman, often unnamed but intended for Her. She is believed to be vain and that these dedications flatter Her. Commonly they are made out of wreckage wood, whalebone or stone pulled from the sea.
People are known to wear trinkets from the sea, such as shells and carved driftwood, repurposed flotsam or coral as a way to show devotion to The Devil. This extends beyond just religious devouts and also into humble fishermen who are wary of Her. It’s said that She likes Her ‘mark’ on people in this way, and is jealous when such souls combine it with symbols of other Gods from the pantheon.
Tenets
Love, Give, and Receive -
The Devil is too be adored and given gifts; in return, the worshipper may get small mercies or considerable reward.
Fear and Reliance -
True devouts consider it important to base their lives around the ocean, ensuring that if it turns cruel, they feel the negative effects in full force. This can relate to the physical weather, fishing bounties, treasure hunting and the like. It is a way of giving full trust to The Devil.
Beyond Our Understanding -
Everything within Her domain is at Her will, and everything happens for a reason, even if it appears to be savage or cruel. This permits worshippers to accept that their wrongdoings are for a greater good.
Creating a follower
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A follower of the Devil is likely from a coastal region, or began as a devout of The Tower and combines both Gods.
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This God may just play a small role in the habits of a coastal Elf or fishermen
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If they are a devout, they are likely to lean toward chaos, indulgence, and violence.
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A hardcore believer may be power-hungry and jealous or controlling
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They feel a pull toward the sea, whether they are willing to listen to it or not.
XVI. The Tower
God of: Adversity, Calamity, Distress, Upheaval
Representation
Considered one of the most controversial God Cards included within the standard deck, it is often viewed as an outsider amongst the others and certainly, the worst card that can be pulled from the deck.
The card is commonly represented by a Tower being struck by a calamity, a bolt of lightning destroying its tip while a torrent of terrible weather batters the surrounding environment. As portrayed here it represents natural calamity, distress and unforeseen catastrophe.
Some versions of The Tower have a more sinister representation, which many Elves would find distasteful but survive for the thrill of it. Sometimes the card is included separately, despite taking up the same number. This version is of a dark-robed figure with a wide malicious grin, The Patriarch of the hated House Soletera. Representing chaos, devastation and rebellion. He is often associated with The Devil as her lover.
XVI. The Tower
Tenets
The Tenets of The Tower relate to changing of the world order, and bringing about great change through destruction.
Dissent -
Typically how anyone would begin their descension into the deepest depth. Envisioning a large-scale dissent against the Houses, their kinsmen or family and eventually rebellion aiming to overthrow the current determined order of the day. - Many believe that Dissent and Rebellion are one of the core principles of House Soletera, and so associate the Tower with the disgraced house.
Destruction -
The next step. Rebellion is a spark that can burn brightest when it adopts the mentality of destruction. To truly tear down what was to remake a grander future, pieces of the old must be destroyed. Those who flirt with rebellion are easily seduced into destruction.
Ruination -
At the deepest level lay ruination. Gone are the morals and justification for rebellion and the logical conclusion to destroy. Instead, ruination seeks a toll even greater and more terrible than those who are merely flirting with the supposed principles of House Soletera. Remaking the world becomes a child’s game, while ascension ought to be the truest aim.
Reaching the stage of Ruination is rumoured in hushed circles to grant the favour of The Tower, The Patriarch of Soletera.
Cult
There is no formal Cult of The Tower and there is no socially acceptable informal Cult either. The Doomsayers are sometimes referred to as a Cult of The Tower, however, these individuals often do not communicate or have much to do with each other as they act out of mere compulsion to speak.
The true Cult of The Tower, more accurately known as The Cult of Soletera or Cult of House Soletera. The origins of this Cult are believed to be the remnants of House Soletera, although most likely it is not made up of its family members. The Cult becomes attractive to those already scorned by society or their social circles, and they fall further into its depths with aspirations of gaining power and remaking the world order.
The House itself, Soletera, ends up becoming a point of worship, including its most famous members who are storied to have brought various noble houses to their knees and caused such disaster against their own kind. Despite their involvement or not, the House will be blamed for a variety of offences.
Worship
Worship of The Tower is not common. And in most instances, The Tower is used as a warning against those in the rule of the inevitable possibility of their end. A Tower being struck by a bolt of lightning is an uncommon symbol to find in a noble's hall or court but sometimes can be found where wisdom is greatly appreciated.
Those who do worship The Tower are often seen as mad Doomsayers who lost their minds long ago. Society rarely pays any attention to the Doomsayers, regardless of the warnings they attest to. That was at least true before the arrival of Humanity, where the least mad amongst the Doomsayers have found new opportunities among the courts to predict the next disaster. They have had mixed results.
In its worst form, worship of The Tower comes in the form of veneration for House Soletera. This disgraced House, responsible for widespread destruction to Elven society, tends to be engaged for the thrill of the taboo. However the power of the House is not just imaginary, something that many Elves fear if they have their head screwed on correctly.
Creating a follower
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Members of the Cult can come in two forms, Doomsayers who fear and see visions of destruction in their futures. Often addled to the point these are incoherent but otherwise prominent in their minds. Generally, mad.
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The second is to follow the path of House Soletera, to work from the shadows, ferment rebellion, bring destruction and even walk the path of ruination as the great house did before you - They often seek to partner with worshipers of The Devil.
"This is getting too serious..."
- The consequences of praising House Soletera start on the mind
XVII - XVIII - XIX
XVII. The Star
Goddess of: Artistry, Inspiration, Hope and Peace, Girlhood
Representation
Ciel’s imagery ranges from simple to extravagant, but is, much like with Her parent-Gods, celestial. Single four-pointed stars are the most basic and most common,and are printed on coins that are minted within the city Ciel.
She is consistently represented as a delicate, lithe Elven maiden - with soft skin and unending youth. Her hair is typically long and gleams like white-gold that has been spun into thin silk. Occasionally She is shown as a painter, or a harp player, or reading from a storybook. Other times She is purposely portrayed with open, empty palms, offering those who witness Her an embrace.
XVII. The Star
Cult
The only known ‘Cult’ to Ciel is in Her namesake city, and in further parts of Elven lands Her presence is much more mild and token. She has a few small temples, dozens upon dozens of shrines, and one major centre for Her faith within the city. Waters flow ever-presently from jugs suspended by carvings of beautiful young women in the Celestial Temple, and representations of Her divine mother and father are made from pure white marble and oversee everything from furthest corners of the holy chamber. The Priestesses who tend to the temple are given the title of ‘Maiden,’ and are expected to always dress in light colours, to keep their skin pale, and to always be seen publicly in immaculate dress. That said, their clothes are simple gowns, usually loose-fitting, and as they get older they begin to wear veils.
Maidens within the Cult do not remain in that position for their whole lives. Once they reach thirty years of age, they are considered too old for the temple and will either leave for a different profession - often event planners, artists, healers and so on - or they will progress into being Priestesses of The Moon instead, as part of maturing.
In lesser Temples, they are quite often used as a place where orphaned girls are sent to be raised. Until they are Maidens, they are known as Sisters, and are raised communally by the shrine-keepers.
Tenets
Spreading Hope -
It is crucial for followers of Ciel to be optimistic and kind, and to strive to spread motivation to other people. Reality is considered something mouldable by devouts - it can be changed via positivity and care.
Gifts of The Heart and Soul -
Though a Goddess of beauty and artwork, She does not encourage maximalism or greed. Gorgeous gifts and possessions should all have considerable emotional meaning. Something created without this is worthless.
Honesty and Openness -
Though Ciel may seem an aesthetic-focussed Goddess, there is a core focus upon the outside matching the inside. Dishonesty is a grave sin, particularly about how one is feeling within. Maidens are often skilled counsellors and are commonly visited by families
Worship
Worship of Ciel is often passive. Shrines will be decorated with trinkets, art pieces and flowers and usually then left simply to be observed and enjoyed. Even outside of Her named city, She is exceedingly popular as a muse for creatives, with their spaces oftentimes dominated by paintings of constellations or even more minimalistic star markings to ensure She watches over the space.
It is very common for young girls to sew and embroider Her symbols when first learning these kinds of skills. Bakers may put stars on their bread or cakes, and wineries may seal their corks with stars on the wax. Artisans of a light, hopeful style usually find Ciel a considerable source of inspiration.
In the centre of the city Ciel, there is a vast fountain that what built upon a natural spring. Though the city has greatly developed around it, it remains a sparkling and pure fixture of beauty - with much celestial imagery and gleaming, blue waters, which is something that other temples to her try to mimic. It is said that drinking just a palm-full of water from the fountain will help any artist create their masterpiece. Some particularly hopeful people have taken to wearing vials of the water around their necks.
Occasionally, people take Her focus on aesthetics and turn this to extremes. Though hardly intended by the Goddess or Her followers, sometimes young people become obsessed with their appearance - ensuring perfect hair, intense makeup, and increasingly extravagant clothes. It is not uncommon for youths dedicated to Ciel to become shallow and selfish, focussed too much on their features. They can become jealous, some seeing Her as a Goddess to pray to to acquire beauty.
Creating a follower
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A follower of Ciel is likely to be in an open-hearted Elf in their early twenties, and She is best suited to female characters - but not exclusively.
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Create a place of healing and creativity, a hub for inspiration.
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Act as a muse for others. Style yourself with very simple beauty.
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Challenge others to be honest and to indulge in creativity and other simple pleasures of expression.
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Twist the lore, becoming a selfish and shallow figure obsessed with beauty and fashion. Play into youthful jealousy and socially antagonise others along these lines!
XVIII. - The Moon
Goddess of: Dreams, Imagination, Visions, Night
Representation
Celka's symbol is usually either a crescent moon or a full one; and She is the only of the three Celestial Gods that is not represented in gold, ever. Silver is traditionally worn for Celka and is, therefore, the most common jewellery for women in the region of the Celestial Cities. Much like Her husband and daughter, Cygnus and Ciel, She has a city named after Her.
Visually Celka is usually a middle-aged woman with icy hair and pale skin, almost translucent. Renditions of Her in stone bathe Her in light fabric, with particular care for the chiselling to make it look thin and real. She’s curvaceous and womanly, most often gowned, and has Her hands upon either side of Herself to remain steady. She does not embrace Her followers in depictions.
XVII. The Moon
Cult
Her temples are usually all-white or all-black, and decorated with silver accents and dedications from worshippers. The women who tend these places were often once Maidens of Ciel, and have spent their entire lives dedicated to the Celestial Triumvirate. Much like the other Gods, Her main temple is in the City of Celka - and leaks to a natural underground pool, where a crack in the cave ceiling allows moonlight through and a direct view of the moon during the winter months. This pool is used by the most experienced of Priestesses in order to enter a trance-like state to pray and gain insight from Celka Herself.
Visions and dreams are vitally important but difficult to practise. Becoming so attuned involves years of patience and meditation, which the Cult is quite dedicated to. There are often week-long periods of organised silence in Her temples. Some Priestesses claim direct communication with Celka, where Her guiding is consistently focussed upon bringing other people into quietude, peace, and exploration of the subconcious.
Whilst Her husband’s temples are often hospitals or used for triage, when Her Priestesses embrace the common people it is more to nurse ailments of the mind. In particular, they often take in widows in mourning.
However, some smaller subsections and minor Cults dedicated to Celka have taken a much darker turn. Nightmares take focus over dreams, visions become ways of controlling others, and encouraging people into the dark descent of mania and madness is rife. These cults see insanity as freedom and clarity. Their meditation typically involves the use of drugs to ‘unlock’ the mind with haste, rather than through the slow and meticulous practices of most temples. These groups do not have access to the moonpool in the city.
Tenets
Mental Fortitude -
Strengthening and expanding the mind, reaching out to the limits of the self. As part of this, it's important to tend to the mentally ill.
Silence -
Embracing literal peace and rest, as well as using it to connect to the Celestial through dreams. The moonpool in the city Celka is a place that devouts often take pilgrimages to or try to recreate. The water has an inexplicably high salt content, resulting in those who bathe there to easily float and become isolated within the dark. It’s considered the ultimate experience for Celka followers.
Worship
Around shrines to Celka, people are expected to be silent. They are usually simple arches covered and draped with light silks and satins, creating a wall that shivers in the breeze. Silver ornamentation may be laid out for Her, and inversely to Her husband, people will leave deliberately unlit candles at the foot of these places of worship, often made of black wax.
The most common form of prayer to Her involves meditation and even outright sleep. Creating a peaceful, quiet environment where the body can relax and the mind can depart from it, reaching out into the unknown in order to find inspiration, widen the mental horizon and, if the worshipper is lucky, find peace. In a sense, She accesses more elevated and mature planes of artistry than Her daughter Ceil, and some creatives may use Her imagery and claim Her as a muse.
She is considered to be innately tied to the female cycle, and when the moon is full She is seen as revealing Herself in purity to Her husband. Eclipses, though rare, are extremely holy days where the Elven people believe something new is brought into the world by Celka and Cygnus, as it is when they most directly join each other. The last eclipse was celebrated for well over a month of festivities throughout the Celestial Cities.
Harvest Moons, where the moon is bathed in orange-red light, tend to occur around autumn, and are seen as a symbol from Celka that it is time to become quiet and reflect upon the solemn winter ahead, as well as a sign from Her Husband that the crop is ready for culling.
Creating a follower
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Best suited to older, female characters with worldly experience and a focus for peace.
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Challenge others to take time for themselves, to focus on expanding the mind. Consider mental improvement more important than physical.
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Pursue aetheric connections where possible.
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Or choose the darker path, and create a more sinister and intense Cult that focuses on how far the mind can be pushed!
XIX. - The Sun
God of: Expansion, Renewal, Vitality and Productivity and Achievement
Representation
Cygnus is represented usually by a very stylised icon of a Sun - it is very commonly imprinted upon coins in His namesake city. The Sun is considered a symbol of life and prosperity, so much like His daughter, He is well-liked amongst crafters and artisans. Though usually, it is blacksmiths, woodworkers, and other more traditionally masculine professions that include the symbol in their shops or as part of their maker’s marks.
When shown as a humanoid figure, Cygnus is a proud and broad male Elf, usually in middle age and with an innate wisdom. He is practically never shown with weaponry, as War is not even close to His sphere. In many ways, Cygnus is a God of the home and family. Most commonly He is depicted with His divine family, or with open, empty palms. He usually has a Sun-like halo
XIX. The Sun
Cult
His temples are found throughout the Elven world, but the grandest and most significant is of course in the city Cygnus, where a towering statue of him sits on a marble throne. The marble is gold-veined, and beside him in lesser ornamentation are carvings of His divine wife and child.
His temples and Cult consist entirely of men - usually married men - who are experts in male health and care along with household duty and ways to ‘handle’ ones wife.. In fact, most of these locations are usually also hospitals that are open to the public. Marriages take place in the gorgeous main chambers, where couples are deliberately showered in light - traditionally, these occur at high noon and if a day is particularly overcast, it is seen as a severely bad omen for the marriage.
A young man who pledges to this Cult will be under pressure to marry if he has not already, with some fellow Priests acting as ‘matchmakers’. Love is not necessarily their agenda, but no one is forced into marriage via the faith. They look for ambitious couplings, where the duo are likely to achieve many things by working together. Shared goals are important.
The temples to Cygnus are also regarded as ‘safe harbours’ - places that people will go and stay during sieges, attacks, fires and plagues. People are disarmed upon entrance but are treated well and, most importantly, protected. Though designed to be pretty, these grand temples and chambers are indeed made to be enforceable and practical. They fulfil the role of a father’s embrace - to protect the children, the people. Elves dare not desecrate his halls and its something that humans, particularly the Asturrians have done.
Tenets
Marriage -
Union with a life-long spouse is immensely important. To devouts, divorce is a considerable sin.
Familial Protector -
Fathers are expected to be a strong shield between the world and their children, sharing wisdom and ensuring a safe path for them on their way to success.
Expansion -
Growing the home, the holdings of a family, as well as the literal members of the family is extremely important. Material and emotional wealth play large parts in this.
Fertility -
All should strive to take care of their physical health in order to maintain fertility. Infertility is often perceived as a curse or failing, something that can be mended or at least, attempted to be mended, in these Elven temples.
In Common Culture
Broadly, Cygnus is a God that will dominate a man’s life for short periods. When he gets married, when he starts a family, and during the yearly celebration. Otherwise, most Elves have little reason to turn to Him or actively pray to Him; and the expectation is not to live the whole year in active worship.
Worship
Most commonly, worship of Cygnus involves the lighting and tending of candles and bundles of sunflowers being laid at His shrines. His visage is very commonly crafted for these places, either in metal, stone, or more humble materials depending on where the shrine is found. Gold or yellow paint plays a significant role both in decorating places of worship and as part of decorating the body of His worshippers.
These paints are frequently worn by men on their wedding days, as well as in more simple forms worn when they are trying for children. Male tokens of marriage such as rings, pendants, or other pieces of jewellery will traditionally have suns on them.
Buildings dedicated to Him will have amber glass incorporated in their walls and ceilings, meant to intensify sunlight. Gemstones of warm colours are commonly part of symbolic jewellery meant to help those struggling with fertility, or as gifts for fathers. He has a festival dedicated to Him at the height of summer, Cygnus Day, where the day is longest - and it is largely a day about celebrating fathers, giving them gifts, and having a grand feast where no expense is spared.
Cygnus also has a small place in Elven courts, particularly in the Celestial Cities. For cases involving families and fundamentally, involving life, His bust is placed in the council.
Creating a follower
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A follower of Cygnus is likely to be a male elf who is either married or hopes to be, and has a traditionally masculine occupation.
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Cygnus can play a small part in their life.
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Challenge others into being ambitious and focussed on improving their family and household.
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Strive for monetary and physical success.
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Perhaps take it too seriously and become an overbearing father figure!
"Are you deserving?"
- A phrase uttered by Judgement Cultist, towards those who may want a second chance
XX - XXI
XX. Judgement
God of: Absolution, Causality, Second-chance, Inner Calling
Representation
Judgement is mostly represented as a man playing a musical instrument to reawaken those below. Often those below seemed to have once been dead and have been reborn. Other times they are represented as someone once devoid of purpose to have found a calling.
In his most basic symbol, he is a trumpet above three figures. This has become the more widespread insignia of Judgement as his worship is few and far between or confused with other gods.
Cult
Cults of Judgement are few and far between, their popularity is fairly slim though they are known to be some of the most generous and helpful of the various cults that exist in Elven society.
The more twisted version of these cults often goes out of their way to punish those they deem to have done bad deeds and reward those who have done good deeds. This situation can lead to fights and even deaths relating to the cult, as well as gifts being given in seemingly random acts of generosity.
XX. Judgement
Worship
Judgement is one of the minor gods without a large following. Those who hold true to his virtues worship him by doing acts of service or charity to benefit their local communities. Many find the absolution in this work or even discover that aiding their fellows is a worthy reward in itself.
Sacrificing one's own time or material wealth for the benefit of all is considered the best way to worship Judgement, as he is believed to smile favourably upon those who do and in turn, a great many good things will happen to them. This process is known as the Cycle of Absolution which is one of the core principles held by the scattered Cults of Judgement.
Tenets
The Cycle of Absolution
It is believed by most Cultists that good deeds done, lead to good deeds received. The reverse is also true with bad deeds. It is therefore a core need for many Cultists to always perform good deeds where and when they can.
The Second Chance
Something that is not typically a controversial topic in general society, but the principle of a Second Chance follows on from the Cycle of Absolution and is hotly debated among Cultists. Good and bad deeds are often weighed in judgment when considering the possibility, and then it is usually further marred by the question of whether a second chance given is a bad or good deed depending on individual circumstances.
Creating a follower
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Consider if your character would believe that good deeds breed good deeds, that helping others would help themselves.
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Does everyone deserve a second chance or even a third chance? Is it your responsibility to punish bad deeds, does punishing bad deeds mean that bad deeds are coming for you? Where does your character sit on this philosophical point?
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Warp the tenets of Judgement, and expect that your good deeds entitle you to receive rewards. Expect every bad deed you encounter to need punishment. How far you go is up to you!
XXI. The World
God of: Travel, Movement, Freedom, Observing
Representation
His symbol is a circular censer or incense burner, but this is oftentimes simplified to a globe of gold with a footprint at its centre. Many artists in many Elven cities have carved boot or footprints into streets as a symbol of Bahis, allowing many others to walk in His footsteps or to keep that particular path safe and watched-over.
His appearance is that of a cloaked traveller - He’s always represented as practically dressed, and sometimes His statues are covered in literal garments. He is supposed to be completely covered, any suggestion of His creed unknown, whilst being prepared for immense heat and immense cold, dry air and sleet rain. His mask will change wildly in rendition - sometimes made of wood, other times of steel or a precious metal. The distinct feature is that it is always all-encompassing.
XXI. The World
Cult
Like many of the other Elven Gods, He is someone turned to conditionally, and when needed. Combined with His more humble desires and sphere, there is next to no existent cult for Bahis. He has no temples, but His shrines sometimes occupy small spaces in ones for other deities.
However, some lone Elves or small groups may denote themselves as Priests or Clerics of His. It is common for these souls to dedicate their entire lives to travel, setting up routes, and making sure that caches of supplies and small glimpses of comfort and hidden in the wilds for those who might need it. They spread out their belongings and rarely stay in one place for long. It is a regular rite of passage for these rare souls, to help someone else on a pilgrimage or important journey. During times of war, this role is particularly well-valued.
Occasionally, folk hero stories crop up of masked Elves fighting off bandits and protecting roads.
Tenets
Tend to the Roads -
Keeping paths clean and safe is of utmost importance. Every single path in the world has been walked by Bahis, and His holy footsteps deserve to be preserved and loved.
Protecting Travellers -
Those embarking on important journeys have entered into His realm. They deserve to see the other side, as the walk may bring to them great epiphany, strength, or self-reflection. - This would lead many to become guides or even caravan guards.
Maps as Scripture -
Maps are holy and should never, ever be destroyed, cartographers perform a sacred duty as a consequence.. Old roads may lie now in ruin or have been completely erased or overgrown - but they should live on in memory, having served the weary traveller long and hard.
Worship
The most standard form of worship is travel itself. Taking dedicated journeys or pilgrimages, roaming to different areas and discovering new things. It is tradition that, when walking a new path, people should create markers and roads or even small shelters along the route for the less-fortunate traveller that may follow behind. These places usually have the footprint of Bahis or a hanging censer or lamp in the case of more built-up locations.
In cities, His presence is minor. He’s more important to merchant caravans and those who opt for a more nomadic life. Simple acts to please Him can be preparing meals or rations for people about to embark on a journey, or by leaving maps at his shrines. It is especially valuable if the map was made by the worshippers themselves - it need not be perfectly accurate, nor a work of art. But mapping out a personal journey, perhaps a route often taken, is similar to a prayer to The World.
Creating a follower
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A follower of Bahis is likely a traveller, willing to live humbly.
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Challenge those that stay in one place forever; encourage great journeys and a more fluid style of living.
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Be generous to others
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Protect those who take perilous journeys… Or protect the roads themselves.
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Turn it on its head, and impose rigid rules upon those who tread the wilds!
Author: Oakbug & Hokan
Page Created by: Hokan