Overview
Staff on Tales of Daeren are named after deities, taken from all around our imaginary world. Please don't be alarmed if you log on and see a god or goddess — that will be a very helpful staff member! Of course, those staff members may occasionally stir up IC trouble. The gods and goddesses are rumored to visit Daeren.
The Light, also known as The Eight, is the major religion in Mobrin, the Eastern Isles, Skingaard, and some worshipers are also found in Laniveer.
There are other gods and goddess who are not of the Eight from Mobrin but are important none the less. Their stories are interconnected into the history of the world and the Eight.
The religion of Mobrin consists of worship of a pantheon of eight deities who make the world go round. These eight deities are generally equal in importance, though at present time Sess and Alasair are the two who have the most worshipers. Each deity's associations and importance is detailed below, but their areas are encapsulated in one-word in the list below, for convenience.
- General Information about the Eight
- Clergy of the Eight
- Temple Guards
- Non-Clergy
- Rites
- Legends
- Magic
Gods | Goddesses |
---|---|
Inouv - Evil | Alasair - Chaos |
Nar - War | Cri - Creation |
Sess - Victory | Umbra - Night |
Sheat - Light | |
Thedor - Time |
The following lists a quick overview for those playing a character from Mobrin or a character who worships the Eight.
Worship: Repeated prayer. Prayers may be quiet meditation, alone or in groups, or led by clergy. Very religious observers may have prayer beads (small symbols on bead necklaces) that they may use to perform various counts of prayers. Regular services are held on Sunday evenings and holidays at temples and holy places.
Mortals' Origin: Created by the Eight during Creation.
Deadly Sins:
- Murder
- Theft
- Greed
- Blasphemy
High Virtues:
- Valour
- Charity
- Honesty
- Chivalry
Associated Artform: Ballads
Coming of Age: 17
The Eight: Clerical Hierarchy and Overview
Clerical Hierarchy (Lowest to Highest)
Acolyte
- Training to become a priest or priestess.
- Intensive learning of dogma and ritual.
- Given many menial Temple tasks when not occupied with studies; may apprentice in a trade to be used for the good of the Temple.
- Wears a unbleached linen robe with a plain twine rope at the waist.
- Maintains full name and occasional contact with family.
- Has the option to leave Temple service at any time. Social repercussions will vary, depending upon the former acolyte’s station, family status, etc.
Temple Guards
- Protection of the Acolytes and All of the Priests/Priestess included the Enlightened and the Illuminated.
- Found at every temple in major cities and or towns
- Some priests of Nar and Sess are part of the Temple Guards.
- Non priestly member are sworn to obey the Priests/Priestesses, enlightened and the Illuminated.
Priest/Priestess
- Has taken lifelong vows of poverty and chastity.
- Has officially relinquished his or her surname and family ties.
- Takes confessions from and offers advice or guidance to congregants of the same gender.
- Performs rituals and ceremonies (baby namings, weddings, funerals, etc.).
- May have a skill or profession, but it is used for the betterment of the temple (such as blacksmithing and or weaving).
- Wears a pure white robe with a golden rope at the waist. May wear very modest accessories, such as a brooch of a holy symbol.
- Has sworn lifelong service to the Eight; may not voluntarily leave Temple service. In the very rare occurrence that a priest or priestess is stripped of his or her title, the religious and social repercussions are severe. This person is seen as having severely offended the Eight and is generally treated as a social pariah.
Enlightened
- Performs all duties of a priest or priestess and follows the same rules as priest or priestess.
- Signs off on betrothal, marriage, adoption, and similar life cycle contracts.
- Performs royal marriages.
- Raises acolytes to full-fledged priests and priestesses.
- Wears a white robe bearing the eight-pointed star embroidered in gold over the torso.
*players can be enlightened*
Octadic Council
- Must be enlightened and still performs all the duties of an enlightened.
- Performs all the duties of a priest or priestess.
- They determine what cannon will be taught to the laymen.
- They also determine what the temple law is to be and run the temples on a whole.
- Dictates funds and dictates where other enlightened and priests are sent.
*players can icly be appointed to the Council. *
Illuminated
- Forgoes their name and all other worldly possessions.
- Wears a white robe bearing the eight-pointed star embroidered in gold and silver over the torso.
- Keeper of the temple relics, knows where they are hidden and how to get to them.
- Oversees the Octadic Council.
- Raises priests and Priestess to the position of Enlightened.
*This is an NPC*
Leaving the Priesthood:
- Priest and or Priestess will subject to an inquisition to deem that they are making this choice of their own free will and are not under the influence of the Oblivion.
- Enlightened are subjected to an inquisition and then they just simply disappear.
Temple Guards:
The temple has their own guards. Their guards are not knights but they are well trained and they are loyal to the temple. They will defend the priests and priestess unto death. They only take orders from priests and priestesses. They are usually armed with short short swords and heavy wooden shields. They wear leather ring mail and those who are more elite or captain wear chainmail. They also wear tabards over their armor that is marked with a holy symbol of the eight.
When a warrior becomes a temple guard they leave behind their family and their past. They become anointed and they swear their bodies and souls to the temple and to its protection. Many of the guards are followers of Nar and Sess and some are even priests to either of those gods. They are the sword arm of the temple. The tradition of the guard started after the empire fell and the Octadic Council disbanded. After the empire fell they were the ones that protected the priest and priestesses from the warlords and the strife and madness that seem to take a hold of the land.
These guards are funded by the tithing that the temple receives from the local lords and barons. After the incident that saw the relic scrolls discovered in the statues within the Temple of Eight in Stormvale the tithes have increased from the major holdings and Houses. The tithes are sent to the main temple where it is then decided how to distribute it throughout. The main temple in Darfield then keeps track of which Lord has paid and Which Lord has not.
*No other guards but temple guards should be in the temples. Unless the guards are there for personal worship, this includes the allowance of a singular guard to accompany their noble patronage during their personal worship . The temples have been enforcing this since the appearance of the relic scrolls and a misunderstanding of security concerning the relics of the Temple between the Temple and then Crown Prince Tyrel. *
Major Taboos:
1. For those who are not priests or priestesses, they may not commit any of the deadly sins. For a sufficient sacrifice and penance, most sins may be forgiven, by confessing to an appropriate priest/priestess and having those sins absolved. It is up to the priest or priestess if they absolve sins or not. Should they decide not to, the penitent confessor is permitted to appeal to the Enlightened who leads the temple. But that is the last recourse, save asking the deities themselves. In this case, it is expected that men will confess to Priests and women to Priestesses. So, appeals to temple leaders should be only in dire circumstances. Should it become necessary for a noble never-married Lady to confess to a Priest, she must have her maid with her. Married noblewomen and widows may confess to either a Priest or Priestess, but should take care, for the reputation of the Priest, not to spend exceptional amounts of time with any particular priest.
Marriage:
1. People are permitted to marry from the age of seventeen. However, marriages most often take place between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five.
2. Nobles must have the permission of their respective fathers, in order to marry. Usually, marriages are arranged by the Heads of Houses, but some nobles have their own ideas and can bring them to their parents. If there are no fathers, the head of their house must give permission. A contract must be written and signed by both houses. The contract is then taken by the priest or priestess to be blessed and saved in the temple libraries. In time of need, the written contract may be used as proof of a legitimate marriage. In all cases, the heads of houses involved must approve a marriage, before it takes place.
3. Commoners don‘t have to show the permission of parents. In the case of commoners, a written declaration is provided by the priest/priestess who presides at the ceremony, and is signed or marked by both the bride and the groom, signifying their agreement. This declaration is then used as prof of a legitimate marriage and stored in the temple libraries. The rites associated with marriage and the dowry between bride and grooms family varies between regions.
5. Marriage can be annulled if:
*a. The husband does not bed his wife the first night of marriage or the wife refuses to be bedded on the first night. If the bedding ceremony does not happen, the marriage is considered invalid.
*b. If the husband is impotent or the wife cannot bear children.
*c. If there is clear proof of violent actions against the wife by the husband.
*d. If there is a clear proof of the wife's adultery.
*e.If the marriage contract and wedding does not take place in the temple.
If none of the above apply, a marriage can not be annulled. What is joined by the hands of the Gods and Goddesses can be parted only by those same hands. That means the marriage ends only if the Gods and Goddesses decide to take the husband or wife to Paradise or The Underworld.
Marriage Rites:
Marriage is always arranged in the Temple and takes place there. A Priest or Priestess stands at the front. Her face is turned to the crowd but the bride and groom kneel, their backs to the crowd. The priestess or priest puts her/his hands on the heads of the bride and groom. They both have to repeat each word of the rite, as said by the priest or priestess. When the prayer is finished, the presiding priest or priestess takes the hands of the groom and bride and leads them both to the altar of Alasair. There are slight variances that for this ritual that happen in the different regions of the country.
For nobles or royalty, the people who gave permission for this marriage have to bring two piglets. In Darfield the groom‘s father (or head of the house) has to send a black or spotted piglet, while the bride‘s father or head of house must send a pink one. For non-Noble marriages, if the families of those being wed are wealthy, they may still bring piglets. However, should those getting married not have enough wealth to sacrifice piglets, then they may discuss a lesser sacrifice with the Priest or Priestess. These piglets are considered symbols of all sins and lustful needs. For this reason, the bride has to sacrifice the piglet brought by her husband‘s family and the groom has to sacrifice the piglet brought by his wife‘s family, both sacrificing to Alasair and whispering the same prayer as they do so. This ritual symbolizes that these two people are turning away from all their sins and lustful needs of the past. The blood of the two piglets is poured in the same goblet and stands at the front of the altar of Alasair, as they swear their vows, joining their lives forever and swearing faithfulness to each other.
Marriage rites may differ across Mobrin and the other Kingdoms that worship the Light, depending on culture and region.
Death Rites:
There are three death rites, depending on who has died and how they lived their life.
1. If the person was a thief, assassin, murderer (knights, soldiers and guards are not considered as murderers if they are fighting for "The Light“), rogue, some kind of other dangerous or sinful creature full of evil, judged as criminal or witch, or took his own life, he will be buried underground. Prayers will be given to Inouv, because the souls of these people will be taken by Oblivion and brought to the Underworld. These prayers ask for pity and as painless tortures as possible.
2. If the person is common and all his/her sins were forgiven or he/she lived quite a sinless life, he/she will be burned. Actually, the place where a person is burned depends on how much coin his/her family have. The most expensive rite is when the priest or priestess has to say a prayer near the coast and the dead person is burned in a small boat, while the boat is floating through the water. It is believed that the fastest way to reach Paradise is through water. For this reason a valuable sacrifice should be made for this burning location. However, if the sacrifice is not that impressive, the most simple and common rite is for the family to burn a dead person in the woods at one of the special locations anointed for that purpose. The ashes are gathered into a pot and brought to a priest or priestess who scatters the ashes into the water, saying the required prayers. Among the usual prayers, people ask that the Gods and Goddesses help a person‘s soul easily find the right way to Paradise and live there without sin.
3. If a person is noble, usually they still fall under the first or second rites detailed above. However, depending on the culture, some of the nobles, especially royals, have their own crypts where the bodies or ashes of their famous family members are kept together. This is to keep the family separate as royalty and as one family in Paradise as well.
Death rites, like marriage rites, may be a little bit different depending on region of Mobrin they are performed in.
Birth Rites:
When a new child is born, there is usually a blessing by a priest/priestess or Enlightened. If the parents have a particular god or goddess they wish to thank or to bless their child, this blessing can be specific to that deity. Otherwise, it is generally a prayer to the Eight to bless, protect and give the baby good health and a long life.
Birth rites, like marriage rites, may be a little bit different depending on the region of Mobrin they are performed in.
Coming of Age Rites:
Generally, 16 is the age of Majority for people. That is, their 16th birthday is when they celebrate coming of age, despite not being marriageable until they are 17. There are regional differences for these rites as there are for most rites.
Most places in Mobrin have temples or at least some sacred area that is used for ceremonies and rites. However the coming of age generally involves a less frequently used area that is many times considered to be frightening or even haunted to some degree. In general, characters on Tales of Daeren will have already gone through this rite, as they should be 16 or older.
On the evening before their 16th birthday, all those commoner children (if there are more then one) are taken to this place together. (In Stormvale, it's in the temple basement. In rural areas, it may be a sacred glade somewhere nearby.) They are all dressed in a plain white robe of simple material, anointed with sacred oil, and a prayer is made on their behalf by the highest ranked Priest/Priestess to all of the Eight. While they believe they are left alone, there is always at least two priests/priestesses staying on guard to ensure that no harm comes to them. If it is cold, a fire is set, and they are left enough wood to keep it burning through the night. If the weather is poor, they are given shelter in those outside areas, as the intent is not to have them face hardship particularly. The oils they are anointed with are such that they will bring warm and cold sensations to their bodies, and they are hallucinogenic. Through the night, the children are expected to see visions of the future, brought by the gods and goddesses. Some may see spirits of their ancestors, animals, or even imaginary beasts. Whether any of what they see is true or will ever come true is up for debate, but certainly it is an experience. By dawn, the hallucinogenics have worn off, and the newly minted adults are dunked in icy cold water to return them to this world from the Land of Visions they are thought to have spent the night in. Now adults, it is time for them to celebrate.
For nobles, they are usually not brought to such a place with the common rabble, but there is usually a private spot where they undergo the same ceremony.
Mobrin's Creation Myth:
In the beginning was the void. Then came the Light from the light Viri and Dair were born and they created the gods, goddesses and Cosmos.
Of the eight who are worshiped in Morbrin, the two who were the most powerful were Cri and Inouv. They were good friends in the old days, always together working on whatever project either one conceived of. It was Cri who, inspired by The Light, came up with the idea to build a world of living, breathing beings with souls of their own, but Inouv agreed to it, and helped her with all the labor that was required, for such a task had never been done before.
As the birth of the world began, and Cri grew big, as if with child, she went to each of the other gods and goddesses in turn, inviting them to join with her and Inouv, in creating this new world. Cri went to Thedor who promised the gift of time, allowing this new world to flourish and grow, with seasons and tides. She spoke with Sess who brought the gift of Victories, those won in the past, and those to be won. Sheat promised to bring the Light to this new world, and in balance, Umbra offered Darkness. When she spoke to Alasair, this tall goddess offered the blessing of Chaos, bringing the gift of change to this new world. And Cri's discussion with Nar brought nearly the opposite of Cri, as it brought the gifts of War and Destruction. All was in balance, due to the efforts of all the gods and goddesses.
However, unbeknownst to Cri, or any of the others, Inouv had plans of his own. Inouv grew jealous as Cri grew more beautiful in her pregnancy, jealous as she went to all the other gods, paying them attention and asking their help. Inouv, to his already gifted assistance in creation, added the secret gift of Evil.
And so the world was born and with it's birth, it was named Daeren.
The birth of the world was not the end of the work. No, it was merely the beginning. Cri poured her power into it, as did the other gods, but Inouv held back. And when he did assist, it was always with a bit of a twist, something evil added to the design. This could not go on forever, and eventually Inouv's jealous protest and sabotage came to light. He was condemned by the other seven gods and goddesses to the Underworld, tied there to Oblivion for all eternity.
This saddened Cri, so that she stepped back from her creation for a time, mourning the betrayal of her friend Inouv. But the world continued.
And in time, the gods and goddesses came to be worshiped by the people of Daeren, and that worship brought power to Sess and to Alasair, though it did not diminish the other gods and goddesses, but rather brought them power as well, if perhaps not as much.
Thus begins the second era of the Light.
Afterlife:
- Paradise
Souls: Those souls which were true to their patron deity, while venerating all the Light stands for, are taken to Paradise, rather than sent to the Underworld. It is said that when the soul passes and the body dies the person may remain near their loved ones for up to eight days if they so choose before they are summoned to Paradise. The more intensive mourning rituals that occur while the soul remains last for seven days, as none wish to assume their loved one was so intensely attached to the mortal world that they would risk their place in Paradise and insult the Eight by maxing out their allotted time in it.
Realms: Paradise consists of different realms, each designed and governed by a different god or goddess. While they are distinct and unique, a soul is able to move between the different realms. However, they only feast in the specially decorated cave of their patron deity. The soul will reside here until the gods have need of it again, at which point they are reborn into the world. In the realms it is the land of eternal spring and summer; the essence of prosperity, peace, and plenty.
Reincarnation and Rebirth: There are many reasons a soul may be brought back to the mortal realm. The most common is that it has one or more sins to correct; they were not major enough or not deliberate enough to damn the soul to the Underworld. However, only a truly pure soul may be permitted to stay in Paradise for all eternity. Another way a soul is brought back is if one of the Eight need it to fulfill a specific role, either in the larger part of history or to protect someone; if the latter, it is often someone in the same family, such as a descendant. Once the soul is in its new body, however, it has the same free will as any other person and may or may not complete its destiny. Many times the individual may have dreams or nightmares to help guide them. Many of the souls that are reborn have no knowledge of who and what they were. Those that do obtain some knowledge of their past lives are extremely rare (a player needs Admin approval to play this). Even rarer is it that any other mortals will believe they are not simply insane.
- The Underworld
Oblivion: It is said that Oblivion is a live creature who works with Inouv to torture souls of the damned. She is not a Goddess, but she is immortal. Her seeming fragility of form is matched only by her cruelty. She is the most faithful servant of Inouv. It is said that she is the one who is sent by Inouv to bring all the dark souls of mortals to his Underworld. It is said that all who lived in sin will be met by Oblivion on their deathbed and she will chain them with sizzling metal and drag them straight to Inouv’s dungeon.
Souls: Those more familiar with the details of the faith say there are actually two distinct types of souls in the Underworld. The first is the spirit of a person who claimed to follow the other seven gods and goddesses, but sinned by acting against their precepts. Similarly, one who supposedly followed Inouv, although none claim it publicly, but did not live up to his demands falls into that category. The second type is the soul of a true follower of Inouv, one who lived and breathed by all He represents. Although both types go to the Dungeon, they have very different experiences: the first is tortured horrifically for eternity, while the latter actually does the torturing — they are prized sadistic minions of Inouv.
Dungeon (Realms): In a twisted play on the standard belief of the Eight, the Dungeon contains eight distinct torture rooms or realms. They are each dedicated to play off of the strengths and aspects of one of the Eight. A soul will be tortured in the room of the patron deity it failed to serve properly in the manners most fitting and ironic for that specific God or Goddess. Those who are audacious enough to not believe in the gods or not care enough to learn and enact the teachings and practices for at least one of the Eight must be tortured in every room. For those, the soul is split into eight equal parts and punished simultaneously, feeling the full magnitude of its error.
Punishment: There is no light in the Underworld, only darkness and the chilling screams of the damned. Because a soul is immortal, there is no respite from the horrors. Even the relative peace of insanity is not offered, forcing one to remain fully lucid and aware of what is happening. Inouv and Oblivion are quite resourceful and creative, often competing with one another to come up with more terrifying and creative tortures. The constant bombardment eventually desensitizes a soul to the point that it no longer cares for the others, nor for itself. Once it has succumbed to the Underworld so fully it no longer reacts, feels anything, or even remembers anything about its life in the mortal realm, it is locked away in a dark cave. There it remains, an almost nonexistent entity — it can never be reborn.
Magic:
It is in the earth and the cosmos it is associated with the Goddess Dair. The magic is subtle and quiet. There are no fireballs, illusion or earth shattering powers, yet what does exist can change the world itself and turn the tide of a battle (this is restricted and must have Admin approval to play). Magic is natural and is granted by the gods to the men they deemed worthy of those gifts. Those that are gifted with magic are said the reincarnated souls of those individuals.
Magic comes in many forms; it is light, dark and neutral. Because of this it is hard for members and congregants of the Temple to understand who is giving the caster the magic. Many fear it and because of this and those who are found to have some form of power will be put before an Inquisition of the Eight if they are found.
The Inquisition will then weigh testimony and facts before they decided if the person is of the Light. If they are found to be of the Dark, they will be sent back to the Underworld and their bodies purified by the flames so as not to spread their Darkness to good people. As a general rule, the person is still alive and is bound when this occurs so as to prevent them from using their perverted powers to trick their way into Paradise; they are burned at the stake.
Also see the Magic page for information.
Thedor
The God of Borders and Time, Thedor is an exotic beauty, with ashen skin, waist length black hair, and eyes the color of deep pits. He is very short and of hearty build, and generally has a blissful expression. He usually wears rich robes dyed pale yellow.
Thedor. Time. Late Night. Opposite of Nar, with just about the same number of worshipers. Worshiped by those who are happy with the current state (don't want change), business men, traders, sailors, craftsmen. Followers identified by the symbol of scales. He is known to occasionally mislead wicked mortals. Altars found near city gates, in rural granges, crafthalls, and on ships.
The Month of Thedor
Sess is the time when frozen rivers, coasts and lakes become once more alive. They start to flow again and the ways of travel are open for the new year. It is the best time for merchants, after a long and frightening winter, as the entire world gets on their feet again and trade caravans once more make their way across oceans, along rivers, and through mountain passes. Fishermen and sailors are ready to leave once more, to seek their adventures on the oceans or get back to their work, because the cold North winds are turned away by Thedor who instead brings the refreshing and mild winds of Spring.
It is said that on the last night of Inouv, before morning dawns on the first day of Thedor, Thedor‘s and Inouv‘s roads cross and sometimes this leads to a silent but massive fight. If Inouv is not ready to leave, feels not finished his work, or just wants to have some more fun, he refuses to step aside and let Thedor onto the Earth. Meanwhile, Thedor feels it is his duty to clean the world from the mess of winter and Inouv. So, if they can‘t agree upon the change in a timely fashion, both draw their weapons and the two gods fight, until one is finally tired and leaves.
If Inouv wins, the darkness, ice cold freeze, and snowstorms remain for some more time. Once the month of Thedor, people become brave enough to go outside and visit the temples of Thedor, begging him to come back again and fight Inouv once more. If the prayers are heard, if enough sacrifices are made and accepted, usually Thedor gets his strength back and fights Inouv again and again until Thedor wins and Inouv retreats to his Underworld for another year. Peoples' prayers give a lot of strength to this God during his month. Eventually he finally comes down to Daeren to clean the world of the snow and storms of winter.
However, if Thedor wins the first fight, spring comes early. Then people are praying in order to thank him for his strength and kindness. The world is cleaned of the freezing cold early in the month, and days become brighter and brighter, allowing people to start working outside sooner.
25th - 28th – The days of Thedor
Nobody works during this holiday if they can possibly help it. Together with nature, which wakes up, perhaps with help from Cri, people flock back to the streets, fields and woods. People try to gather near the coasts, rivers or lakes, for the feast of sea treasures. Swimming competitions are arranged even if the water is still cold as ice and the winner gets Thedor‘s Sea Shell for a year. This shell was a gift from Thedor to his beloved woman, a mortal creature who died relatively soon after receiving his gift. For some time, the Sea Shell was lost from Thedor's sight, as a thief stole it from the grave of that woman. But when the thief was killed, the Sea Shell was found by a sailor, who after some time understood its power.
That Sea Shell is the last memory of Thedor's lost love. Whoever has it in his possession is granted favourable winds for whole years, because Thedor refuses to attack this man on the Sea, for fear of losing or breaking that Sea Shell.
The person who wins the competition and gets that Sea Shell is usually called "The guardian of the Ships“ until the he must turn the Sea Shell over to the winner of the next competition. That man usually becomes really wanted by many ship captains, since it is believed he saves whatever ship he is on from the dangers of the sea.
Chief Deity - Sess
The God of Victory, Sess is an exotic beauty, with fair skin, red tattoo like markings, and eyes the color of flames. He is tall and broad-shouldered, and sometimes seems very angry. He usually wears rich robes dyed dark brown.
Sess. Sess. Victory. Dawn. Worshiped by most everyone, especially those wishing to win at something. Gamblers. Warriors. followers identified by the symbol of white wings. Most worshipers of all the deities currently. Altars can be found nearly everywhere. He is known to help virtuous mortals.
The Month of Sess:
As it is said "March to your victory!“ People believe that this is the month when all your dreams may come true. It is the month of success and all work started during this month will have a huge success and will lead a person straight to victory. It is the month of nobility, the month of twinkling and glinting in the streets. It‘s the month of luxury and nobody will consider you haughty, if you walk around dressed in gold during this month. Moreover, even the lands are spruced with flowers and blooms and aromas of new buds. So, that means everybody can shine. This month is considered to be the best month for war, of course, for those who believe in the Light. It is the right time to start a war against infidels, because the war will be hugely successful if people make proper sacrifices and impress Sess with their wealth, creativity or strength.
14th – the day of Sess
Nobility throw masquerade balls, expected to show their wealth and creativity. Usually, in the Kingdoms where the Light is worshiped, the masquerade ball is a massive party, as nobility from all corners of the Kingdom come to one place to fulfill their needs as narcissists. And of course there is the best costume competition. The winner is granted the Mask of Sess, which is believed to have been used by him to seduce some of the Goddesses. The mask is very luxurious, full of gems, gold, and silver. This mask is so heavy that at least five people are required to lift it from its stand. It is said that Sess can raise it with his little finger. Even if the person who wins the costume competition can‘t wear the mask he or she has won, he or she is considered the most wealthy person in the whole world.
Cri
The Goddess of Fertility, Astrology and Abundance, Cri is divinely beautiful, with ebony skin, long, straight medium brown hair, and eyes the color of the night sky. She is very tall and very slender. She usually wears scant clothing, dyed bright scarlet. She is said to be brother to mysterious Lughdon.
Cri. Creation. Mid-Morning. Worshiped by farmers, nature lovers, those wishing to grow and procreate, and rural folks. Followers identified by a symbol of wheat. Fewer followers than Nar or Sheat. More than Inouv or Umbra. Altars are found in rural villages, granges, in forest clearings and other natural areas. Very rarely in cities, except maybe in private gardens and temples. She is known to send dreams or visions to random mortals.
The Month of Cri
Fertility, astrology, abundance, thunder, wilderness. These are the things given to people by Cri during her month. It is the month that brings the thunder back to the Earth, and when the thunder comes back, it is the best time to start new work on your farm or on any outside endeavors. People pray through the whole month to Cri, asking fertility for their lands and abundance in the harvest to prepare for the upcoming winter.
Cri is the month when the night sky becomes clear and dreamers and scientists, those people who love staring at the glinting stars, can gather more and more knowledge about the world above their heads. Moreover, it is said that this is the best month to start a family. So, often children are started in this month, by worshipers of Cri. For this reason fertility is asked, not just in the fields of wheat and corn but also in the fields of love and family.
1st – Thunder Day
It is believed that this is the day when the thunder must return to Daeren. To call the thunder back to their lands, people usually hold Bardic Competitions. They have to sing as loud as possible, raise as loud a noise as possible with their music and voices, because the music shows the right way back for the thunder to follow. The winner of the Bardic competition gets the Golden Seed of Cri for a year. It is believed that this seed was kissed by Cri and this way got half of her powers. The person who carries the Seed in his pouch for the next 12 months is supposedly granted incredibly amazing creativity and will be very fertile in his work. At first, this competition was held just for Bards, because of the need to call the thunder back. However, in the course of time all type of artists have been invited to compete with each other.
15th – 16th – Sowing Days, also known as the Days of Cri
It is believed that the 15th is the day on which the first new seed must be planted in each farmer‘s field, if he wants to have a good yield. It is the hardest day of the year, when usually entire villages work from the first ray of dawn until they finally can‘t see anything after the sun sets. They sleep well that night. On the next day, the 16th, the farmers and commoners of the village gather in the main square for the Feast of Planting. This feast generally consists of the last of the winter stores and the first of the spring hunting, fishing and gathering. The competition at this feast is of dancing and acrobatics. The laughter of the simple people can be heard from afar. Some call the 15th and 16th the Days of the Mob, because they are usually celebrated by the simple people. They are the ones who make sacrifices to Cri, thanking her for her kindness and asking for a fertile year of plenty. Nobility usually try not to go to town on these days, afraid that they may catch some kind of disease from this exhilarated crowd. But, of course, this attitude depends on the person. There are some nobles who love the freedom of commoners and are eager to join in that freedom on these days.
Sheat
The God of Science and the Sun, Sheat is divinely handsome, with fair skin, straight bright red hair, and eyes the color of shining silver. He is medium height and slender, and almost never frowns. He usually wears worn, ragged clothing dyed red-violet.
Sheat. Light. High Noon. Worshiped by Healers, law officials, scientists, students. Followers identified by an eight pointed gold star, probably as many worshipers as Nar and Cri. In the middle of the pack. Altars in infirmaries, schools, guild houses, city centers. He is known to give advice to those facing a Great Choice.
The Month of Sheat
The sun is the symbol of science and knowledge. It is said that the wisest man beams from afar. Of course, the brightest sun comes to the lands during the month of Sheat. Some people find it so warm that they barely can work outside and it is far better to stay inside, just reading a lot of books and trying to learn new things. Usually this time is not well liked by farmers and other commoners who still must work on their farms or somewhere outside in order to survive. They usually pray to Sheat asking for rain and wind to ease the heat of summer. Some people pray to Cri, begging her to calm down the shining Sheat, bringing her cooling rains.
However, others are thankful to Sheat for the Sun, which is kept so high for so long. Masters, artists and people of science can stay for quite a long time, without any candles, working on their new ideas. This month is very busy for such types of people, especially since a huge and very important competition is held at the end of the month.
29th - 30th – The days of Sheat
These are the days of Sheat, when feasts are arranged in many cities. The most famous scientists from the region gather in one place to present their work for the year. Each of them tries to show something unknown, unheard of, something unique and new in a competition for a prize rich enough to allow them to take their ease until this time next year.
However, it can be quite a dangerous competition too, because if a person can not logically explain his ideas or work, he may be considered a witch. Usually witches are considered as Inouv's servants on the Earth, whose duty it is to make a mess in the world and to destroy all light.
However, if you are able to explain your invention, you are often gifted with a huge amount of coins,and your name will become famous.
Nar
The God of Strife and Opposites, Nar is somewhat plain, with copper skin, long, russet hair, and eyes the color of dark rubies. He is short and of average build, and often appears angry. He usually wears little clothing, dyed bright green and blue-violet.
Nar. War. Mid-Afternoon. He's destruction. The end of time. Worshiped by those looking for battle (knights, squires, soldiers, duellists, hunters etc.) Followers identified by a symbol of two crossed swords. Many worshipers though not so many as Alasair or Sess. Altars are found in every military or training hall. He is known to appear to mortal heroes.
The Month of Nar
Strife and opposition. Where can you usually meet both at the same time? Of course – tournaments! This is the month of tournaments. Cities, kingdoms, towns, everyone who wants can throw a tournament of any kind: joust, miscellaneous on foot, swords, horse race, archery, obstacle course, cards, dice, drinking and so on. The main idea is to compete and have fun, even better if you win a prize. There is no special day for tournaments. They can be run any time in the month and can last for weeks. However, the most important part is the public worship of Nar by the priest or priestess on the tournament field, saying the right prayers, before each competition. Nar is thanked for the changes brought about by his balanced destruction. Unlike Inouv, Nar does not try to warp and twist things to his own liking, but brings a destructive force that allows continued creation.
It is believed that it is the best month to ask a person for a duel, if there is a difference that cannot be settled any other way. During this month, the judge of the duel will be Nar himself, who always knows the right answer, which is impossible for mortal souls. Nar always lets justice win when he is the judge. Usually these duels are fought for the hand of a beloved woman, but there are duels of honour or for a simple piece of land as well.
The days are getting longer and Nar has taken over from Sheat. As his time to rule winds down, he must pass over the reins to Alasair, signalling the start of the darker days ahead with the beginning of Alasair's nightmares.
13th – Fool‘s day, known as the day of Nar or Children's Day
This is the day when all tricks are allowed. This is the day when telling lies is not a sin. People compete against each other to play the best trick, the funniest most believable that they can get away with. Serious folks and those with no sense of humor really hate this day because many people make fun of them. You can get the most fun if you trick someone who really hates it.
This day is also known as "Children's Day.“ The explanation is very simple – even the oldest people come back to their own childhood on this day and this is the favorite day of all children, because of the tricks played and the sweets that are handed out by many, to ward off tricks. For this reason, temples of Nar are filled with children on this day, asking him to let them stay children for a longer time, to help their parents understand them more, to help them play the best tricks, and to bring them the ability to win competitions. In general, this day is celebrated mostly by children and it is considered in bad taste to play any tricks after noon.
22-25 - Copper Games
Rumor has it that there was a time when Nar was traveling in Mobrin and he ran across a group of very sad commoners. When he asked them what was wrong, they mentioned that there was a Joust going on, where all the Nobles and Knights were holding a party, and though they could go watch, they couldn't really participate. This struck them as somewhat unjust and they said so, in no uncertain terms to Nar. Lucky for them, Nar was in a good mood that day, and instead of smiting them all, he introduced them to some games they could play themselves. These games became known as the Copper Games, and are still to this day celebrated by commoners everywhere.
Chief Deity - Alasair
The Goddess of Chaos, Alasair is extremely beautiful, with ashen skin, shoulder length, russet hair, and eyes the color of tree bark. She is very tall and broad-shouldered, and often seems angry. She usually wears a cloak dyed silver and dark aqua.
Alasair. Chaos. Marriage Nightmares. Secrets. Worshiped by those seeking change or communications through dreams or with the dead, followers identified by a crescent moon. second most worshipers across the board. altars may be found in every village, town and city, as well as in more remote rural areas. She is known to pose riddles to peasants who ask for aid.
The Month of Alasair
This is the month of love, secrets and nightmares. It is said that if you find your love in Alasair, you will be lucky for a whole next year. Lucky and happy. However, if nightmares reach your dreams, next year will be dark for you and you will feel the hand of Inouv on your shoulder all the time.
People believe that nightmares in this month bring secrets of the world to the dreamer. This is how you can see the sins of people you care about. Of course, you may be tortured with nightmares for your own sins and secrets. However, dreams usually are not very clear and their meaning may be explained only by priests or priestesses.
It is said that this month is a nightmare for those who usually see visions in their dreams year round. Alasair gives more power for those who see such visions during the month. Sadly, these stronger powers are impossible to control for a mortal person. The visions become so unclear, mixed, and so realistic that it is hard for the person to understand if he was dreaming or it really happened. Moreover, the visions are not bright and happy. Instead, they are about the tragedy of human kind. Those who suffer such visions may be incredibly tired during September, or, in rare cases, they may even go insane.
For this reason it is very important for those who see visions to pray to Alasair and make sacrifices to her, asking a grain of kindness. If Alasair is impressed by their love and dedication, she may facilitate their nights and they will live through to see the days of Umbra.
However, if you do not have nightmares, maybe you do not dream at all, you may consider yourself lucky. Because this month is your love month. All your prayers and sacrifices are required only if you want to raise your luck with the objects of your affection or lust or if you want to save your marriage.
9th – Sleepless Day
Or it would be better to say night? From the 9th to the 10th , people try not to sleep. It is said that this night brought a nightmare to Alasair from a human, though nobody knows what exactly was in that nightmare. From that day on, she seeks her revenge, sending nightmares to people‘s dreams on this one night each year, without any exceptions. If you fall asleep, the nightmare will definitely find you and worse still, it will become your reality without any exception. For this reason, you have to fight against your desire to rest and you can‘t close your eyes if you do not want to face a the darkness of the dream later in your life.
To help each other stay awake on this night, usually families, relatives, and friends gather in one place. It doesn't matter where: in the woods, in the main square of town, someone's house, the hay loft, the faire grounds or the common room of an inn. People sit around, drink wine and talk to each other. Usually, the elders tell stories about the worst nightmares of all time, explaining why this night is important. Someone will always tell the legend of Alasair's Nightmare, when a human made her life terrifying and miserable for one day. Since nobody knows the real story of it, different storytellers each have their own version.
23th – 25th - The days of Alasair
These are the days of marriage, lovers, love and lustful wild adventures. Nobody works on these days. People spend their time with their love or their lovers, in taverns or special places where they can get as much pleasure as they want.
These are the most wild days in a person‘s life. It is believed that if you find your true love in this period, your love will last forever. Moreover, it is the perfect time to start a child for those who have been having difficulties - trying for a whole year or more. However, a suitable sacrifice should be made early on the 23rd, asking for Alasair's gift. It is the best time to get married if you want your marriage to last forever.
Umbra
The Goddess of Life and Shadows, Umbra is unusually beautiful, with tanned skin, long, curly black hair, and eyes the color of forest moss. She is very tall and willowy, and is always smiling. She usually wears light and airy robes dyed light grey.
Umbra. Night. Mid-Evening. Worshiped by spies, con artists and those who prefer to work in shadows. few more followers than Inouv, but generally not really followed. followers are identified by their cloaks. Altars may be found in places of natural shadow, but there are not so many. And she aids mortal villains.
The Month of Umbra
During this month people prepare for the darkest month in the year. Shadows slowly flood the street and it becomes easier to get lost, should you be new in town. Shadows, after all, may be misleading and dangerous. However, many people are not afraid of the shadows. Instead they make their way to the temples to pray to Umbra, asking for Darkness and Shadow to be clement this year.
Umbra's worshipers are mainly male. Some say it is because of her beauty, but actually it‘s the pirates and bandits who raise count, as well as some regular sailors who worship Umbra second to Thedor.
Sometimes, if people impress Umbra by their sacrifices, prayers, and dedication to her, she joins Inouv in his games. When Umbra joins the games of Inouv, hi month is not so dark and cold. Moreover, Thedor does not always have to fight Inouv, because Umbra lures Inouv away with her mysterious dark shadows and unusual beauty, distracting him from the mortal world.
1st – Hunter's day
What is the best weapon for the hunter? A bow and arrows. For this reason, each hunter is an archer and many pray to Umbra, asking for accurateness and the right winds. When Umbra comes to the Earth bringing her shadows back each November, hunters throw the Feast of the Hunt. Those who take part in the Hunt bring a tithe of their prey to the temple of Umbra as a sacrifice, the rest to be used to help feed everyone through the long, cold winter.
Hunter's Day also is a day for archery tournaments all over Mobrin.
Some of the tournaments are arranged in the small cities and towns, but these usually are before Hunter's Day, and the winner from each of these goes to the main tournament on Hunter's Day, at the capital of each country that worships the Light. All the archers compete for the Golden Arrow, which is believed to have been made by Umbra herself. There is only one arrow and the winner keeps it until the next tournament. If he can‘t defend his name as the best archer, he must give that arrow to the new winner. All those who have won a golden arrow at least once may add a golden arrow to their heraldry, if they choose.
19th – the Day of Umbra also known as Hiding Day
This day is celebrated in secret by spies and all who work best in shadows, quietly asking for Umbra's help. However, it is also celebrated by Commoners and children, as Hiding Day. This is a day in which the forests ring out with laughter and joy, as everyone who is able takes joy in Umbra's shadows, playing in and with them, in merry games of hiding and seeking. The person who is judged the best at hiding in the shadows is given the title of Fool of the Feast for the evening's festivities.
Evil Deity - Inouv
The God of the Underworld, Inouv is very dark, with ebony skin, long, flowing white hair, and eyes the color of fire. He is very tall and wide of shoulder, and has a faraway expression. He usually wears a black cloak.
Inouv. Evil. Midnight. worshipped by bad guys of all sorts. few followers, identified by tattoos. very few altars dedicated to him, always hidden. and he hinders mortals whenever he can, but most especially those in dire need.
The Month of Inouv
This is the darkest month in the whole year. The darkness covers the lands for almost the whole day. For this reason, people who believe in the Light call this the month of Inouv. He is the God of the Underworld and is very dark in looks and demeanor. People believe that it is a perfect month for Inouv‘s games, when he leaves his Underworld and comes to play in Daeren with people‘s lives. He even may become a judge, deciding who lives happily for one more year and who will be tortured until that person becomes so unnecessary and pitiful that Oblivion can carry him to the Underworld.
The darkness of Inouv hides all the sins of the evil. Moreover, the screams of the prey of Inouv easily can blur with the whispers of snowstorms and freezing winds of the North. You can never know where and who is already tortured. You will hear only the mysterious whispers of storms, which also hide the sound of Inouv's footsteps, so you don't hear him coming for you.
For this reason, it is considered a really dangerous month. Many people are afraid to leave their homes; they work less and spend their days inside, by a constantly burning fire, reading or just speaking with their family members, praying for the other Gods to keep them safe.
It is believed that if something bad can happen, it always will happen in Inouv's over any other month.
However, those who are born to hide in the darkness, who are born to serve Inouv, those people are very brave in this month and the streets are flooded with thieves, smugglers, killers and other very strange and dangerous creatures. Many dark things come out in this month that are never seen the rest of the year. Moreover, they all visit the temples of Inouv, in various disguises, giving sacrifices to their God, asking for the next successfully dark year.
17th – The day of Inouv
This is the main day, the darkest day of the month, when you can‘t see the light at all. People who worship Inouv throw huge feasts on this darkest day. Those who do not worship Inouv stay home and offer their prayers to the other deities.
For example, the Thieves Guild usually has their own feast, in concert with their annual Stealing Competition. It starts at midnight on the 17th and ends at the beginning of the feast. The thief who returns to the guild with the biggest prey in time for the feast gets to work in the best streets for the next year, where he can find easy coin with little interruption.
Only a few ways to celebrate this day are known to most as they are kept secret. Those who worship Inouv hide this information to avoid trouble with all those who do not worship Inouv. Should the regular people learn the secrets of this day, people would try to stop all the feasts or ruin them. Maybe even some blood of true worshipers would be spilled. While the worshipers of Inouv may carry evil in their hearts, they still want to live.
"Before the Gods, who made the Gods, had seen their Sunrise pass…"
G.K. Chesteron
Some in the world still worship nature, the stars or the gods that are deemed dead by history. Those that worship nature believe in the spirit of the trees, the earth, wind and sky. Many of these worshipers are found in Greenshire and Skyforest, the countryside at large. They may speak of the fae or Old Ones, often in the form of old tales or traditions. Those that follow the old ways often believe that the soul returns to the wheel and that the person's deeds in life determines what they will be when they return. The old ways have long been frowned upon by those who worship the Eight, and thus those who follow the old ways often do so quietly or in secret. In the beginning, the Temple of Eight worked simply to bring those who followed the old traditions into the Temple, but long have they been intolerant of those who worship the Old Ones. Within Mobrin, there has been an increase of questioning and punishments for those thought to or discovered to worship nature or the 'dead' gods. Sermons have taken upon the direction that this worship is the worship of demons, causing those who do yet follow the old ways to question their beliefs, some have quietly converted and others, strong in their faith and belief, have simply become even more careful, more secretive about their beliefs and worship. It a dangerous time to be a follower of the Old Ways, a worshiper of the Gods of Old and the consequences dire if discovered.
It should be noted that the Temple of Eight within the kingdoms that follow the Light will, for diplomatic reasons, be tolerant of those from other nations that do not follow the Light. However, they still believe that those people are going to Inouv and may try to yet convert them.
Lughdon
Lughdon is both the twin and lover of Cri, known for the origin of Dreams and the Arts. Unlike the other deities, he is a very strange power without a set appearance. Usually a man, he may appear young, old, crippled, mighty, light of skin or very dark, tattooed or painted, male or female. Like smoke, mist, or dreams he is ever shifting and may even appear as strange animals or mystical beasts.
Lughdon. Mirrors. Dreams. Arts. Mimic. Mysterious, Lughdon is the one who is said to have originated dreams that all the Gods might use them. He is the patron of artists, musicians, the highest craftsmen, dreamers, some healers, shamans and those who seek inspiration or hallucinations. Offerings include tobacco, dried mushrooms, Sky herb, opiates, or other similar materials when burned. Tiny offerings are left at mirrors or reflective pools, at the base of works of art, mushroom rings, standing stones, or under beds. He is prayed to for creativity of the mind or the ease of pain or sorrow. Some forbid prayer to him, so Lughdon may be prayed to in secret.
Associated with Cri and Alasair The Fae and Old Beliefs
When trees turn brilliant and then shed their leaves, burned with fragrant smokes, people think of Lughdon as they prepare to create arts or entertainments to pass the winter ahead. Or when gathering mushrooms, using Sky herb, or medicinals that remove pain and bend the mind. He is prayed to for the easing of sorrow, boredom, or the making of lovely things. Unlike all the other Gods, Lughdon is thought to work with Cri but especially in service to Alasair whom desired him to make dreams so she could use them, and so he did. He is a subtle creature, ethereal and his hand is rarely seen. Lughdon favors those who wish inspiration to create and delight, pranksters and mischief makers, lovers and artists.
There are no days dedicated to Lughdon, no formal alters at temples. Some say he is no god at all, who sprang forth in the age of the faery folk and old beliefs before the Eight. In loneliness he dreamed of the Gods and made his sister Cri out of smoke and his imagination.
It is said that Lughdon resides in the oldest places of the world, deep forests, forgotten ruins, in misty vales or mountain slopes. People speak of him in whispers and yet he has never been forgotten. Lughdon's symbol is the tri-curling smoke. It is seen carved into old standing stones.
The Rite of Lughdon - long, long ago there used to be a religious ceremony where a drink was made from ergot, a form of molded grain. It may have been a powerful key to this almost forgotten God.
The Goddess of the water and seas, Anahyta is never depicted as entirely human, but she is entirely female. She is often depicted as half woman and half some sort of sea creature. Many depictions show her as fierce, with blood red eyes, claw-like fingers, and tentacles. She is said to be as mercurial as the sea, her moods changing as swiftly as the tides.
Anahyta. Water. Sea. Ships. Sea Creatures. Anahyta is said to have complete control over the seas, and even the weather over water. She is believed to be able to speak to all the creatures of the seas. She is the patron goddess for the Finger Isles, and perhaps some other sailors who have learned of her existence. She is prayed to for swift winds to fill sails, and safe passage across her domain, the water. Offerings to her are vast, but many include liquids of some form. She has many altars across the Finger Isles where offerings are left calling for her blessing.
Associated sometimes with Thedor
Sailors are a suspicious lot, and they make up the bulk of her worshipers. Those who believe never start a sea voyage without drinking a toast to Anahyta, and will often toast her again at the end of a voyage, to thank her for successfully reaching land again. Her altars are few, and those that exist remain in the Finger Isles. Anahyta's symbol is the flowing waves, which represent the water which is her home.
It is said she not only has control over water, but she can also speak to and control the creatures of the sea. It is said that she has sea monsters at her command, and when ships are lost at sea it is rumored that she was the cause, sending one of her creatures to take down the ship. Some sailors during a long voyage will drop offerings over the side of the ship to appease her, their thinking that the longer they remain in her domain the more they must do to keep her happy.
Laniveer: The Cosmos
Viri is the patron god of Laniveer, but he is also the father of the cosmos. He is known as the father of the gods. He is everything; day and night, dark and light, wind and rain. He is the background upon which the world is written and his wife Dair is the detail, the moon and stars and all that makes the background truly visible.
In tandem they make up the skies. Together they are balance and from them the other gods flow. There could be no Night for Thedor, Umbra, and Inouv without them as there would be no planet, no stars… and no true dark. There could be no day for Sess, Nar, Sheat, Alasair, Lughdon, Anahyta, Kallishar and Cri without them as there would be no light… no sun. They are the foundation upon which the 8 could be built. So while forgotten by many they hold utmost importance to the world.
Dair has been forgotten by time. Those that may know of her from ancient texts know that she is called the Mother of the Stars and the Mother of the Cosmos. She is associated with the stars, the cosmos and magic. In the texts it is written that if she appears she is seen as a tall woman with hair as black as night, silver eyes and pale ivory skin.
Just because she has been forgotten by time, does not mean that she has forgotten the people. Dair continues to work in the background, still providing the details as she has always done. Magic returns to the Kingdom, and this is Dair, working as she always has, reminding people that she is still there, even if they do not recognize her.
Kallishar is a being of nature, hardly being seen in human form. When he is in human form he is said to be covered in leaves and branches, often with small birds and animals peeking out of pockets or nesting on branches. Usually he is seen in animal form, with his most common form being a large pure white stag. It is believed that any pure white animal found is sacred to Kallishar and so to be protected, especially since all of the animal forms of Kallishar are white.
Kallishar's worshipers build him altars of wood on which animal sacrifices are made. An animal is brought to the altar where it is killed, the throat slit and the animal hung above the altar to drain the blood. The head of the animal is removed and it is the blood and head of the animal that is left as sacrifice. The meat of the animal and its hide is to be taken by the worshiper to feed his family.
Kallishar is the twin brother of Maritae, who is worshiped by the Kundari. He is only ever seen in the forests and has never been known to appear in cities. When he is seen it is usually from a distance, as he does not often approach his followers, just watches over them and occasionally allows them a glimpse of usually the white stag.
Kallishar's main worshipers are commoners, though that is not to say he does not have noble worshipers, but given he never really leaves the forest he does generally have more common followers. He is also said to be a champion of the poor and stories tell of families going to bed hungry only to wake to baskets wild fruits and a headless animal for meat sitting on their porch in the morning…. enough to feed the whole family.
Weddings - Handfasting ceremonies. The couple to be wed comes before the celebrant, who wraps a ribbon around the clasped hands of the couple. The vows are taken, which can be for a varying amount of time for common weddings from a year and a day all the way up to - for all time. Noble marriages are always for all time. After the vows are taken, family of the bride and groom each step forward to wrap another ribbon around the couple's hands before the final blessing by the priest is given. After the ceremony a feast is laid out, and while the couple is allowed to untie their hands from the collected wrapping, the long ribbon tied by the celebrant is only lengthened, but the pair must remain tied until after the consummation of the marriage.
Death rituals - Kallishar is a nature deity, so it is believed that the bodies of his followers should return to the earth after death. When a follower of Kallishar dies their bodies are burned on a pyre. The large pieces that remain are crushed to powder and all of the ashes are then spread over the forest or fields to help enrich the soil.
Birth rituals - When a child is born the midwife drops three drops of water on the child's head and recites an incantation - "The little drop of the sky, on thy little forehead, beloved one. The little drop of the Land, on thy little forehead, beloved one. The little drop of the Sea, on thy little forehead, beloved one. To aide thee from the fays, to guard and protect thee. The little drop of the three, To love thee with the graces." The child is then taken for it's first bath. Over the water the midwife passes the child three times back and forth with the child's father, or eldest male relative. When the child is passed for the last time to the midwife, the father places a coin in the water to bless the child, then the child is bathed. After the bath the child is returned to the mother who issues the last blessing, kissing the child on the forehead and uttering the child's name for the first time.
The Religion of the Kundari is a study of contrasts, life and death, water and fire, heat and cold, male and female. Everything is tied up in the two deities, Qiameth and Maritae. The fire breathing Qiameth is himself a contradiction, a cold blooded serpent that breathes fire. His wife Maritae is an earth mother, taking many forms, only one of them human, which include the dove, the serpent, the cat, and the horse.
Temples in Kundari are always to both, Qiameth and Maritae, never one without the other. Every Temple houses a sacred spring of Maritae, and the sacred fire of Qiameth. Every temple also houses a sacred garden, where herbs and food for the temple is grown.
The temples all have a center room, the welcome room, where people come in and can be greeted. From that central room other rooms fan out like a wheel. There is a room with a cut out in the roof where the funeral rites are performed, a room where infant rituals are performed, a room where confessions can be heard, and a large room for the performance of marriages.
Maritae is the Earth mother, twin sister to Kallishar. When in human form she is often seen as pregnant. She is said to most often visit people in the form of either the pregnant mother or the dove. She is the ultimate mother. She is the water to Qiameth's fire. She is calmness and light. Couples will pray to her for fertility. It is said that drinking from the sacred spring will assist a woman in conceiving.
Qiameth is husband to Maritae, and sometimes used in stories to frighten children. He is said to be reptilian in appearance and possesses the ability to breathe fire. His domain is the dark, places many fear to go. Though lizards are cold blooded he is represented by heat. He also represents death since the funeral rituals revolve around fire. He is a contrast to his gentle wife Maritae.