Religion

Unlike in typical fantasy settings, religious worship is (generally) not a direct route to magical power. While there are legends of gods directly meddling in human affairs and saints performing miracles that defy conventional understandings of magic, such things are all but unheard of in the present day. Religion is primarily a social and moral fixture, much like it is in the real world. However, while there isn't really "divine magic" as such, magic in general (and especially elemental magic) is commonly believed to be a gift from the gods.

The pantheon of the setting is composed of 14 gods, each governing a certain sphere of the natural world and/or human life. Each god or goddess has its own sect dedicated to promoting worship of that deity and spreading his or her teachings. While there is some friendly rivalry and difference of theological opinion between the sects, they do not oppose each other. Each sect recognizes the validity of the rest, and while most individuals tend to have a few gods that they particularly prefer, it is quite unusual for anyone not to offer at least token respect to all of the gods.

Each of the 14 gods offers both pragmatic blessings for good fortune in specific areas of life, as well as guidelines for spiritual fulfillment and good living. A central theological theme among all the sects is entelechy -- an ecstatic state of spiritual fulfillment in which one has reached a perfected state of the human condition by contemplation of the sublime and living according to certain guidelines. Of particular note is the idea of the sublime; each sect emphasizes particular things that inspire a sense of wonder, awe, or similarly profound emotional response, claiming that the passions these things inspire are glimpses of the divine and a step toward perfection of the soul. Though the sects differ on which specific manifestation of the sublime is best, they unanimously agree that only by maintaining this sense of connection to the sublime as continuously as possible can entelechy be attained. Though a few sects' teachings are in fact diametrically opposed to those of certain others, it is generally acknowledged that any of the 14 sects' proposed paths can lead one to entelechy, though fervent devotees of a particular sect may claim that their particular way is intrinsically and universally better than the others.

Interestingly, while there are some superficial variations as far as nomenclature and the content of legends and sacred texts surrounding the gods, the general gist of the teachings is remarkably consistent across human cultures throughout the known world. The only significant deviation from the pantheon described here are the old shamanic traditions, which venerate ancestral or nature spirits. These traditions have largely passed into obscurity in most regions, though they are still practiced in some remote areas. Shamanism is generally frowned upon in most cultures these days, viewed at best as quaint, archaic superstition, and at worst as borderline demon worship.

Speaking of demon worship, this twisted sort of religion is universally despised both among civilized followers of the Fourteen Gods and primitive shamanistic tribes. Demon worship inevitably entails out-and-out witchcraft, which, in addition to being morally repugnant in its own right as far as the rituals involved go, ultimately leads to increased demonic influence in the mortal realm. Since demonic influence tends to entail all manner of nasty and disastrous things, demon worship is invariably stamped out wherever it is found, though none have yet succeeded in eradicating it completely. For more information on demon worship, see the "Witchcraft" section of the Magic document: http://pastebin.com/zPq5EMcA



The Vagabond: God of wild places and unexplored realms.
  Symbol: A gazelle
  Teachings & Worship: The Vagabond extols the beauty and wonder of the natural world (primarily the terrestrial portion, as the rivers and seas belong to the Seafather). Disciples of the Vagabond often tend sacred gardens, live as hermits deep in the wilderness, or live according to the moniker of their patron, wandering the earth in order to take in the wide variety of different vistas there are to be seen. Outside of such special devotion, people turn to The Vagabond for aid in situations related to the wilderness -- safety in travels, success in hunting or trapping, etc. The Vagabond's domain includes not only above-ground terrestrial landscapes, but also the soil and subterranean locales such as caverns. Thus, he is also a patron of miners and others who delve into the earth.
  Temples: Decorated with numerous paintings and tapestries depicting various landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountains to rolling plains to secluded grottos. Whenever possible, temples to the Vagabond are built in a relatively undeveloped area, or at the very least surrounded by trees and other growth. Many temples to the Vagabond actually incorporate a living tree into their structure, being built on or around it. Mapmakers and wilderness guides often set up booths nearby, offering their wares and services to worshippers who may wish to make a pilgrimage into the wilds.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The beauty of a lush forest; the majesty of a soaring mountain peak; the wonder of a secluded cavern


The Seafather: God of seas, lakes, rivers, and all bodies of water.
  Symbol: A whale
  Teachings & Worship: The Seafather extols the beauty and wonder of the seas and other bodies of water, and his disciples seek spiritual fulfillment by contemplation of these things. Disciples of the Seafather often establish monasteries on coastlines or live as transients aboard ships. Disciples of the Seafather rarely pay in coin or goods for their passage on boats, as their presence and prayers are believed to be quite effective in bringing the Seafather's blessings upon the voyage. Laymen turn to the Seafather for aid in situations related to water, such as safety in boating, success in fishing, and (in regions prone to such things) protection during flooding season.
  Temples: Decorated with pearls, coral, shells, river rocks, and other products of the waters. Often employ stained-glass windows to give a sense of submersion, tinting the light blue. Architecture and sculpture employs flowing curves evocative of winding rivers and breaking waves. Most temples to The Seafather have a large, shallow pool, sometimes including a fountain, as a central feature encompassing much of the inner sanctum. It is customary for worshippers to actually wade into the central pool to worship.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The beauty of the sun glimmering on the waves; the soothing tranquility of a burbling brook; the awesome force of a crashing wave


The Windwalker: Goddess of the skies and weather.
  Symbol: An eagle
  Teachings & Worship: The Windwalker extols the beauty and power of the skies and weather phenomena, and her disciples seek spiritual fulfillment by contemplation of the winds, clouds, storms, and so forth. Disciples of the Windwalker typically spend considerable amounts of time meditating in the open air, and many take up falconry, seeking a connection with the sky via a bond with the birds that soar there. They also predict the weather for the benefit of the laity. Laymen seek the Windwalker's blessing for favorable weather, though weather prayers concerned specifically with temperature are more commonly addressed to Sister Flame and Brother Frost.
  Temples: Built using very open architecture, often with large skylights and windows, when a proper building exists at all. Many temples to the Windwalker are nothing more than a large open-air amphitheater with a shrine in the center.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The soothing caress of a pleasant breeze; the awesome fury of a thunderstorm; the beauty of a rainbow


The Heavenly Shepherd: Goddess of the stars, sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies.
  Symbol: A star
  Teachings & Worship: Disciples of the Heavenly Shepherd seek spiritual fulfillment by contemplation of the heavens. They hold that awe and wonder at the beauty of the heavenly bodies is the truest form of spiritual ecstasy and the ideal path to entelechy. In their studious observations of the heavens, they provide the basis for calendars and celestial navigation methods, as well as making astrological divinations. The heavenly bodies are believed to be deeply connected to fate, and thus laymen turn to the Heavenly Shepherd for general good fortune, and to receive astrological predictions. The Heavenly Shepherd is also entreated alongside Sister Flame and Brother Frost when temperature trends persist beyond the normal length of their season, as the seasons are charted based on the position of heavenly bodies. It is said that the Heavenly Shepherd was appointed by the Arbiter to mediate the ongoing feud between Sister Flame and Brother Frost, and created the seasons as well as the cycle of night and day as a compromise between their claims that either heat or cold should prevail.
  Temples: Usually built as observatories, and with structures that align to certain important celestial phenomena. Customarily built with two doors, one facing east and one west, by which people enter and leave (respectively), in imitation of the rising and setting of the sun. Always have a sundial somewhere.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The vivid colors of sunset; the gentle glow of the moon; the twinkling of the stars


Sister Flame: Goddess of fire, heat, and passion.
  Symbol: A torch
  Teachings & Worship: Disciples of Sister Flame seek spiritual fulfillment by contemplation of heat and flame, seeing things like the beauty of a crackling blaze and the pleasure of a warm summer's day as the pinnacle of spiritual ecstasy. Followers of Sister Flame are usually very passionate and enthusiastic people, as the doctrines of Sister Flame emphasize the value of livingly passionately. However, Sister Flame also teaches that one should not allow oneself to be ruled by one's passions; rather, one ought to keep one's passions well-bounded and directed toward proper ends, like a well-stoked hearth or furnace. Sister Flame receives considerably fewer petitions for pragmatic purposes than many of the other deities, but layfolk do appeal to her for amenable temperatures in summer and winter. She is also sometimes prayed to as a patron of blacksmiths, due to their reliance on hot forges, though her importance in this area is rather dwarfed by that of the Artisan.
  Temples: Built around a central fire pit, in which bonfires are lit for major celebrations, with a nearby torch kept lit continuously, both day and night. In wealthier areas, the central fire itself may be kept burning continuously; however, most areas can't spare the firewood for such a display of devotion. In addition to the central fire and torch, temples to Sister Flame also usually contain a large number of votive candles and braziers for individual worship. Usually quite warm inside, as one might expect. Worship of Sister Flame often involves incense and burnt offerings, suffusing the temple with a distinctive aroma.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The pleasant warmth of a hearth in winter; the mesmerizing dance of a candle's flame; the awesome roar of a raging inferno


Brother Frost: God of cold, ice, and stoicism
  Symbol: A crystal of ice
  Teachings & Worship: Disciples of Brother Frost seek spiritual fulfillment through contemplation of ice and snow, seeing things like the beauty of a fresh snowfall and the refreshing crispness of a cool autumn breeze after a hot summer as the highest forms of spiritual exaltation. In sharp contrast to Sister Flame, the teachings of her twin brother emphasize the hazards of passion, deeming both positive and negative emotions to be harmful to both the self and the community. Thus, disciples of Brother Frost seek to cultivate a steadfast stoicism, detaching themselves from both positive and negative passions. Disciples of Brother Frost are known to make pilgrimages to the northern lands where winter weather lasts nearly year-round, and it is in these regions that most large monasteries of the sect can be found. Outside of these regions, temples and monasteries of Brother Frost tend to rely on the talents of mages to produce ice and snow for worship rituals. Like Sister Flame, laymen generally only turn to Brother Frost for relief from intense heat in the summer and intense cold in the winter. During these times of year, it's not uncommon to see people going straight from Sister Flame's temple to her brother's or vice-versa, appealing to one to tone it down a bit and to the other to keep the first in check.
  Temples: Often use stained glass and crystal to mimic the appearance of ice. When a sufficiently skilled mage is available, the temple interior is kept chilled, even in summer. At a minimum, a small amount of snow or ice is kept on display in a crystal monstrance enchanted or maintained by a mage to keep the contents frozen. It is said that the monstrances used in some prominent temples of Brother Frost (the one in Kethyria being one of them) are themselves made out of enchanted ice.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The refreshing crispness of a cold winter morning; the soft calm of a gentle snowfall; the ferocity of a frigid blizzard


The Hero: God of valor, strength, and protection
  Symbol: A sword and shield
  Teachings & Worship: Disciples of the Hero hold that the pinnacle of the human condition is found in the paradigm of courageous effort on the behalf of others. They hold courage and self-sacrifice to be the highest virtues, and treat tales of heroism as guideposts to spiritual fulfillment, esteeming them nearly as holy texts. The rush of emotion induced by a moving tale of heroic sacrifice is considered the highest form of spiritual ecstasy in the church of the Hero. According to the teachings of the Hero, while it is not imperative that every individual be brave and strong (after all, every protector needs something to protect), those who are strong should strive to cultivate the courage to use their strength for the benefit of others. As the Hero himself stands steadfast in protecting humanity against the demonic hordes seeking to enter our world, so should those with the strength to do so put themselves on the line to protect those who cannot protect themselves. The Hero is a favorite patron of soldiers, guardsmen, and adventurers, and his temples are always packed with petitioners when war and strife loom on the horizon.
  Temples: Often take the form of a large festhall, with long tables for feasting and merrymaking over tales of valor and heroism. The Hero is second only to the Artist for the presence of bards, who are always welcome for their songs and storytelling. Temples of the Hero also usually have a prominent signboard where adventuring guilds and freelancers advertise their services.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The rush of adrenaline when fighting to protect others; the surge of triumph when the heroes win out at the end of a tale


The Lover: Goddess of romantic love
  Symbol: A rose
  Teachings & Worship: The sect of the Lover emphasizes the experience of romantic love -- in all its ups and downs -- as the truest reflection of the sublime. Worshippers are encouraged not only to cultivate romance in their own lives, but also to seek out poignant love stories and relish the emotions they evoke. Disciples of the Lover often serve as relationship counselors, matchmakers, and wedding officiants, and temples of the Lover routinely host balls and other social functions with the aim of promoting the initiation and flourishing of romantic relationships. Naturally, those who turn to the Lover with prayers of supplication are nearly always seeking better luck with love -- either to find a lover in the first place, or to resolve struggles in an existing relationship.
  Temples: Seating can generally be moved aside so that the worship space may be used as a dance floor in the hosting of balls. Usually decorated with flowers, especially roses, and florists often set up booths nearby to cater to those looking for a romantic gift.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The feeling of romantic love; the pathos of hardships in love; the rush of happiness for another when their love is reciprocated


The Matron: Goddess of family, friendship, and community
  Symbol: A mother holding her child
  Teachings & Worship: The Matron's teachings exalt the virtues of compassion and platonic affection that bind together families, friends, and communities, motivating them to come together and support each other in both good times and bad. Charity and hospitality are highly prized in the sect of the Matron, and this sect is behind the vast majority of efforts intended to provide these things. The sect of the Matron operates all manner of charitable organizations, from soup kitchens and almshouses for the poor, to hospitals to care for the sick and injured, to hostels for weary travellers, and more. The Matron's symbol is often hung on doors as a marker that the family or individual living there is ready and willing to help any who come to them in need. Temples of the Matron also often host seasonal festivals for the sake of bringing communities together in celebration to foster bonds of neighborly good will and cooperation. The sect of the Matron also holds weddings in addition to the sect of the Lover; generally, those who view marriage primarily as a bond between lovers go to the Lover, while those with more of an eye toward building a family favor the Matron. People offer prayers to the Matron primarily for blessings in matters of family life, but also for a great variety of other struggles besides. It is believed that the Matron, being the most compassionate of the gods, will help as best she can in any area, or intercede on the petitioner's behalf with the gods who directly govern the area in question.
  Temples: Designed to look and feel like home, with architecture resembling the predominant style of residential dwellings in the area and all the comforts of home. Often include at least a few rooms for those without a place to stay, if not a full-blown attached hostel and almshouse.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The feeling of compassion for those in need; the joy of spending time with beloved family and friends; the emotions evoked by stories of people going the extra mile for family, friends, and strangers


The Artist: Goddess of artistic expression
  Symbol: A lyre
  Teachings & Worship: The Artist extols the virtues of artistic expressions, including music, painting, sculpting, storytelling, acting, and more. According to the teachings of the Artist, the capture and conveyance of the ineffable essence of something in a work of art is the most profoundly spiritual human endeavour, and the appreciation of art in all its forms is the truest expression of the sublime. The sect of the Artist sponsors all manner of artistic endeavours and strives to make beautiful art as widely accessible to the public as possible. Outside of artists seeking blessings in their trade, people rarely come to the Artist with petitions, but her temples nonetheless receive a steady flow of worshippers seeking to partake of the myriad works of art presented there.
  Temples: Equal parts art gallery, library, and theater; designed to facilitate showcasing of art in all its forms.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The beauty of a song or painting; the elegant expressiveness of a poem able to poignantly evoke a particular atmosphere with a minimum of words; the emotional impact of a well-crafted story of any genre


The Artisan: God of craft and ingenuity
  Symbol: A blacksmith's hammer
  Teachings & Worship: The Artisan exalts the ability of humans to overcome trials by cleverness and innovation. He is the patron of craftsman of all trades and all who accomplish tasks through wits and technique. Disciples of the Artisan always practice a craft of some kind, striving to perfect their art and make goods of ever-greater quality. Disciples of the Artisan also often use puzzles and riddles as a form of meditation, practicing the application of cleverness to solving a task. There is often a good deal of overlap between the Artisan and the Artist, with many disciples of the former often studying the teachings of the latter in order to make things that are exquisite in form as well as function. As the patron of all craftsman, the Artisan is a common favorite of the working classes.
  Temples: Typically include facilities for disciples and laymen alike to practice the useful arts -- blacksmithing forges, glassblowing furnaces, pottery wheels, etc.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The satisfaction of solving a problem through cleverness or skill; the sense of awe when seeing a particularly impressive display of skill


The Sage: God of knowledge and discovery
  Symbol: A book
  Teachings & Worship: The common misconception among those who don't follow the Sage very closely is that he teaches the possession of knowledge as the path to entelechy. In fact, it is not the possession of knowledge that he extols, but rather the *acquisition* of knowledge. It's not what you know, but the process of learning it that counts; curiosity, not knowledge, is the chief virtue. Thus, while disciples of the Sage enthusiastically promote learning and discovery, they reject the notion that humankind will ever know everything there is to know. After all, it is said that those who devote themselves to the Sage may spend eternity under his tutelage learning the secrets of existence -- and if one can spend eternity learning, there must be an infinite amount to be learned. The sect of the Sage promotes education, research, and exploration in all areas of study, with its temples and monasteries essentially serving as a sort of school and university system. Self-discovery is also considered just as important as discovery of the outside world, and the sect of the Sage urges followers to spare ample time for introspection. Scholars and explorers pray to the Sage regularly for success in their endeavours, and laymen occasionally turn to the Sage as well when they seek clarity of understanding in a matter where they don't quite grasp all the details.
  Temples: Usually include a scholarly library open to the public.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The burning sense of inquisitiveness when faced with the hint of some great discovery just out of reach; the thrill of discovering something totally new; the sense of wonder when learning new things about the world


The Arbiter: Goddess of order, authority, and fairness
  Symbol: A set of scales
  Teachings & Worship: The Arbiter emphasizes the elegance of an orderly and predictable world, where there's a place for everything and everything is in its place. The teachings of the Arbiter emphasize the importance of laws and governance for humans to prosper, but also caution against abuse of authority for personal gain. Likewise, the Arbiter emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and an orderly lifestyle, so disciples of the Arbiter live by strict codes of conduct. Coronations and appointments of governing officials are usually presided over by a cleric of the Arbiter to bless the appointment. Laymen who prefer an orderly and predictable life pray to the Arbiter for aid in the face of unknown trials, that unseen complications may be avoided and things may proceed smoothly.
  Temples: Usually designed to resemble a courthouse.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The comfort of a well-ordered life; the satisfaction of a plan working just as expected


The Trickster: God of chaos, spontaneity, and unpredictability
  Symbol: A fox
  Teachings & Worship: In contrast to the Arbiter, the Trickster emphasizes the wonder of a world where surprises are everywhere and nothing is ever quite certain. The teachings of the Trickster hold that strict regulation of the individual or society is stifling, and one can best seek entelechy by free and spontaneous living. The Trickster is a favorite patron of those who skirt the edges of the law and challenge authority (though the sect of the Trickster does not endorse outright unethical behaviour -- at least not officially). Laymen who embrace uncertainty pray to the Trickster in the face of the unknown, that whatever may come might at least be favorable.
  Temples: Having a fixed place of worship would be at odds with the ethos of the Trickster, so rather than building established temples, a portable shrine is moved to a new location in the town each day, chosen at random. Instructions on where to find the Trickster's shrine on a given day are posted that day in the temple district, usually in a simple pictographic code so that even the illiterate can find it if they wish. However, clerics of the Trickster are known to live up to their patron's name, making would-be worshippers run a wild goose chase all over town and falling victim to all manner of strange occurrences before finally arriving at the shrine.
  Examples of the sublime according to this sect: The excitement of the unknown and spontaneous