Tag: faith
The Houthas
Posted on June 5, 2019 in Steel-Realms
The Houthas are a set of ancient chants developed by the Lightbringer clergy as a test. Many of them were based on the Amarata. The phrases contained praises of the Lightbringer gods, ideas of justice and equality, quality and beauty. It was said that no Orrish could repeat them without wincing, sneering or otherwise revealing themselves. The dark gods are thought to have taught the means of negating these impacts when an Orrish spoke them. The Houtha’s are used in common liturgy only and not the special occasions on which they were founded upon.
History of the Houthas
Although the Amarata is not official outside of Umbak, many of its principles and teachings find their way into the shared litany of The Church of Light through The Houthas.
The Witch of Dwindor
Posted on May 9, 2019 in Steel-Realms
@RP Impact:
For as long as recorded memory of Dunstrand Vale, there has been mention of The Witch of Dwindor Swamp. Some believe she is an ally of the fallen Sea Kings. Others believe she was a creation of the Bronzemen. That she existed before both is paid no attention to. Many theories abound, but little is known of the enigmatic figure which is bound to the territories of Dunstrand. Her reach extends no further, but as the self appointed guardian of Dwindor Swamp, she is a demigod in power. She has not affirmed participation in The Godspeak Accord. The creatures of the swamp are her senses. It is said she wanders the roads sometimes, an old crone with a crow. She has come to the aid of Dunstrand several times in its history, but also has she attacked, harassed, and slaughtered its inhabitants. She keep council with none and her motivations are hidden in the mists of the swamp. The Orrish of Dwindor Swamp consider her a goddess, and venerate her directly. Her power seems absolute in Dunstrand Vale, she and her servants draw strength from the very air, water, and land. Her supposed wickedness is legendary… the portrait she paints is one of evil and selfishness.
The modern age is heavily defined by the clash of faiths in the “Affray of Darkness and Light” in which they seek to have no significant part.
Dwindor has a life of its own, extending from the Nanford River Mouth (though in truth to the sources of the river), along the shores of Bar-Innis, Richfield, and even West River Run, through the Scar Flow and the borders of Tarmysia. There are things buried in Dwindor of great power – things which cannot die, and yet must forever lie. It is thought The Witch of Dwindor Swamp can control some of the effects and creatures encountered in Dwindor.
Peoples Reaction to Her Agents: The people will be fearful of her presence/symbol. They know the witch is a two edged sword, and the presence of one of her agents/adherents brings a lot of anxiety. The farther away from Dwindor, they will fear it less and see it more as something they can mock and attack.
>Motto: “.“
Promise of the Afterlife
It conforms to the standard Afterlife processes and manifestation.
Testament to Faith
Core Principles and Goals:
Common Covenant/Tenets: What values, observances, vows and activities will all those of the faith have? An oath of loyalty and service is usually exacter.
Finding Faith – Discovering and cementing the faith/follower relationship:
> [Initiate] Trials: These are trials that a character may be part of in order to prove their bond to their faith.
- Affirmation of Authority
- Affirmation of a Vow
Common Practices and Customs
Nerislin the Seeress
For Millenia, the figure of Nerislin claimed the title of the witch, and was very active within the Vale of Dunstrand. She has many enemies, and was known to show mercy on upon common folk with common names and blood. It was said she would deliver dire warnings to many of the common folk, helping them avoid broken bones, fires, and accidents of all natures. She is known to be one of the Witch-Seers of Volgadas.
Past Witches of Dwindor
- Eozrin – the first
- Neerislin the Seeress
Irrigi (Numinous Rat great spirit)
Posted on February 23, 2018
Irrigi – /The Beast Bringer; The Numinous entity of the Wylde Horde of natural world cycles, predator and prey, fertility, ecosystem and balance, cycles, and associated beast and animals as well as the symbols associated with them.
The modern age is heavily defined by the clash of faiths in the “Affray of Darkness and Light” in which the entity plays a tertiary part (mostly guided by Darupet).
Role: The Finders of the Way (Predator & Prey); Secondary foe of those who wish only to conquer and destroy and/or corrupt nature
Numinous Rat Spirit – “The Scrounger”, “The Pestilent One”; Invoked mostly as/for: Finder, Hoarder, and Hider of things, Pestilence and ScroungingThis Great Numinous Spirit has NOT affirmed participation in The Godspeak Accord of the realms. It has been known to manifest to fight against those who would kill sacred beasts and threaten the the species under their protection without thought or bias to Light, Dark, Grey, or Green foundations. This narrow focus to which few enlist it for keep the ire of other powers n the realms from interceding. Where their allegiance to the greater Wyld Faith enjoins them, they adhere to Gaias’ and Darupets’ own perspectives on issues. The followers of Irrigi are often paranoid and distrustful. They have few alliances, thought the group known as the “Red Hoarders” are said to work closely with the sect of Malek known as Lekam in the Southern Merchant Cities – they rule (self-styled “Lords” and “Ladies”) the under-urban world, are the dwellers of the sewers and alleys. It is said they attract a safe harbor for the shape-shifting wererats. Many of the most powerful followers of this principle have embraced its most powerful primal aspect and are of the ranks of the classic Lycanthropes.
Aspect(s) Known For/Sacred Associations
Symbolized Role(s) and Value(s):
Expectations & Obligations: To respect and observe the Basic Drive to Flourish of all the animal spirits. Respect for elders, tradition, and adherence to bonds that attempt secure this for continuing generations.
Sacred Dates:
Sacred Times:
Sacred Creatures:
Sacred Colors/Shapes:
- Armor:
- Weapons:
Followers of the Faith
Favored Followers: There are few favored peoples, races, places, etc. which gain better abilities or starting powers. Any corresponding tribe of Merovin would be deeply connected to the primordial power of The Wyld. For those friendly with the associated natural animal population, they may be favored or appreciated regardless of their tie to the faith itself. Those protecting of the related animals can receive Intervention through the Godspeak accord.
For for information on Roleplaying a character of faith, see the Divine Follower guidelines.
Avatar Manifestation
Common Wyld Rites: This Great Spirit and their followers have access to all the common Wyld Rites practiced by followers of the wyld faith(s).
Offerings
Wylding Powers
Secret Burrow –Wylde Horde (Davrosian Numinous Spirits/”Great Spirits”)
Posted on February 23, 2018 in Steel-Realms
Wylde Horde – The Finders; The divine Wyld Entity Numinous Spirits of natural world cycles, predator and prey, fertility, ecosystem and balance, cycles, and associated beast and animals as well as the symbols associated with them.
The modern age is heavily defined by the clash of faiths in the “Affray of Darkness and Light” in which the entities play a secondary part (mostly guided by Darupet).
Role: The Finders of the Way (Predator & Prey); Secondary foe of those who wish only to conquer and destroy and/or corrupt nature
The Wylde Horde (as it is often referred to) is a collection of primordial everlasting Numinous spirits that correspond to animal species. Each represents the archetype of its species, embodying it in its ideal. As animals, their urges and needs are mostly survival based, and the elevation of the animal in its material form. The moralities of civilization and those outside of the natural order are mostly irrelevant. They were first tapped into by the Nakrian shaman Bhe-Davros. The Bronzemen referred to them as Naannum. None of these entities has unequivocally affirmed participation in The Godspeak Accord. The Wyld Horde is known to be able to draw upon elements of the Vexation of Nature. The Druids of the Wyld Faith are guardians of the sacred spaces – Briarwoods and Beastwoods. These are also fortifications for them and the Wylde Horde.
The premise of Worship: The archetype’s place in the world requires champions for representation and proper veneration of their role in the natural order. These natural creatures are a vital and core part of the cosmic order. People need to realize this, to understand the greater universal natural ordering of things. A Bond of Compact is made to promote the place of the creature(s) represented by the Archetype.
Cults, Sects, & Splinter Groups: The primordial archetypes are diverse in their very nature – animistic and their worship is highly localized and specialized. As such, there are no “cults” per se, just groups of followers or followers who hold loose ideals related to the strengths of the animal(s) as it is important and symbolic to the follower. Any follower or believer in a single animal archetype has a general belief in all of them – though may revere others less for their symbolic attachment.
- Favored Followers: There are few favored peoples, races, places, etc. which gain better capabilities. The Merovin are obviously connected to these spirits – those of the tribes related to a direct animal aspect, though they understand they are not to be drawn upon in the struggles of man against man.
- For those friendly with the natural animal population represented by the archetype, they may be favored or appreciated regardless of their tie to the faith itself. Those who’s job it is to protect the related animal can receive blessings and intervention (minor dream sending’s, visions), or even agenthood, in extreme circumstances.
General Outlook and Observances: [Neutral Alignment] The emphasis is placed in their value directly. Complex morality has no place in thought other than promoting awareness and appreciation. The natural order is paramount rather than a particular side – best to stay clear of moral questions and do what seems best at the moment. Any code of conduct is based on preservation and protection of the related species is appropriate. Followers working with a formal clergy as part of the Green Church should be expected to participate in the common social/community rites which mark life events and progress towards understanding of the faith – unions, births, deaths, and seasonal passing. There are no official clergy members for the primordial animal archetypes – just local “wise” folk with experience and understanding of the associated creatures that others look to.
Broad Tenets
Broadly all tenets are to survive and ultimately flourish as an individual or community as appropriate, reproduce and create a family. As part of the natural order their portfolio is strong perseverence, respect of the elements, appreciation of clean food, air, and drink. Respect for elders and their teachings, tradition and adherence to bonds to create the web of support that nature weaves.
Specific Observances?: There are few that have any strict observance of a holy days or specific holy acts – there are favored colors, seasons (spring for fertility), and environments – but it is not critical to emulate them to stay in good standing. All followers should be expected to participate in the common social/community rites which mark life events and progress towards understanding of the faith – these are unions, births, deaths, and seasonal passing’s. The most common form of penance is to lose the support of the community, the knowledge that the animist spirits bring, and the loss of the “bending of the way” – a path made easy by the spirits for their favored. There are no official clergy for the primordial animal archetypes – just local “wise” folk with experience and perception that other look to.
Symbols: Life Loop / Loop of Life > (common the Wyld Faith) Life is a cycle – birth, conflict, development, age, and death are natural and promote the greatest diversity and greatest drive to excel and express.
Invoking the Numinous Spirits
The followers of the Green Church and Wyld Faith often invoke the great numinous for protection and security. All spirits are revered and often invoked in the aspects of “providers”, “hunters”, and “fertility” (as related to them and in general) for their populations and the populations of their followers.
Universal Pilgrimages and Sacred Places/Places:
Basic Drive to Flourish: Its most widely known basic tenets for the great spirits/archetypes are the biological drive to survive and flourish as an individual or community (as appropriate), reproduce and create a family, perseverance, respect of the natural world, appreciation of clean food, air, and drink.
Afterlife of the Great Spirits
The General Promise: In the beyond, as awareness comes and goes in endless dreams, the primordial will send its servants to care for the follower. The planting is done by the higher orders and the harvesting and disposal by the animal servants. Each cares for the other in a comfortable loop with no war, bad weather, or instability. The cycle endures, though there need be no pain in the transitions to one form or the next – each new form is a chance for the follower to bring back more of the world through the eyes of the animal.
Other References
- Wylding Powers
- Numinous Fauna (great animal spirits)
- Africa (Numinous Elephant great spirit)
- Epona (Numinous Horse great spirit)
- Fey-ha (Numinous Ape great spirit)
- Fiongala (Numinous Fox great spirit)
- Irrigi (Numinous Rat great spirit)
- M’z’zt (Numinous Insect great spirit)
- Mhyi t’k (Numinous Bird great spirit)
- Modak (Numinous Bull great spirit)
- Neithh (Numinous Spider great spirit)
- Rastur (Numinous Lion great spirit)
- Ratuk (Numinous Ram great spirit)
- Scrofa (Numinous Boar great spirit)
- Ssissllenn (Numinous Snake great spirit)
- Umbravoep (Numinous Bat great spirit)
- Wampanoak (Numinous Weasel great spirit)
- Wheyipuh (Numinous Wolf great spirit)
- Yhis’tk (Numinous Lizard great spirit)
- Numinous Mundi of Helca (world/place spirits)
- [Sign of] The Locust – The Calamitous Feeder
Mog Creoch – The Devouring Wurm
Posted on February 13, 2018 in Steel-Realms
Mog Creoch The Great Worm; The Numinous Worm Spirit; “All-Swallower”, “All-Consumer”; Invoked to impose natural order of death, cycles and seasons, endings, and The Dead. One of the many Void Worms of Cromfeár, the great Ur-Worm.
The modern age is heavily defined by the clash of faiths in the “Affray of Darkness and Light” in which the entity plays a tertiary part.
Role: The Eater of the Dead/Devourer of All; Friend to none, foe only to the undead
>General Motto: “All will be consumed.“
Symbols: BROKEN Life Loop / Loop of Life > Life is a cycle to be escaped! It is a chain.
Uorfek of the Loam is also associated with Mog Creoch. They are an entity that reflects the powers of Conviction through Essence. This deity has affirmed participation in The Godspeak Accord. They are part of the pantheon of ___. It is part of the Shadren faith as well.Bale Fire Eater: When necessary, to remove the worst of the effects (though it has not been employed in recent times), the power of Mog Creoch – the great devourer – is used to consume the Bale Fire. Only the Davrosian Order of druids can control the great devourer to accomplish this.
Mog Creoch has decidedly not affirmed participation in The Godspeak Accord. Whie it is concealed from most, druids of Mog Creoch are instrumental in the project of Reclaiming the Wyld. Lands too far corrupted will be consumed and excised for a speedier recovery.
Aspects Known/Common Associations
Major Aspects: ; These are common knowledge; Other aspects/symbols/emblems may vary by specific sect/cult or institution.
Minor Aspects:
Symbolized Role(s) and Value(s):
Emblem:
Sacred Observances: (These are reflected in the faith’s General Liturgy.)
- Sacred Events: [Sacrosanct festivals and milestone celebrations] >
- Sacred Places: [Sacrosanct locations and Pilgrimage sites] >
- Sacred Dates/Days: [Sacrosanct times of the year, recurring days of celebration or rest] >
- Sacred Times: [Sacrosanct period of a day, week, month, season, or year in a cycle] >
- Sacred Life: [Sacrosanct plants, animals, monsters, and entities] >
- Sacred Forms: [Sacrosanct colors, shapes, material (minerals, fabric, etc. )] >
- Sacred Works: [Sacrosanct documents, books, jobs/activities] >
- Sacred Items: [Sacrosanct utensils, tools, machines, clothes, armaments] >
- Sacred Armor/Defenses:
- Sacred Weapon/Offenses:
Pilgrimages and Sacred Places/Places:
Followers of the Faith
Favored Followers:
For for information on Roleplaying a character of faith, see the Divine Follower guidelines.
Expectations & Obligations: Good Standing in relation to their faith’s tenets reflected in Liturgical Observations tenets. Nominally, the Tenets of the General Liturgy are followed by the Laity of Congregations and those of higher Grace and the few Institutional Ranks alike.
Belief Made Manifest – Beyond the General Litany
- Shared Litany Tenets:
- Abiding Litany Tenets:
- Combat Exclusion:
Manifestation and Favor
Connexion Range = Varies (enhanced through the Rite of Offering) > Conviction Limits = None; Elan Building is allowed (if used).Favored Avatar: It is said that the Devouring Spawn of Mog Creoch are its children or avatars.
Armaments of the Faithful: Typical Elemental Divine Weapons; More powerful Magic/Mystic items are typically Singularly Bound if not Institutionally Bound.
- Average:
- Major:
- Extraordinary:
Rites of the Faith
Rite of Endless Voices Rite of Eternal Rebirth (Wild Rite)When Djerduth was the death “god”, it personified all aspects of death, with purpose. The unreasoning worm Mog Creoch is much easier to trade for power, and the “followers” of it are rarely more than those seeking personal power from a source that generally could care less the type of individual that serves them, as long as the outcome is headless bodies, sundered corpses, spilled blood, the smell of rotting flesh and food for worms. These things are pleasing to it.