Priests of Thauland
About
Location: Thauland
Controlled Territories: Ceatan Temple
Related Items:
Related Ethnicities: Ciheian
Related Myths: Lost Souls
Structure
Thaulanders have a large pantheon of primary deities that they worship as well as a sizable list of secondary deities. They consider Racha to be their chief god.
| Major Gods | Minor Gods |
|---|---|
| Racha | Zepha |
| Jundiel | Manem |
| Camue | Uriel |
| Aphiel | Hielach |
| Zaziel | Shanniel |
| Baltha | Rielah and Rielat |
| Alnetha | Halel |
| Kielah | Jhielaph |
| Adkiel | Penem |
| Ahan | |
| Suriel | |
| Dallah |
Mythology
The world was created when land emerged from the waters, and humans were made from the divine.
Cosmological Views
Life after death is incomprehensible to the living, although minor sects say the afterlife is a state of enlightenment.
The afterlife can not be reached by the living.
Tenets of Faith
In general, the religion is focused on positive relationships, avoiding divine wrath, and to a lesser degree, avoiding killing.
On a personal level, people focus on following the rules, self-control, and sometimes ending sin.
Worship
Prayers
The divine is more likely to hear an adult's petition, if the person is of Z ancestry and not older than 66 years.
The divine will always speak to people with certain experiences.
Rituals
Rituals are usually formal, secret, and take place over or near water.
Preparation involves purifying, bathing, and self-sacrifice.
Rituals include singing, rote responses, and sometimes chanting.
The ritual calendar is set according to the hours. Rituals begin at midnight and occasionally last an hour or two.
Symbols
The most important symbol consists of stylized letter and an open eye. Lesser symbols are a shield and a local animal.
The most common liturgical colors are lamp black and mauve. The highest religious ranks wear copper, and vermillion is reserved for holy days.
Holy Days
There are 6 holy days in a calendar year. 4 holy days focus on new teachers. The remainder commemorate past revelations and past miracles.
Celebrations usually include fortune-telling and athletic competitions, and often extensive drinking.
Priesthood
Structure
The religious hierarchy is branching, strong, and religious roles are generalized. Primary functions are to determine holiness, speak for the divine, and often lead ceremonies/rituals.
Clergy
Clergy are virgins who are older than 85 years and not trained in politics. To join a religious order requires being schooled, and often ordained by elder clergy.
Lifestyle
The average clergical lifestyle is self-supporting, although some live in a solitary manner. Clergy are expected to be promiscuous, and display their status with facial scars, and more rarely a special uniform.