Idhren’tirn’s Rituals and Sacrifices

 

 

While everyday mali’fenn are able to pray and praise the different Facets and Wyrvun, the Idhren’tirn is in charge of making sure that the Contract between the Mali’fenn and Wyrvun is upkept. With this, it means that they are in charge of sacrifices to Wyrvun as well as different cultural rituals. Provided here are the basics in how these are preformed- but only true Idren’tirn know the prayers and practices needed to be preformed.

 

 

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Sacrifices

 

 

Wyrvun focuses on the balance and neutrality between the forces of good and evil, and in turn mali’fenn are not sacrificing in a way to praise either innocence or death or pain or suffering.Instead they sacrifice as a reminder of who they are and where they come from. Additionally it is a reminder that through Wyrvun the mali’fenn have Order. Through the power of Wyrvun and the Facets, mali’fenn are able to have the minds and understanding that they do.

 

The Tahu’naeri will start a sacrifice by slicing the creature’s neck and letting the blood drip from the table and into a ceremonial bowl on the altar.

 

As the blood is draining, The Tahu’naeri will start dividing the body parts and praying to Wyrvun and the Six. Mali’fenn correlate each individual Facet to a certain ideology.Those ideas are what determines what part of the animal is given in sacrifice to each Facet.  After a grouping of body parts have been carved out from the animal, the Idhren’tirn member says the appropriate prayer to the Facet before throwing the part into the fire. 

 

Ignoshey, the Aengul of Knowledge

The head is sacrificed to Ignoshey, as it represents ideas of knowledge, truth, understanding, and order. 

 

Pados, The Aelor of Passion

The heart is sacrificed to Pados, as it represents ideas of passion and emotions.

 

Namos, The Aengul of Law

The spine is sacrificed to Namos, as it represents where one comes from, where our bloodlines connect from one place to another, and how each individual connection represents another layer of history.

 

Katas, The Aelor of Destruction

The legs and arms are sacrificed to Katas, as they give us the physical capabilities we have to walk, run, destroy, and fight. 

 

Irem, The Aengul of Serenity

The lungs and diaphragm are sacrificed to Irem, as it represents life, the soul, the breath you see when it is cold, balance and calm.

 

Deishon, The Aelor of Discord

The stomach and intestines are sacrificed to Deishon, as they represent the feeling people have in their guts when they laugh, and because the intestines themselves are all jumbled up and chaotic.
 

After all the parts have been thrown in- the Idhren’tirn member says one final prayer to Wyrvun himself as they pour the blood from the bowl into the fire.

 

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Mali’fenn Weddings

 

 

Within the mali’fenn, marriage is one of the most significant possible events, as it creates an opportunity for bloodlines, families, and the nation as a whole to come together in celebration of life. It is not uncommon for surnames to remain unchanged among couples originating from different bloodlines - although often, one or the other will choose to adopt their spouse’s surname. Thus, the children of such a pairing can choose to be a part of whichever bloodline they please, or to drift between both.

 

Like any marriage, a marriage in the faith of Wyrvun begins with a proposal. It is commonplace for such events to be suggested ahead of time, so that both parties might be properly prepared. Included in this symbolic process is for both individuals to seek out the leader of their partner’s bloodline or family and ask their approval for such a marriage, though there is no requirement to say that such figures must approve. 

 

After the actual proposal takes place, some couples opt to plunge into an icy lake together, and bathe. Lakes hold significance among those who worship Wyrvun, for it is believed that the boundary between Talath’fin and Aira’fin is to be found at the bottom of such a lake. Upon the completion of this trial, the couple is to head ashore, whereupon each partner is to drape a cloak of fur - preferably their own cloak, or from an animal they hunted - around the shoulders of the other to bring them warmth. They are not, however, to fasten it. Symbolically, this is seen as each laying claim to the other, offering their protection, and guaranteeing mutual support. Those that do not pursue the icy plunge together instead skip straight to the draping of cloaks at the proposal itself.

 

Before the actual marriage is to take place, a couple must pass another certain step. A significant offering is typically made to Wyrvun so that he might give his blessing unto a marriage, as marriage brings about the beginnings of new life, and so a life ought to be given to secure this. Thus, in the days before their marriage, the couple are to depart civilization together for a hunt. Families and well-wishers typically send them off amid much jubilation, and with naught but each other and the belongings necessary to survive in the wilderness, the couple engage in a hunt for big game. This process serves several purposes. First, a certain portion of the animal shall be offered to Wyrvun, in thanks for the bountiful gifts that he bestows upon Hesin’fin and in the hopes of securing a happy, healthy family. Second, the meat of the animal is to be served at the wedding feast as the main course. Third, the hunt itself shall test the couple’s partnership. They are to survive together, work together, and hunt together. If they pass such a test, succeed in capturing their prize, and maintain good relations in the process, it proves that they shall be capable of weathering whatever storm they encounter in their marriage. Big game, such as stags and bears, are the preferable targets - for they are more capable of adequately supplying a feast, and demonstrate a great deal of hunting prowess between the couple. While this hunt occurs, the bloodlines or families of each partner are to come together and make preparations for the wedding. Typically, they prepare the other food and drinks for the feast together, and work out the logistics among themselves. Once the couple to be married return from their hunt, they are welcomed with open arms, and their duties are at an end until the marriage ceremony itself.

 

The actual marriage ceremony is officiated by the Tahu’naeri of the Idhren’tirn, but if they cannot do so, an appointed Rewelier’uhier may do so instead. They take place in the temple where families, friends, and well-wishers are gathered to spectate. Typically, the bride wears a nice dress, while the groom wears furs. If either is in the Ivae’fenn, it may be customary for them to wear their full armor and uniform. With the Tahu’naeri at the shrine, the couple is to walk down the aisle side by side, holding their offering of the heart of their hunted animal. It is laid to rest before the Wayshrine, whereupon the Vigilant smears blood from the heart upon their thumb, pressing said thumb to each of the couple’s foreheads. Then, the partners are each to follow suit, smearing a single line of the blood upon both of their partner’s cheeks. This process is to ensure fertility, and culminate the trial of the hunt. The Tahu’naeri acts on behalf of Wyrvun, and the partners act on their own behalf, as this ceremony also symbolize the shared blood that the couple is cementing beneath Wyrvun’s guidance. Then, it is customary for both the bride and the groom to exchange weapons, with an explanation for their choice of tool. Whether a relic, a personal weapon being traded, or a new weapon, this gift is meant to hold some sort of special meaning to an individual’s partner. All manner of weapons can be traded, including bows, daggers, and shields. This act is highly symbolic, for it represents the protection that each partner will henceforth accord the other. Then, a custom set of vows are to be exchanged. It is during these vows that special pins are produced, and while an individual recites their vows, they are to finally use such a pin to fasten the cloak of their partner, symbolizing the finalization of the act. Thereafter, the attending Vigilant may pronounce the couple married, they may kiss, and all attendees are thus ushered off to the feast. Food and drink alike fuel the revelry of a happily married couple and their bound bloodlines or families.

 

While marriage is seen as the crossing of two souls, marriages can be ended for a number of reasons. The Tahu’naeri may approve of annulment in cases of infidelity, abandonment, and banishment; although such occurrences tend to be rare, and marriage is seen as a binding that lasts not only for life - but for the afterlife, as a husband and wife may achieve eternal slumber in Aira’fin side by side, in each other's arms.

 

 

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Birth and Naming Ceremony

 

 

The Mali’Fenn, due to their elven curse, tend to have fewer children. This means when a female gives birth, it becomes a grand affair.
 

One week after the birth, the new-born along with its parents and family will attend the temple of Wyrvun, to receive a blessing, name the child, and sometimes a sacrifice to Irem may be performed.

 

The child, usually dressed in a blue and white gown, will be brought forth in front of all witnesses. Offerings given by the child's family are presented to the child. Usually, the parents giving the child their first weapon.

 

The Tahu’naeri will then confirm the name of the child, while preparing a fur blanket nearby, usually white wolf fur skinned from an animal caught by the father near the birth of the child.

Taking the child from its parents, the Tahu’naeri would dunk the new-born in the blessed ice waters to test their strength and bless them. After being submerged for a few moments they are pulled from the waters and wrapped within the furs.

 

The ceremony is usually followed by a grand feast.

 

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Mali’fenn Funerals

 

 

When a mali’fenn dies, their bodies are prepared by cremating it with Tippen’s Root. Burning it rids the root of its healing properties, in death the ashes will lead the souls to Aira'fin and grant them eternal slumber. 

 

All those who knew the mali’fenn may come to the ceremony, but instead of wearing black they wear clothes of pure white. At the funeral itself, the Tahu’naeri spread their ashes ceremonially onto the roots of the Yig’drazil. This is to ensure that not only do their bodies go to Aira’fin, but their bodies further nourish the tree well after their time has come on the mortal realm. As the ashes are spread, a simple, yet familiar prayer is spoken.

 

What happens after the ceremony is up to the family, but there normally is a period of grief that lasts till the end of the day- in which no one takes off their funeral garments. 

 

Wyrvun’s Six: The Facets

 

 

In the Idhre’tirn, they do not only worship Wyrvun but also his Six. The Six are commonly depicted as ‘the Facets’ of the Idhre’tirn, and are what divides the Idhre’tirn into the six sects. While the Tahu’naeri must be responsible for worship of Wyrvun, and therefore all of the Six, each Rewelier’uhier tends to one of the Six. Their robes, jobs, expression of worship, and prayers coincide with the Facet they worship; however it is important to note those who may identify with a certain aspect but not share the same skills can still do so with their unique skill set. 

 

 

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Ignoshey, the Aengul of Knowledge

 

Ignoshey is known for its understanding of all things. It has no opinion of either right or wrong. It understands the functions, and mechanisms of the world and how they operate.This causes Ignoshey to have a bit of a problem when it comes to judging creatures and ideas. It can not make calls on whether or not something should be done. Ignoshey only knows the answers to most questions, and can create solutions to most puzzles. Morality is unknown to Ignoshey. 

 

Worship and sacrifices that are made towards the Aengul of Knowledge happen when Mali’fenn are searching for answers or documenting their different histories without bias. 

 

Rewelier’uhiers that follow this Facet tend to take up jobs in library management, documenting events and bringing the records to the library, or teaching Mali’fenn basic education. They were also encouraged to develop skills in cartography and architecture.

 

Rewelier’uhier’s Robes for those who follow Ignoshey:

 

 

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Pados, The Aelor of Passion

 

Pados is known for being the overall ‘emotion’ for every single mali’fenn. Pados encompasses anything having to do with the emotional aspects of the Mali’fenn. Pados tends to have the understanding of powerful emotions like: Love, Hope, and Anger. This can cause Pados to have rash and undesirable decisions. The emotions have no control over them, but they are there and they are incredibly strong.

 

Worship and sacrifices that are made towards the Aelor of Passion occur when an individual is seeking some sort of guidance with their emotions. For example, couples who want their life to be full of passion and love.

 

Rewelier’uhiers that follow this Facet tend to focus on writing scripts for plays, getting entertainers for events, or writing parables and poetry of Wyrvun for all to sing and celebrate. They are also encouraged in taking up hobbies in playing instruments or dancing. 

 

Rewelier’uhier’s Robes for those who follow Pados:

 

 

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Namos, The Aengul of Law

 

Namos is known for being all about laws: creating the laws, following the laws, punishing those who disobey the laws. This Facet an overall judge of everything. Being lawful means of course following the different laws, but this also brings into question violations of the law for the betterment of Fenn and the Mali’fenn within it. Are these violations of law justified? That is something that Namos just might not be able to agree with. Many of the Idhren’tirn and Ivae’fenn follow these laws. In fact, Fenn, as a whole, is very lawful. Thanks to the other Facets, such as Katas, we are able to know when they are needed to shift and change. 

 

Worship and sacrifices are made to the Aengul of Law happen when Mali’fenn are looking to make a hard decision before a court session or before a meeting with the Grand Council.

 

Rewelier’uhiers that follow Namos tend to take up jobs where they are able to punish criminals, writing or re-organizing laws, keeping tabs on the status of businesses within Fenn. Additionally they tend to keep tabs on the Idhren’tirn’s taxes, donations, and their inter politics.

 

Rewelier’uhier’s Robes for those who follow Namos:

 

 

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Katas, The Aelor of Destruction

 

Katas is about destruction to everything. Destruction of laws, people, animals, families, armies, enemies. Anything that it deems unworthy of itself and Wyrvun. This Facet has no order to it. Katas allows a lot of change within a society and its understanding of things and asks the question, why do we keep making these decisions? Just because it’s tradition? Problem with thinking like this is that without any structure, one is just left with rubble. Nothing would work, nothing would get done when everything keeps getting changed or destroyed.

 

Worship and sacrifices are made to the Aelor of Destruction occur for two main reasons. The first reason is the more literal meaning of Katas. Ivae’fenn may call upon Katas before they make an attack on someone, asking this Facet for the strength to uplift and destroy all within its wake. The second reason is for the more ‘cultural’ meaning of Katas, such as certain government officials within Fenn might make a sacrifice to this Aelor for wisdom and strength on how to change current policies within the nation.

 

Rewelier’uhiers that follow Katas tend to take up training with the Ivae’fenn to ensure their bodies are physically and mentally fit enough to protect the Idhre’tirn and the nation of Fenn. Additionally they encouraged in taking up the hobbies of hunting or martial arts. 

 

Rewelier’uhier’s Robes for those who follow Katas:

 

 

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Irem, The Aengul of Serenity

 

Irem as a Facet represents the idea of being calm like the snow itself. When the sky is clear, and the snow is beautiful on top of the mountain. The calm of the winds. Irem focuses on the family, the bonds you have with your friends, your fellow military members. However, Irem is lacking in an understanding that not all things are peaceful. That not everything can be solved with a good meal and a hug. Irem loves the world and that’s its downfall.

 

Worship and sacrifices are made to the Aengul of Serenity for a rather large variety of reasons, due to how much the bonds between mali’fenn affect daily life. Most Mali’fenn understand the peace and harmony being with loved ones gives them, and when they are around a dinner table or at a gathering of joy they usually call upon Irem to protect those feelings. Many chefs also may call upon Irem to add the finishing touch to their dishes. Sometimes, Festival hosts will make a sacrifice to Irem before an event to bless their event with a familial warmth. Additionally, at the announcement of a new child of Fenn, a sacrifice might be made to Irem in an effort to promote a long and happy life for the child.

 

Reweil’uhiers that follow Irem tend to be in charge of organizing dances and festivities, cooking for feasts, or keeping up the parks and flowers. They are also encouraged to take up hobbies like cooking, painting, and gardening. 

 

Reweil’uhier’s robes for those that follow Irem:

 

 

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Deishon, The Aelor of Discord

 

Deishon is all about causing havoc and tricks. This Facet is about manipulating around with people. Deishon loves to disrupt the peace, to make things happen for the sake of happening. This is usually done with intentions neither good nor bad, just fun. Most jesters and jokers within Fenn can relate to this aspect. The problem with this Aelor is that it doesn’t know when it’s not the time for that sort of thing. Deishon thinks that causing mayhem and watching people get angry is the best thing ever. This aspect has definitely started more wars than it should have through simple ‘joke’ assassinations.

 

Worship and sacrifices are made to the Aelor of Destruction most often when mali’fenn are looking for a good time. Whether it is for someone's bachelor party or there is a juggling event going on, they want to laugh and see fools be fools.

 

Reweil’uhiers that follow Deishon tend to delight in displaying Sleight of hand tricks or teaching espionage work. They additionally focus on teaching the Idhren’tirn how to trick and fool both enemies and friends. They are also encouraged to take up the hobbies of lock picking and card tricks. 

 

Reweil’uhiers robes for those that follow Deishon: