[Reformed Old Faith]

[Bangi 104]

 

[Reformed Old Faith]

-

“Mother’s mercy, in life I serve.

Yer bloody brilliance,

In death, my soul reserve.

Fer my loyalty, shall never fade.

By yer side, I ‘ave always stayed.”

 

“Deities - A Quick Review”

-

Morighaen -

Morighaen is the goddess who dwells within the Astral plane. Her exact role in the universe is debated heavily among men and women of the faith. Some believe that Morighaen came first, and gave form to all. The rest believe that Morighaen, Gronn, and Thronn, were all brought into existence together.

 

One belief that is static among both parties, is that Morighaen gave form to the void, as well as the mortal plane. Beyond that, without explanation, it is believed that she created herself as well. Morighaen being such a powerful being, that she willed herself into existence. And immediately thereafter willed everything else into existence, and let it be.

 

Morighaens alignment is chaotic-neutral/balance, and mystikal. She is obscure, and is believed to operate in the shadows to maintain the realms balance of good and evil. Praying to Morighaen is a touchy subject, as she appears just as likely to do the opposite of what you ask as she only follows her own prerogative, which we all must humbly obey with diligence.

 

In previous iterations of the faith, Morighaen was held in contempt. While it is believed in her boredom she is a destroyer of worlds, and a player of games, she is still believed to be reasonable. Ancient fears of Morighaen have faded, and been replaced by an undying reverence for the mother.

 

Aliases - ‘Mother of All’ ‘Mother of Night’ ‘Mistress of Shadows’, about any combination of those three. ‘The Creator’, when speaking of ‘The Creator’ any faithful old faithman would assume you speak of Morighaen.

 

Grønn -

Grønn the Life-Bringer, who is believed to be the Aspects of the Druids in one form. This means that the Old Faith acknowledges the Druids as true and rightful worshipers of Nature in their own religion. Grønn is said to be twelve feet tall with bark for skin and rocks for teeth. His eyes are two pools of water and his digits are branches and twigs. He has a full beard and head of leaves and vines which twist and turn wildly. Its said he is often seen but never caught, and has the ability to take on anything in nature. This can be taken either way, as some Hunters thank them for his sacrifices to let them eat. Others commune more with the animals and forsake meat eating. He is seen as very benevolent. His charge is to control all of the planets, fish, animals, and happenings of nature. He is what ties Astral to Life.

 

When speaking of the aspects, either by name, or by title of “aspects” simple, it is assumed one speaks of Gronn. For they are one, and the same.

 

Thronn -

Thronn is the hubris of man, all the sin, and also all the kindness. Thronn is our consciousness, listen closely and hear him whisper. He is an absolutely gray character, with no characteristics in appearance. He is thought to be the shadow of every person, a silhouette of what everyone truly is. People who pray to Thrønn traditionally wait until the sun is half up or half down and wait in an open field. They turn to their own shadow and take a knee, nod their head, and fold their hands.

 

In tales told by Adunians, Thronn often takes the place of the creator, or a messenger of the creator when compared to cannonist scriptures. He would appear before someone, with their own face upon his. Taking the form of any who see them, as only themselves. Occasionally offering guidance on behalf of Morighaen, otherwise Thronn is neutral and impartial, and refuses to ultimately interfere in affairs, or so believed.

 

“Divided Views”

-

Over many generations a large divide has been created between folk of the old faith. Though folk of both beliefs are considered just as much kin and faithful as any other.

 

The Mother’s Sons -

(Reformed Old Faith)

 

The Mother’s Sons refers to the group of Old Faithmen that believe firmly that Morighaen is above all else. This belief is popular among converts from Oren, and Adunians. It finds it’s roots from Creatorism, back from the days of Harren before the Adunians traditional beliefs mixed with those of the Old Faith.

 

They believe the Astral circle is the most powerful, and purposeful of all the circles. This belief is also popular among mages, as Morighaen is seen as the creator of the voidal plane. While appearing to be unbalanced in nature, the faith still finds itself rooting in the belief of balance between all things. They believe that with Thronn being least powerful, Gronn being mediate, and Morighaen being all-powerful that the circles therefore balance themselves. As Gronn and Thronn combined as brothers, balance the mother Morighaen.

 

The Children of Equivalence -

(Old Faith)

 

Those who practice on the other side of this cultural divide believe that all the circles are equal in all things. The realm is at a perfect balance at all times, and the shifting of that balance is something to be feared. Many of this belief continue to hold Morighaen in a fearful light, begging for her mercy.

 

These folks are often descendants of of the Highland realm and Il’Thuaid mountains, as well as other northerners who did originated in this culture, and were not from the Adunian melting pot, or influenced by Creatorist culture. They also believe that Heartfire comes from Thronn, rather than Morighaen.

 

“The Primordial Scroll”

-

*The scroll has been translated from an ancient northern dialect.*

 

Morighaen floated in the infinite expanse of space, alone, somber, and brooding. She at first had been charged by perhaps some supreme being to watch over all the cosmos, or is the supreme being. This is a belief that Old Faith followers choose for themselves, whether Morighaen is the Supreme Being, or just one of the three. Morighaen finally, after spending much time crashing planets together, found herself inspecting the planets more closely.

 

With this she discovered that her cosmic mishaps had left her with two things. One, she had managed to form two hundred humanoids, of various colors, shapes, sizes, and look, and two beings not too much unlike herself. Surely, they were smaller, but they dwarfed her ‘offspring’ no less. One was a shadow, flowing, like water without any true vessel, tendrils of darkness spilled from him, but he was connected to all two hundred of these little scampering beasts. They poured into him their memories and experiences, and who they were to become, and who they were, and what they were. What she found most interesting was that he was behind every one of these beasts, and despite the light, was always there, even in the dark, barely discernible to only her.

 

With him came a tall beast, made of wood, and vine, and greenery, with flowering vines coming from what she assumed was his face, and jagged teeth of rock, and eyes that ran with deep blue water. He cried for he had none to stand watch over, and in that, he wiped his eyes. From his tears came animals, deer, and rabbits, and they all drank from his pools of sorrow, and brought about new life.

 

Morighaen eyed her new subjects, she had something to watch at least now, and made sure of herself not to destroy this instance of peculiarity - at least not yet. She lifted the planet from the cold darkness that surrounded it and brought it to eye level, where her burning pupils would always see the affairs of these little creatures, and she would always remember not to accidentally ruin everything that had just occurred. But with that, she returned to her usual crashing of cosmos.

 

“Tales from Aegis”

-

The Tale ‘o Death -

Grønn appeared and an Oasis in the tundra arose. Shrubbery and plants sprung to life at his feet, birds and animals came at his arrival, and life flourished where his feet left impressions. His most humble followers fell before the magnificent Ent, who came close to one and said,

 

“Evil lingers in the North. My brother and I entrust you with the most sacred task of all - the defense of all life, from the kind long lost to our touch.”

 

They had no idea he spoke of a fourth deity, of a realm most foul, and a realm unrecognized. The realm of Death, the realm of Iblees - and had no way to prepare.

 

Before anyone knew what was going on, the Taran Kingdom that stood long vigil in the North and felt it had conquered all evils in the snow, sure they had closed any hope of Grønn’s doomsday prophecy, but, all was wiped out in what is called “The First Event”. One of the earliest recorded events of mass Undead activity. It nearly wiped out an entire civilization and many bloodlines in less than three nights. The Adunians to the South were hit just as hard, their people had some time to escape, most notably Halboron Elendil, the Adunian Leader. Further south were the Aegeans, whom with the help of some surviving Northerners, and some word of mouth, had time to prepare, and time to mount a defense.

 

“Places of Worship”

-

God’s Gardens were the most natural and beautiful of the worship places. These were seen as absolute holy grounds made by the Nature Aspects themselves, they are believed to be three God’s Gardens in existence with one for each of the three recognized Aspects. The God’s Garden currently have located is the God’s Garden of the Elements. It is a hot spring situated in the north, protected by a granite and stone wall. Spruce trees spring up with flowers poking through the snow. People would come here to cleanse the blood off themselves, to pray in its hot waters, and to fast and meditate. No blood, on any condition, could ever be shed in a God’s Garden, but blood could be cleansed here.

 

Stone Circle of “Auld”, were a very significant part of the culture, both religiously and practically. The Stone Circles, built with massive flagstones, were set around in a ring, with a series of around 4 ‘Gates’, two Pillars with a flagstone across them, and a central altar. The Circles, somehow were set up in a way to monitor the phases of the sky perfectly, from Solstice to comets. This would tell what’s a good time to fish, how close winter or summer is, etc. Very specifically built, it had to be on a set spot, at a set time, another mixing of Elvish and Adunian culture. At the Solstices of the seasons change, the Clan would gather at the circles, and engage in a great many ceremonies, too complex list here.

 

“The Faithmen”

-

The Fathers and Mothers respectively are the holders of the knowledge of the Old Faith. They act on behalf of the Gods and while all their actions are not godly, but very mortal, and considered to be more in tune with the Gods, or a particular God. Fathers have a very informal training and usually learn most of what they know orally, with some few choosing to record and write their teachings and learning to pass down.

 

Induction requires a Pilgrimage to a God’s Garden or Stone Circle, where you must fast from food and water for a whole day, and sleep on the stone altar at the dead of night, midnight. Upon waking you must return to the Father you initially asked to induct you, and repeat the exact words you say the day before.

 

Inductees to the Fathers, called Sons (Inversely for women, the dottirs.), can be inducted instantly. They take a stud to the top of their ear as a symbol of their first step towards Fatherhood. Once you begin your training as a Son, you must gain four particular tokens of your prowess in any field, then a token for the God you favor, for a total of five tokens on your chain.

 

The symbol of Fatherhood is mostly shown in the form of chains, which are usually long necklaces with beads and animal teeth, feathers, and otherwise effigies along it. It is relatively loose and bound by several knots. In olden times, it was assumed each animal tooth has a specific meaning, showing some form of practice and training.

 

Currently agreed upon tokens are as follows,

 

- Gold Coin (Blank) - Gold management, counting, and keeping.

- Silver Piece - A Judge within the Old Faith.

- A Porcupine Quill - Administered a Stud.

- Bear’s Tooth - A man of noble qualities, law keeper.

- Wolf Tooth - Battle Prowess.

- Antler Piece - Successfully raising a Father.

- Deer Tooth - Hunting.

- Rabbit’s Foot - Farming.

- Beaver’s Tooth - Lumbering / Foresting.

- Bird Feather - Each Feather from the different birds signifies different things.

- Whale(Or comparable amphibian) Tooth - A sign of Maritime skill.

Drake’s Scale - An ancient scale, which is held only by the Arch-father.

 

Forbidden Acts Herein; - Do not offer an Elendil the item of a bear. To do so is seen as taboo within the faith, and is grounds for a mother or father to be immediately executed.

 

Similarly, do not offer an Ilesca the item of a stag. To do so is seen as a horrific insult, and would be punished severely. Likely with an on-the-spot execution.

 

The same goes for either of these families respectively wearing, or harming their own sacred animals. Pending a trial by the leader of their respective houses.

 

“A Symbol of Faith”

-

The Studs -

This tradition is mainly used by Children of Equivalence, and followers of the unreformed Old Faith. Some among the reformed still use this method, however.

 

Rather than using rings and words to behind one heart to another, the Old Norsemen and later, Adunians, have long used piercings in the form of ball studs to show their devotion to something. The studs are added surgically through a simple, if very painful process, that puts a thin needle through the bone and tendon that causes a very hairline splinter. It closes over a few days and is kept in place by the bone closing around the point and a stud on the top of the finger. The same is thought of the pinky. The stud, which may vary in size or color, is used to show your love and devotion to something.

 

For your left hand you three fingers that you must bind to another person, place, or thing. Your thumb is the first first finger on your hand, and the only finger that you may not bind. This is mostly due to the way that a finger is pierced and on the idea that piercing your thumb would be both significantly more painful, less functional, and the thumb is not a ‘finger’ per say the same is thought of the pinky. The list of fingers representation goes as follows,

 

'''Index'''

 

You would stud this to represent your devotion to a militant cause. A ranger might put on a green stud. A house soldier might put on their banner house’s color. A sell sword might use straight steel. The size is representative of the loyalty and veterancy to that particular cause.

 

'''Middle'''

 

The middle finger shows your patron god of choice. There is a star, for Morighaen, a branch, for Grønn, and an eye, for Thønn. The star represents the astral control Morighaen possesses. The branch represents a tree, which is a mere finger to Grønn, and the eye represents Thrønn, who sees all you do. While this is mostly for Fathers, it is also for zealous believers who truly have decided who they follow for the rest of their lives. Similarly, someone who holds no particular favor, or, worships all gods as fanatically as the others, may get a trinity.

 

'''Ring'''

 

You would stud your ring finger in order to show your love for a person. The ring finger is where most people, beyond the Old Faith, wear their wedding band. Perhaps that custom was taken from more Southern traders and nations, but, that is debatable. Wedding studs are usually the most identifiable, usually colorful with an engraving along the surface - not words but perhaps a few letters, patterns, and symbols. It varies greatly by person to person.

 

The ceremony usually includes a Father or the Archfather presiding for himself, or, for a ‘royal’ or ‘noble’ person. He may do others. He will be presiding in a stone circle, God’s Garden, or otherwise holy spot, and overlooking the two as they take their holy vows. The man has his finger studded on the altar and the woman may, or may not, have her finger studded. If she wishes, she may take a stud on the ear instead. At the end of the ceremony, the couple seal their words with a kiss, and the ceremony ends.

 

The Auld Crux -

 

The Auld Crux is something derived from the Adunian melting pot, and from the Creatorist faith. It is a unified symbol of the Reformed Old Faith, and it binds the Old Faithmen together. The four points symbolize the four brothers, the largest point symbolizing Horen, and the top for Malin. The circle symbolizing the Old Faith as a whole, tying us all together.

 

“Ceremonies”

-

The details of the ceremonies of the Reformed Old Faith are largely secret, and kept solely by the fathers and mothers of the order. Alas, I shall describe some generalities of ceremonies within the faith.

 

Marriage -

Marriage is an extremely intricate and ceremonial affair in the Reformed Old Faith. While some use studs to signify marriage, many of the Mothers Sons have forsaken the painful piercing process, trading instead for their original trading of rings. Another result of Adunian Creatorist influence upon Old Faith beliefs.

 

To propose first, the bride and groom must be considered adults by their individual clans. Otherwise faith doctrine specifies the age of marriage as fourteen, for those who lack families to put them through trials. Second, a man must propose. The exact ceremony for such varies family to family, though the traditional offering of an engagement ring is standard. Though other gifts, and acts, such as fighting for a woman's hand in combat have also been recorded as popular methods.

 

The parties would later assemble together at a place of worship, typically an Auld Circle, or tree of Gronn. Where the ceremony would begin, starting with the exchange of gifts. Traditionally the father of the bride, as well as the groom will both provide the wife with gifts in view of the assembly. The gifts must be monetary to ensure the wife’s stability in the event of her husband's death, but may also contain other items of importance as well as an exchange of words.

 

Next is the exchanging of swords, which is a ceremony subject to change depending on families and personal preference and affairs. Traditionally however, the husband gifts his blade to the wife, his ancestral blade if he possesses one.

 

“This sword I give to you, to give to our sons, to have and use.”

 

The bride accepts the blade with both hands and a curt nod, and temporarily passes it, as with all gifts, to a gift bearer. She then presents the groom with a new sword, who accepts it on his knees with both hands and a bowed head in reverence and thanks of his bride.

 

“To protect our house, you must possess a blade, thus I give you this.”

 

Following this the couple exchanges rings, in a traditional and simple manner. The groom then gives all of his keys to his bride, if a bride finds the groom indeed keeps a key to any of his belongings from her this is considered an act of mistrust and an extreme insult. Following this the mother/father presiding over the ceremony will pronounce the couple married, and a ribbon will tie the bride's left hand to the groom's right.

 

Next, with the groom and bride’s hands tied they would take a ceremonial mug of wine or mead, and toast to the brilliance of Morighaen, as well as any other deity or demigod of importance. Then, with hands still bound they would drink from the mug, bride sipping first before the groom.

 

Following this ceremony would be a reception, in which the parties of the married will mingle and feast. Following the feast, there would be music and dancing and the usual entertainments. Entertainments guests would partake in includes board games, drinking games, poetry and riddles, stories of the bride and groom, as well as sports such as wrestling and anything you may find at a typical Adunian festival.

 

The month following the wedding was called the Honeymoon, in which the couple drinks mead. Mead being an alcoholic beverage brewed with honey.

 

The Watching -

Old Faithmen will ceremonially gather to view one of the most sacred events in the faith. A meteor shower, the will of Morighaen as she plays with stars and creates entertainment for herself. It is felt that unless we too would like to be flung across the skies that we should watch these events with reverence. The same is said for shooting stars, and other unnatural space phenomena. That we might admire, and bathe in the glory of Morighaens power.

 

“Moonblood & Heartfire”

-

 

“Demigods”

-
 

Demigods, another mingling of Creatorist culture and Old Faith. Demigods are said to be a result of interbreeding between the mortal and immortal. Being the unnatural offspring of the three gods.

 

Il’Aeríghl - Caretaker of Souls.

Uniquely dwells within’ the realm of souls. A culmination of all three realms at the same time. This realm is considered less powerful than all three realms however, which is why Morighaen remains in the Astral plane. Leaving the keeping of souls to Il’Aerighl.

 

Arz’Ri’Tusnuai - Lord of Curiousity.

Dwells within’ the Astral plane.

 

Al’Tah’Fiaena - Seeker of Purity, Keeper of Benevolence.

Dwells within’ the circle of Nature.

 

Esh’Riaermhéid - Seer of Fortune.

Dwells within the Astral plane.

 

Caomhnóiir’An - Guardian of Order.

Dwells within the circle of Life.

 

Arz’Ri’Draek’n’ii - Lord of Dragonkin.

Draek’n’ii resides within the Astral plane, and is said to be the child of Morighaen and the first dragon. They say upon birth that Draek’n’ii devoured his father, then took the role of the dragon lord. Inheriting his mothers inate ability to create all things, he created the dragon kind. Drakes, Dragons, and everything in between. It is also said he is the birthplace of all fire evocation magic, and Heartfire.

 

Iblees - Keeper of the Realm of Death. His name is kept short, simple, and gutturally common as a sign of disrespect and insult. The only demigod which is to by no means be upheld in reverence.

It is said Iblees is the child of Morighaen and the Void. No one can explain how Morighaen could produce offspring with ‘The Void’ but if asked about it they will say, “Never underestimate her abilities.”Or something of the like.

 

[Maevis’ Study]

 

Maevis sat, behind an oaken desk of darkened hue as she stared down upon stacks of loose papers, scrolls, and books. Every one of her mother's one hundred eighty seven diaries and thesis were stacked within her house’s attic, collecting dust. And before her, she had pulled every one of them containing a relevant religious note. Which meant, her study was flooded with books, as that encompassed over half of Cecily’s tomes.

 

She took a sip from a mug, and sighed in relief finally as she wrapped herself in the warmth of her furs. Looking at all the papers on her desk, all the notes she had been compiling. Surely it would lead her to an answer…

 

“I’ve spent my entire life… Seeking a home…”

 

She said with exasperation, as if suddenly realizing this truth. She looked up, out her window and down the snowy peaks below. Her mind drifted to her five children, and she smiled warmly.

 

“I’ve found a home.. My home.. But what is next..”

 

She tapped the desk in front of her.

 

“Mother… What purpose do I serve now..?”

 

She spoke to herself, or so she believed. Though who knows if anyone was listening, she feared deep down that someone always was. She’d seen him do so before.. She shivered at the thought of the man. Turning her attentions back to her studies.

 

She had spent weeks in that study, forlornly drinking by herself when her children were not in need of her company. Ever since the loss of her positions and titles within’ Hiraeth due to her stout defense of the innocents, she had a lot of free time on her hand. At least she did, until she found purpose within the safety of her bedroom. All the while apparently studying something, as she droned away at the taking of notes. Her brow furrowed,

 

“So close..”

 

She looked at the papers sprawled along her desk once more. A large majority apparently being religious texts. Stretching her back slightly she nodded to herself with confidence. She used this opportunity to take a moment to rest, sipping more from her mug as she sat in the chair. Peering out once more down the snowed in cliffs below her manor.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 5, 2015 by Bangi

[ThumperJack 927]

Mairin steps into the house, pulling her coat off and draping it over the couch. She sighs lightly, then wanders throughout the house stopping at the study, and peeking inside. Upon seeing her mother, she raises a brow, poking her head inside  "Mother?"

[Bangi 104]

I'll fix the formatting in a bit but there it is, the big update.

 

Maevis turns, smiling to her daughter Mairin. "Hello dear, care to see the results of my studies?" She smiles, aware that none of her family has any idea what she's been up to the past year.

[monkeypoacher 8055]

Rowan looks guiltily down at his own Orenian cross and icons, standing on the dresser drawer in his room. 

[Monomakhos 1849]

Baren wringed his hands, thinking back to his days as a father of the Faith. "These people are bloody nutjobs - I mean, why in the name of God would anyone revere some crazy wench in space that goes around smacking planets together for her own amusement?" He pauses, shuddering at the idea. "I'm still ashamed by the fact that I bought into that madness. Though they're praising demi-gods now? Deranged..." He muttered, before realizing that he looked a loon for talking to himself and went back to his day-to-day work.

Edited September 5, 2015 by Bagley

[Elad™ 560]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.