The Priesthood of the Elnarnsae'ame

[NomadGaia 930]

The Priesthood of the Elnarnsae'ame
"The Path of the Wild Gods"

 

“O’ Haelun’Lle,
Kae’leh tal’hiylun nae illere,
Iyal il’nae’leh aheral iheiuhii kae illereh,
Kaeleh’ehya hiylun fiyem bilokera
tilrunen’onn myumin y’kae’leh.”
- The Prayer of New Beginning

 

Purpose
“The way of thousands of mali’ame now lives on in you. You show the world who we are.”

The Wild Priesthood serves as an order of representatives of the ancient mali’ame culture that stems from Irrin Sirame, the mother of all wood elves. They are spiritual and cultural teachers, torchbearers of the traditions and wisdom of the tribes that came before. It is their duty to pass on the ancient traditions, and way of life to new mali'ame, and to show the rest of the world the value in their way of life. These semi nomadic priests perform ceremonies, and blessings on their pilgrimages out into the world, and for their people.

Origin

For as long as the memories of the wood elven race span, the priests of the balance have been there at the center of their people, a guiding hand in the preservation of the mali’ame way, traditions, and culture.

In ancient times, the Irrinite Tribes lived as nomads in the deep woods, traveling with their tribes as they worshiped the aspects, and the pantheon of mani. In order to thrive within the woodland realm, these tribes often traversed miles and miles to seek the wisdom and guidance of the first druids in their groves. They would come to hold the druids as great teachers, and they viewed them with a great deal of veneration and respect. From them, the mali’ame people learned how to live in complete harmony with the forests, truly living as one with the balance.

 

Soon, a great war devastated the woodland tribes, who were forced to agglomerate back into cities. Living amongst the folk of cities, their sacred traditions and practices soon fell from memory, eroding like the bank of a stream. The mali’ame had forgotten how to live within the balance. 

 

After many long years of conflict within the realm of Anthos, the Wood Elves of Laurelin retreated to the woodland, finally beginning the path to regaining their ancient roots. Old Seeds emerged from their centuries-long isolation in the forest as they saw their city-kin finally rekindle their true path.

 

For nearly three of the last centuries of recorded history, the Priesthood of Naelurir had guided the Wood Elven people in matters spiritual. It has served through the days of Laureh’lin, Linandria, Caras Eldar, and Irrinor . However, in the waning days of Irrinor, the order nearly found its end. 

 

Now, a new generation of mali’ame takes on the mantle as priests of the balance. Just like the ancient druii who once were the central guides of the ancient Seeds, and their fathers who served as priests within the Naelurir, this new order will serve as a beacon for their people. The rebirth of our connection to the forest. 

 

Culture

The Order of the Wild Priests considers itself naturally duty bound to aid the Mother and Father circle of druii in anything pertaining to their duty to the balance and the aspects. They do not consider themselves a circle of druids, but rather as representatives of the wood elven way of life. While they host druids among their ranks, there is no official structure for the druii of the rite. No path written into the scrolls of the new priesthood. If one wishes to become a druid, that is for them to decide, and may approach a druidic priest if they wish, or take to the Mother or Father grove in search of a teacher.

 

The training of a wild priest is an arduous path, marked by many hours of study, and grueling training to match. Acolytes of the priesthood must become adept warriors, they must learn to hunt and go to war, and heal the most gruesome of wounds that may befall the mali’ame. They are made to endure pain and suffering to gauge their dedication to the path and to the Aspects. In addition, they must learn the basics of the healing arts, using herbalism and mundane medicine to tend to the wounds of their kin, and stave off death. Tasks are similar to the dedicancies of druids of the Mother and Father circle, they learn these skills, and gather the knowledge they need to guide their kin in the ancient ways. 

 

A Green Priest is expected to embody all the traits of an ideal wood elf- and one who lives in harmony with the balance:

 

Strength
To be able to fight like one of Cernunnos’ beasts. To be a fierce warrior able to draw blood from any opponent made of flesh. To be able to protect and guard your people, til your last breath.

 

Knowledge
To know all traditions, rituals and teachings that make the wood elves what they are. To have extensive knowledge of the Aspects and what they stand for, and to follow their way above all else. To revere Irrin, and Malin and keep to their teachings.

 

Self Control
To always have a leash on your own emotions. To be cool, sensible and calm. To refrain from wanton giving of offense and to make decisions on faith, pragmatism and experience, not blind emotion.

 

Leadership
To find joy in teaching and guiding others onto the Aspects path. To aspire to be a role model, someone to look up to and follow. To be outgoing, firm when needed, understanding when required, clear and easy to comprehend.
 

Loyalty
To be undyingly devout to your own people and to the path of the forest. To never bend or sway from your convictions to keep both alive and thriving, to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the well being of either if necessary.

 

Tasks & Trials

When one first comes to the order of the Wild Faith, seeking to become one of these ancient torchbearers of the wood elven culture, there are a set of trials set before them- in order to mold them, and shape them into a proper priest that may pass down the knowledge and rites of the mali'ame people. In order to become a fully realized priest or priestess, one must first complete these trials, with the oversight of a priest. When they are complete, the Acolyte will have finished their staff, which serves as a priest's "badge of office".

 

Trial of Growth
At the beginning of their path, an acolyte must begin a garden, or small grotto. Within this garden, they must plant a medical herb, a vegetable, a fruit, an edible herb, and a tree. They may plant more if they wish, and it is encouraged that they do more than the minimum. This garden must be kept alive through their trials. At the end of their trials, they must craft a staff from parts of their tree.

 

Trial of Healing
Just as a priest must carry the strength of the father, they must also possess the healing grace of the mother. After studying the herbs of this world, and their healing properties, an acolyte must tend to the wounds of another using the properties of plants found within the wilds. This should be something bigger than a small cut, something that, left untreated, could prove fatal, or crippling. 

 

Trial of the Hunt
An acolyte of the priesthood must be able to defend their faith, and the wilds if it should come to it. Thus, they must show proficiency with a weapon of some sort, be it a bow, axe, sword, spear, or other weapon. To pass this trial, an acolyte must show their prowess in a hunt, or by defeating another priest in single combat.

 

Trial of the Aspects
A trial that may be completed at any time during an acolyte’s path. An acolyte must bring two offerings- one to the tree of Cernunnos, and another to the tree of Cerridwen, and explain all they know of the aspects to their overseeing priest. When they are finished, they must properly offer what they’ve brought, reciting the proper offering prayer for each aspect.

 

Trial of the Mani
A trial that may be completed at any time during an acolyte’s path. An acolyte must bring an offering to any shrine of the mani, and explain all they know of the mani to their overseeing priest. When they are finished, they must properly offer what they’ve brought, reciting the proper prayer to the mani in question. It is important that an Acolyte demonstrates understanding of the mani as a whole, in addition to the mani they’ve made an offering to, or hope to become a priest or priestess of.

 

Trial of the River
One of the final tasks in the lineup- a test of strength, endurance, and control. An acolyte must carry a heavy stone to a small, but rushing river. In order to succeed in this task, the acolyte must carry the stone through the river- directly to the other side. They may take as many tries as they need, and may practice as much as they need beforehand. If a teacher has any other manner in which they can test their acolyte’s endurance, they may do so instead. IE. Climbing a mountain carrying rocks, and other such tasks.

 

The Trial of Reflection

The final trial in the way of becoming the priest. Also called “facing the mirror”, an acolyte is blindfolded, and brought deep into the woods. They are given herbs that induce visions, and are told to make their way home, unblindfolded. While in the woods, they will face visions and beasts alike, and use their skills to make it home. (OOC NOTE: For this one, make them write a short story about their character’s experience, like a forum post or a google doc, as making them emote at nothing while they’re on their own in a forest is boring.)  

Acolytes, Priests, High Priests, and Oracles

The current members of the priesthood. These wild priests actively perform their duties mainly in and around the realms of Elvenesse, but also travel throughout the world, spreading the word of the aspects through their deeds. Priests who count themselves as druids are additionally marked with their totem.

 

Ranks

 

Acolyte- A mali’ame or otherwise who has begun their priesthood trials, and has made their oath to the wood elven people, to guide them as best as they can. They train beneath the guideship of a wild priest, who oversees their trials and handles the process for them.

 

Wild Priest - A mali’ame who has fully passed through their priesthood trials, and is ready to serve as a cultural representative of the mali’ame people, as countless others have before them. They know the traditions, customs, and practices of the wood elven people, and help lead cultural ceremonies and rites for their brothers and sisters. Fully realized priests also hold a vote on matters of moots.

 

High Priest - A priest elected by the their brothers and sisters to help guide the priesthood into tomorrow. They are among the wisest, and most knowledgeable of the order, and help represent the priesthood of the wood elves within the government of Elvenesse. They call, and lead moots, and give direction to the order as a whole.

 

Oracle - Priests or Priestesses that have dedicated a lifetime of service to the mali’ame people, and whose knowledge of our people’s rites and customs is unrivaled. These are the elders of our people- guides and scholars, who have contributed a vast amount to the priesthood, and raised countless priests of their own. The only way to become an Oracle is to be welcomed in by those who currently stand as one. When this happens, a totem pole will be raised, a log of their victories and contributions to the priesthood and the mali’ame people.

 

Oracles
Sister Orison - Awaiti, of the Sirame - Priestess of Sha’maidan
 

High Priests
Sister Fox - Sonna, of the Vuln'miruel - Priestess of Sonnos and Bolomormaa
Sister Iris - Aedrie, of the Sirame - Priestess of Ohowaki

Medli Amaeden - Priestess of Hamatsa

 

Wild Priests
Sister Caracal - Renae, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Ohowaki
Sister Autumn - Nivndil, of The Asimulum - Priestess of Bolomormaa
Sister Phoenix - Seraphina, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Norra
Sister Marten - Eretria, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Felexii
Brother Coyote - Laetranis, of the Tahorran - Priest of Nemglan
Brother Hummingbird - Becclain, of the Arvellon - Priest of Kholibrii, Felixii, and Ohowaki

Brother Bluejay - Hareven, of the Lorenthus Clan - Priest of Bolomormaa

Sister Lioness - Andria, of the Tresery - Priestess of Mahae

Brother Leopard - Miklaeil, of the Arvellon - Priest of Felixii

Sister Raven - Layla, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Kwakwani

Brother Rainbow - Skylar, of the Taliame’onn - Priest of Kholibrii

Sister Bear - Miven, of Caerme'onn - Priestess of Bolomormaa

Laltyl, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Machana
Brother Moonlight - Eryn, of the Sirame
Artanis, of the Caerme’onn
Abelas, of the Caerme’onn

 

Acolytes
Laedrad, of the Tresery
Mordün, of the Sirame
Titania, of Hawksong

[Junoix 2301]

AME AME AME