Írsinism

Írsinism is a polytheistic religion predominately found in Eastern Serrona on Eldham. 
It is believed to originate from Frostmarch before being brought to Eldham where it has since intermixed with local religions such as Oxintoism and becoming the religion it is today. Most practitioners live in the modern day United Socialist States of Eldham.
== Beliefs & Values ==
=== Deities (Írsin) ===
==== Hemmírs ====
The Hemmírs are a category of Írsin which are regarded to be the most powerful deities as a result of their relatively recent creation, like a newly lit flame. They are not as old as the Velpdírs but are regarded as being more powerful than them.
Úichen
Úichean is a deity often associated with community, labor, fire, peace, hospitality, androgyny, beekeeping, family, and travel. It is common for people to invoke this deity when wishing for good luck, kindness from others, forgiveness, a nice meal, when trying to impress or repair one’s family, and wishing others safety while traveling. It is seen as a taboo to kill bees or break a beehive due to an association with bees. It is also seen as good fortune to add a campfire below a hive. They are usually found from fire to fire trying to stealthily encourage people to appreciate each other. And they are known to try to repair damaged families. Also due to the apparent trait of having an indistinguishable gender, many gender-nonconforming individuals also tend to pray to this god and they are often seen as a god of transgender people by some however this is not seen as a major attribute of the deity. It is seen however, if people wish for androgyny it is often this deity they turn to. 
Manifestation: They are often seen as the fire that usually sits in the middle of an altar and ash or large plumes of smoke are seen as a sign of good fortune. However, they are also known as a spirit of bees and may take that form and often are associated with mead in particular. When in an bipedal form it is said they are very androgynous and it is often impossible to tell anything about their sex.
Favored people: Chefs, diplomats, union workers, homebodies, bee-keepers, homeless, travelers, transgender & gender non-conforming people, families, and those who play a part in their communities or wish for friends.
Specialized offerings: Flint and steel, bottles of honey, mead, honeycombs, coal for cooking food, foods especially made in their honor. 
Dhouglásen
Seen as the deity of cattle, brewing, farming, and patron god of Garkogorod, and medicine, self betterment, and pets. Dhouglásen is very popular and is seen as a very important deity in rural and agricultural places. He is often prayed to by those looking for a good harvest, health and good fortune in terms of health, those looking for guidance on how to become better people, and strong alcohol. It is said that this deity once took the form of a cattle and was “killed” but as he is a deity he still exists however it is seen as good luck to kill a cow as he is said to enjoy the call back to his days when he was worshipped in a physical form and dropping a piece of beef is seen as praise. Also it is said he cured the entire town of alcoholism and the bad effects it had on their bodies. The attribute of pets is often seen due to the kind nature of this deity and his common trait to deal with other animals.
Manifestation: Often taking the form of a cow or a random bottle in a chest. There doesn't seem to be much of a bipedal form for this god other than that he is a man with an indistinguishable face farming in the distance. However, he may simply choose to spend most of his time as a cow and remembering days of old. 
Favoured people: Farmers, herder, doctors, citizens of Garkogorod or former citizens, brewers, those who are quitting addictions, and pet owners. 
Specialized offerings: Cooked beef, a bit of your harvest, alcohol (note that if a bottle should be emptied that you should simply take it out), milk, leather, a proof of you growing as a person, something that reminds you of a pet, farming tools.
Iealmí
The attributes often associated with the goddess Iealmí are writing, storytelling, libraries, statecraft, politics, the ocean, sailing, fishing, learning, philosophy, law, money, management, patron god of Kazkaya, math. A favored deity of port towns and places of industry. Iealmí is often prayed to in times of political turmoil, when wishing for the safety of a culture, the oceans and sea to be safe, inspiration when writing, winning a trial, keeping track of numbers in all regards including money, when one has to study, and in general for simple prosperity of where one lives. She is known to be rather level headed and intellectual and is often used as a symbol for universities and it is not uncommon for people to congratulate their children for graduating by either giving them a bit of money to use or giving them a boat (it is often said that bad children get forced to solve a math problem before either is given). She is said to be rather inexpressive and can be seen as standoffish by many but if she likes you expect creativity and upward movement to come your way.
Manifestation : Often taking on the form of some kind of aquatic life, typically a turtle. However, she is also known to appear as unmanned ship’s and bubbles in the water. When in a bipedal form it is said she has long flowing hair and has ocean blue eyes with a mariner's pea coat and black suit pants on that give an air of suaveness. 
Favored people : Scribes, authors, librarians, engineers, politicians, sailors, thinkers, teachers, mathematicians, lawyers, economists, people who run shops and managers, people of Kazkaya, and all those who pay their taxes, the poor. 
Specialized offerings : Fish, fishing rods, boats, poetry, flags, a piece of your work, a symbol of helping others learn, a symbol you pay taxes, something that is worthless to others but has meaning to you. 
Berugus
The god of war, tactics, snow, tundras, ice, the cold, harsh terrain, hiking, ritual combat, protection in combat, mining, armorers, tanners, justice, revenge, weaponry, and militaries. Often Berugus is seen as a god who is moody and prone to rage unless calmed by his husband Meldrás. He is often prayed to when someone wishes for strength and or the ability to defend themselves. Also for glory in battle, safety crossing ice, mountaineering, luck finding things well mining or exploring, and for the snow to be packed enough to walk on. Bergus is evoked by military officers and used as a symbol of guards and soldiers for their regiments as a way to always have good luck. Often as a reward for combat soldiers will get iron or large stacks of stone or maybe even dyed leather armor as a reward in honor of Berugus. He is also known for jumping up and down mountains and running across ice and snowy tundras to see his husband when he is not on the battlefield supporting one side. It is said that his husband will change the weather on a battlefield to let the warriors know that he is supporting one of them. It is also taboo to approach polar bears with cubs due to Berugus’s affiliation with polar bears and his husband being associated with fathers. 
Manifestation: Often said to take the form of a polar bear or the cold that envelopes people before battle so much so that he freezes some water according to some accounts. It is said that he is hairy, wide and ruddy when bipedal, he is said to have a full suit of iron adorned with indestructible ice. However when not on the battlefield but hiking it is said that his stomach just slightly pokes out from under his white tunic and that he is hairy and laughs a hearty laugh. 
Favored people: Miners, soldiers, people who live in the tundra, hikers, weaponsmiths, soldiers, guards, military officials, warriors, tacticians, those who walk on ice, judges, those seeking revenge or justice. 
Specialized offerings: minerals, ores, ice, swords, battleaxes, snow, rocks, armor, dyes that he may dye tunics or give to his husband.
==== Velpdírs ====
The Velpdírs are a category of Írsin which are considered to be primordial beings and the oldest of all deities, being older than the Hemmírs. They are often regarded as less powerful, or weakened than them as a result of their age, hence the need for the creation of the Hemmírs.
Meldrás
A god of hunting, the wilds, killing, rivers, archery, sight and well being of one’s eyes, weather, nature, virility, gardening. Often Meldrás is seen as a very fatherly and kind figure who can calm down his husband Berugus. He is often prayed to within the wilderness for protection and guidance. But also for advice on how to be a father, on good growth of flowers, for good weather, to keep sight well or fix it, when killing a person, for quick tree growth, for protection of livestock, and a good hunt, marksmanship, for an arrow to hit its mark, safety when traversing rivers. It is often that random unclaimed buildings or forts in the wilderness will be said to be Meldrás’s home. Should one come across these places it is not uncommon to tear them down but it is said you should ask for Meldrás’s mercy. Furthermore it is said that should you find a tree with no leaves that it is actually one of his spears he leaves lying about. He is also said to change the weather on a battlefield so he may visit his darling husband and see what the humans are doing and give them warning that Berugus supports one of them. 
Manifestation: Said to be a giant taller than the trees with large towering horns and hoofed feet. However, more commonly he will be a kindly freckled slender gentleman on the border of one’s sight in the forest with glasses and tiny horns poking out of his head. He is also seen as the mist on the edge of everybody's vision, always watching for someone who might anger him. Even Berugus knows fear of his wrath and all fear when his skin glows with the green and orange of the taiga.
Favored people: Hunters, homeless, those who have killed, travelers through rivers or forests, archers, the blind, optometrists, meteorologists, lumberjacks who plant back saplings, fathers, gardeners. 
Specialized offerings: Saplings you get extra of, plants of any sort, an arrow, a trophy from a kill, some sand from a riverbank, something colorful, a cauldron, something that remind you of your father or your child, a log or stick to remind him of a forest, a bucket of river water or rain. 
Voolmach
The god of architecture, art, the sun, voting, foxes, roads, infrastructure, media, magic, alchemy, fashion, light, high places, cartography, death and rebirth, patron god of Laria/Port Crelov, aqueducts, masonry.  Often called upon for inspiration when building, drawing, sitting on roadways or that roads will be well made, planning infrastructure, making media, when casting a spell or working with potions, making clothes, standing on a ledge, dealing with plumbing, when there is a birth or death, or when the light or sun is needed. Often known for always watching how buildings progress as the days go on and always judging when in his sun form.  From his vantage point of the sun he is known to have constructed roads to new bodies when someone permanently dies. He gives them the option of rating reincarnating simply without any recollection of their past life or stay eternally in his realm with glorious buildings made of gold. There is one other thing that Voolmach is known for, it is that the chickens crow in the morning because they see the giant fox masquerading as the sun and thus know to alert every other chicken. 
Manifestation: Often as the sun, he will be watching over buildings and towns. Primarily taking the form of a giant fox that is mistaken as a quartz or diorite statue of a fox on the roadside. He is also known to take the form of a literal fox in which he jumps on the roofs of buildings and eats berries and chickens as such; though he tends to have white fur. This white fur also applies to his pedal form as he is often seen as having white fur and a bit more of a bushy tail than other vulpis as well as a beard like whiskers. 
Favored people: Artists, cartographers, builders, architects, engineers, masons, people who advocate for democracy, people who are on the road, those who invest in infrastructure, news hosts,  journalists, magicians, alchemists, designers, people who live in high altitudes, the dead and children, plumbers, people from Laria/Port Crelov.
Specialized offerings: A thing that reminds you of your loved one who’s passed, a map of the area around an altar, a piece of art, schematics for a build, a piece of paper to symbolize a ballot, some gravel to remind him of roads, media or a newspaper, a piece of clothing, a bucket of water, some rock from the top of a mountain, blue orchids (larian symbol), some potions or water bottles, sweet berries, chicken, eggs.
Helfi
The goddess of the moon, partying, games, sports, drunkenness, fun, puns/jokes, darkness, sleeping, love, marriage, lust, fertility, consent, parenting, stars, astrology, nether, pigs, blackstone, lava, mushrooms. Helfí is seen as one of the most likeable gods as she is often attracting all the gods to her in some sense and has been with most gods and goddesses. She is often invoked whenever merriment is had in any sort, when it is nighttime, when someone wishes for love, to be a good parent, to make sure the nether is safe, when making stew, when drunk, needing sleep, when wanting luck in games, when wanting to have fun, when looking at the night’s sky. It is often said that Helfí has or is dating most of the gods (apart from Berugus who only loves Meldrás even if Meldrás might also date Helfí); it's not unheard of for her to not only date multiple at a time but actively encourage perceptions of them loving each other to try and show how mutually beneficial all of their love towards one another is. However, she also allows gods to leave and come back to her as they please. She is said to use the moon as a crystal ball to watch as the humans celebrate and sleep from her home in the nether though she does often visit the overworld to play with the stars in her hand. She is often heard laughing as people fall into lava and encourages drunkenness near cliffs. She always makes sure Voolmach brings them back though. Furthermore she is often seen as commanding the nether as she pleases to make sure that she has complete control. She is seen as caretaker and parent of the pigs within the nether despite not looking like them and often may hide them from people. She is also said to be infuriated if someone violates another's consent. It is said that should a people be under imperial rule without consent, she will get Berugus drunk and convince him to support the independence. She often has a distaste for the color blue however and thus many piglins and hoglins will avoid blue mushrooms even though Helfí doesn't mind the mushrooms as much it is said she tries to avoid warped forests.
Manifestation: Furthermore she is often seen as having black hair like black stone and red eyes like lava. She is known for being gigantic like the other Velpdírs. She often chooses to not take this form however and simply becomes a smaller version of herself that lurks in the lava pools of blackstone cliffs filled with basalt. Seen also in the moon as her eye and as stars move or shoot across the sky it is said to be her. 
Favored people: Thrill-seekers, those who stay out at night, those sleeping, insomniacs, stargazers, astronomers, athletes, people who play games, partiers, drunken people, parents, mothers, comedians, people of or in the nether, those using mushrooms, those who are in darkness. 
Specialized offerings: Party supplies or proof that a party happened, games, sports equipment, alcohol, anytype or a bottle to prove you’ve drank, a bed and or a piece of wool to use as a blanket, words of love for someone, a symbol of your marriage, something reminding you of your child or your parents, shiny things that remind her of the stars, blocks from the nether to remind her of home, a bucket of lava for her to bath in, mushrooms of any sort as she seems to like them (other than warped mushrooms but she will still take them as a special offering). 
=== Values ===
==== Core Values (Hwátvell) ====
Obligatory:
* Honor the consent of all people
* Treat the traveler and noble stranger as you would your beloved
* Live according to your needs, not your earthly greed.
* Protect all that you love and hold dear
* Be loyal and kind to all beings
* Those whom judge others for their beliefs seldom make peace
Requisite: 
* Respect the wilds and all of its children
* Avoid the waste of surplus
* Fight against the grain of greed
* Talk openly of your beliefs and what is righteous
* Family is always made, never born into
* An enemy is only an enemy when they attack without necessity
* Mortal hierarchies are unjust for all those whom breathe
==== Other Beliefs ====
Beliefs on the Afterlife
Some sects believe that reincarnation and some believe that a permanent afterlife is better, nevertheless both sides agree that the other is valid somewhat in the fact that they exist. One should not fear death for it is simply a temporary phase of slumber, you shall wake and be asked whether you wish to reincarnate and spawn once more or should you rather be transported to a new world. 
Beliefs on Justice
It is not necessarily wrong to kill someone as they will reincarnate but rather it is wrong to do so without a just cause, “you would not kill a cow if its life wasn't gonna be used for something and or respected, why is a person any different.”. Conviction in death is also a key piece of things cause if one should admit fault then murder should not take place. 
Beliefs on the Nature of Societies
Society is similar to that of the body. Its pieces work in tandem, always helping each other unless there is a miscommunication and one is seen as harming the “body”. All people wish for the betterment of society, what they disagree upon is approach. Furthermore, society is ever evolving as are people and we must recognize this. 
Beliefs on the Nature of People
People are not inherently greedy rather they wish to leave a legacy and it is often misconstrued that wealth is the only means in which one may do this. But rather it is under the teaching of morals that people might understand they should try to make themselves happy but not at the expense of their fellow people. Once one has a grasp on that concept they begin to understand the nature of humanity. The nature of people is such that we care for each other and can care but some may have ideals opposed to our own and thus under the nature of society we fight. It is not evil to kill another if you know they shall come back to life but should one dishonor, torture, disrespect ones consent and human rights no matter the cause this is seen as against not only the faith but against the core principles of society.
Beliefs on Deities
To follow this faith you must pray to our deities, whether it be but one in your pantheon or all of them it does not matter, you are a friend to all if you worship one of the Írsin. However for forms and for conversation the religion suggests you say which pantheon you follow most. You shall treat them as you would treat family but also as you should treat strangers. You may try to make others see our deities but you must not force or subjugate your fellow person for people should always be entitled to all gods. Even if we believe ours to be the best we must respect other gods for they may simply be another's understanding of the very same gods and thus to disrespect other pantheons is to disrespect your own. 
Beliefs on Beauty
There is something divine in seeing beautiful things; it is a holy experience to walk a town with architecture, different and beautiful. For those who destroy another's home or the beauty of a tranquil place you are breaking a holy ground in which deities preside. You are one who kills gods of kindness not of destruction. Be warned that you shall face people who only fear defeat and not death if you should destroy beauty. 
Beliefs on the Old World
As in many religions and pantheons do we recognize older worlds that different people come from. It is said that people often remember somewhat of their past lives and there have been instances where people are asked to be called by names not their own yet they relate to and thus it is said to be their old name. It is said to deny people from other worlds as existing is to deny one's own heritage. 
Beliefs on Questioning Authority
All authority and premises should be questioned, it is upon complacency that foolishness rises. The nature of faith too, thus should be questioned and debated over. It is of common consensus and debating the status quo that society might grow and thus the resources and betterment of people might take place. As polytheists we are not forced to comply with each other and thus if sects form from questioning as long as they do not cause in fighting it is seen as being holy and of good intention.
== History ==
==== Origins ====
It is often said that the original place of faith comes from a group of Valdic people who were near frost march but fled once the Pirate Empire of Tortuga took over. Fleeing to a place in Eldham called Caisleán ag Sùil, they took from both their Valdic and Caisleánese cultures when praying to their gods and these practices are kept to today. 
We can see the Nostikur inspiration in the fact they pray on an altar with fire. We can also see the Caisleánese inspiration in how there are a lot more primordial and nature based gods. Another recent inspiration is in one of the Hammírs being awfully similar to a god of the Oxintoist spirit of “Doxolas”. 
This faith is more inherently its own in the fact that a lot of the time spent traveling by their groups was in the nether and thus they had great respect for fire and the nether itself. Also they are very nice to travelers as travelling people themselves. In summary the history of Írsinism is deep and mixed as it has taken a lot of inspiration from where the people have gone and often they will openly mix with other religions and ethnic groups. 
==== Creation ====
It is said that the Írsin have always been here and always have been. They give prophetic and helpful messages for those who ask. They walk among us or near us without detection. They are what old ways the people long forgot have left. 
As the people went from snowy tundras and taigas to the nether and then to fertile farmland and established once more society they never forgot their heritage. Still today there are often rugs or seats for people to sit and enjoy life and debate near altars like they would have on the long paths in the nether. Yet still there is often the forgotten aspect of the holidays and ceremonies they do, they have done for a long time and yet to those who have not lived lives cut short like these Valdic people they seem foolish. 
These are persecuted people who now try to help all others regardless of whether they appreciate the aid. As travelers these people often loved books and would leave them for each other and thus too did the gods love to read. It is often easier to understand the humble style of people and why they do not make a big deal of their religion when you stop to consider that these people wear it in their kindness. 
== Practices ==
==== Altars ====
Altars are a minimum of small 3x3 buildings (for the actual room. The pillars around can be however far away) with pillars surrounding them on the corners. When larger they are still with a definable center as to know where to place the fire. Sometimes they will have roofs with singular holes for the smoke to release from, other times roofs attached to the pillars will be close, and yet others it will be open with instead a ring connecting the pillars and a open roof.
They have a fire or campfire of some sort in the center of the 3x3 usually parallel or slightly below the floor. However, some practitioners may choose to have it sitting on the floor or suspended in the air. Often there is also a barrel or chest to place offerings in which is often rather incorporated or simply left sitting on one of the 3x3 spots. It is also customary to sit down for a bit while making offerings and prayers however it is not mandatory. It is also common for altars to be built in different styles according to the local architecture and scenery as long as they follow the basic formatting. 
Most altars can be in places of community but tend to be in communal living spaces, however some may choose to have one in a personal home and or in community spaces if a town or nation so chooses. The perks of the community spaces is that these offerings tend to be traded out or given out after the follower is done with them. 
They are also commonly left as simply a broad offering box however it is not uncommon to see some specialized for only a certain set of gods. Usually people will put up item frames with items for specific deities and it is required that s sign with the deities names written in blood be placed (traditionally birch with blood however blood substitutes may be used by some).
==== Oblation Etiquette ====
Consumables
“For that which can be drunk or eaten should be given to the beggar, the leper, the hound, the weak, or those who need it after offering it to the gods for they only nibble on it.” Though one may take their own offering after it has been prayed upon, it is often seen as rude or arrogant to not even offer it to someone else. It is more common for one to offer a drink to another. However as with most things in the offering barrel you are free to use it or take it should you want it but it is advised you switch it out for something else. After something has been offered it is typical to go and give it to an animal, a person who doesn't have a home or is traveling, or in the cases of altars outside the home left for someone else to swap out for it. 
Non-Consumables
Usually it is common for non-consumables to be books that the gods may read upon the stories, history, and thoughts of the people. Or simply on topics that they might enjoy. “The gods watch over us and give their favor, treat them as dignified guests even if you should not be there to greet them. For stories to tell and gifts given is that of which we give the families we make, not of blood but of kindness.`` There are also a lot of specialized offerings but books and maybe something that reminds you of the god you wish to talk to is a good idea. 
Sacrificial Offerings
Sacrificial offerings may usually be burned in the fire within the middle if it is not a campfire which is the more common fire. However, some sacrifices are living animals which is typically a celebratory type of offering, however some do ritual combat in which one is sacrificing another or more commonly for living sacrifices an animal is slaughtered. Sacrificial sacrifices tend to be more of consumable goods rather than non-consumable goods because it is seen as the gods eating the food or taking the object tossed in permanently. Thus less expensive goods such as wooden tools or dyes may be tossed in but books are seen as rather rude and taboo to burn.
==== Ceremonies ====
Holidays and ceremonies that are celebrated vary between groups and don't have set dates; however they have set procedures for events and thus are more like ceremonies that happen annually. 
Harvests
When a large massive harvest is done it is common for those to make an offering to the gods and get as drunk as they can and then reciting prayers out loud.
Weddings
Wedding ceremonies tend to be very streamlined in their approach. It is a ceremony in which the lovers will write a loving message to the gods in honor of their future spouse(s). Then they will place it in the altar box for the rest of the night while they celebrate and make conversation and make each other and their guests food as well as simply show affection. Then at the end of the night they will grab the book written in their honor and read it to the guests as a sign of love. 
Funeral Rites
Upon death a grave will be made with a chest/barrel for the deceased’s objects that were special to them. The grave will often have a flower pot nearby, it also usually tends to be rather small with a simple sign and maybe a symbol for the common people. There are those who will also do things specific to their patron gods such as make an altar over their burial barrel and have a simple stone nearby the altar that says “altar in honor of ___”. Some people also choose to have trees or benches that also have names on them for the people who might visit the graveyard and for their possible future selves. On top of that prayers are usually made at an altar afterwards and many graves will have some carpet over them for travelers to have a place to picnic as death is not seen as taboo or bad but a celebration of a life well lived.
Personal Celebrations & Birthdays
For birthdays it is common to give someone a cake and celebrate their name. Often it is upon the guest to make rhymes involving that person, trying to make them laugh or get a visible reaction out of them. Furthermore people are expected to make a second cake and leave it in the offering chest (usually hoping for their patron or the god of rebirth to see it). And furthermore people will often go and help people on their birthday to show that their life has been worth it and they have been good people and will continue to be. 
== Religious Sites ==
TBA
Category:Religions
Category:USSE
Category:Eldham
Category:Traveler's Era