Way of the Wyrm

The Way of the Wyrm, also referred to as Way of the Dragon, is the main naturalistic religion of the Draiglander people, the hillfolk people who currently reside in the hinterlands of DonFuer. The Way of the Wyrm is naturalistic and polythiestic religion based on the veneration of nature and animism.
== Beliefs ==
At the core of The Way of the Wyrm lies a profound reverence for nature and the spirits that dwell within every living being. The Wyrm Worshiper view the world as a connected web, where each spirit embodies different aspects of life, elements, and cosmic forces. They believe in the delicate balance between benevolent and malevolent spirits, acknowledging both the light and darkness that coexist in the cosmos under the reign of the one true god, Y Ddraig.
Central to their beliefs is the veneration of Y Ddraig, the Wyrm, a mighty celestial serpent/dragon representing wisdom, guidance, and protection. The Wyrm is seen as the cosmic navigator, leading the Wyrm Worshiper on a path of harmony with nature and the universe.
The Draig and his children the gods are honored through rituals at stone monoliths or fae-circles in the forest. Each spirit has a festival or ritual assigned to them and unique to their principles to honor them.
== Creation myth ==
According to The Way of the Wyrm's ancient myths, the world once floated in a shapeless void, a realm of chaos and obscurity. From this vast emptiness emerged Y Ddraig, the Wyrm, a majestic and wise serpent of immense power. As Y Ddraig weaved its way through the cosmos, it brought life to the land, the seas, and the skies.
With every movement, the Wyrm left a trail of radiant stars, forming the constellations that grace the night's canopy. The Wyrm's draconic body molded the landscape, and from its breath came the first living beings, the Nerraks, some of the ancestors of the Draiglanders.
Over time, the Wyrm bestowed its wisdom upon a select few among the Draiglanders, who became the spiritual guides and interpreters of divine will, leading the people on a harmonious journey with the world around them. These spiritually gifted would become known as Druids or Witches depending upon the person’s gender. The Druids/Witches too tend to be community leaders and diplomats on behalf of Draiglander and other Wyrm worshiping communities.
== Deities ==
# Y Ddraig - The Wyrm: The central and most revered deity in The Way of the Wyrm. "Y Ddraig" translates to "The Wyrm" or “The Dragon” in Draiglander, symbolizing the serpent's cosmic significance as a guide and protector.
# Arweinydd - God of Passing: A spirit associated with the afterlife and the realm of spirits. Arweinydd's name means “Guide” in Draiglander, denoting his role in helping spirits reach the Otherworld. He is the third eldest son of the Wyrm.
# Lleu - God of Light and Order: Lleu is associated with light, growth, and the changing of seasons. His name translates to "Brightness" in Draiglander, reflecting his radiant nature. He too is seen as the divine orbiter and enforcer of the Draig and he is the patron spirit of royalty and warriors. He is Y Ddraig's eldest son, and his heir to the cosmic throne, he too is the husband of his sister-wife Arianhrod.
# Y Mam - Goddess of Female Fertility and Abundance: Y Mam is the embodiment of love and beauty in all its forms. Her name means "The Mother" in Draiglander, representing her motherly nature and nurturing character, as well as her association with female fertility and the fertility of the land. She is the sister-wife of Carwdyn and the second eldest daughter of the Wyrm.
# Pentân - God of Smithcraft: Pentân is the deity of smithing and craftsmanship. His name means "Head-Fire" in Draiglander, acknowledging his role in forging the world and keeping over the worlds' fire within its belly. He too is the fourth eldest son of y Ddraig.
# Carwdyn - God of the Wild: Carwdyn is the guardian of the untamed wilderness and the spirits that dwell within it. His name translates to "Deer-Man" in Draiglander, alluding to his connection to nature. He too has a festival called “the Wild Hunt” where prisoners of war or of great crimes are stripped of their belongings and sent into the woods to escape, and the warriors of the clan have to hunt him down. 
# Arianrhod - Goddess of the Stars: Arianrhod is the deity associated with the stars and the mysteries of the night sky. Her name means "Silver Wheel" in Draiglander, symbolizing the celestial bodies she governs. She is the second eldest daughter of y Ddraig and counterpart/wife to her brother-husband Lleu.
# Cyhyraeth - Spirit of the Banshee: Cyhyraeth is a spectral entity associated with death and foretelling. Her name means "Wailing" or "Moaning" in Draiglander, reflecting her haunting nature. She is the only daughter of Lleu and Gwla, and has split loyalties to both.
# Cŵn Annwn and Gwla - Guardian Hounds of the Otherworld and Gwla: The Cŵn Annwn are otherworldly hounds that guard the boundary between the mortal realm and the Otherworld. Their name means "Hounds of Annwn" in Draiglander. Gwla is a fallen Goddess and former eldest daughter of Y Ddraig and former wife to Lleu. She is considered a shape-shifting deceiver and tester of wills. She is said to often visit people in their dreams as well and is the root of all lust, gluttony, and madness. She is also seen as an evil spirit that is imprisoned in the Otherworld but still uses corrupted spirits to enact her twisted will in Eld.
== Virtues ==
# Piety: Honor the Draig above all else, and honor the spirits of his dominion.
# Humility: Honor the creation of the Draig, and never disrespect nature, animals, or other living beings without sense. All usage of natural resources must be purposeful and meaningful.
# Glory: To die in battle, for the honor of one's kinsfolk, or the honor of the faith is an act of martyrdom and thus shall rest in the stars for eternity.
# Honor: Respect your fellow kinsmen and your enemies, never fight an unarmed foe, and never live kneeling.
# Oathtaking: Never swear upon the Draig or the gods unless the promise is to be taken, lest you be smiten for dishonor.
Category:Religions