Druidism

Druidism, often referred to as Druidry in earlier texts, was the name given to the ancient religion in Esria centred around the worship of four goddesses. In the early years of the world, it was one of the largest and most widespread religions, but it saw a huge decline in popularity in the late Common Era due to supernatural events causing a huge resurgence of the Church of the Heavens.
A core principle of druidism was the respect and veneration of nature. As such, it often involved participation in activities or regular practices aiming to preserve or grow the natural environment and stood at ends with the rapid expansion of settlements during the Era of Harvest.
Although druids were prominent in all corners of Esria, appearing in many different nations and cultures, cultural differences created a tremendous diversity in the ways that druidism was observed across the world. These differences were often so great that, after centuries apart, each cultural sect of druidism began develop new beliefs and practices independent from one another. This included new names and interpretations attributed to the four goddesses.
== Vesryne Druidism ==
=== Cailyn, Goddess of Life ===
Cailyn was the name given to the goddess Adrastei, goddess of life. Amongst the people of Vesryn, she was also known under many other names depending on the region she was worshipped in. In old Fenmoor and Mulland she was known as Aenrodh, and as Ithraea by the Elves. Epithets included the Goddess of Life, the Springwife, the Hare, the Daughter and the Mother.
==== Worship ====
Worship of Cailyn was mostly done throughout the year, but especially in the spring months. Followers of Cailyn often praised her generous nature, and many wayshrines were dedicated to her across the lands, for as the Springwife she was known to heal the worries and wounds of the fleetest of travellers. Puritanical sects forbade any days of rest as they believed she rewarded conscientiousness.
=== Taldrys, Goddess of Nature ===
Taldrys was the name given to Astoreth. She was known under many epithets, but was worshipped most commonly as the Goddess of Nature, the Sower, the Farmer's Wife, the Summer Herald and of the Rainfall. Other texts that mention druidic worship by the Elves of old Vesryn state that she was known as Ardna.
==== Worship ====
Worship of Taldrys often involved offerings of flowers, animal bones and other trinkets made from natural materials. Special emphasis was placed on respect. During the month of June, gatherings were a common sight. They were often conducted in noon on bright days when the sun was at its apex. Festivities often included dances around maypoles, picking flowers and often large feasts through the nights. Alcohol was also given great emphasis during the summer months.
=== Audra, Goddess of the Cull ===
Audra was the Vesryne name for Arioch, the goddess of the cull. Although not necessarily worshipped, the Vesryne people understood the importance of recognising her ways and how to ward against them. Her epithets were many, but she was called upon only in very specific circumstances, and only by the desperate. As such, she was commonly known as the Goddess of the Cull, the Liar, the Spider and the Deceiver.
==== Worship ====
Audra was not worshipped, but she could be called upon by those willing to sacrifice something in return. Those seeking revenge often sought her out to place curses on their enemies, and her name often fell upon the lips of those who lay dying in battle, asking for her assistance in taking revenge on those who struck them down.
=== Jaeril, Goddess of Midwinter ===
Jaeril was the Vesryne name for Eswenna, the goddess of midwinter. Her worship was popularised after the arrival of the Elves into old Vesryne. It is said that their prowess with magic allowed the goddess to enter Esria, and that she provided them with great rewards for the service. As such, many considered her to be primarily an Elven god, and many Human druids refused to dedicate themselves to her cause due to this. She was also known as the Goddess of Midwinter, the Child of Rebirth, the Lover, the Horsewoman and the White Maiden.
==== Worship ====
There were no specific ways in which the people of Vesryn worshipped Jaeril, but she was most commonly beseeched to aid in courting, lovemaking and in fertility. This would also extend in some cases to blessing grain storages during the height of winter. In the Elyns, she was called upon to bring warmth to the home, in both the physical and metaphorical sense. In this way, Eswenna enjoyed relatively strong patronage in Vesryn compared to the other goddesses.
== Old Ostian Druidism ==
=== Epithets ===
Ostian druids believe in two deities. Asra, the Goddess of Nature. A second god also exists, named Hrenna, who is the Goddess of Life and the primary deity of the Northern Tribes that line the coldest shores of the country.
=== Worship ===
Most druidic worship in Ostia is covered by these two gods, and there is little variation across the entire country.
== Orcish Druidism ==
=== Epithets ===
The Orcs of Akhatai, and Olkhun by extension, are unique in that their god is not a traditional Druidic god, but is instead worshipped by the general populace of both nations. Kerekhis, the God of War.
=== Worship ===
== Fey Druidism ==
=== Epithets ===
=== Worship ===
The Fey have their own denomination also, and believe in a deity much like the Ostian belief in Asra. It is unknown whether or not it is the same goddess, but she serves the same function in both societies as the Goddess of Nature. In Fey, her name is Felyndira.
== Modern Druidism ==
See the Church of the Imperial Creed article.
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