Church of the Stahl Riesa

The Church of Stahl Riesa is a polytheistic religion that is centered around the worship of Vulkan, known as the Stahl Riesa (Steel Giant). It is believed that Vulkan was born hundreds of thousands of years ago and is responsible for making Aska-Jǫrð (Earth) habitable in the first place. The religion is primarily worshiped in Reingard, and villages spread out worldwide. The religion was officially announced to the world on (21/5/21).
== Gods ==
The religion has nine gods, one supreme, and his eight children. Seven of Vulkans children are still worshiped by devoted followers, while the eighth is considered forbidden. However, the Forsaken's banner will still hang with the others in Stahl Riesa churches. This is, so people do not forget who he is and what he has done.
Each god has its own ideals and teachings. So while it’s custom to worship all eight, except Veles, followers can dedicate their time and effort to the instructions of a single deity. 
=== Vulkan ===
The Stahl Riesa, god of Creation, Craftsmen, and Blacksmithing. He is a giant whose skin is made from black steel, a beard made of Iron, and arms covered in strange symbols. He looks like a much larger Iron Golem but made out of netherite. Images of Vulkan will show him in two ways. One shows Vulkan standing before a giant forge, crafting some form of tool or weapon. The other shows Vulkan working at his forge, within the heart of Valnir. Vulkan is said to use a Spear called Oathkeeper. It’s said that Vulkan uses this spear to bind people under any oath they make with Vulkan. 
Teaches people the value of creation/creation, being skillful craftsmen, and the knowledge of forging powerful objects from ores of Aska-Jǫrð. As a result, people who follow Vulkan are keener on the finer details in smithing and more creative.
Days of Worshiped: every day of the week
=== Vidar ===
The Heir, god of Wisdom, Weather, and Prosperity. He looks like a slightly smaller, four-armed, non-metallic version of Vulkan. Images of Vidar often depict each of his hands holding something he represents. For example, two hands are often pictured, with one having a bag of coins and the other a small tree. Another hand is holding up a book. Finally, the last hand holds a storm cloud, pouring rain on a plant setup beside Vidar. Vidar uses an axe called Stormguard. It’s foretold that Vidar used this axe to create the first storm. 
Teaches people the power of wisdom and the value of prosperity. As a result, people who follow Vidar are more prevalent to reading & learning about what the world has to offer and are more driven to succeed in marketing.
Days of Worshiped: Tuesday
=== Norns ===
The Judge, goddess of Law, Order, and Nature. She is essentially a dryad, sharing very similar traits, except for a large pair of antlers. She has vines wrapped around her arms that sprout a mixture of black and white flowers. Images of Norns depict her standing before a giant tree, holding the scales of justice in one hand and a bill in the other hand, or with her brother Borr giving life to a dead landscape. Norns uses a crossbow called Peacekeeper. It’s believed that this crossbow will end any conflict. 
Teaches people to respect the law of nature and the principles of law and order. Therefore, people who follow Norns are more nature-oriented and seek to ensure that natural order is undisturbed and preserve law and order. 
Days of Worshiped: Monday 
=== Iris ===
The Beloved, goddess of Love, Fertility, Beauty, and Health. She is best described as the first angel with four white wings. Iris has a vine wrapped around her right arm like her sister Norns that sprouts red roses. Images of Iris depict her either healing the sick or marrying a couple. Iris doesn’t use any weapons but instead uses magic. 
Teaches people the value of pursuing health, compassion for others, and enjoying the beauty surrounding us. People who follow Iris work more with health potions, be more compassionate for those around them, and ensure proper weddings.
Days of Worshiped: Sunday
=== Borr ===
The Reaper, god of Life and Death. While he doesn’t show his face, all that is known about his appearance is that he is a sizable cloaked figure, wears metal gauntlets and boots, and has large dark-gray wings. While Borr is a Death God, he is also the God of life. Images of Borr depict him escorting the souls of the dead to their final destination or with his sister Norns, giving life to a dad landscape. Borr uses a sword called the Deliverance blade. He uses it as a key to the afterlife, locking the gate so that the afterlife can not force itself back onto the world of the living while keeping the living out of the afterlife until it is their time. 
Teaches people not to fear death and to live life to the fullest extent. Those who follow Borr are less likely to fear death if faced with it and will have a better outlook on life, even in the most difficult of times. 
Days of Worshiped: Thursday 
=== Tsun ===
The Warrior, god of War, Honor, Strategy, and Justice. He looks like his brother Vidar but is bulkier, has tattoos along his arms, and has bull-like horns. Images of Tsun depict him leading a war party against an opposing force. Tsun uses a Warhammer called Willbreaker. Legends say that when Tsun wants to show favor towards a military force, he’ll use Willbreaker to lower the morale of the enemy force. 
Teaches people the value of honor and justice, and bravery in war. Therefore, people who follow Tsun are more vengeful against those who commit injustices against others, more honest when speaking to others, and willing to fight for what they have. Some will seek opportunities to test, develop, and deploy different strategies.
Days of Worshiped: Friday
=== Saga ===
The Storyteller, Goddess of Stories, Writing, and Luck. She looks similar to her sister Norns but without the vines or Dryad features. She has tattoos identical in design to her brother Tsun. Images of Saga depict her writing a book or rolling a pair of dice. Saga uses a bow called ArrowsLuck. Any arrow fired by this bow will hit its intended target, no matter how far it is or how fast it’s moving.
Teaches people the values of writing. Followers of Saga usually focus on their ability to write out documents, history, and stories. However, people who follow Saga also try their luck at typically difficult, if not impossible, obstacles.
Days of Worshiped: Wednesday
=== Gerd ===
The Partier, god of Alcohol, Partying, Art, and Tricks. He looks like an average human, except he has snake eyes. Images depict him in one of three ways. The first is of him at a party, creating drinks out of thin air, and getting drunk. The second is of him playing a trick on a thief, making the thief believe he has just pickpocketed a bag of coins from someone, but, in reality, the thief stole a bag of stones. The last one is of Gerd taking leftover metal scraps from Vulkans forge and turning them into a flower sculpture. Gerd uses a sickle called the Collector. He uses this sickle to gather large amounts of wheat to turn it into alcohol. 
Teaches people the values of artistic creativity, comedy, and fun. People who follow Gerds will usually focus on being more creative, becoming better brewers, and/or having an eye for detail when throwing parties/events/holidays. 
Days of Worshiped: Saturday 
=== Veles ===
The Forsaken, god of Chaos, Destruction, and Madness. Born of Vulkan and Trogg, he is the smallest and angriest of the gods, a creature of madness best described as a demonic 7ft tall Gollum. He is said to be persuasive and manipulative, tricking people into performing his will. The Insane god wishes to bring death upon all gods and divinities, regardless of faith. To bring destruction upon all the divine creations and let chaos reign in all the worlds. Images depict him sitting on a burning throne with a fiery hellscape. Veles uses a longsword called Dragons Wrath. The sword is said to have been infused with the souls of 1000 dragons and infused with his own rage.
Teaches people nothing. All that one can learn from following this god is chaotic madness, selfish desires, and terrifying temptations. To follow this creature is to walk a path of destruction.
Days of Worshiped: none, he was never given a day due to his betrayal.
== Worlds ==
Currently, there are 6 worlds/realms within the religion. Valnir, the world of Vulkan. Crystal Isles, the first world. Aska-Jǫrð, the world of races. The Phantom Realm, the world of judgment. Logi-Jǫrð, world of the Forsaken. Hibernal, the world of frost. All worlds are connected to Oakenbellow, which grows in the Crystal Isles. 
=== Valnir ===
The realm of Vulkan, a fragment of our realm that separated from our realm after Veles' rebellion. It is full of wondrous stone, marble, and golden structures. In the center of the world, a Kingdom-sized palace filled with the cheers of warriors. To enter Valnir, you must have lived a dedicated, honorable life or died in honorable combat. Upon entering Valnir, you will be greeted and led to the grand palace, where you'll enter a festival held in honor of those who died. There you will meet Vulkan and his seven remaining kin. Valnir world is connected to the same branch as Aska-Jǫrð.
=== Crystal Isles ===
The first world. A land of Amethyst, with massive pillars of crystals, some as large as mountains. The crystal isles are said to be the first world, where Oakenbellow, the Ancient Tree, grew. It's argued that Oakenbellow was where all creation started as the 5 worlds are connected to its branches.
=== Aska-Jǫrð ===
Aska-Jǫrð (Ash - Land) {Earth}: The world of races. Aska-Jǫrð is home to the various races that populate our realm and some outer realms. It is a world of vast oceans, green landscapes, frozen tundras, ever-stretching deserts, and deep caverns.
=== Phantom Realm ===
A fog-filled land where the souls of the fallen await their judgment. With what appear to be remnants of ancient cities, souls wander this landscape, waiting for their day of judgment to come, where they shall either be sent to their afterlife.
=== Logi-Jǫrð ===
Logi-Jǫrð (Fire land) {Nether}: A literal nightmare, described as a place of fire, ash, and burning red soil. If you lived unhonorable, your soul would be sent to Logi-Jǫrð. Once you enter the Logi-Jǫrð, it is said that your soul is cursed to wander the plains of red soil and ash-filled air, tormented by the Forsaken God Veles and his legions of draugr, until the Frozen Dawn comes. Once the Frozen Dawn comes, the forsaken souls who reside within the realm will have the choice to earn their honor and freedom back by becoming a Draugr and fighting for Veles.
=== Hibernal ===
Unlike the Logi-Jǫrð, Hibernal is a land of blizzards and ice, only sharing the similarities of being a realm of punishment for those unbelievers and a prison. Hibernal is filled with structures similar to the Phantom Realm, frozen corpses, and draugr. The world is ruled by an Ice giant named Ögarn, who is imprisoned on the world.
== Rituals ==
=== Sacrifices ===
When praying to a particular god, certain rituals must be followed to ensure a proper blessing on you, your family, or your clan. This, however, is not the case with all the gods. Only a tiny minority of gods demand a sacrifice to receive a blessing. The remaining majority don't require worshippers to honor them. The rituals usually follow a repetitive pattern of 4 actions and three lines (action, line, action, line). The action can be anything, such as throwing Redstone or glow stone dust into the forge. 
Vulkan: Usually done to appease the founding god, for a holiday, or for other means. The sacrifice to Vulkan consists of precious metals, a couple of pieces of well-crafted gear, and a few filler items. All thrown into the Vulkan forge.
ᚻᛖᚪᚱ ᚢᛋ ᛋᛏᚪᚻᛚ ᚱᛁᛖᛋᚪ
(Hear Us Stahl Riesa)
ᚠᚩᚱᚷᛖ ᚠᚪᛏᚻᛖᚱ ᚪᚾᛞ ᛗᚪᛋᛏᛖᚱ ᚩvᛖᚱ ᛏᚻᛖ ᚹᚩᚱᛚᛞ
(Forge Father and master over the world)
ᛒᛖᚻᚩᛚᛞ ᚩᚢᚱ ᚩᚠᚠᛖᚱᛁᚾᚷ ᚹᛖ ᛈᚱᛖᛋᛖᚾᛏ ᚣᚩᚢ
(Behold our offering we present you)
Tsun: Usually done after wars and if victorious. A sacrifice to Tsun consists of offering heads, some items, and a large animal like a cow or horse. Thrown into a Vulkan Forge. The reason for the ritual is to thank the war god for watching over worshippers in their time of battle. Tsuns ritual is spoken in this order with action in between:
ᛏᚩ ᚻᚩᚾᚩᚱ ᚩᚢᚱ ᚠᚪᛚᛚᛖᚾ, ᚪᚾᛞ ᛈᚱᚪᛁᛋᛖ ᚩᚢᚱ ᛚᛁvᛁᚾᚷ
(To Honor Our fallen, and praise our living)
ᚹᛖ ᚷᛁvᛖ ᛈᚱᛁᚪᛋᛖ ᛏᚩ ᛏᛋᚢᚾ ᚠᚩᚱ ᚻᛁᛋ ᚹᚪᛏᚳᚻᚠᚢᛚ ᛖᚣᛖᛋ
(We give praise to Tsun for his watchful eyes)
ᚹᛖ ᚩᚠᚠᛖᚱ ᚣᚩᚢ ᛏᚻᛖ ᛒᚩᚢᚾᛏᛁᛖᛋ ᚩᚠ ᚩᚢᚱ vᛁᚳᛏᚩᚱᚣ
(We offer you the bounties of our victory)
Veles: Avoid at all costs. To perform such a ritual will result in being labeled a Heretic and hunted down. A sacrifice of blood (Redstone) and freedom is offered. Completing this will give a "blessing of the forsaken," providing you with terrifying strength and willpower, but at the cost of forgoing your mind, your freedom, and helping Veles expand his influence upon the world. To complete this ritual, you must ~redacted Information~
=== Marriages ===
Stahl Riesa worshippers don't follow traditional weddings. Instead, the couple will come together either in an underground cave/room or in the forest at midnight. The only participants should be the couple and a priest; anyone else isn't necessary. The Priest then speaks, after which he will ask the two if they will accept each other. Upon acceptance, the couple will then be declared wedded. 
The Passage that's spoken during weddings is as follows. “Friends, Family, Brothers, and Sisters. We gather under the watchful eyes of Iris today as we bind these two together till death due separate.”
=== Death ===
When someone dies, the deceased's body is cremated. Once the body is burned away, one member is selected to grab a handful of the ash and throw it to the wind for Borr and the varðir. The rest of the ashes are placed in an urn and buried in crypts. Urns can be found in the walls of the Crypt, usually surrounded by deceased items and one object with its name carved into it. Onto Borr's part, Upon collection, your soul will be brought to the Phantom realm. Here Boor will evaluate your life, after which he'll unlock the pathway with Deliverance, sending your soul to the afterlife.
=== The Choosing ===
The Choosing is a Ritual that occurs when a Village Shaman is near the end of their life, is ready to step down, or dies before the event occurs. It entails willing priests of the Village to gather before the shaman's hut/house. First, the Shaman shall enter and evaluate the participants. The Shaman will then hand each person a blessed drink, said to contain the essence of Vulkan, collected from the Vulkan forges. Upon drinking, they will begin to hallucinate. Next, the Shaman will walk around each priest with a rune. When the rune starts to glow, it is a sign that this person was chosen by Vulkan to become a new shaman. The Shaman will then hand the rune over to the selected shaman, where they will place the rune upon their head and be gifted the divine knowledge of the Stahl Riesa and the right to speak on behalf of the gods. 
=== Purification ritual ===
The purification ritual act is done when an item, structure, or person has been cursed or corrupted by an outside entity. Performed for corrupted or cursed items, this ritual involves more performance than speaking. The ritual can be done by 1 person, but it’s suggested that at least 4 to 6 people be present. The ritual setup is relatively easy to do. First, remove any light around the curse/corrupted object (torches, lanterns, ext). The only light source in the area should be the candles placed by the participant(s). Next, place the banners of one or multiple gods around the curse/corrupted object. The ritual requires all participants to have lanterns, bows, flaming arrows, and masks (carved pumpkins). The ceremony starts with everyone participating wearing a religious mask. Each person will then walk around the cursed/corrupted object in a circle holding a lantern. After a few steps, each participant will take their bow and fire a flaming arrow over the cursed/corrupted object. This is done four times, after which participants will say, “purify this () oh mighty gods, purify this () to make it pure .”If the cursed/corrupted object hasn’t been purified, re-perform the ritual. If necessary, repeat the ritual 4 times. 
=== Banishing Wraiths ===
The act of expelling a Wraith from the world of the living. To banish a wraith, whether pursuing or possessing someone, it must be first trapped in a circle of candles. Once trapped, priests of Norns or Borr will begin to chant, “By order of (Norns, Borr, or Vulkan) we cast you from this realm, we banish you back to your master.” After chanting a few times, the wraith will be banished, if only for a few hundred years.
=== Speaking to the Dead ===
When Shamans seek to talk to the dead, they must set up a circle of 12 black candles and have on hand 3 prismarine shards, 1 wart, 12 bread, and 8 Redstone (item frames needed). Spoken simply, the shaman will speak these lines in the language of the desired spirit. The ritual goes as such:
~place the 3 shards behind you to your sides~
“hear me, my ancestors.”
~ place the wart in front of you
“let my voice guide you back.”
~place the Redstone in a circle around you
“restore thy voice.”
~throw the bread around you, counterclockwise.
“convey once again.”
~wait
== Beliefs and Traditions ==
=== Prayer ===
Prayers are relatively straightforward. "I call upon (the deity you're preying too) I seek your ears for (why your preying) (What your preying)" Example: "I call upon Iris, I seek your ears for help. I have been plagued by an unworldly sickness. Please cure my ailment."
=== Thunder ===
The sound of thunder has meaning during two separate events, regular day-to-day life and War. It's believed that during the day to day life, thunder is the sound of Vulkan at his forge, creating something new. With War, on the other hand, it's believed that thunder represents Vulkans presence, watching over his worshippers as they fight. 
=== Sentinels ===
The army of Vulkan, the Sentinels serve under Vulkan and Tsun. Officially formed from the surviving warriors of Veles rebellion, the Sentinels are made up of fallen soldiers who died in combat. They are tasked with protecting Valnir and Aska-Jǫrð from Veles or other external threats. It's believed that elite sentinels are chosen to become varðirs. 
=== Charms ===
Charms are usually kept by worshippers on their person if they choose to. Charms typically have the appearance of a shard, crystal, and other odd items of the sort. In addition, charms have runes etched into their sides to reveal which deity the person had been worshiping when translated.
=== Meditation ===
Meditation is an integral part of the Stahl Riesa belief, as it is believed that you can hear the gods better when you empty your mind. Usually, Shamans meditate to listen to the wishes of all the gods, while priests meditate in an attempt to get closer to their selected god.
=== Oakenbellow ===
Oakenbellow, the Ancient Tree, is the first tree in existence and is argued to be where all creation started. It is said that when a branch grows from the tree, a crystal fruit will grow from the branch. As the fruit matures, the world will come into existence, and when that world finally dies, the fruit will fall from the branch and implant itself in the ground, taking root and growing into a new tree altogether, setting the foundation for new worlds. It said that Oakenbellows roots will sometimes breach into the various worlds in the form are Amythest shards, appearing to have burst from the ground. If one were to stand at the base of Oakenbellow, they might hear the tree’s heart beating.
== Holy sites ==
=== Black Forge ===
The largest of the Vulkan forges so far. The forge is covered in runic carvings and platforms up above for onlookers to watch. Its walls are made from a combination of Blackstone, Nether Brick, Deepslate, and pouring from above. The Black Forge is located under the religious capital “The Black Forge Church.”
=== Deliverance Blade (Leythe Sword) ===
It is believed that the Leythe sword is the Deliverance Blade. The Deliverance Blade is the sword used by the god of Life and Death, Borr. Borr uses this blade not as a weapon but as a key to the afterlife. It is believed the giant sword in the center of Leythe city is a gateway or connected to the afterlife. It is said, however, that if the sword is broken, a plague of the afterlife will fall upon its land. This was thought to have been seen during the January 2022 incident, when unknown individuals damaged the sword and shortly followed by disease and famine that covered the land and began to spread.
== Notable Creatures and entities ==
=== Tondren, Serpent Guardian of the sea ===
Tondren (Ton-Dren): a massive serpent that stretches around the world to maintain currents and prevent the world from drowning. With the head of a dragon and the body of a snake, the serpent is said to chase a Siren around the world's oceans, creating the waves in the sea.
=== Yakin, Guardian of the Harvest ===
A giant ram with 8ft horns, provides a bountiful harvest no matter how terrible the terrain. A pelt of gray and horns of black, the ram is said to remain hidden, lest the gods call upon it to reveal itself.
=== Ubba, Guardian of Protection ===
Ubba (U-Ba): A giant Vargr wolf that protects the world's inhabitants and provide companionship. The colossal wolf is said to stalk the various forests of the world, hunting wraiths who try to hide in the woods, ever-elusive of the inhabitants.
===The Leviathan Turtle===
A titan-sized turtle created to become a Guardian but died long ago. The turtle was said to be the size of an island, with a shell made of stone.
=== Varðir ===
Elite Sentinels chosen by Vulkan to do the will of Borr, effectively becoming varðir of death. The varðir will go anywhere death or a funeral is about to occur and takes them to the Phantom Realm for the God Borr to sort out the souls. varðir are expert warriors, considered the best of the best, and when they return to Valnir, they sit at the head of the festival table.
=== Aska and Revna ===
Aska and Revna are vulkans two pet Ravens, Aska & Revna, who he will send to gather information. Vulkan will send Aska & Revna out in the morning before dawn and have them return at dusk.
=== Wraiths and Demons ===
The agents of Veles, Wraiths, are spirit-like beings that travel the world gathering information for Veles while demons act as enforcers. Wraiths act as the voice of Veles, appearing before Veles's followers or those who Veles believes will be weak to resist him. They attack weak-minded people by tempting them with promises of luxury, using their emotional state, or using their desires against them. If the wraith fails to tempt the person, the wraith may try and possess the person. Although rare, wraiths sometimes take on a physical form, although it is unknown why. Wraiths in a physical form are said to have pale skin, horns, oddly colored eyes, and in rarer cases, wings and a tail. Wraiths are mostly stopped with the Banishing ritual, although in a physical form, wraiths can be killed by conventional means. While wraiths act as spiritual and mental agents, demons act as physical agents. Gathering armies of demon worshippers to conquer various lands and spread veles' control over the land of the living. Demons can be killed by conventional means. (it should be mentioned that this is Stahl Riesa worshipper's views on demons).
=== Heretics ===
Demon worshippers. Heretics are individuals who worship Veles or one of his demons/wraiths. Once someone starts to worship, they tend to show signs of mutations. For example, they grow horns, their teeth start to fall out and get replaced with canines, and their eyes begin to darken. While a Heretic’s appearance is repulsive, they are notably powerful and are reported to have increased strength and endurance. 
=== Ehecatl & Drakon ===
Twin Dragons, created by the forsaken god Veles. With fire so potent, dying from their fire will cause your soul to burn for an eternity. 
=== Ögarn ===
Ögarn (a - garn), the Ice giant of Hibernal (another word for winter). Standing 30 feet tall, with frost-white skin, and wielding a greatsword of ice, Ögarn waits within his world of Hibernal for his time to begin the Eternal Frost by plunging his sword into the heart of Oakenbellow and letting the frost slowly crawl up the tree. The only thing preventing his destiny is a seal upon Hibernal, locking Ögarn within his world. Only through a series of events shall the seal be broken and the giant from fulfilling his goal.
== Organization ==
The Stahl Riesa Church Clergy is set up with three levels. There are the Shaman, the religious leaders for the churches worldwide. The priests, the instructors for the teachings of the gods. And Missionaries that travel the world spreading the name of the Vulkan. Missionaries can progress to Priests after a few years in the Clergy, while priests must pass "The Choosing" to become a Shaman.
=== Headquarters ===
The "Stahl Riesa" headquarters is "The Black Forge Church" In New Reingard.
=== Shaman: ===
Shamans are religious leaders chosen during "The Choosing" ritual. Shamans maintain churches within their area and frequent holy sites. They speak/guide on behalf of the gods. On infrequent occasions, a shaman may be blessed with the ability to talk to the dead to seek advice for an obstacle they or another may face. 
=== Priests: ===
Each deity has its own priest that usually participates in some day-to-day activity. Vulkan priests take on roles that often involve the creation of powerful objects and weapons. 
Vulkan priests take on roles that often involve the creation of powerful objects and weapons. 
Vidar Priests are found either attempting to obtain more knowledge or watching over banks' wealth. 
Norns Priests are found to enforce the law in a court, guarding, or ensuring that nature is in balance (ensuring the land doesn't go barren).
Iris Priests take on the roles of marrying people or working in alchemy or medicine.
Borr Priests can be found near the crypt as they take it upon themselves to ensure the dead aren't disturbed. They are also sent out to handle sightings of the undead to put the poor soul to rest properly.   
Tsun Priests can be found teaching warriors, taking on a drill instructor's role.
Saga priests take on the position of maintaining large libraries and telling/creating stories.
Gerd priests usually volunteer to host parties and holiday events.
=== Missionaries: ===
The missionaries of Stahl fall under the worship of either a select god or all the gods. They travel around the world to preach the word of the religion. Missionaries are volunteer positions for members within the church to earn favor with the gods. It’s recommended for newer clergy members as a way to introduce themselves to the role of clergy.
=== Virtues ===
There are a total of 8 virtues worshippers of Stahl Riesa can strive towards. 
1. Courage. Worshippers are encouraged to have courage, believing they should face what they fear or when fighting an enemy. (Have courage when you face your foe)
2. Truth. Worshippers are expected to be honest to those they speak to, but they have to watch what they say with this. (Speak the truth, but be cautious if it’s towards your enemies)
3. Honor. Worshippers are expected to be honorable in life. (Do what is right, be honorable)
4. Discipline. Worshippers are expected to follow the law, to train themselves to be respectable for the right moments. (Discipline yourself, for unruly behavior may have dire consequences) 
5. Hospitality. To strive to be generous in their life, to treat guests in their homes well. (be generous to those around you, they may become your closest friend)
6. Perseverance. Worshippers should strive to achieve their goals no matter their difficulty. (Be optimistic, reach for your goal)
7. Self Reliance. Worshippers should try and be self-reliant, not be dependent on others. (Think and do for yourself, but don’t reject a friendly offer)
8. Faith. Worshippers are expected to believe in their gods and the people around them and that they will succeed. (have faith, not only in the gods but in those around you)
=== Places of Worship ===
=== Shrines ===
Shrines stand for individual gods. Each shrine must have a banner of their God and an item relating to the God placed on a pedestal (if needed, use an item frame). For Vulkan, an anvil. Vidar is a book or gold. Norns and Iris are flowers (any flower will do for Norns, while Iris is specifically a rose). Borr is a clock. Tsun is a sword (preferably an unused one or one that's seen many victories). Saga is a piece of paper. Finally, Gerd is a bottle of alcohol (any kind).
=== Churchs ===
Standing tall in the sky, the churches watch over their worshippers. Ranging in size, Stahl Riesa churches are nordic themed and possess all 9 banners for each God. An altar with 6 candles is situated in front of the banners where the local shaman or priest will speak. In addition, each church has a meditation area that can contain at least 3 people. 
=== Vulkans Forges ===
The forges of the God, long thought lost to the sands of time, have begun to be rediscovered. The Vulkan Forges are described as enclosed forges, ranging in size, design, and material. The interior of the forge is with molten metal flowing down its side and pooling under a platform with an anvil sitting upon it. The forges are said to be infused with the essence of Vulkan, allowing for the creation of powerful weapons. It's believed that if a gifted blacksmith were to use one of these forges, they'd be able to craft "legendary" weapons. While most of the forges remain buried beneath the ground, some are still used by villages spread out through the world, protected by the dedicated worshippers of Stahl Riesa. 
== Holidays ==
=== Creation Day ===
A holiday in which worshippers celebrate the creation of life on Aska-Jǫrð. Worshippers flock to the nearest village with a Vulkan forge for a day of food, drink, and cheer. The holiday ends with everyone entering the Forge for prayer from the village Shaman. The prayer follows, "We have gathered here on Creation day to give thanks to Vulkan and his kin, for he is our creator, and they are our protectors." After which, one randomly selected person will be picked to throw a valuable piece of gear or a precious metal into the forge’s molten river. The holiday ends, everyone has one last drink, and everyone returns home. 
=== Summers End ===
This holiday happens at the end of summer. On the last day of summer, all the worshippers in the village/city will gather at their town's square. The day is full of activities and sports such as pig races and archery, while food and drink are being handed out to enjoy. The holiday usually ends at midnight, when the season officially changes into fall. 
=== Remembrance ===
Remembrance is a holiday where worshippers remember the fallen or are missing. It takes place a week after spring begins and the weather begins to warm up. This holiday, unlike the rest, isn't full of cheer, games, or joy for the people morn for their fallen. While there will be drinks, consumption is limited for respect to the dead who can not join them on that day. 
=== Rebuildance ===
Rebuildance is the holiday worshippers celebrate the defeat of veles. The holiday is said to land when Veles was banished from the realm, and the world began to rebuild. This holiday like many others is full of cheers, drinks, food, and sports, but with one difference. At the end of the holiday, a wooden statue of Veles is brought out and then burned. The burning of Veles is meant to represent the forsaken being cast out from our realm.
=== Festival of Gerd ===
The festival of Gerd, like most holidays, worshippers gather at their religious sites or cities to have a fun time and enjoy a contest. The contest in question is a brewing and artistic one where brewers and artists are given 2 weeks to create two drinks or a work of art to please the god Gerd. First place will earn the artist a reward of some value (say 20k or a powerful item). Other participants will still be congratulated and rewarded for their efforts (5k, for example). The best brew wins the brewer the title of "Brewer of Gerd" and a reward (same as before). The untouched winning bottle is then stored for future offering to the gods. Other competitors are then given a choice to either give their brews out to the people or take them home to reward their efforts. After this, the rest of the festival is spent with sports, music, and drinking.
== Events ==
=== Relighting of the Leythe Sword ===
On (1/9/22), It was discovered that the Sword of Leythe, A giant sword statue that radiated with magic was desecrated by an unknown individual. While the structure was quickly repaired, the magic had left the sword, leaving Leythe with no light. Disease and famine began to set in on the inhabitants of Leythe, and fear began to spread that this plague would spread further, and so, with permission from Higher-ups in the NAR, Drake Von Marux set out to relight the sword. On (1/12/22), the ritual began at 8pm Est. Drake and a group consisting of members of the NAR government and the Stahl Riesa church would gather. Drake would stand before the sword and speak the following. 
Drake said, “I Call Forth the Founding Father Vulkan, Master of the Forges, Creator of the lands we settle. We seek your help, for our lands have become darkened with despair. Our Beacon of hope extinguished. Come Forth, Take our offerings, Relight the Sword of Leythe, and Return us from the darkness that plagues us.” 
It was silent for what felt like an eternity. Then, suddenly, the offering disappeared, and the sword sparked to life. Vulkan had answered their call and restored the light to Leythe.
=== Attack on the Leythe Sword ===
On (6/22/22), Segra’s army, aided by her worshipers, attacked Leythe, and went for the Leythe sword. It is unknown why they went after the deliverance blade, but this act sparked rage from members of the faith. After the attack was dealt with, Shaman marux made an announcement, promising revenge against Segra. Besides the sword being pulled from the ground and hovering where it once stood, there appears to be no other damage. 
== Mythology ==
The mythology of Stahl Riesa can be found in the religious scripture called The Scrolls of the Forge 
Category:Religions
Category:Gods
Category:Traveler's Era