Flora Divina

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In the mystical realms of Rathnir and Eldham, a polytheistic religion flourished, centered around the worship of deities who manifested themselves as enchanting flowers. These divine blossoms held great significance, each representing a god and their unique role in the creation of the world.

At the heart of the divine pantheon stood the Corus Flower, a resplendent blossom embodying the god of time, Chronos. Known as Tempus, this exquisite flower unfolded its vibrant petals in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the cosmos, guiding the ebb and flow of the universe.

Beside the grand cathedral where the Pastors congregated, stood a majestic structure adorned with tulips of various colors. This massive construction, known as the Tulip Cathedral, was a testament to the god of creation, Creatus. Its towering walls and intricate architecture symbolized the emergence of worlds, the shaping of landscapes, and the genesis of life itself.

The Pastors believe in two planes, the mortal plane and the ethereal plane. The mortal plane consists of two realms "Rathnir" and "Eldham" all tanagble objects people animals and ideas are in the Mortal Plane. The ethereal plane is the home of the gods and souls, this is where the gods converse and watch over the mortal plane and the souls gather and await their fait. The ethereal plane is not a place on the mortal plane or even a place at all. Gods and Mortals cannot access any planes aside from their respective plane. But by studying the flowers of the mortal plane fllowers of Flora Divina communicate with gods who manifest themselves as flowers. The followers do not try to become gods or belittle their supreme rule over the mortal plane but rather attempt to appease the gods who keep the realms in check.

Among the divine flowers, the Wither Rose, Morsus, represented the god of death and mortality. Its darkened petals whispered of the inevitable end, carrying the souls of the departed to their eternal resting place, while the Sunflower, Solarius, radiated golden warmth and light, embodying the god of the sun and bringing vitality to all living beings.

The Lily of the Valley, Puritas, bloomed with delicate white petals, symbolizing purity and innocence. It personified the goddess of purity, exuding an aura of untainted beauty and embodying transcendence over worldly impurities.

## Flower Significance

* Poppy - Populus, the god of community and fellowship. The Poppy encourages unity, fostering bonds among mortals and inspiring acts of kindness and compassion.
* Blue Orchid - Azurea, the goddess of tranquility and serenity. The Blue Orchid brings a sense of calm and peace to those who behold it, soothing troubled hearts and granting solace.
* Allium - Amicitia, the god of friendship and harmony. The Allium symbolizes the power of companionship, promoting understanding, loyalty, and the strengthening of bonds between individuals.
* Azure Bluet - Caelum, the god of the sky and celestial realms. The Azure Bluet represents the vast expanse of the heavens, invoking wonder and inspiring mortals to seek a connection with the celestial spheres.
* Red Tulip - Ignis, the god of passion and creativity. The Red Tulip embodies fiery inspiration, igniting the sparks of innovation and artistic expression within mortal souls.
* Orange Tulip - Vitalis, the goddess of vitality and life force. The Orange Tulip exudes vibrant energy, encouraging growth, renewal, and the appreciation of the vitality inherent in all living things.
* White Tulip - Purus, the god of purity and spiritual enlightenment. The White Tulip represents the pursuit of inner purity and the attainment of spiritual clarity, guiding mortals towards enlightenment and wisdom.
* Pink Tulip - Lust , the goddess of love and affection. The Pink Tulip personifies deep and affectionate love, inspiring compassion, empathy, and the celebration of heartfelt connections.
* Dandelion - Vergogna, the god of shame within the Flora Divina religion. They symbolize remorse and guilt, serving as a reminder of past transgressions or mistakes. The delicate white seeds of the dandelion, carried by the wind, evoke a sense of dispersal and repentance, encouraging individuals to reflect on their actions and seek redemption.
* Oxeye Daisy - Aetherios, the god of divinity and transcendence. Each delicate petal bears intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient symbols, sparking a sense of awe and reverence. The ethereal fragrance exuded by Oxi Dasy ignites a spiritual awakening within those who draw near. It is believed that by beholding this flower, mortal souls are granted glimpses into the realms of higher consciousness and divine enlightenment. Oxeye Daisy stands as a testament to the profound connection between mortals and the divine, guiding the faithful on a transformative journey towards unity with the god of divinity.

## Tall Flowers

The Two-Tall Flowers, their specific names left to interpretation, hold a unique position within the Flora Divina pantheon. These majestic blooms, towering above others, symbolize divine favor or extraordinary connection with the gods. They are regarded as manifestations of heightened spiritual energy and wisdom. Devotees believe that being in the presence of these grand flowers brings enlightenment and spiritual elevation. Only the Megachurch Pastor has access to ancient tomes deciphering these flora but many fear that tampering with these powers will have consequeses on the mortal plane.

Within this polytheistic belief system, the Megachurch Pastors harbored a deep-seated hatred for a group known as the OPPS. The origins of this animosity were rooted in a longstanding conflict and ideological differences. The Megachurch Pastors saw the OPPS as adversaries, perceiving their beliefs and practices as a threat to the purity and sanctity of the flower gods they cherished.

The Megachurch Pastors believed that their sacred duty was to protect and preserve the divine order, ensuring that the worship of the Florae Divini remained untainted. Their devotion to the gods and their disdain for the OPPS drove them to engage in passionate theological debates, rituals and sacrifices, to assert the supremacy of their beliefs.

## Ritual Guide

* Blossom Blessing: During this sacred ritual, the Megachurch Pastors gather in the main hall of the Tulip Cathedral. They hold a bouquet of flowers representing the various gods and offer blessings upon them. Each flower is carefully anointed with scented oils, symbolizing the divine presence within.
* Petal Procession: A visually captivating ritual, the Petal Procession involves the Megachurch Pastors parading through the cathedral, carrying bouquets of flowers while reciting hymns and prayers. The petals are scattered along the path, symbolizing the blessings bestowed by the gods upon their followers.
* Harmony of Fragrance: In this ritual, a variety of fragrant flowers are collected and carefully arranged in ornate vases. As the Megachurch Pastors fan the petals, a captivating aroma fills the air, believed to purify the space and invoke the harmonious presence of the gods.
* Floral Meditation: This ritual involves quiet contemplation and reflection in the presence of the divine flowers. Megachurch Pastors find solace within the Flower Chamber, a serene sanctuary adorned with colorful blooms. They sit in silent communion, seeking spiritual guidance and enlightenment.
* Candlelit Vigil: During special occasions or significant celestial events, the Tulip Cathedral is illuminated solely by the soft glow of candlelight. Megachurch Pastors gather in prayer, holding lit candles, as a symbol of the divine light that the gods bring into their lives. This ritual is often used to pay homage to certain saints.
* Flower Crown Offering: As an act of devotion, Megachurch Pastors craft intricate flower crowns using petals from various flowers. These crowns are presented as offerings at the shrines of the divine flowers, symbolizing respect, loyalty, and submission to their divine presence.
* Divine Song: A chorus of Megachurch Pastors comes together within the grand hall of the Tulip Cathedral to perform hymns specifically composed for each deity. The harmonious voices resonate, seeking to honor the gods and express gratitude for their benevolence.
* Blossom Communion: This sacred rite involves the consumption of petals from the divine flowers. Considered a symbolic act, it represents a spiritual connection between the mortal realm and the divine. Megachurch Pastors believe that consuming the petals brings them closer to the essence and wisdom of the gods.
* SMOKING THE OPPS: This is the most common ritual and is split in two parts. Firstly the Pastors find a target to "smoke" after successfully killing the sinner, they declare "Common Pastor W" a calling sign to other pastors and a means to assert their dominance on the realm they inhabit. After this phrase the wicked souls of the deceased OPPS are concentrated into specific flowers depending on their ethics and character. After the Pastors feel that the STONER needs to be appeased, they will gather on a full moon and sacrifice the wicked souls to be "Smoked" as the name implies. The pure souls are released 3 days after the sacrifice. By doing this ritual every few weeks, the pastors are able to cleanse the world of evil and sin and keep the realms of Rathnir and Eldham in check.

\*The OPPS are often selected by the organizations they align themselves with.
These rituals serve as means for the Megachurch Pastors to deepen their spiritual connection with the Florae Divini and affirm their devotion to the divine flowers. The Tulip Cathedral stands as a sanctuary, fostering a sacred space where believers can engage in these rituals, seeking enlightenment, guidance, and the transcendent presence of the gods.

## Status within Cathedral

* **Bishops**: Bishops are regulars who may not yet be fully aligned with the religion but show devotion and make regular pilgrimages to the cathedral to pray. They seek spiritual guidance and aspire to deepen their connection with the divine. Bishops represent the initial stage of the faithful's journey, exploring the teachings of the religion and contemplating their place within it.
* **Priests**: Priests are individuals who have fully embraced the religion and its teachings. Although they do not live within the cathedral, they are well-known among the pastors and respected for their commitment to the faith. Priests actively participate in rituals, ceremonies, and acts of devotion, guiding others on their spiritual path and fostering a sense of community within the religion.
* **Pastors**: Pastors are devoted followers who have chosen to reside within the sacred walls of the cathedral. They advocate for the religion, disseminate its teachings, and lead the community in worship. To become a pastor, a priest must relinquish some of their possessions, symbolizing their dedication and responsibility to the faith. Pastors actively engage in rituals, organize ceremonies, and play a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of the cathedral. Becoming a pastor is not just a title but a right of passage in which these mortals will sacrifice everything for the betterment of the Realms.
* **Megachurch Pastor and their Hand**: The Megachurch Pastor, along with their Hand, holds the highest positions of authority and respect within the cathedral. They possess deep spiritual insight and are regarded as the guiding forces of the religion. The Megachurch Pastor has the power to veto decisions, organize and plan the future of the religion, and provide overall direction to the community. Their Hand serves as a trusted advisor and assists in the governance of the cathedral.
* **Senate**: The Senate consists of the pastors, the Megachurch Pastor, and the Hand. This governing body is responsible for making laws, shaping the doctrines of the religion, and ensuring the smooth operation of the cathedral. The Senate engages in thoughtful discussions and deliberations, collectively deciding on matters that impact the community as a whole.
* **Saints**: Saints hold a revered status within the cathedral. These individuals, who have passed away, are highly respected and idolized for their exceptional devotion, wisdom, or extraordinary contributions to the religion. The pastors conduct rituals to pay homage to the saints, seeking their intercession and drawing inspiration from their exemplary lives.
* **STONER**: The STONER does not live within cathedral but often shows his presence especially after Rituals and Sacrifices. The Pastors Believe he feeds off the dead souls of the OPPS trapped in flowers in order to keep the realms in check.

Each status within the cathedral plays a vital role in the religious community, fostering growth, guidance, and unity among the faithful. From the seekers and pilgrims to the respected pastors, and from the influential Megachurch Pastor and Hand to the revered saints, the hierarchy ensures the continuity of the religion's teachings and the preservation of its sacred traditions.