Holy Trine

The **Holy Trine** is the main religion of most of the continent of Talamhor, and is the state religion of the Kingdom of Talamhor. Considered one of, if not the oldest religious sect in all of Magmell, worship of the Holy Trine is so old, it dates back to before the writings of mortal men.

The Trine consists of three deities; Lathander, the god of light, fertility, life and love; Ilmater, the god of suffering, perseverance, sacrifice and strength; and Kelemvor, the god of death, judgement, and mercy. Heavily-worshipped across the Southern Kingdoms, temples to Kelemvor, Lathander and Ilmater can be found in every major city and port. Each God of the Trine is said to represent an important aspect of southern life.

Those close to death or the sick would seek Kelemvor's comfort, as would those seeking to rule and treat those around them with fairness and civility. Lathander was the patron of new life, and his name is evoked during marriages and at births. His grandest festival is held during the Warming Solstice in the month of Lathan. And Ilmater is treated like a battle god, called upon as the patron of lost causes, lending strength to those who require it, to do what is necessary.

## Rites & Practices

### Marriages

The Trine are often called upon to bless new unions, though none moreso than Lathander. Marriages in Talamhor can only be conducted properly in daytime, as the night is not the Trine's domain and no member god holds sway over darkness. A maiden bride must be clothed in gold— or yellow, if her family cannot afford a richer shade —and be escorted by a priest to her waiting husband, who must wear silver, or grey, the colour of Kelemvor, god of judgement and death. Though it may be strange to see death be a part of a wedding, it is acknowledged as a marriage is the death of innocence, and of childhood. A marriage symbolizes the ultimate transition from girl to woman, and boy to man, and child to adult. In this, there is a sort of death.

It is there, before a priest of the Trine and to alters to all three gods that the wedding couple will have their hands bound in the red rope of Ilmater, the patron of the lost. In the binding the two souls will 'find' one-another, no longer lost; now one, united eternal. They will remain bound throughout the marriage feast, and will only unwind the red rope during their first bedding.

Any priest of any following can conduct a wedding ritual, though traditionally Lathander's clergy officiate.

> **Officiating Priest/ess***"Two mortal souls stand before me, begging the blessings of the Trine. A bride and groom, bound by the red ropes of fate. They have been brought together under the light to become one spirit, so it has been and so it shall be. Swear your oaths."***Bride***"I swear myself under Lathander's light to your love, [Husband's Name]."***Groom***"I swear myself under Kelemvor's mercy to your love, [Wife's Name]."***Officiating Priest/ess***"Ilmater shall lend you strength to weather the trials that your lives will bring, but you will face them as one being, joined eternal even after his sacred bonds fade. The oaths have been taken and the Trine hear your devotion; may you be bound as one, now and evermore."*

It is expected after a wedding for there to be a wedding feast, to celebrate the earth's bounty provided by Lathander's warmth and light. The feast must last until sundown, when the Trine withdraw. Then the couple, still bound by Ilmater's rope, will be taken to their marriage bed. Witnesses to the first coupling are usually only traditional to royal unions.