Religious Orders

## Religion in Undriel

Here are some examples of the religious cults that exist in Undriel. There are far too many to describe, but these below are some of the more well-known traditions. Regardless of their beliefs, the majority of religious cults in Undriel follow a common hierarchy.

### **The Children of the Everlasting Goddess**

The Children of the Everlasting Goddess are the major cult of Danu found all over Undriel. They are a predominantly monastic group by nature but regularly organize worship of the goddess to allow her followers a moment to bask in her glory. The cult is led by the Matrarch, Emer, a fair woman who has led the cult to prosperity over the last decade.

The cult itself is unique in that there are no male clergy members. All Sagart are women and they are divided into three Fraternities that have a different role within the order itself. What is unique about this cult is that all members are blind. It is not said as to how this happens, nor do any of the members talk about the process of initiation, but all who become núíosach within the cult, upon their promotion to eaglaiseach, lose their eyesight and begin to wear the mask that identifies them as a member of the cult.

The cult is well respected by the people, who willing offer tithe to upkeep the small neat archit that are often the centres of the small communities that they exist in. In return for this, the cult assists the people by healing the sick and tending to those in need. There exists a small ósta in each archit in which the weary traveller may rest and enjoy a meal and bed during their travels.

##### The Light

The Fraternity of the Light are the healers of the people. They often travel throughout the land, offering the assistance and healing needed in many of the outlying villages. In contrast to the Sagart of most towns, they are closer to Druí in nature. However, they are always a  welcome sight to those in need.

##### The Blade

The Fraternity of the Blade are tasked with protecting those who follow Danu. They are the warriors of the cult, mastering the weapons of war so that they can ensure the protection of their flock. The members of this fraternity are feared warriors who will die to protect those in their charge.

##### The Heart

The Fraternity of the Heart makes up the main body of the cult. These are the Sagart and those who tend to the various archit of Danu. They rarely leave the area that they tend to, and are a symbol of stability in the communities that they live in.

#### Blindness and Heroes

The Children of the Everlasting Goddess lose their sight as part of their decision to join the ranks of the Cult, but instead gain a second sight that is a gift of the Goddess Danu. Children of the Everlasting Goddess never count as being blind, but instead have a form of second sight that allows them to see the land and the spirits that dwell there in their truest form.  This second sight allows them to function even without their eyes.

### **The Congregation of the Immortal Morning**

The Congregation of the Immortal Morning are the cult of Bile. They are a small cult, often found in towns and cities that are close to conflict areas. Bile, the martial consort to Áine is called upon by his followers to grant them peace and keep them free from harm. The members of this cult come from many walks of life, finding common ground in the pain and suffering that they have experienced. At present, the Patrarch Ogma watches over his flock, sending his Druí to where they are needed.

As reflecting the martial nature of their deity, those who are members of this cult are trained in the martial arts and will defend those who are attacked with skill and poise. Their martial nature, however, is only one aspect of their learning and the Druí are also skilled in the arts of healing to better assist those who have suffered.

If there is a battle or conflict going on in a region of Undriel, then members of this cult will most likely be found there, protecting those who cannot protect themselves. The number of Druí in this cult greatly outnumber the Sagart, reflecting the nomadic nature of the membership.

### **The Society of the Inner Covenant**

The Society of the Inner Covenant is a cult prevalent primarily in Dún Ailine. It is a cult given over to the worship of the Trí Dée Dána, the most popular of the deities for the Korr. Whilst this cult is incredibly strong in this city, it has begun to slowly spread all over Undriel, thanks in no small part to the Sagart that have travelled amongst the Korr to spread their particular faith.

Whilst one does not need to be Korr to worship these gods, those that do generally have a particularly close connection with the crafting trade or art. Many artists, blacksmiths and craftsmen regularly attend the services held in the local archit in the hopes that they might gain inspiration or patronage from these gods.

### **The Fellowship of the Blessed Blade**

The Fellowship of the Blessed Blade are worshippers of The Morrígan in the infinite ways of warcraft. This cult has had a mixed reputation in Undriel due to the fact that the cult is very ambiguous as to what aspect of war is being worshipped. There have been rumours that they are closely connected with the Order of The Morrígan, but the ties are often difficult to prove given a large number of soldiers and warriors from many different traditions that follow this cult.

Those that follow this cult usually seek strength and protection during battle, promising their kills as a sacrifice to The Morrígan. This ethos is often questioned by those outside the cult, wondering if warfare is actually required to gain the triumvirate of deities favour. However, many cannot deny that the cult has been a strong arm in times of violence, its cult members and clergy often standing at the front line in combat, proclaiming their faith. Many a town or village has been saved by the timely acts of this cult.