Val'Maer

## Beliefs

The faith of the Val’Maer  is one of the oldest faiths recorded in the continents’ history. Records are not clear as to where and when this faith originated, but what is certain is that it is a faith shared by many factions and cultures on the continent itself. Across the many cultures of humans on the continent this is a common faith shared by many. It is polytheistic in nature, focusing on a Pantheon of about 6 divinity's.  It's practice focuses mainly on concepts of honoring the gods, following one's own path, and living as close to said path as humanly possible.

The Way of the Val’Maer's core tenets/beliefs, as well as its origins (even the meaning of the name, in fact) have been lost in time simply through the centuries and the countless re-telling of its legends. Some states/peoples on the Continent may even argue that it existed before the Great Clearing. The dominant story of the Val’Maer is how the world formed, wherein it is said that great beings descended to shackle the floating lands with great ethereal chains, they commanded mountains to move and seas to empty, and even called to the stars so that there may be light in the day and darkness in the night. Why these great beings did this is also a great matter of debate.

What will characterizes this telling of the Great Clearing is its chaotic unfolding, whereas the Romani religion is about how Rom sorted out the world gracefully and benevolently.

In the Third Era, Battlemages had succeeded in containing and harnessing the powers of the elements through what they believed were their just path given to them by their gods in the way of the Val’Maer. Though the presence of their religion and its role is debatable among scholars.

## The Gods

Rhathar, Chief God and Lord of Light (warriors/war/kingdoms/ etc. and magic)

Orcus, God of Arts and Craftsmen(trade and commerce as well)

Ezion, God of Time and Wisdom (cycles of life and death as well)

Iona, Goddess of the Hearth and Home (family and marriages, Wife of Rhathar)

Tethys, Goddess of the Sea (Sister of Orcus)

Aeila, Goddess of Nature and the Seasons (Daughter of Rhathar and Iona)

## Ethics and Morality

The main ideas of morality and virtue in the Val’Maer faith are simple. To honor the gods, stay true to them and your chosen path in life, and to show you are worthy of their blessings through actions. Understand that others might not know of the Val’Maer and should they seek the gods, the faithful are not to deny them.

## Rituals

Sensa: The general gathering for worship and observance of prayer. Here a priest, priestess, shaman, or other clerical figure presides over the service and sacrifice/offerings, and delivers praise, sermons, and blessings to the congregation.

Hona: The ritual of sacrifice or offering of a good, service, animal, craft, or coin to the clergy in the name of the gods.

Maran: The ritual of marriage.

Tyrae: Last rites for death and dying, covers for funeral and burial times as well.

Domna: A ritual for when a person converts to the faith.

## Social Structures

Priests and priestess are the main clergy, followed by clerics, and acolytes

Shamans are common in places less developed (Massara are an example)

Clergy act on the behalf of the gods and for the betterment of the community they are a part of. They hold respect and esteem and are crucial members to the communities therein.

Worship is done commonly in shrines and temples, but also in sacred spaces of nature if and whenever available. House shrines are also a common place of worship and often incorporate ancestral venerations.

## Religious Experience

In ritual, the worshiper presents offerings and prayers to the gods and gives them over to either a clergy or to a flame. In places near water, such offerings can be given into the water itself. Sacrificial animals are killed with a blade and the remains cast to a flame, water, etc.

The clergy in ritual gives thanks and blessing to the faithful on behalf of the gods and goes about their day.

Rituals and worship are best done at dawn or noon but are not compulsory.