Riegel's Children

**Riegel's Children** were those who subscribed to an alternative monotheistic religion strongly opposed to the dominance of the Church of the Heavens throughout the history of Esria. Appearing some time after 1422 B.E, they devoted themselves to a single deity by the name of Riegel, a mischievous goddess far removed from the idealistic depictions of Angels and their heavenly servants.
She was said to be a playful trickster at heart, revelling in causing trouble wherever possible. Gaining her favour was perceived to be as simple a task as amusing her, though this notion often bred antisocial and destructive behaviour amongst her followers.

The Fool, a major arcana from the tarot cards of the Imperial Creed, was known to represent Riegel after her physical appearance in Esria in 1501 B.E. It was the method by which her followers were reportedly able to summon and speak to her.

## Information

### Beliefs

Contrary to most alternative religions, Riegel's Children did not reject the Church's concept of divine beings within Heaven, nor did they believe that their goddess was responsible for any sort of creation. In fact, although they did not approve of the Archangels, and were historically outspoken against the practices of the Church itself, they universally accepted greater existences than their own deity. In part, this perceived inadequacy was an important factor attributing to Riegel's enduring popularity despite reports of her impish and often unhelpful nature.

Another major factor for the enduring popularity of the Trickster Goddess was the difference in opinions held by her followers, or the variations of stories in which she was featured. No tale was ever the same as it was told and told again, and when combined with Riegel's very sparse number of overt appearances, it became all too easy to think of Riegel in a manner that was not entirely true to reality. Of course, true to form, Riegel herself was known to spread all kinds of tall tales to an unknowing audience.

### Practices

Riegel's Children saw themselves as responsible for spreading the word about their goddess. As the most devout of all that acknowledged her existence, they were the force by which the world would be introduced to a new patron deity.

### Followers

Followers of Riegel were hard to find, as the majority of individuals worshipping her were shadowy, more scrupulous types, and many more were simply curious after hearing word of a trickster goddess seeking amusement.

Thieves, pickpockets, thugs, prostitutes, gamblers and smugglers, but to name a few, often found themselves praying to Riegel in order to grant increased fortunes, even if they did not fully subscribe to the religion. Where the Church would urge them to change their ways, the so-called trickster goddess was said to welcome their craft and according to many, would bestow great luck upon them.

Particularly devout followers, however, those who more eagerly took on the mantle of Riegel's Children, were far easier to spot. Their garb consisted of a silk red hooded cloak to display their faith, and they were keen to spread the word of their faith despite growing attempts by various groups of the Order Militant to suppress worship of Riegel throughout the Blessed Era.