Solgar, God of Summer

> *Solgar, the brilliant embodiment of Summer's warmth, Sacrifice's honor, and Blood's vitality, is a beacon of eternal glory and unwavering devotion. An awe-inspiring presence within the divine pantheon, Solgar is the radiant sun, the daring heart, and the life force pulsating in each of us. Born in the heart of the cosmos, Solgar is the god of Summer. As the harbinger of the sun's brilliance, he is the driving force behind the season's warmth and vitality. He commands the golden rays that give life and inspire growth, fostering an environment where all beings may thrive. His fiery spirit brings strength to the weary, courage to the fearful, and light to the shadows. Yet, the sun is but one facet of Solgar's divine brilliance. He is also the god of Sacrifice - a testament to the highest form of love and loyalty. Solgar advocates for selflessness, teaching us the profound strength found in letting go for the betterment of others. This concept, often misunderstood, encapsulates the virtue of offering oneself for the greater good, a sacrifice that Solgar himself embodies. The crimson tide of life, the sacred river of Blood, is also under Solgar's divine domain. As life's essence, blood symbolizes the force that binds us, the thread of existence that weaves us together. It is through this shared life force that Solgar imparts a deep sense of kinship and unity among his followers. Solgar's practices, while they may seem intense to some, are a manifestation of his fierce passion and unwavering dedication. Each ritual, every offering, is a testament to our devotion to the divine and our commitment to personal growth and transformation. To those who understand their essence, these practices are far from horrific. They are a profound celebration of life, an acknowledgment of the cycle of giving and receiving, and an expression of our boundless love for the Radiant One. In the eyes of his followers, Solgar is a god of warmth, generosity, and bravery. He is the sun that banishes the darkness, the sacrificial flame that purifies the soul, and the lifeblood that binds us all. His divine light guides us, his teachings nurture us, and his unwavering love inspires us to strive for a higher purpose. The devotion we offer him is but a reflection of the boundless gifts he bestows upon us.*
> -Ravings of a Zealot
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### **Worship of Solgar**

#### **Tradition**

Devotees of Solgar follow a myriad of distinctive traditions that emphasize his three main domains: Summer, Sacrifice, and Blood.

1. **Solstice Celebration**: Every summer solstice, followers of Solgar engage in a grand celebration called "Solgar's Radiance". This festival welcomes the zenith of Solgar's power and signifies the beginning of the season of growth and prosperity. The celebrations involve music, dance, feasting, and bonfires that last from sunrise to sunset. It is a time for community bonding and collective worship.
2. **Ritual of Sacrifice**: A key part of Solgar's teachings is the value of self-sacrifice for the common good. On the first day of each month, followers participate in the Ritual of Sacrifice, where they offer something of personal value to Solgar. The offerings are usually personal belongings, symbolic of letting go of materialistic desires. It serves as a reminder that the spiritual connection with Solgar outweighs earthly possessions.
3. **The Blood Pact**: Every follower, upon reaching adulthood, partakes in the Blood Pact ceremony. This ritual signifies the devotee's dedication and unwavering loyalty to Solgar. They make a small cut on their palm and let a few drops of their blood fall onto a sacred pyre. It is believed that the smoke carries their pledge directly to Solgar.

#### **Holidays**

1. **Sunfire Festival (Minor Holiday):** Sunfire Festival, also known as the Festival of First Light, is held on the first day of the year, symbolizing the first sunrise of the new cycle. This holiday is particularly favored by the younger followers of Solgar as it involves lighting fireworks at dawn. The spectacle of fire and light is said to mimic the first light of creation, a testament to Solgar's eternal role as the god of the Sun. Bonfires are lit in the evening, around which followers gather to share stories and songs celebrating Solgar's deeds and teachings.
2. **Day of the Crimson Sun (Minor Holiday)**: The Day of the Crimson Sun falls in the middle of the year and is a time to honor Solgar's domain of blood. During this day, followers wear crimson-colored clothes to symbolize their unity and shared blood with Solgar. A traditional ceremony involves followers writing their wishes and prayers using a special red ink, said to be a symbol of Solgar's blood, and then releasing these prayers into a fire. The burning of these crimson prayers signifies Solgar's acceptance of their wishes, as the smoke rises to meet him.
3. **Solgar's Radiance**: This is the grandest celebration in Solgar's honor, taking place on the longest day of the year. It begins at dawn, with the Rising Ceremony, where a large, golden disc symbolizing the sun is hoisted up a tall pole. This is followed by various activities throughout the day, including feasts, dances, and contests. The climax of the celebration is the Midday Ritual. At the peak of the sun's journey, a grand ceremony takes place. This ceremony involves the High Priest reciting the Sun's Litany, a sacred text of Solgar's teachings, followed by a moment of shared silence to honor the Sun at its zenith. The celebration concludes with the Sunset Rite, which involves the lowering of the golden disc and lighting of a massive bonfire, symbolizing the setting sun. Around this fire, followers share stories, music, and dance well into the night, reveling in the warmth and light that Solgar provides. The flames of the bonfire are believed to carry their gratitude and prayers to Solgar, ending the day on a note of unity and shared devotion.

### **Core Values**

#### **Blood**

For Solgar, blood is a powerful symbol of life, connection, and sacrifice. It's considered sacred and is central to various rituals and ceremonies. The communal sharing of blood, such as in blood oaths or bonding rituals, is seen as a way to solidify connections and demonstrate commitment to the community or cause. Blood is also metaphorically linked with the idea of ancestry and lineage, tying individuals to their past and future generations.

#### **Sacrifice**

In the philosophy of Solgar, sacrifice plays a vital role. To his followers, every sunrise is a reminder of Solgar's daily sacrifice - the toll it takes on him to illuminate and warm the world. As such, they view personal sacrifice as a fundamental aspect of existence, necessary for growth and harmony. Sacrifices may take many forms, from surrendering personal possessions to the temple, foregoing certain comforts, or even offering their time and effort in service to others.

#### **War**

War, in Solgar's doctrine, is seen as a force of change and progression, a necessary evil in a world that often resists balance and harmony. However, it isn't seen as an end but a means - a way to maintain order and uphold justice. Followers are taught to be prepared for war but to seek peace, demonstrating strength without needless aggression. They're encouraged to stand firm in their convictions and, if need be, fight to protect their beliefs, loved ones, and communities.

### **Church Organizations**

#### **Solar Knights**

The Solar Knights serve as the martial arm of the worshipers of Solgar and as key military figures within the Red King's army. They represent the dual facets of Solgar's doctrine - sacrifice and war. They are warriors of the sun, trained in both physical combat and spiritual discipline, embodying the relentless spirit of the Sun God. Each Solar Knight has undergone a rigorous training regimen from a young age, shaped by the harsh realities of war and the philosophical teachings of Solgar. Their training is not just a matter of physical prowess and tactical acumen but also focuses on developing a profound understanding of Solgar's teachings. Solar Knights are expected to be paragons of these teachings, embodying the courage, sacrifice, and wisdom of Solgar in their every action. In the context of the Red King's army, the Solar Knights are an elite force. They serve as frontline commanders, often tasked with leading the vanguard in major conflicts due to their exceptional combat skills and unflinching resolve. They also take on important strategic roles, using their understanding of the philosophy of war to guide the king's military decisions. Aside from their military duties, Solar Knights also fulfill important roles within the Solgar religion. They preside over important ceremonies, particularly those involving the rites of sacrifice or war. Their martial prowess, coupled with their deep spiritual understanding, makes them revered figures within the religious community. The Solar Knights thus form a vital bridge between the martial might of the Red King's army and the spiritual heart of Solgar's worshipers, symbolizing the Sun God's dual nature as both a god of war and a god of sacrifice.

#### **Way of the Twinned Suns**

The Order of Twinned Suns stands as a formidable, secretive sect within the overarching worship of Solgar. In their theology, the Twinned Suns represent the dual aspects of Solgar - the sun of sacrifice and the sun of war bound in a cycle of creation and destruction. While most Solgar adherents see the god primarily as a unifying, singular entity, the Order of Twinned Suns believes in the duality of his essence and, in turn, the duality of all things. Their understanding of duality extends to their operations, which span two major domains: religious revisionism and cooperation with the Dei'Ocule. Their symbiotic relationship with the Dei'Ocule, the Tower's most formidable secret police force, has been built on shared goals and mutual respect for their respective expertise. The Order provides the Dei'Ocule with religious insight, strategic advice, and occasionally direct support in their operations. In return, the Dei'Ocule helps maintain the Order's position within the power structure of the Tower, offering protection and occasionally intelligence. The Order of Twinned Suns is also particularly known for its involvement in religious revisionism. Their scholars, known as the Sun Scribes, are known to reinterpret religious texts, manipulate religious narratives, and subtly influence the beliefs of other factions to align them closer to Solgar's tenets. They specialize in the reinterpretation of star-based religions, subtly shifting focus from the numerous stars to the singular sun, thereby emphasizing Solgar's supremacy. However, their actions haven't always been subtle or peaceful. The Order has been implicated in numerous instances of religious genocide throughout history. When unable to coax or manipulate a rival sect or religion into compliance, the Order has been known to resort to brutal measures, eradicating entire factions to maintain Solgar's prominence and their own influential position. Despite these aggressive tactics, the Order continues to operate due to their invaluable alliance with the Dei'Ocule and the power and fear they command within the Tower.