Kriegsman
Gamemaster Team
[!] These informative misses are displayed throughout various Alderist Temples. Those within the Hadrian Empire would be able to read and delve into the knowledge of the faith of Alderism. [!]
{ The Cults of the Sentinels }
{ The Cults of the Sentinels }
✠ The Worship of the Sentinels ✠
In the society of Alderism, children are brought up with the intention of gaining enlightenment and being familiarized with all the Sentinels of Alderism. As they reach the age of decision-making, they are given the opportunity to choose a particular Sentinel to devote their worship towards, and in doing so, they embark on a specific path of faith and spiritual practice. Part of the Alderist creed is the worship and practice in one of the various worthy Sentinels. Out of the nine total Sentinels that came from Alder, eight of them are allowed to be worshipped, with the ninth, Dolus the Deceiver, to be forbidden as he represents the agent of the Order of Chaos and evil.
It is when a person reaches the age of 18 that they undergo the "Sentinel's Vow" and choose a Sentinel whom they primarily shall follow and worship for the rest of their life while still accepting the others' guidance. Following one's Sentinel demonstrates devotion to Alder and the Tenets, choosing a path for your life and following it through all adversity. An example is how farmers often believe in Aristea, while soldiers or the Nobility prefer the Sentinels Salvor or Elric.
Breaking one's oath to their devoted Sentinel in favor of another is considered taboo and forbidden. Those who do and abandon their primary Sentinel are often severely punished for blasphemy or even, in some instances, heresy.
However, the paths of the Pre-Determination are innumerable, and a faithful Alderist often had a "vocation" toward a path of worship. Seeking guidance or approval from the Vater is generally acceptable, especially in circumstances where it may be necessary to reaffirm one's commitment to a Sentinel of devotion through the renewal of vows in specific cases. However, these situations are improbable.
✠ Cults and Cultists ✠
Cultists in Alderism are individuals in the lower clerical hierarchy who pledge their lives to serve their chosen Sentinel. These devoted men and women of unwavering faith often unite to form cults dedicated to worshiping a specific Sentinel. These cults are characterized by their unique rituals, ceremonies, and duties, all of which are tailored to the particular attributes and expectations of the revered deity they serve. When individuals first become novices upon joining the clergy of the Temple of Alder, they are encouraged to explore the various rituals, traditions, and teachings within the cults by joining one that ties to their respected Sentinel. Or they may choose to take on roles and responsibilities within the broader clergy. The Abbots and Abbesses of these cults are esteemed clergy members with their own semi-independence over their cultists and Abbeys.
Many who are unknown to the faith often see these people as mere zealots and fanatics. While there is some truth in these perspectives associated with Alderist cults, it is essential to recognize that these groups often form a unique bond as a religious community. This bond can be likened to the strong connections found within a family, where members share common beliefs, values, and a sense of belonging. This sense of closeness and shared purpose is a defining feature of Alderist Cults.
A single individual cannot initiate the formation of a new cult. Any new cult must gain recognition and approval from the governing clerical hierarchy: the Erzbishop of the region and the Vater. Those who establish cults without approval are deemed heretical, and their followers are subjected to punishment in the form of penances. Additionally, they are re-educated to adhere to the practices of their Sentinel.
✠ List of the existing Alderist Cults ✠
The Cult of Mortius, or the Mortius Cult, is one of the most ancient and widespread cults. Devoting itself to the Sentinel of Death, its purpose is to perform the rites and ceremonies of each burial, oversee the maintenance of the dead, and guard the Fields of Mortius—fortified graveyards and crypts—as Gravewardens against those who wish to defy the natural circle of life.
Besides warding off dangers, they offer hands of guidance to those in times of sadness, mourning, grief, or those close to dying. They perform blessings for the deceased and funerary rituals. All its members, both men and women, take an oath of celibacy as they cannot be distracted by the luxuries of romance from duties bestowed upon them by their Sentinel.
The Black Abbot
The head of the cult is known as the Black Abbot. He or she oversees the cult's duties and ceremonies within the grander nation. The Abbot also has permission to organize the burials of the dead, decide on the deceased, and organize cemeteries.
Headquarters: Die Schwarze Abtei, Königstein, Veronia
❦ Sisters of Alda:
Alda's Sisters are both warriors and scholars of the medical arts and magic devoted to the Sentinel of Love and Beauty. They are also critics and students in every kind of art, from painting to writing and music.
Each Sister chooses one or more of these specializations in her training and helps the Abbess with matrimonial cases. Often, the Sisters of Alda oversee various hospitals or houses of healing within the Hadrian Empire, devoting themselves to assisting women in the process of giving birth or educating the masses in medicine and healing treatments. The cult is known for only allowing women among their ranks, who are also allowed to marry and have children while being part of the clergy.
The Red Abbess
The Abbess of Alda is the head of the Sisters. She manages matrimonial cases, regulates all ceremonies, and supervises the cult of Alda.
Headquarters: Die Rote Abtei, Hertzland
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