“Honor the Old Gods, for they have given you this bountiful world. Honor the Young Gods, for they can still take it all away.”
-Orestian Teacher to his students
Religion is an incredibly important function in the Orestian Empire. It binds the people together, regardless of ethnicity, status or education. There are two “categories” of gods, the Old Gods and the Young Gods. While many Orestians tend to pick and choose which Gods they pay special attention to, they are all revered. While the Old Gods tend to be less petty, ignoring any one of them or especially a Young god, tends to lead to bad luck.
Priesthood and Temples
The study for priesthood can take two very different routes. One is a life of study, of constant learning. These priests become like teachers, bringing the young into the fold. The other path is far more spontaneous, as anyone of any age can be chosen. They will often have dreams, a vision or some kind of revelation (this is different for every individual), and join the Priesthood. These priests differ in that they tend to be the ones to lead, bring about change, or simply inspire those to do good. The first “type” of priest is often reffered to as a Teacher or Shepard, while the second “type” of priest is called a Speaker.
A provencial temple is often small and encompasses all of the Gods. The House that is in charge of the provence will often either pay for it’s upkeep on their own money, or collect money from the citizenry to pay for it. These smaller temples will often be found in a small town, and most towns will have one. A much larger temple is usually found in each provence as well, often centered around a holy site or relic. These temples are often sites of pilgramiges, and on occasion will have markets nearby. These temples tend to be self supported because pilgrams bring offerings. They can be for one God, or for many.
The largest and most ornate temples are located in the Capital. Each house will sponser one, even though they often do not require sponsership. They are almost always for single Gods, with each temple taking on the style of the particular god. They will often have some sort of relic, also. While many Teachers tend to be in the provencial temples, there are on occassion Speakers stationed there as well. Most larger temples will have a Speaker and several Teachers.
The Old Gods
The Old Gods are the creators, the shapers of the world. Each of them has had a hand in creating the world, though now they are sleeping. They are now dormant, though they still keep an ear to the mortal world. No one is quite sure when they will awaken, but most are sure that it will not be for a very long time.
Magyar
The Earth God, The Builder. Magyar is often revered by blacksmiths, carpenters and those who create. He is responsible for the building of the ground: mountains, valleys, caves. He is the solid one, unshakable and stubborn.
Vanya
The Water Goddess, The Everflowing. Vanya is revered by saliors, fishermen, and travelers. She is the creator of the Great Sea, rivers, lakes, streams. She is the moving one, constantly changing and fickle.
Isto
Fire itself, The Spark. Isto is revered by many, though they cannot be categorized. It burns, it consumes, it brings anew. It has no particular opinons, and rarely gives it’s favor to anyone.
Coming Soon…The Young Gods, Rituals and Worship
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