The Dweller Heralds
In addition to my standard Summer Camp 2020 Author's note, I'd like to add that this particular article is very much a WIP. It might contain unfinished sections, missing names or temporary placeholders.
In the early days of the continent, nearly everyone in the Four Regions revered the Four Dwellers. Most cultural rites and customs were based on the belief in the Four Dwellers and the story of creation of Adhonaglamar. Yet times change, and those who rule do not like to share power; not even with mythological beings.
This has been most noticeable in Naeron. There, the Church of the Scarlet Flame has taken over all religious matters, as well as most matters of state (directly or indirectly, through the Pontifex Kaewenta). In Naeron it is the Church who decides which rites and customs are acceptable, in service of the Scarlet Flame, and which are not. Needless to say not many of the old ways are permitted by the Church.
Yet there are some who have resisted this change in faith. A small group, known as the Dweller Heralds, have never lost faith in the old ways and the Four Dwellers. They continue to honour Adhonaglamar's history, and Naeron's.
As it is dangerous to openly oppose the Church, the Heralds mostly operate in the shadows. In remote locations in Naeron's forests they will perform the rituals of the old ways, officiating weddings, blessing newborn children or reconnecting the deceased with the Dwellers. In back rooms and cellars they teach the old ways as well as the true history of Naeron to those who have turned away from the Church.
This has not been without cost; the Church's enforcers actively hunt any Heralds and execute them. This makes it difficult to attract newcomers, as each one could be a spy from the Church. But they persist, determined not to let all of Naeron fall under the influence of the Church. To protect themselves they will often resort to secret symbols and words, known only to the true Heralds. It helps them identify one another across the Region. So far no spy has been infiltrate their core group and learn these secret signs. If that were ever to happen, it would spell doom for the entire organisation.
In the early days of the continent, nearly everyone in the Four Regions revered the Four Dwellers. Most cultural rites and customs were based on the belief in the Four Dwellers and the story of creation of Adhonaglamar. Yet times change, and those who rule do not like to share power; not even with mythological beings.
This has been most noticeable in Naeron. There, the Church of the Scarlet Flame has taken over all religious matters, as well as most matters of state (directly or indirectly, through the Pontifex Kaewenta). In Naeron it is the Church who decides which rites and customs are acceptable, in service of the Scarlet Flame, and which are not. Needless to say not many of the old ways are permitted by the Church.
Yet there are some who have resisted this change in faith. A small group, known as the Dweller Heralds, have never lost faith in the old ways and the Four Dwellers. They continue to honour Adhonaglamar's history, and Naeron's.
As it is dangerous to openly oppose the Church, the Heralds mostly operate in the shadows. In remote locations in Naeron's forests they will perform the rituals of the old ways, officiating weddings, blessing newborn children or reconnecting the deceased with the Dwellers. In back rooms and cellars they teach the old ways as well as the true history of Naeron to those who have turned away from the Church.
This has not been without cost; the Church's enforcers actively hunt any Heralds and execute them. This makes it difficult to attract newcomers, as each one could be a spy from the Church. But they persist, determined not to let all of Naeron fall under the influence of the Church. To protect themselves they will often resort to secret symbols and words, known only to the true Heralds. It helps them identify one another across the Region. So far no spy has been infiltrate their core group and learn these secret signs. If that were ever to happen, it would spell doom for the entire organisation.
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Author's Notes
This article was created during Summer Camp 2020 - as such it is a beginning rather than an end; the article will most likely be edited/changed in the future when the world of Adhonaglamar grows. This may explain any lack of visuals or a proper lay-out.
Cover image: from Pixabay. Edited by Errandir, Summer Camp 2020 logo by World Anvil.