The Striders of Le'onar, a nomadic group deeply devoted to the God of Nature, Healing, and Wisdom, embody a life of continuous movement and profound respect for the natural world. Living in accordance with Le'onar's teachings, they traverse Aetheria's diverse landscapes, seeking wisdom and enlightenment through their close bond with nature. Their community is guided by The Wise Ones, revered female elders skilled in interpreting the signs and omens from Le'onar, offering spiritual and communal guidance. These leaders, though not formal authorities, hold esteemed positions for their insight and deep understanding of nature's rhythms. The Striders' society is organized into clans, each contributing to the preservation of nature and the spread of knowledge. Emphasizing harmony, healing, and a pursuit of wisdom, The Striders of Le'onar represent a harmonious blend of spirituality, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to the teachings of their deity.
Structure
The Striders of Le'onar are a communal group with no official organizational structure. Every member contributes to the success of their clan in what ways they can, be that hunting, making and mending clothing, preparing foods, and much more. The Striders roam wherever the wind takes them, spreading the divine love of Le'onar and their profound gifts in healing and natural magics. When there are questions of where their travels should take them next, or the rare disagreement surfaces, Striders rely on omens and signs from Le'onar revealed to them through the nature around them. There are those who can read these signs, the elders of which are called The Wise Ones. Younger individuals are apprenticed under their clans Wise Ones once their talent of reading is discovered. Due to their innate connection with Le'onar, The Wise Ones are consulted on most matters which require a staunch decision to be made.
The Role of The Wise Ones in the Striders of Le'onar:
Spiritual Interpreters:
The Wise Ones, revered female elders in each clan, are not formal leaders but are esteemed for their ability to interpret the will of Le'onar. They possess a profound understanding of nature and its signs, and their insights guide the community's decisions and actions.Consultation for Decision Making:
When the Striders face significant decisions, particularly those involving travel, conflict, or spiritual matters, they naturally turn to The Wise Ones. These elders read the signs of nature – the patterns of the stars, the behavior of animals, the whisper of the wind through the trees – to discern Le'onar's guidance.Ceremonial Role:
The Wise Ones also play a key role in ceremonies and rituals. Their connection to Le'onar and the natural world makes them integral to religious observances, seasonal celebrations, and rites of passage.Guidance Over Governance:
The leadership of The Wise Ones is based on wisdom and spiritual insight rather than political power or authority. Their influence comes from the trust and respect they command within the community.Teachers and Mentors:
In addition to interpreting omens, The Wise Ones are responsible for teaching the younger members of the clan about the ways of Le'onar, the lore of the land, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.Resolving Conflicts:
When disputes arise, The Wise Ones may be sought out for their impartial wisdom. Their deep understanding of Le'onar's teachings helps them mediate and find solutions that are in line with the community's values.Culture
Among the Striders, a deeply meaningful custom involves each individual carrying a small pouch filled with seeds of their favorite flowers. This practice is reflective of their nomadic existence and their reverence for nature's cycles. As they travel through Aetheria, they collect seeds from various flowers that resonate with them personally or hold special significance in their life journey.
When a Strider passes away, it is a tradition for their loved ones to bury the seed pouch with them. This act symbolizes the belief in rebirth and the continuation of life, with the flowers eventually blooming from the burial site as a living tribute to the deceased. It's a way for the Striders to leave a natural, beautiful mark on the land they've traversed, turning each resting place into a small, sacred garden of memories.
The blooming flowers serve as a reminder of the individual's life and spirit, and for the Striders who continue their journey, these blooms are a comforting sign of the enduring presence of their ancestors and loved ones in the natural world they cherish. This tradition underscores the Striders' philosophy of living in harmony with nature and their acceptance of life's impermanence, celebrating the beauty that each life brings to the world.
History
The Striders of Le'onar originated from the same ancient followers of Le'onar as the Fernites, initially forming a unified community devoted to the deity of nature, healing, and wisdom. This community thrived in the dense, lush forests that would later become Fernshire, living in harmony with nature and guided by the teachings of Le'onar.
As time passed, differing interpretations of Le'onar's teachings began to emerge within the community. A group of followers felt a calling to spread the wisdom of Le'onar beyond the confines of the forest. They believed that true understanding of nature and its cycles could only be achieved through experiencing the diverse landscapes of Aetheria. This belief was in contrast to those who preferred a more stationary life, deeply rooted in the sanctuary of the forest.
This ideological difference led to a peaceful, yet profound schism. Those who chose to roam and explore became known as the Striders of Le'onar. They adopted a nomadic lifestyle, traveling across Aetheria to learn from different environments and cultures, and in turn, share their knowledge and wisdom. The Striders developed a society where movement and the exploration of the natural world were central to their worship of Le'onar.
Meanwhile, those who remained in the forest deepened their connection to that specific environment, evolving into the community known today as the Fernites. The Fernites continued to live a sedentary life, building their homes among the trees and focusing on the nurturing aspect of nature within the boundaries of their forest.
Despite the schism, the Striders of Le'onar and the Fernites share a common ancestry and respect for each other’s paths. Their divergent practices reflect the multifaceted nature of Le'onar’s teachings, embodying different yet harmonious ways of honoring the deity. Over time, both groups have maintained a sense of kinship, united by their devotion to Le'onar, despite their different interpretations of how best to serve and worship their god.
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