The Well
"Built upon the teachings of Olfrin, The Well values knowledge, truth, and fact above all else. The core belief centers upon the concept of “True Understanding”, where the faithful believe that with perfect knowledge comes the ability to act perfectly, and therefore achieve the perfect outcome in any situation.
Thus, prescriptive doctrines govern much of the faith, and the most devoted adherents regularly take Oaths that govern their speech, actions, and life paths, in an attempt to reduce or eliminate falsehood, irrationality, and impulsive behavior from their lives.
Among the most common Oaths includes a devotion to Truth in Word, a dedication to righting the falsehoods emanating from themselves, and those around them."
Description
Of the “well known” religions, The Well boasts the least number of adherents, as the structures of the faith's doctrines are often difficult to reconcile with the world at large. What is easy, convenient, and practical can often come at odds with the faith’s tenets, causing friction with the general populace.
However, internally, the faith itself is ever generous with its adherents, recognizing the difficulties of life are omni-present. A culture of acceptance of mistakes with appropriate recompense winds its way through the faith, leading to a quiet serenity and compassion from the adherents of the faith, and a wide forbearance towards non-adherents.
Tenets of Faith
- Truthfulness: Truth is the bedrock of integrity on which we build all our other virtues. An ongoing commitment to live by what is most real and authentic in our own nature. Honesty in all our dealings.
- Detachment: Experiencing our feelings without allowing them to control us. Stepping back and thoughtfully choosing how we will act rather than just reacting.
- Dignity: Honoring the worth of all people, including ourselves and treating everyone with respect.
- Diligence: Doing what needs to be done with care, concentration and single-pointed attention, giving our absolute best.
- Wisdom: Having a discerning mind, based on experience and mindfulness. Making wise decisions based on our deepest understandings.
Worship
The Elevated
Truly, The Well ascribes to “leading by example” in its doctrines, rather than punishing failures. Many of its most revered heroes are those who came from a background rife with failure, greed, and dishonesty yet rose above their former lives.
These “Elevated” individuals are often named for the trials and tribulations they endured rather than the names they were born with. Notable figures from other faiths may be included among the Elevated. One need not be a member of the faith to provide valuable guidance into an ever more “perfect” life.
“Self-control is the beginning of understanding that which is outside oneself: Only with the ability to dictate one’s own actions, can one truly understand how the actions one takes impacts the world at large.”
Among the more recent additions to the Elevated is the life of the Betrayed: one who practiced deceit and dishonesty as their daily bread, and who found themselves cast from their once lofty position of power garnered by their former manner into the life of a pauper.
Rumor has it that the once gilded individual, now a monk, serves quietly in a distant land, helping the people they once lorded over, nameless and under a self imposed Oath of Silence.
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~ Dylan Thomas