Church of Metsäst

Structure

The church of Metsäast has no central organization. Each congregation, such as they are, is independent of others. Generally, the highest-ranking priest, known as, “The Huntmaster”, will lead worshippers in the ways of Metsäst. Each location has a huntmaster and sometimes several lesser hunters who answer to the huntmaster.

Public Agenda

The agenda of the church is to bless hunting for food, and other needs, but to discourage hunting for sport or trophies. The church also offers lessons in archery to any who are interested, though it’s rumored that Metsäst will curse those who misuse this teaching. The church also serves to blaze trails in the winter, as the priests of Metsäst have an almost supernatural ability to navigate in the snow.

Assets

Lacking a central organization, the Church of Metsäst doesn’t have a lot in the way of assets. Most shrines are maintained by the hunting of its members, who donate a portion of their catch to the shrine. The huntmaster of each congregation also hunts to support the shrine, usually selling the fruit of his hunts. The shrines do keep a small assortment of bows and arrows on hand for use by its members.

History

The exact founding of the church of Metsäast is unknown. It started in the northern regions of the Old Kingdoms, before the current inhabitants arrived, and spread south from there. From there it traveled with settlers to the New Kingdoms, where it remains popular. Naturally when settlement of the Frontier Lands began, the worship of Metsäst was carried there.

Mythology & Lore

According to legend one particularly severe winter, game was almost nonexistent and cold and snow was persisting long past the time of spring. An oracle told that a great beast was keeping summer at bay and preventing the return of warmth and food. Metsäst set out to destroy the beast. He was gone for many days, then one day the wind stopped blowing and the snow began to melt. A few days later Metsäst stumbled into his village, nearly dead and bearing the head of a ferocious beast of some sort. A short time later he passed away. He was placed on a great pyre, as was the custom of his people. However, before the fire could be lit a great flame fell from the heavens and the people saw him ascend in the pillar of fire.

Tenets of Faith

Metsäst teaches that animals are to be respected and abhors hunting for trophies. He doesn't prohibit hunting for food however, so long as hunters take no more than they need. He teaches his followers not to mourn those who die fulfilling their destiny. He believes that everyone should learn the basics of the bow as it is a valuable tool for both hunting and defense.

Ethics

Animals are owed respect by those who would hunt them.

Take only what you need, and no more.

Do not mourn those who die fulfilling their destiny.

Celebrate winter for it is the time of change.

Worship

Worship is generally a simple affair with worshippers gathering once every tendays to practice arhery and sing praises to Metsäst. Offerings are made after a successful hunt, generally the heart of the game is burned on Metsäst’s alter and a portion given to the huntmaster for the upkeep of the shrine.

Priesthood

An individual becomes a priest of Metsäst by apprenticing to an existing priest. Priests are usually selective when it comes to taking an apprentice. Apprentices are trained in hunting, archery, and winter survival, as well as the teachings of the church and general wilderness lore. When the teacher feels her apprentice is ready the apprentice is tested, usually by being required to hunt down some dangerous animal that is causing trouble for the community. If the apprentice passes, she is ordained as a priest in a small private ceremony. Most priests spend several years wandering and adventuring before finding a location to establish a shrine, or being called to take over an existing shrine.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Priests of Metsäst seldom involve themselves in politics, except when necessary to protect a wilderness area that has been deemed a sacred site. On the other hand most rulers are happy to see a shrine of Metsäst set up in their lands, as the Metsästians willingness to teach archery to any interested individual is well known and always welcomed.