Worship of the Passions
The people of Barsaive hold spiritual beliefs based on their faith in the Passions, but no Barsaivian race or community has established a formal religious institution. The Passions propagate their ideals through their questors rather than through formal institutions or laws. As a result, none of the Passions has any large scale following, though questors of a particular Passion often meet to discuss their experiences or even form small groups to achieve a common purpose.
Though the people of Barsaive do not form organized religions centered on the Passions, they do worship the Passions. Most appeal to whatever Passion best meets their current needs. For example, a family hiding in their shuttered home while a pack of hungry wolves howls outside might seek the protection of Garlen, the Passion of the Hearth and Healing. If a family member ventures outside with sword in hand to slay the predators, the family might invoke Thystonius, the Passion of Physical Conflict and Valor.
Some people—especially questors—worship one Passion over the others. Though they recognize the existence of other Passions, they believe the ideals of their chosen Passion are superior. These worshippers often express their beliefs by stating that they follow the ideals of a particular Passion. For example, a farmer who worships Jaspree might say, “I follow the ideals of Jaspree.”
Given the nature of the Passions as a documented reality of life in Barsaive, even if their nature isn’t well understood, the people of Barsaive do not deny the existence of any Passions. Even if they prefer not to acknowledge the Mad Passions, most people would fear losing a Passion’s protection by proclaiming that they did not believe in it. There are rare individuals who do not believe the Passions should be worshipped, but most common folk find these philosophies unusual at best.
Though the people of Barsaive do not form organized religions centered on the Passions, they do worship the Passions. Most appeal to whatever Passion best meets their current needs. For example, a family hiding in their shuttered home while a pack of hungry wolves howls outside might seek the protection of Garlen, the Passion of the Hearth and Healing. If a family member ventures outside with sword in hand to slay the predators, the family might invoke Thystonius, the Passion of Physical Conflict and Valor.
Some people—especially questors—worship one Passion over the others. Though they recognize the existence of other Passions, they believe the ideals of their chosen Passion are superior. These worshippers often express their beliefs by stating that they follow the ideals of a particular Passion. For example, a farmer who worships Jaspree might say, “I follow the ideals of Jaspree.”
Given the nature of the Passions as a documented reality of life in Barsaive, even if their nature isn’t well understood, the people of Barsaive do not deny the existence of any Passions. Even if they prefer not to acknowledge the Mad Passions, most people would fear losing a Passion’s protection by proclaiming that they did not believe in it. There are rare individuals who do not believe the Passions should be worshipped, but most common folk find these philosophies unusual at best.
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