The Wild Hunt

### **Religion of Thalior, the Wild Huntmaster** **Name of the Religion:** **The Wild Hunt** **Deity:** **Thalior, the Wild Huntmaster** **Symbol:** A stylized stag’s head with antlers entwined with vines, leaves, and small crescent moons, representing Thalior’s mastery over the wilderness and the night. The stag is a symbol of strength, agility, and the primal power of nature. The vines represent his connection to his mother, Sylthara, while the crescent moons symbolize his dominion over the night and his role as the leader of the Wild Hunt. --- ### **Core Beliefs:** 1. **The Primal Power of the Wild:** - Followers of the Wild Hunt believe in the raw, untamed power of nature and the wilderness. Thalior, as the Wild Huntmaster, embodies the spirit of the hunt, the thrill of the chase, and the balance between predator and prey. His followers embrace the primal instincts within themselves, understanding that they are part of the natural cycle of life and death. 2. **The Cycle of the Hunt:** - The hunt is seen as a sacred ritual, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Thalior’s followers honor the hunt as a way to connect with nature, test their skills, and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. They believe that every hunt is a lesson in patience, strategy, and respect for the natural world. 3. **Harmony with the Night:** - Thalior is also associated with the night and the mysteries it holds. His followers are taught to respect the darkness and to see the night as a time of opportunity, reflection, and connection with the wild. The night is not to be feared, but embraced as a part of the natural world that Thalior governs. 4. **The Strength of Kinship:** - Thalior’s relationship with his mother, Sylthara, and his brother, Verdain, is central to the faith. Followers believe in the strength of family, community, and kinship. Just as Thalior hunts with his pack, his followers are encouraged to work together, support one another, and protect their community. 5. **The Balance of Predator and Prey:** - The Wild Hunt teaches that the balance between predator and prey is essential for the health of the natural world. Thalior’s followers believe that every creature has its place in the cycle of life, and that hunting should be done with respect and reverence. The taking of life is never done lightly, and the spirit of the prey is honored as part of the natural order. --- ### **Main Tenets:** 1. **Honor the Hunt:** - The hunt is sacred and must be conducted with respect for the prey and the natural world. Hunt only what you need, and give thanks to Thalior for the bounty of the wild. 2. **Embrace the Wild:** - Live in harmony with the wilderness, embracing the primal instincts and strengths that come from being part of the natural world. Protect the wild places and the creatures that dwell within them. 3. **Respect the Night:** - The night is a time of reflection, strategy, and connection with the wild. Do not fear the darkness, but see it as a part of Thalior’s domain and an opportunity to strengthen your bond with nature. 4. **Strength in Kinship:** - Value your community, your family, and your allies. Just as Thalior hunts with his pack, so too should you work together with others to achieve your goals and protect those you care about. 5. **Balance and Respect:** - The balance of predator and prey is essential. Take only what is needed, and ensure that the natural world remains in harmony. Respect the life you take, and honor the spirit of the prey in your rituals. --- ### **Rituals and Practices:** 1. **The Hunt of the Full Moon:** - A ritual hunt that takes place during the full moon, when Thalior’s power is believed to be at its peak. The Hunt of the Full Moon is both a physical and spiritual journey, where followers seek to connect with the Wild Huntmaster and honor the natural cycle of life and death. 2. **The Rite of the Stag:** - A coming-of-age ceremony for young hunters, where they must track and hunt a stag under the guidance of a seasoned follower of Thalior. The Rite of the Stag is a test of skill, patience, and respect for the natural world. Upon completion, the young hunter is welcomed into the community as a full member of the Wild Hunt. 3. **The Night Vigil:** - A nightly vigil held in the wilderness, where followers meditate, sharpen their senses, and seek guidance from Thalior. The Night Vigil is a time for reflection, attunement with the wild, and preparation for the challenges ahead. 4. **The Festival of the Hunt:** - An annual celebration that honors Thalior and the spirit of the hunt. The Festival of the Hunt includes feasting, storytelling, and communal hunts, as well as rituals that honor the spirits of the animals taken in the past year. It is a time for the community to come together, celebrate their connection to the wild, and give thanks to Thalior for his guidance and protection. 5. **The Oath of the Pack:** - A solemn oath taken by those who pledge themselves to Thalior and the Wild Hunt. The Oath of the Pack binds the follower to the principles of the hunt, the protection of the natural world, and the support of their community. It is often taken by rangers, hunters, and warriors who dedicate their lives to upholding the values of the Wild Hunt. --- ### **Main Temple: The Hall of the Wild** **Location:** The Hall of the Wild is the central temple dedicated to Thalior, located deep within the most untamed part of the **Eldergreen Forest**. The temple is a natural structure, formed from ancient trees whose branches intertwine to create a vast, open space. The Hall of the Wild is a place of primal energy, where the spirit of the hunt is always present. **Architecture:** The Hall of the Wild is a blend of natural and constructed elements, with wooden pillars, stone altars, and open spaces that allow the forest to be part of the temple itself. The roof is a canopy of leaves, and the floor is made of earth and stone, covered in furs and animal skins. The central altar is shaped like a stag’s head, with antlers reaching up toward the sky.

**The Huntmaster’s Circle:**

A sacred space within the Hall where followers gather for rituals, oaths, and strategic discussions. The Huntmaster’s Circle is marked by standing stones and a large fire pit, symbolizing the eternal flame of the hunt.

**The Shadowed Path:**

A hidden pathway that leads from the Hall into the deeper parts of the forest. The Shadowed Path is used for initiation rites, secret rituals, and as a place where followers can seek solitude and communion with Thalior in the wild.

**The Wall of Antlers:**

A section of the Hall where the antlers of stags taken during the Rite of the Stag are displayed. Each set of antlers represents a successful rite and serves as a reminder of the balance between predator and prey.

**The Great Hunt Altar:**

The central altar where sacrifices and offerings are made to Thalior. The Great Hunt Altar is adorned with carvings of animals, leaves, and symbols of the hunt. It is here that followers leave offerings of meat, furs, and other tokens of the wild. **Clergy: The Huntmasters** The priests and priestesses of Thalior are known as the Huntmasters. They are the leaders of the Wild Hunt, guiding the followers in their rituals, hunts, and spiritual practices. The Huntmasters are skilled hunters, warriors, and trackers, deeply connected to the wilderness and the spirit of the hunt.

**High Huntmaster:**

The leader of the Huntmasters and the highest authority in the faith. The High Huntmaster is responsible for interpreting Thalior’s will, leading the most important hunts, and guiding the spiritual direction of the Wild Hunt. The High Huntmaster is seen as Thalior’s chosen representative on earth, leading the faithful in both ritual and battle.

**Wardens of the Wild:**

Huntmasters who specialize in protecting and maintaining the wild places of the Verdant Expanse. They are responsible for ensuring the balance of the ecosystem, guiding hunts, and teaching the next generation of hunters the ways of the Wild Hunt.

**Keepers of the Night:**

Huntmasters who are attuned to the night and its mysteries. They lead the Night Vigil, teach the arts of stealth and tracking, and are responsible for the spiritual guidance of those who seek to understand the deeper mysteries of Thalior and the night. --- ### **Spread of the Faith:** The Wild Hunt is most commonly practiced in rural and wilderness areas, particularly among those who live close to the land and rely on hunting for their survival. The faith is popular among rangers, hunters, and warriors who value strength, skill, and a deep connection to nature. Temples and shrines dedicated to Thalior can be found in forests, on mountains, and in remote places where the wild still reigns. The faith’s emphasis on respect for nature, the thrill of the hunt, and the strength of community has made it appealing to those who live in harmony with the land. The Wild Hunt is respected for its teachings on balance, strength, and the importance of honoring both life and death.