Oreadic
They believe in emulating the stoic and rigid nature of the eternal stones.
Culture
The Oreadic cult's cultural views are deeply ingrained in their belief system, reflecting their desire for order and discipline.
They value men over women due to a belief that men are better equipped to emulate the stoic and rigid nature of stone. The cult views other faiths as inferior and lacking in the rigid discipline they value, making them a fundamentalist group.
The Oreadic cult values the institution of marriage and believes that it should be between two individuals, while placing a high value on fidelity within relationships. They also place a high value on maintaining familial ties and bloodlines, with cousin marriage being accepted.
However, the cult places a high value on the sanctity of marriage and believes that it should not be easily dissolved, disallowing divorce. Children born out of wedlock are viewed as a threat to the integrity of the family line, and are excluded from certain opportunities.
The Oreadic cult views individuals of hybrid races as inferior, shunning interracial relations, as they value homogeneity within society. The cult also places a high value on conformity and views individuals who deviate from social norms as threats to stability and order within society, criminalizing deviancy.
While they are accepting of those with spiritual and magical abilities, they view certain magic or spiritual practices stemming from contact with otherworldly beings as a criminal act. The cult recognizes the importance of maintaining order and stability within society, and thus views dynastic kinslaying as a threat to both family and society as a whole, making it a criminal act.
Ethics
Virtues
The Oreadic cult values a set of virtues that reflect their emphasis on discipline, self-control, and inner strength. They believe that by cultivating these qualities, their followers can better serve the greater good and achieve spiritual enlightenment. One of their central virtues is being arbitrary, which emphasizes the importance of being steadfast and resolute in one's beliefs and decisions. This quality reflects the cult's emphasis on unwavering commitment and conviction in the face of uncertainty or opposition. Another virtue is callousness, which emphasizes the importance of remaining stoic and unflappable in the face of adversity or hardship. The cultists believe that by cultivating a sense of emotional detachment, they can better withstand the challenges of life. Calm is another important virtue that the Oreadic cult emphasizes. Members focus on maintaining a sense of inner peace and composure in the face of stress or danger. They practice meditative techniques to cultivate mindfulness, which helps them remain centered and focused. Chastity is another key virtue, which emphasizes the importance of self-control and discipline. Cultists strive to master their physical desires in service of higher goals, and some sects interpret this quality more literally as a prohibition on sexual activity outside of approved relationships. Contentment is a quality that reflects the Oreadic cult's emphasis on inner peace and satisfaction. Followers strive to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what they have, rather than constantly striving for more. Diligence is another important virtue, which emphasizes the importance of putting in one's best effort in all things. Cultists believe that by working hard and persevering through challenges, they can achieve greater spiritual and personal growth. Humility is a quality that is emphasized by the Oreadic cult, as it reflects their rejection of arrogance and hubris. Followers strive to maintain a sense of humility and modesty, recognizing their own limitations and weaknesses even as they strive to improve themselves. Finally, patience is a key virtue that reflects the cult's emphasis on endurance and resilience. Cultists believe that true strength is built over time, and they cultivate a sense of forbearance and patience as they work towards their goals.Sins
The Oreadic cult places a high value on discipline and self-control, and sees ambition as a form of unchecked desire that can lead to a lack of focus and an inability to maintain commitments. They encourage followers to cultivate courage and bravery in the face of fear, rather than giving in to cravenness. Cultists also avoid giving in to gluttony of food or other pleasures, recognizing that such behavior can weaken one's resolve and make it harder to maintain commitments. They see impulsiveness as a form of weakness, leading to erratic behavior and an inability to maintain focus. In contrast to these negative traits, the Oreadic cult emphasizes compassion and empathy, encouraging followers to cultivate these virtues rather than maliciousness. They believe that true strength involves treating others with kindness and respect, and view vengeance as a lack of discipline. Instead, the cult encourages its followers to let go of past grievances and focus on moving forward. Finally, the Oreadic cult emphasizes the importance of inner strength and resilience, encouraging followers to remain calm and disciplined even in the face of difficult circumstances. Giving in to wrath is seen as a sign of weakness, and followers are expected to maintain their composure at all times.Worship
The Oreadic cult's religious practices reflect their emphasis on discipline, community, and literalism. Asceticism is an important practice, where followers intentionally forego comfort to focus on spiritual practices and inner strength. Catechism is also essential, as followers must learn and understand the teachings of the order to fully embrace the faith. Literalism is emphasized, with followers interpreting scripture and religious texts in a very literal way.
Communion is an important practice that emphasizes community and fellowship within the faith, where followers share a ritual meal with one another. Ecclesiarchy is a hierarchical system of religious leaders or authorities, emphasizing structure and order and the idea of deferring to those with greater spiritual insight or understanding.
Ritual Hospitality reflects the cult's emphasis on compassion and empathy, where followers welcome and care for strangers or travelers. Sacred Childbirth involves special ceremonies surrounding the birth of a child within the Oreadic cult, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage and honoring the natural cycles of life and death.
The Sanctity of Nature is an important practice reflecting the Oreadic cult's belief in the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world, where followers see the earth and its resources as sacred and work to reduce their environmental impact. Finally, Unrelenting Faith involves a deep and unwavering commitment to the Oreadic cult and its beliefs, where followers are willing to endure great hardship or sacrifice in order to uphold their beliefs and honor their patron deity.
Priesthood
The Oreadic cult is a theocratic religion where religious leaders hold both religious and political power. The cult values control, structure, and order. They believe in deferring to those with greater spiritual insight or understanding and that all individuals have the potential for spiritual greatness, regardless of gender.
However, the practice of limiting marriage to male members of the clergy is in place because of the belief that pregnancy and child-rearing could detract from spiritual duties and responsibilities. The cult's focus is on maintaining control over its followers, and the appointment of high-ranking clergy members is done by secular authorities. The appointment is revocable if they fail to meet certain expectations or fulfill their duties adequately, reflecting the cult's emphasis on accountability and responsibility.
In summary, the Oreadic cult's clergy value control, structure, and accountability while striving to maintain gender equality and inclusivity in their beliefs. They are appointed by secular authorities and are subject to dismissal if they fail to meet expectations, and they limit marriage to male members of the clergy to avoid any conflicts of interest that may arise from family obligations.
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