Ire is the fire that drives the change in the world. She symbolizes the purification with a holy fire and the vengeance of divine ice. She is viewed sometimes as the mother of all
Fae, and has vengefully protected them throughout history. This has kept the Fae largely untroubled throughout the world. Thought of as the divine hand of vengeance, most worship her and pray for her to avenge them for any wrongs they can’t enact themselves. She is seen as a goddess who turns her wrath on the wicked, and helps the weak and powerless. She empowers those who ask for her holy anger and rage to aid them towards a righteous cause, by bringing about change through a zealous fire. Of all the gods she is one of the most feared.
There is some dichotomy in the way Ire is worshiped. Those that prescribe to her fiery nature live lives full of passion and enthusiasm in her name. These worshippers may be seen as the “mother bear” type, protecting their children or those they take under their wing with a fierce loyalty. Their desire for vengeance comes from a place of love and loss. Others instead choose to be cool and collected, remaining reserved and calculating in Ire’s icy countenance. They hone their skills through measured practice. Their vengeance is calculating and a dish best served cold. These worshippers tend to live a more celebate, tempered life. Both sides recognize the other, and respect the dual nature of Ire’s being. There are also those who seek to strike a balance of both lifestyles, and temper their fiery passion with cool practice.
Clergy of Ire are usually drawn to service of the faith after suffering a loss, and living out their vengeance. They now seek to teach others the best way to bring about vengeance in service to Ire. They can also be from the professions of mercenary, soldier, drill sergeant, assassin, and blacksmith; trades where one can seek out martial perfection or seek out vengeance. Churches of Ire are grand structures running a range of open topped temples constructed around burning pits that focus on the purification of weakness, to frozen edifices that focus the cold creep of vengeance (and many steps in between). One of the largest temples of Ire is at the base of the Merodach Volcano in
Harshhorne. Built completely out of obsidian bones from an unknown beast. The temple is called Domum Genetrix, translated The Temple of the Mother.
The Swords of Ire
Shira Deathsongs of the Sword of Ice and Seric Embersong of the Sword of Fire established the "The Swords of Ire", a group of beings who were chosen to wield the power of the swords, legend has it by the actual swords themselves. The Swords of Ire consist of the Tested who have undergone the Right of the Untethered Soul. Those being tested are tasked with hunting a beast turned by a Fomorian. The Swords of Ire have established themselves as the judges and executioners of the enemies of Ire within the Woads themselves and the areas surrounding them. Over the years they have spread into other kingdoms and areas across the continent. Those who wish to join as full members and take the title of the Tested make the pilgrimage to undergo the tests. These tests have been practiced since the establishment of the group. These warriors also train in pairs, a Sword of Ice to balance out a Sword of Fire.
Cor Auri - (Golden Hearts)
Though the Golden Hearts consist mostly of knighted warriors who protect
Harshhorne they are in essence followers of Ire and have priests and clergy. Each follower is anointed as a disciple of Ire whether they were born with Ire’s blessing or not. Being a Golden Heart embodies everything that a
Wishlings heritage believes about the goddess Ire and what it means to be a her disciple. They are the vengeance that seeks to push back the plague of monsters from the Forbodenwoad and anyone that would jeopardize their duty to see that through.
Tenets:
Be willing to sacrifice comforts, wealth, and fame…
...in pursuit of the Perfection of our purpose...
The tenacity to overcome limitations from without and from within.
… will guide you to righteous Vengeance.
Example sins of Ire include but are not limited to:
Giving up on a mission, going back on your word.
Killing through blind rage.
Doing anything that would impair one's judgement.
