The Circle of Compassion
Only a stranger to our town would ask why I am a priest of Reutha. Most of our citizens revere her because she was the one who saved us at our darkest hour. The Inners needed food and the Outers needed shelter. Ruetha brought us together to care for one another. Reutha encourages us to be the best we can be. Only then will we be able to help others who fall on hard times.Kenneth Emsworth, Keeper of the Treasury, Arginhold Temple of Reutha
Mythology & Lore
When all was chaos and the elements were in conflict, Wulder, the Great One, brought them into order. He gave each an allotted space and sphere of influence. Wulder formed the seas and lakes, the dry land and mountains. Above these he placed air and below he placed fire.
The elements were lonely and complained to Wulder. Knowing they were necessary for his plan, Wulder allowed them to mingle for short periods. He liked the variety this created in the world.
When air and water mingle we have fog. When earth and fire come together we have volcanos. When air and fire mix we have lightning.
Wulder desired even more beauty and complexity in the world so he created all the plants and animals. Finally he poured all his creative energies into making the thinking, talking creatures in so many shapes, sizes, and colors. Then Wulder was very pleased.
Divine Origins
From the beginning of time people have worshipped the Great One and the Five Sacred Ones. Before the great blizzard Reutha was revered primarily by physicians and healers, herbalists, and animal handlers.
Cosmological Views
Wulder the Creator divided the affairs of the world among five companions who each control one sphere of life.
Vitaille--Goddess of Agriculture and Birth
Reutha--Goddess of Compassion
Yimm--God of Mining and Craft
Lisse--Goddess of Art and Music
Witen--God of Justice and Death
Tenets of Faith
Followers of Reutha join the Circle of Compassion because they desire to live by these truths:
All creatures deserve your compassion, for you are also a creature.
Do nothing to hurt another, but when you do, ask for forgiveness.
Work to be the best you can be in the life you have been given so that when you see someone in need, you will be able to help.
Do not murder, do not steal, do not cheat. Be content with what you are able to earn through your own hard work.
The time will come when you need help. Do not hesitate to pray to Reutha or to ask others for assistance.
Priesthood
Priests are called the Merciful Ones. They pray for the needs of the congregation and make the congregation aware of the need of others. They collect supplies for emergency assistance, food for the hungry, money for the poor.
They lead the congregation in a monthly service of joy and thanksgiving held at dawn the morning after the new moon. Regular celebrations are held to mark milestones in someone's life, for example, a marriage, a baby, or a new job.
New priests are chosen by the current clergy from the congregation of the faithful because of their consistent and generous acts of compassion. Those chosen enter into a period of prayer and training in order to discern if the priesthood is the path they should take. If all are agreed it is, they are accepted into the priestly order and invested with the wine-colored cloak that is the sign of their office. They are given an amulet of Ruetha's holy symbol, two open hands in silver on a rose-colored glass background, to wear around their neck.
Deities
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments