The Altar of the Sylvanite

The religion of Sylvanism is on that is not focused on treating the Dryads as deities along with the beliefs of Iabis. For the Sylvanites just seek to thank the Dryads for their gift of the seasons. The religion is primarily followed in Islemaria so by that fact there is a grand alter in the capital city of Islemaria along with smaller ones throughout the land. The main alter in the city is no bigger than that of a medium-sized gazebo; it is also rounded like one as well. What sets these alters from other altars of various religions is that the interior changes based on its season. For example, Elene's, the bringer of Faeln, alter's marble changes to that of a vibrant grassy green with the statue of her likeness resides in the center. At the foot of her statue, the keepers of the altars place the fruits, vegetables, and other vegetation that is indicative of each season.

Purpose / Function

The building's purpose is simply, to give a place of serenity and a place for one to pay respects to each Dryad, hoping that each season will be a joyous and fruitful. It is a popular tradition for the followers of Sylvanism is to pay their homage of gifts (which usually is the natural gifts that each Dryad gives) at the beginning of each season and the end of each season. For the devout Sylvanite, they believe that this practice ensures a great season at the beginning and another thank you is to make sure that each Dryad knows that they are grateful despite the fact of if the past season was good or not.
It is also a practiced tradition for the priests and priestesses to give the gifts from either the first thanking of the final thanking to the less fortunate. These people are usually in the Kav or Sef category.

Special Properties

The pose of the statue of each of the four Dryads changes every year as well. Most find this as a refreshing statement of the key to teachings of Sylvanism, the belief that change must happen naturally regardless of whether it is positive or negative. Other believe that the statue is a way for the Dryads to transmit a message to the Ellavara. But most of these theorists curiously always allude to bad omens with each pose that is revealed.

Alternative Names

Shrine of the Sylvanite

Type

Shrine

Owner

Person

Owning Organization

The Sylvanites