Äoranlit

The Old Faith, as some people refer to it, is the major polytheistic religion of the Midden Reik and led by the ominous Frau Perchta. Its real name Äoranlit, roughly translates to “Song of earth”. It is by far not the oldest religion in Kandria, but it might be the first organized faith. The Tjarn-Tribes and Skanwatre have far older costumes and traditions. Furthermore, Äoranlit has its roots in Skanwatre, but the Midden Reik focuses on major gods of the season instead of all powerful and lesser spirits of nature. The people of the Midden Reik love their gods as much as they are afraid of their wrath and judgment. Therefore, they try to stay as devoted as possible to them.
The Gods
Lindrahl is the God of Fertility, and his gentle touch revives the lush green lands of the Midden Reik after the long winters. Spring is the most restful season of the year but also the shortest. The village centres are starting to thrive again. The fields are ploughed and sown during spring. The cattle are counted and made ready to breed for a stronger and bigger herd. Wood cutters scout the forest again for suitable places for continuing their handywork. Lindrahl is associated with Rabbits and Blackbirds, as they are the first to return in spring.
Belenora dominates summer as the Goddess of Order. This might be the most productive time of year as people are rested and ready to act. During summer the people tend the fields and protect it from pests. It is also the time where the roads in the mountains are free from snow and mining operations can recommence again. This also means the craftsmen can produce new tools with trade to open the mines. Belenora is depicted with a shield that bears the crest of a golden sun behind a bright red ox.
Vyrn the God of Change claims fall. Also known as the god of two faces, he embodies the turn of the seasons as the warm summer slowly fades into cold and harsh winter. In his time the sky starts to darken, and the lush green of the world starts to fade. Animals start to migrate out of the area or begin hibernation. The predatory animals start to become more aggressive and take bigger risks on their hunt for the now scarce food. The people of Midden Reik begin their last harvest of the year. The miners return from their mining prospects and the wood cutters finally leave the forest.And yet there is also beauty in Midden Reiks season of the turning leaves. A stunning array of colors ignites the last spark of hope before the spectacle fades to winter's reign in white and grey. His symbols are the scythe and a wheat sheaf.
Threada reigns as the Goddess of death in winter. She shows no mercy during her reign. Her cold creeps into every bone and if someone dares to disrespect her authority they will pay the price. The runts are culled and the strongest are let live. Ensuring a strong and healthy herd. This is true for all who live in the winter of the Midden Reik. Be it man, be it woman, be it child or animal; the weak are not spared. Life in the centre of settlements has died completely during winter, but to continue the communal life and to count who survived the week, many meet in the taverns and inns once during these harrowing times. Threadas’ witches walk from door to door to check in upon the residents and if someone passed away. The ring twice with a bell to let the community know if someone died and once if they survived.

History

There is not much known about the origin of the Äoranlit. Legends are obscure but they tell of war when the world was young between a great many spirits fighting to conquer the region today known as the Midden Reik as it held immense power. It is said spirits can't help themselves but to be drawn to sources of power. Theadra, Belenora, Vyrn and Lindrahl were of such immense power that in a sweep they cast out the other spirits and claimed the magic of that region for themselves. It is said they were created by the same much older unknown entity and therefore are siblings.
Lindrahl was the first to hold the magic of this region on his own to mend what the others had broken. It became clear to him that the power he holds now is wearing him out and so he left his position to regain his strength again. His sister Belenora took over and she became a fierce protector of this magical source. It would have been a great tragedy if it had fallen into the wrong hands. Soon she felt the fatigue and her heat started to dwindle. In her last effort she asked her brother Vyrn, Spirit of change, to take over as he was the most knowledgeable of them all.
Vyrn tried controlling the source by feeding upon the life source of plants and animals and sometimes changing flora and fauna itself so they could contain some of the energy of the source but even for him it was an exhausting task. Vyrn corrupted the world and Threada saw what was happening during her hunts and so she decided to stop her brother's work, by replacing his position.
Vyrn gladly gave Threada the source of the power and in her effort to stop what Vyrn changed she froze the source of magic and sent her minions to harvest lifeforce so she could contain her power. She did for a long time, and it demanded a lot of her power, but Lindrahl recognized that the plants and animals Threada used to refuel her power, have become few and her grip on this source has lessened.
Lindrahl, who had recovered from his time with the source, called upon his siblings and they met. He worried that even if they shared the power like they did before it'll be their end. Too strong was the power and they had to come up with a new solution. Vyrn proposed the idea of creating an immortal soul from a piece of the power, but they would need a strong vessel. The spirits couldn't carry the power themselves and most animals were too weak to carry or would become too powerful themselves. It was then when their gaze fell upon the humans. Who endured their games besides the difficulties the spirits put them up too. More durable and intelligent than most animals but less powerful than dragons, wyverns and the like. Long did they scour the lands until they noticed a human noble. She was the princess of an influential long forgotten noble house. Unique in physique as she could absorb and contain magic like none other of her kind. With visions they guided her to a place forgotten to humans under the promise of power. They convinced her to be the vessel of the immortal soul. The noble woman became the first Frau Perchta and founded the Äoranlit. 
The spirits would watch over the Midden Reik as long as humans would continue preparing the next vessel for the immortal soul. It remains unclear what this source of power is, but theologians and sages claim it might believe it is the soul of a long-forgotten god.

Ethics

Sins and redemption

For many the biggest sin is to talk bad about a god as this will bring great misfortune over the community. First the heretic must apologize to the gods by bringing them a sacrifice and groveling in shame if this doesn’t work out for the community the sinner will be branded and exiled. If the bad luck continues then sometimes the community will hunt the miscreant and fulfill a human sacrifice. Magic that disrupts the natural order such as necromancy or demon worshipping means death at the pyre. There is no redemption for that. The sins of this body shan't not be returned to nature and ancestors, and the soul shall suffer eternity. All wild mages and exiles will suffer this fate by default if they get caught.
Death Culture
For the followers of the Äoranlit the burning of the body is a sacrilege as the body must be given back to nature. The burial places are often deep in the forest. The body isn’t put in any casket and will just be buried under the ancestor tree so the dead can become part of the family in the afterlife. The ancestor tree is well cared for, and any sickness of the tree is seen as a bad omen. It is often that a witch of Threada and a witch of Lindrahl must work together to cure the tree. While Lindrahls followers care about the wellbeing of the tree, Threadas’ witch tries to calm the dead of the family. If the tree is beyond mending, they must resettle the ancestors into another tree nearby. The dead tree is buried under a new tree and continues the line of the dead. Many spells, blessings and enchanting are needed for this process.

Worship

Rites

Every season is initiated with a festivity and a sacrifice or an offering to appease the coming god to be merciful.
The sacrifice for Lindrahl are seeds that survived winter. Once winter has passed and Spring reveals itself. The witches of Lindrahl come to their respective villages, hamlets or cities to collect seeds from every citizen. Once collected the seeds will be burned at the regional shrine. The witches throw in several runes carved from wood into the fire and the runes that survive, will give an insight about the coming harvest. There it’ll be an omen for the rest of the year. This makes it one of the most important rites of the year. The good people of the Midden Reik celebrate the whole day the return of warmth and life. The believers gather around the ritual sites, with candles and light them up one by one. In an hour-long ceremony involving prayers and chants, they praise Lindrahl and beg him for a long and warm spring. In the evening after the ceremony the folks have a great feast in huge tents they raised during the day.
Belenora demands spears and shields. The witches of summer come to homes of the believers to collect the youth of the Midden Reik to press them into mandatory service. The rich and the talented are going to be trained in the Academy for Spellknights where they are taught to hone their skills well but the lesser fortunate are going to be part of the Murder Mob. They are trained to hold formation and to survive a battle, they are basically cannon fodder. The equipment comes with what they can afford or loot from the battlefield. The children chosen for duty will stay in this line for the rest of their life. Some choose this life voluntarily and for some families it is expected to give up one of their children. The families agree to this as they expect not to receive the blessing of protection from Belenora. During a farewell ceremony before the night of leaving, the conscripts must swear an oath to protect their kingdom.
When the harvest is ripe and tithe has been taken Vyrn wants his part for safekeeping. Change is important but is also demanding and thus resources are required and gathered for what is to come. The local witches of Vyrn open the underground chambers when the first leaves fall. Everyone who produced food is storing their share in the vaults. Farmers from the local farms move every 5th of their produce into the chamber. It is said in these shelters dwell the unholy offspring of Vyrn who consume the produce and if they are not fed well, they will creep out of their lairs and feed on the villagers and settlements around it, when fall turns to winter.
Threada requests a blood sacrifice. She is the most feared god as she knows no mercy and is colder than any bone shivering blizzard, she might bring upon thee. She devours life and it seems not a single creature is dear to her, besides the wolves that stalk her prey and revel during her nights. Her witches organize a hunt during the darkest day of the year; The Hexennacht. Annually the hunters of the settlement must prove themselves during the night and either they come back with game or pay with their life. Hunters are covered with blessing of Threada. At least they are blessed with the ones she is willing to grant through her witches. Only the brave and cunning will survive the night as is Threadas' will.
Art
The art based around the religion reflects its connection to nature and the season. Effigies of the gods are created from what nature provides during their respected seasons. Threadas symbols are made with bones, fur, and animal blood. Followers wear necklaces and rings carved from the bones of animals and their deceased ancestors.
The portraits are of dark colours such as nightingale blue and charcoal black. The themes of her portraits are about the inevitable end of existence, in particular death. For her follower's death is nothing to fear; They see it as salvation and an important sacrifice to their lady. Death is granted by Threadas, but not sought after. So usually, artists don't tend to draw frightened people in the paintings, quite the opposite the characters seem to be relieved that their lady finally set them free.
Vyrns’ motifs are depicted with fallen leaves, dead branches and sometimes pumpkins. A common item people hang up to be aware of Vyrns presence are wind chimes made from hollow wood. The colours for paintings of his seasons are grey, orange and red. The canvases of fall are all about change. Often wild animals and creatures are painted hidden in diverse shadows as a warning that change is about to come and that it will bring danger with it. Themes are not necessarily about that change is a bad thing, just for those who aren't prepared and careful.
The items of Lindrahl are diverse flower and floral arrangements, newborns and the swelling of the rivers symbolising the return of life. Followers give their loved ones crowns made with flowers. His artworks usually show the beauty of nature even though most painters claim that they can only capture a fraction of the beauty of Lindrahls’ works. The artists try to celebrate life itself in every aspect. Paintings of loved ones stroll through the lush greens field during the day or just the charm of a landscape.
Belenoras’ idols come in the form of crafting. An artfully forged hammer, sword or shield or even the creation of a special dress is done in her name. Many add her sun to their most prized work to praise her. Followers believe creation, growth and ambition please her. The pictures are about heroes, huge battles and great deeds which showed tremendous bravery, cunning or ambition that changed the course of history. Earth-colour and fiery red accompany the paintings related to Belenoras.
Temples
The temples are as diverse as the gods are.
Belenoras' Houses are built like small fortresses and are straight forward in design and are never playful. Summers' temples are the easiest to spot as she does not hide her presence, her temples stand out in the open as golden tips are reflecting her radiant light across the land.
Vyrns' temples are often the opposite. Long winding floors, built like a labyrinth and seemingly shifting rooms and deep vaults. Each temple of Vyrn has a unique and intricate design. Often, they are hidden in the farthest corners of a city or village not obvious to spot; only to be found by true believers. While the nave is accessible for the public. The inner sanctum is only accessible to true believers of Vyrn for only they can solve the riddles securing the secrets.
Lindrahls temples are often just a pile of huge stones out in the open or in some cave believed to hold his power. Chosen locations for Lindrahls’ Temples are beautiful and quiet glades, small waterfalls and silent streams. His connection to life is deeper than that of his siblings. Entering one of Lindrahls places immediately calms the individual down and for as long as they are in this place they feel pure bliss.
Threadas temples are often built close to the graveyards. Statues of wild animals decorate the temple's entrance giving it an almost menacing character. The graveyards are deep in the forest close to the ancestor trees of the many families of the respective settlement. Her temples are ice cold and the almost black walls are decorated with bones of various beasts and animals. The witches never close the doors of their temples to allow the living and dead to always come in and leave. The smell of this holy house is that of decay and incense. The place is avoided by the people, who are not witches of Threada, of the Midden Reik as much as possible.

Priesthood

The Witches
The priestesses of Äoranlit are called witches, seers and sometimes occultists. Every god claims their own circle. The 4 leaders of the circles are called the Matrons, they are powerful magicians, seamstresses of their respective gods' designs. The Matrons make the important decision in which direction their circle goes and ensure its survival. Second in command after the Matrons are the Mondschwestern. They care for the many circles of the counties of the Midden Reik and try to keep them under control and unify them. On Settlement and city level the Mondkinder are responsible for the communities. Ensuring that the will of the Matrons is carried out in every corner of the Midden Reik and keeping order in their circle. Lowest ranked are the Mondschatten. They are learning magic and fulfilling the demands of their superiors. They carry out background tasks and roles, to make sure everything runs smoothly. The Alderhexen play a special role in ranking as they only obey Frau Perchta, the leader of all circles. They have no command over the circles themselves. Without an exception they are all powerful seers, who have been chosen by Frau Perchta herself to serve her for the rest of their life. While it is not uncommon for witches to enhance their magic with herbs and meditation, it is not unheard of for the Alderhexen to spend weeks, even months in trance. To spot which god a witch is devoted to, you need just have a look at the colour of her robes. Dark tones and blue belong to the Threadas witches, light green and white tones are Lindrahls followers. Red and earthy tones are Belenoras kin. Dark moss green are Vyrns’ advocates.
Frau Perchta
Frau Perchta is the messenger of the gods. She heralds the end of a season and the arrival of another. She is the highest ranked witch of the Äoranlit. Frau Perchta is the head of faith and spends most of her time in the Grottos of Thanfeste. The soul of Frau Perchta is immortal according to the theologian and during her lifetime she transfers soul into a new vessel of a fitting witch. If the head of faith is nearing her end the Matrons go on a pilgrimage to the Silver Lake Grotto, where they are checked to be the next vessel of Frau Perchta. The obscure Alderhexen, use rune stones, meditations and dream readings to determine under which season the next Frau Perchta will rule. The current Perchta, which has ruled for a few centuries now. She was dedicated to Belenora, but her time is coming to an end, and the runes do tell of omens of change. While many of the Matrons have strong magical abilities, after their transformation to Frau Perchta their magical power increases manifold.

Related Species

• Humans

Related Ethnicities

• Midden Reik Hegemony