Fauna, Goddess of Animals
Holy Symbol:
Alignment: LG
Domains: Animals (Domestic & Wild)
Favored Weapon: Fang, claw, and hoof – any weapons so constructed as to resemble these or with real fangs, claws, or hooves integrated into the weapon. EX: metal claws that fit on the fingers or are sewn into a glove, a staff with fangs and claws of a wildcat or bear attached to one end with a thong of sinew or hide.
Favored Race: Elf
Favored Class: Shaman, Fighters (mounted)
Background Story:
In the long, long ago Fauna was an elven woman who had what is called “a way with animals”. Even the wildest and shyest of creatures became tame under the touch of her hand. She seemed to have almost an instinctive understanding of the fears, desires, and motivations of all creatures great and small from the smallest salamander to the great war horses favored by human knights. The fierce lion allowed her to pull a thorn from his paw, and outlaw war dogs that had suffered such cruelties from men that they trusted no one – still trusted Fauna. So great was her love for all animals that she could never turn away an animal in need. Her fame spread far and wide and whenever someone found an animal who was ill, or orphaned, injured or abused Fauna was called on to help, and small animals were often simply deposited on her doorstep in the dead of night.
Fauna believed that animals killed in the hunt, or captured by fishermen, were animals who had chosen to give themselves in that final sacrifice. She believed, too, that huntsmen, like wolves and other predators, served the herd animals by thinning those weak, and old, and ready to die. So it was that huntsmen and fishermen, as well as herdsmen, came to her for advice and animal lore and she shared it freely with them so long as they promised not to kill for sport, but only in case of need, and to use every part of the animals they killed for food, clothing, shelter, or other needs, wasting nothing and giving back anything they could not use to the place the animal was taken.
She believed that domestic animals agreed to serve or work alongside their human partners, and that the partnership should be one of mutual cooperation and respect. So long as an animal is well treated and (if need be) killed humanely and used fully after death, she will help those who raise animals for food or milk, as well as those who train animals for riding, guarding, or otherwise assisting humanoid folk.
Because she was an elf, she was long-lived, but even elves die. At her death, all the animals who lived with her under her care, and all those who had received the benefits of her care gathered together and petitioned Wodin to set Fauna among the gods that they, and those who cared for them, could call upon her when in need. Wodin agreed and raised Fauna who was pleased to accept her new position among the Gods and Goddesses.
Wodin granted her the power to shapeshift and return to this mortal coil as any animal that she chose. Thus it is said that one should always be kind and respectful to all animals, for the horse you hit, or the bug you squashed, may be Fauna herself in shapeshifted form and the next time you call upon her, or any animal, for help your request may be refused and it may seem the entire animal kingdom is against you (maybe it is!)
Achievements: Fauna is credited by many a knight and cavalry man for protecting themselves and their mounts in battle. Sailors, too, tell tales of Fauna sending dolphins to aid drowning men, helping them swim to safety. Herdsmen tell stories of animals injured nearly unto death who miraculously survive and heal and huntsmen swear Fauna has stepped in to save them from bears and lions when called upon by one who follows her laws. She is a gentle and loving Goddess, by and large, who sticks to her own domain and seldom has reason to interfere or participate in the conflicts of the Pantheon.
Worshipping: Priests and Priestesses of Fauna serve her by caring for animals, and sharing their animal lore with all who come with questions. They are the veterinarians, expert trainers, and rescue groups of Freistaat Bayern. Some choose to live alone or with one or two acolytes in a place where they are able to keep animals – healing, training, rescuing abused or abandoned animals, and helping herdsmen, hunters, and so on. Others live in small communes, some of which specialize in a particular discipline, learning and training experts in healing, training, and working with animals. A few of those specialized communes are named and described below.
There are, of course, as many of these communes as there are animal specialties and now and then someone arises as an expert and creates their own commune as needed, such as Fawghern of the Fowl who became the first priest to specialize in caring for domestic chickens, specializing in the care of roosters who had been bred or used for cockfighting, as well as breeding specialized breeds of chickens to produce more or larger eggs, or better meat. Now the Fowl Commune is one of the best known among Fauna’s communes, and even has more specialized branches such as the Banty Fowl Commune that specializes in breeding miniature chickens for bright, decorative colors to use as living décor in gardens, as well as pets and producers of highly sought after miniature eggs which are then decorated and sold by very specialized jewelers to royal families.
The Fowl Shrine – located in * is tended by those priests who have handed down, and added to the teaching of Fawghern, Priest of Fauna. It is notable for having been carefully molded to resemble the shape of a large egg and is only large enough for three people, usually a priest/ess and petitioner, to enter at a time. Petitioners come to make offerings of bright feathers or eggs, and to ask blessings on a flock, or a particular fowl keeper or even a specific hen or rooster that might be ailing. Priest/esses give blessings, and also take in fowl who are sick, injured, or have been abandoned or abused, as well as raising their own specialized flocks and making eggs and young stock available to followers. They also give instructions in care of domestic fowl, and make healing potions and cures available to followers to care for their birds at home.
The Warhorse Shrine – is one of the largest shrines to Fauna, and one of the richest. Warhorse trainers, riding instructors, knights, and calvary riders all come to this shrine to make offerings and ask favors such as blessings and protections for their mounts, their company, and their stables. Many have bequeathed large fortunes in memory of a mount that served them well. Attached to this shrine is a sizable commune both in numbers of priest/esses and acolytes and in acres – for many warhorses are retired here to acres of green pastures, clean brooks and ponds, and big shady trees. The priests/esses of Fauna also breed warhorses, and make fine stallions available to approved mares. Exceptional foals are occasionally given to royals, or deserving followers of Fauna such as trainers, knights, or Generals. To own a Faunabred warhorse is the greatest dream of many a brave knight.
The Deep Water Fisherman’s Shrine – located at * seaport, this is another of the richest shrines to Fauna. Here fishermen and the captains of fishing fleets come to make offerings and beg Fauna’s favors. Blessings are given to fishing ships before their first launch and after any major changes such as a change in ownership or being passed down to an oldest son. Fisherman beg Fauna to lead them to the richest fishing grounds, and promise to treat the catch with respect, releasing those fish who are too small or not the proper species for eating, as well as releasing sharks, dolphin, turtles and other creatures accidentally caught in nets or on hooks unharmed. Fishermen’s families also come to the shrine to make offerings to Fauna for a good catch, and to bring their men home safely. Pearl divers come and make offerings of their finest pearls, praying for protection from sharks. There is a specialized sect of priests housed here who learn to care for marine life, including addressing emergencies such as beached whales – because of this they are called the Whalemen of Fauna.
Precepts of Fauna: Hunting and Fishing: Followers of Fauna are expected to hunt or fish responsibly. They are not to take the most magnificent specimens in the peak of their life. They are to blend as near as possible with the natural world, taking those who are weak, older, or excess (such as extra males which are born to almost all herd animals or females beyond bearing age). They should never kill a mother animal – if they do so by accident they are expected to find the young and either raise it or bring it to a Fauna shrine to be raised. If an animal is injured or maimed by accident it must either be killed (put out of it’s misery) or brought to Fauna’s shrine to be healed. This means if a hunter makes a hit but does not kill the animal he must track it as far as it may run and kill it, not leave it to die slowly. All parts of an animal must be used or returned to the place it came from or a shrine of Fauna. “Trophy hunting” is expressly and absolutely forbidden under any circumstances. Herdsmen, others involved in training & raising domestic animals for any purpose All animals must be treated kindly and with respect. All animals should have all of their basic needs fulfilled. No animal should be forced to do something against their will or instincts, nor should they be asked to do more than they can do. EX: Some animals, such as warhorses, have the courage and loyalty to do anything their rider asks of them, charging directly into fire, leaping wide obstacles or galloping for miles – other horses may not have this extreme courage or will to please, and those horses should be sold or given to someone who asks less of them, such as “only” riding or plowing, or even released to live free.
Animals raised for meat, milk, eggs and so on still must be given all of their basic needs, including plenty to eat, room to live a natural life, clean water, and a quick and merciful death when the time comes.
Omens and Signs: A follower of Fauna who encounters ANY animal with her symbol as a part of their natural coloration or markings would assume the animal is Fauna herself shapeshifted, and treat it accordingly.
An animal born out of season – such as a foal born in midwinter, or puppies or kittens born in the fall are considered an omen. Good or bad depends on whether they survive.
“The perfect shot” – an animal, no matter how perfect, is considered to have offered itself to the hunter if it presents an absolutely perfect target, especially if it actually stares directly at the hunter or the place the hunter is hiding, as it presents itself. This is considered an especially strong omen of Fauna’s favor. The hunter would accept this as his reward for always hunting responsibly, and would make an offering of the best cut of the meat to the nearest shrine of Fauna, or at least give it to the poor, a widow, etc. S/he also would likely use some part of the animal as a good luck charm worn next to the skin or incorporated into a weapon, armor, or shield.
Artifacts: Many of the specialized shrines of Fauna produce books regarding the care, breeding, training and healing of animals – however these are not regarded as sacred and in fact, are distributed freely to all who request them (offerings and donations appreciated, of course).
Hunting and fishing sects, however, do not distribute books of any sort owing to the belief that hunting and fishing skills should only be passed on in person, to protect against these skills falling into the hands of those who might use them irresponsibly.
The most highly skilled trainers are able to communicate with their partner animals with gesture or sound, thus there is no “golden bridle” or “silver leash” of Fauna.
However, there is one almost mythical item – The Golden Egg. The story goes that the Banty Fowl Commune once received of a fabled King, a fabulously jeweled egg created to honor Fauna. The egg was an incredibly small banty egg, less than 1 inch long, laid by one of the communes hens. It was blown empty, then dipped in gold, which was allowed to fill as well as coat the egg. The gold was then carved with Fauna’s holy symbol as well as the figure of a proud Banty rooster with a diamond chip eye. More jewels were set, ringing the upper and lower ends of the egg – each cut into many facets despite their minute size so that the egg threw off sparks of light in a rainbow of colors. The head of the Banty order was so awestruck by this work of art that he prayed over it that it receive the greatest blessings of Fauna. She answered and made of the egg a holy object that brings good luck and blessings to whoever possesses it. Sadly, this tiny but very precious object was lost when the shrine it was housed in caught fire and was hastily emptied. Many suspect it has found it’s way to some art connoisseurs contraband collection, or perhaps a dragon’s hoard, but the Golden Egg has not been seen in centuries.
Ceremonies/Holidays:
Birthing Day – celebrated in the spring (May 1st) when most animals are giving birth. The purpose is to bless the pregnant mother animals and newborn young. Offerings are made in order with the petitioners profession; sheepherders may make offerings of fine wool, horsemen of braided horsehair jewelry or bridles, huntsmen may offer carvings made from antler, horn or bone, etc. Merrymaking, feasting, and often a parade to show off one’s finest animals bedecked in fine cloth, jewels, or even wreaths of flowers.
Autumn Fair – celebrated in early fall (Sept. 1st) and going on for up to ten days this is when followers show off their finest animals. Followers gather from miles around to compare fine horses, have competitions such as horse races, and exhibitions of well trained dogs, the biggest bull, or boar, the ram with the finest fleece, etc. This is also a sale and breeders will bring their best young stock to sell and trade. The winner of the finest food stock will make a sacrifice of that steer, gilt, etc. and all will feast on the meat as part of the celebration. The fair varies according to locales since in some places there will be more chicken breeders, in some places sheep will do better, others may specialize in horses or cattle, etc. Fisherman and hunters will also come to show off their finest furs, antlers, or largest fish catches as well and may have competitions for target shooting or far-casting.
Mid-winter Fair – celebrated near mid-winter at a date usually agreed upon locally. This celebration is often jokingly called the “Boasters Fair”. Fauna’s followers collect at a local hall or shrine of Fauna if one is near enough for winter travel, sharing hot drinks and the fire and talk about the young animals they are expecting in the spring. Hunters and trappers are often at their busiest now as the fur bearing animals are carrying their best, thick winter coats. They take a day off to come in and brag about what they are going to have to sell in spring and may bring a sample fur. Fishermen may not be working during this time of year at all, but are happy to come for a sit down, warm drink (perhaps with a tot of liquor), and talk. Small gifts may be exchanged and there may be some trading of crafts work such as braided horsehair jewelry, bridles, and ropes, carved antler and bone figures, knives, hooks, nets, and so forth. Some note is taken by hunters of absent friends – those who do not make it may be in some sort of trouble and the others will make a point of checking on them in the near future. A few who train or breed small indoor pets like little dogs, cats, or others may have pets to sell, trade, or with new tricks to show off. All in all, this is a very informal occasion. The fair is a little earlier than most mid-winter holidays since some of the trade items may be intended for Midwinter Feast gifts to sweethearts.
Sects:
Knights of Fauna – devoted exclusively to the art of mounted warfare.
Alignment: LG
Governing precept: the art of mounted warfare is a noble art practiced by a team of man and horse.
Hierarchy: militaristic; enlisted (acolytes), lance corporal (initiated priest), Brigadier, Major General, and General (head of the order)
Rites and Ceremonies – initiation rites where a man and horse are initiated as a single unit, with a new rite for each rank. If a horse should die or be killed, the new horse must be initiated with the man again. If a man dies, the horse is retired to The Warhorse Shrine – which is also where this sect has their home base and training grounds. Once a year during the Autumn Fair the Knights of Fauna put on a special display of extraordinary riding and battle prowess.
These knights provide training for the teachers of horses and men. On rare occasions the Priests of Fauna may loan the standing Calvary, or even a particular Knight, to a ruler in need in exchange for a sizeable donation to the church.
Gentleman Farmers – made up of herdsmen and farmers who adhere strictly to Fauna’s precepts. Largely they advise other farmers on questions such as when an animal must be healed or what form of humane killing and care is necessary according to Fauna.
Align: NG
Hierarchy: Gentleman, Nobleman, Grand Master
Rites and Ceremonies; candidates for Gentleman Farmer are generally suggested by the local farmers, accepted by the nearest Gentleman after interviews, and then initiated with further rites at each rank. Gentleman Farmers are generally in charge of the local Fairs and Birthing Day celebrations, in cooperation with any of similar rank from the local Huntsmen or Fisherman’s sects. They may conduct blessings when a son inherits his father’s farm and in many cases perform weddings and funerals in rural communities.
Huntsmen of Fauna, and Fishermen of Fauna perform in a very similar manner for their own communities. The only difference being in the names of their ranks. For Huntsmen of Fauna; Hunter, Guide, and Grand Master. For Fishermen of Fauna; Fisher, Angler, and Grand Master.
Aphorisms and Words of Wisdom: Often heard when someone is witnessed abusing an animal – “Beware, lest that be Fauna herself you are raising a hand to (starving, beating, whatever)” “Now that is a (dog,cat,horse,cow, fish, elk, etc.) truly blessed by Fauna” is said about a particularly fine animal. “As kind as Fauna herself” is an especially nice compliment.
All living beings should be treated with kindness and respect.
Notable Minions or NPCS Since many of Fauna’s followers are among the layity it will not be unusual to be at a market and discover you are actually buying eggs from the local Gentleman Farmer. However, you are very unlikely to find yourself talking to Hiram Granville, the current General of the Knights of Fauna.
made by Summer Foovay
Domains: Animals (Domestic & Wild)
Favored Weapon: Fang, claw, and hoof – any weapons so constructed as to resemble these or with real fangs, claws, or hooves integrated into the weapon. EX: metal claws that fit on the fingers or are sewn into a glove, a staff with fangs and claws of a wildcat or bear attached to one end with a thong of sinew or hide.
Favored Race: Elf
Favored Class: Shaman, Fighters (mounted)
Background Story:
In the long, long ago Fauna was an elven woman who had what is called “a way with animals”. Even the wildest and shyest of creatures became tame under the touch of her hand. She seemed to have almost an instinctive understanding of the fears, desires, and motivations of all creatures great and small from the smallest salamander to the great war horses favored by human knights. The fierce lion allowed her to pull a thorn from his paw, and outlaw war dogs that had suffered such cruelties from men that they trusted no one – still trusted Fauna. So great was her love for all animals that she could never turn away an animal in need. Her fame spread far and wide and whenever someone found an animal who was ill, or orphaned, injured or abused Fauna was called on to help, and small animals were often simply deposited on her doorstep in the dead of night.
Fauna believed that animals killed in the hunt, or captured by fishermen, were animals who had chosen to give themselves in that final sacrifice. She believed, too, that huntsmen, like wolves and other predators, served the herd animals by thinning those weak, and old, and ready to die. So it was that huntsmen and fishermen, as well as herdsmen, came to her for advice and animal lore and she shared it freely with them so long as they promised not to kill for sport, but only in case of need, and to use every part of the animals they killed for food, clothing, shelter, or other needs, wasting nothing and giving back anything they could not use to the place the animal was taken.
She believed that domestic animals agreed to serve or work alongside their human partners, and that the partnership should be one of mutual cooperation and respect. So long as an animal is well treated and (if need be) killed humanely and used fully after death, she will help those who raise animals for food or milk, as well as those who train animals for riding, guarding, or otherwise assisting humanoid folk.
Because she was an elf, she was long-lived, but even elves die. At her death, all the animals who lived with her under her care, and all those who had received the benefits of her care gathered together and petitioned Wodin to set Fauna among the gods that they, and those who cared for them, could call upon her when in need. Wodin agreed and raised Fauna who was pleased to accept her new position among the Gods and Goddesses.
Wodin granted her the power to shapeshift and return to this mortal coil as any animal that she chose. Thus it is said that one should always be kind and respectful to all animals, for the horse you hit, or the bug you squashed, may be Fauna herself in shapeshifted form and the next time you call upon her, or any animal, for help your request may be refused and it may seem the entire animal kingdom is against you (maybe it is!)
Achievements: Fauna is credited by many a knight and cavalry man for protecting themselves and their mounts in battle. Sailors, too, tell tales of Fauna sending dolphins to aid drowning men, helping them swim to safety. Herdsmen tell stories of animals injured nearly unto death who miraculously survive and heal and huntsmen swear Fauna has stepped in to save them from bears and lions when called upon by one who follows her laws. She is a gentle and loving Goddess, by and large, who sticks to her own domain and seldom has reason to interfere or participate in the conflicts of the Pantheon.
Worshipping: Priests and Priestesses of Fauna serve her by caring for animals, and sharing their animal lore with all who come with questions. They are the veterinarians, expert trainers, and rescue groups of Freistaat Bayern. Some choose to live alone or with one or two acolytes in a place where they are able to keep animals – healing, training, rescuing abused or abandoned animals, and helping herdsmen, hunters, and so on. Others live in small communes, some of which specialize in a particular discipline, learning and training experts in healing, training, and working with animals. A few of those specialized communes are named and described below.
There are, of course, as many of these communes as there are animal specialties and now and then someone arises as an expert and creates their own commune as needed, such as Fawghern of the Fowl who became the first priest to specialize in caring for domestic chickens, specializing in the care of roosters who had been bred or used for cockfighting, as well as breeding specialized breeds of chickens to produce more or larger eggs, or better meat. Now the Fowl Commune is one of the best known among Fauna’s communes, and even has more specialized branches such as the Banty Fowl Commune that specializes in breeding miniature chickens for bright, decorative colors to use as living décor in gardens, as well as pets and producers of highly sought after miniature eggs which are then decorated and sold by very specialized jewelers to royal families.
The Fowl Shrine – located in * is tended by those priests who have handed down, and added to the teaching of Fawghern, Priest of Fauna. It is notable for having been carefully molded to resemble the shape of a large egg and is only large enough for three people, usually a priest/ess and petitioner, to enter at a time. Petitioners come to make offerings of bright feathers or eggs, and to ask blessings on a flock, or a particular fowl keeper or even a specific hen or rooster that might be ailing. Priest/esses give blessings, and also take in fowl who are sick, injured, or have been abandoned or abused, as well as raising their own specialized flocks and making eggs and young stock available to followers. They also give instructions in care of domestic fowl, and make healing potions and cures available to followers to care for their birds at home.
The Warhorse Shrine – is one of the largest shrines to Fauna, and one of the richest. Warhorse trainers, riding instructors, knights, and calvary riders all come to this shrine to make offerings and ask favors such as blessings and protections for their mounts, their company, and their stables. Many have bequeathed large fortunes in memory of a mount that served them well. Attached to this shrine is a sizable commune both in numbers of priest/esses and acolytes and in acres – for many warhorses are retired here to acres of green pastures, clean brooks and ponds, and big shady trees. The priests/esses of Fauna also breed warhorses, and make fine stallions available to approved mares. Exceptional foals are occasionally given to royals, or deserving followers of Fauna such as trainers, knights, or Generals. To own a Faunabred warhorse is the greatest dream of many a brave knight.
The Deep Water Fisherman’s Shrine – located at * seaport, this is another of the richest shrines to Fauna. Here fishermen and the captains of fishing fleets come to make offerings and beg Fauna’s favors. Blessings are given to fishing ships before their first launch and after any major changes such as a change in ownership or being passed down to an oldest son. Fisherman beg Fauna to lead them to the richest fishing grounds, and promise to treat the catch with respect, releasing those fish who are too small or not the proper species for eating, as well as releasing sharks, dolphin, turtles and other creatures accidentally caught in nets or on hooks unharmed. Fishermen’s families also come to the shrine to make offerings to Fauna for a good catch, and to bring their men home safely. Pearl divers come and make offerings of their finest pearls, praying for protection from sharks. There is a specialized sect of priests housed here who learn to care for marine life, including addressing emergencies such as beached whales – because of this they are called the Whalemen of Fauna.
Precepts of Fauna: Hunting and Fishing: Followers of Fauna are expected to hunt or fish responsibly. They are not to take the most magnificent specimens in the peak of their life. They are to blend as near as possible with the natural world, taking those who are weak, older, or excess (such as extra males which are born to almost all herd animals or females beyond bearing age). They should never kill a mother animal – if they do so by accident they are expected to find the young and either raise it or bring it to a Fauna shrine to be raised. If an animal is injured or maimed by accident it must either be killed (put out of it’s misery) or brought to Fauna’s shrine to be healed. This means if a hunter makes a hit but does not kill the animal he must track it as far as it may run and kill it, not leave it to die slowly. All parts of an animal must be used or returned to the place it came from or a shrine of Fauna. “Trophy hunting” is expressly and absolutely forbidden under any circumstances. Herdsmen, others involved in training & raising domestic animals for any purpose All animals must be treated kindly and with respect. All animals should have all of their basic needs fulfilled. No animal should be forced to do something against their will or instincts, nor should they be asked to do more than they can do. EX: Some animals, such as warhorses, have the courage and loyalty to do anything their rider asks of them, charging directly into fire, leaping wide obstacles or galloping for miles – other horses may not have this extreme courage or will to please, and those horses should be sold or given to someone who asks less of them, such as “only” riding or plowing, or even released to live free.
Animals raised for meat, milk, eggs and so on still must be given all of their basic needs, including plenty to eat, room to live a natural life, clean water, and a quick and merciful death when the time comes.
Omens and Signs: A follower of Fauna who encounters ANY animal with her symbol as a part of their natural coloration or markings would assume the animal is Fauna herself shapeshifted, and treat it accordingly.
An animal born out of season – such as a foal born in midwinter, or puppies or kittens born in the fall are considered an omen. Good or bad depends on whether they survive.
“The perfect shot” – an animal, no matter how perfect, is considered to have offered itself to the hunter if it presents an absolutely perfect target, especially if it actually stares directly at the hunter or the place the hunter is hiding, as it presents itself. This is considered an especially strong omen of Fauna’s favor. The hunter would accept this as his reward for always hunting responsibly, and would make an offering of the best cut of the meat to the nearest shrine of Fauna, or at least give it to the poor, a widow, etc. S/he also would likely use some part of the animal as a good luck charm worn next to the skin or incorporated into a weapon, armor, or shield.
Artifacts: Many of the specialized shrines of Fauna produce books regarding the care, breeding, training and healing of animals – however these are not regarded as sacred and in fact, are distributed freely to all who request them (offerings and donations appreciated, of course).
Hunting and fishing sects, however, do not distribute books of any sort owing to the belief that hunting and fishing skills should only be passed on in person, to protect against these skills falling into the hands of those who might use them irresponsibly.
The most highly skilled trainers are able to communicate with their partner animals with gesture or sound, thus there is no “golden bridle” or “silver leash” of Fauna.
However, there is one almost mythical item – The Golden Egg. The story goes that the Banty Fowl Commune once received of a fabled King, a fabulously jeweled egg created to honor Fauna. The egg was an incredibly small banty egg, less than 1 inch long, laid by one of the communes hens. It was blown empty, then dipped in gold, which was allowed to fill as well as coat the egg. The gold was then carved with Fauna’s holy symbol as well as the figure of a proud Banty rooster with a diamond chip eye. More jewels were set, ringing the upper and lower ends of the egg – each cut into many facets despite their minute size so that the egg threw off sparks of light in a rainbow of colors. The head of the Banty order was so awestruck by this work of art that he prayed over it that it receive the greatest blessings of Fauna. She answered and made of the egg a holy object that brings good luck and blessings to whoever possesses it. Sadly, this tiny but very precious object was lost when the shrine it was housed in caught fire and was hastily emptied. Many suspect it has found it’s way to some art connoisseurs contraband collection, or perhaps a dragon’s hoard, but the Golden Egg has not been seen in centuries.
Ceremonies/Holidays:
Birthing Day – celebrated in the spring (May 1st) when most animals are giving birth. The purpose is to bless the pregnant mother animals and newborn young. Offerings are made in order with the petitioners profession; sheepherders may make offerings of fine wool, horsemen of braided horsehair jewelry or bridles, huntsmen may offer carvings made from antler, horn or bone, etc. Merrymaking, feasting, and often a parade to show off one’s finest animals bedecked in fine cloth, jewels, or even wreaths of flowers.
Autumn Fair – celebrated in early fall (Sept. 1st) and going on for up to ten days this is when followers show off their finest animals. Followers gather from miles around to compare fine horses, have competitions such as horse races, and exhibitions of well trained dogs, the biggest bull, or boar, the ram with the finest fleece, etc. This is also a sale and breeders will bring their best young stock to sell and trade. The winner of the finest food stock will make a sacrifice of that steer, gilt, etc. and all will feast on the meat as part of the celebration. The fair varies according to locales since in some places there will be more chicken breeders, in some places sheep will do better, others may specialize in horses or cattle, etc. Fisherman and hunters will also come to show off their finest furs, antlers, or largest fish catches as well and may have competitions for target shooting or far-casting.
Mid-winter Fair – celebrated near mid-winter at a date usually agreed upon locally. This celebration is often jokingly called the “Boasters Fair”. Fauna’s followers collect at a local hall or shrine of Fauna if one is near enough for winter travel, sharing hot drinks and the fire and talk about the young animals they are expecting in the spring. Hunters and trappers are often at their busiest now as the fur bearing animals are carrying their best, thick winter coats. They take a day off to come in and brag about what they are going to have to sell in spring and may bring a sample fur. Fishermen may not be working during this time of year at all, but are happy to come for a sit down, warm drink (perhaps with a tot of liquor), and talk. Small gifts may be exchanged and there may be some trading of crafts work such as braided horsehair jewelry, bridles, and ropes, carved antler and bone figures, knives, hooks, nets, and so forth. Some note is taken by hunters of absent friends – those who do not make it may be in some sort of trouble and the others will make a point of checking on them in the near future. A few who train or breed small indoor pets like little dogs, cats, or others may have pets to sell, trade, or with new tricks to show off. All in all, this is a very informal occasion. The fair is a little earlier than most mid-winter holidays since some of the trade items may be intended for Midwinter Feast gifts to sweethearts.
Sects:
Knights of Fauna – devoted exclusively to the art of mounted warfare.
Alignment: LG
Governing precept: the art of mounted warfare is a noble art practiced by a team of man and horse.
Hierarchy: militaristic; enlisted (acolytes), lance corporal (initiated priest), Brigadier, Major General, and General (head of the order)
Rites and Ceremonies – initiation rites where a man and horse are initiated as a single unit, with a new rite for each rank. If a horse should die or be killed, the new horse must be initiated with the man again. If a man dies, the horse is retired to The Warhorse Shrine – which is also where this sect has their home base and training grounds. Once a year during the Autumn Fair the Knights of Fauna put on a special display of extraordinary riding and battle prowess.
These knights provide training for the teachers of horses and men. On rare occasions the Priests of Fauna may loan the standing Calvary, or even a particular Knight, to a ruler in need in exchange for a sizeable donation to the church.
Gentleman Farmers – made up of herdsmen and farmers who adhere strictly to Fauna’s precepts. Largely they advise other farmers on questions such as when an animal must be healed or what form of humane killing and care is necessary according to Fauna.
Align: NG
Hierarchy: Gentleman, Nobleman, Grand Master
Rites and Ceremonies; candidates for Gentleman Farmer are generally suggested by the local farmers, accepted by the nearest Gentleman after interviews, and then initiated with further rites at each rank. Gentleman Farmers are generally in charge of the local Fairs and Birthing Day celebrations, in cooperation with any of similar rank from the local Huntsmen or Fisherman’s sects. They may conduct blessings when a son inherits his father’s farm and in many cases perform weddings and funerals in rural communities.
Huntsmen of Fauna, and Fishermen of Fauna perform in a very similar manner for their own communities. The only difference being in the names of their ranks. For Huntsmen of Fauna; Hunter, Guide, and Grand Master. For Fishermen of Fauna; Fisher, Angler, and Grand Master.
Aphorisms and Words of Wisdom: Often heard when someone is witnessed abusing an animal – “Beware, lest that be Fauna herself you are raising a hand to (starving, beating, whatever)” “Now that is a (dog,cat,horse,cow, fish, elk, etc.) truly blessed by Fauna” is said about a particularly fine animal. “As kind as Fauna herself” is an especially nice compliment.
All living beings should be treated with kindness and respect.
Notable Minions or NPCS Since many of Fauna’s followers are among the layity it will not be unusual to be at a market and discover you are actually buying eggs from the local Gentleman Farmer. However, you are very unlikely to find yourself talking to Hiram Granville, the current General of the Knights of Fauna.
made by Summer Foovay
Type
Religious, Pantheon
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