Reverence of The Three Virgins
Structure
The Three Virgins religion is dissolute, without a central power structure. Individual churches and chapels are presided over by priests and priestesses in threes, who together fulfill all of the duties involved. These priests and priestesses are most often referred to as "reverends."
Public Agenda
Spread the public good.
Assets
The Three Virgins churches are rarely affluent, choosing instead to funnel most donations into charity and public aid. Priests and priestesses of Vhara consider the brewing of ales and wines as a sacred act, and the churches often subsist off of the sales of these beverages.
History
During Year Zero, the Three Virgins were a minor cult. As the Church of the Demiurge saw its power wane, the cult spread and thrived. The lack of central power is particularly appealing to the fiercely independent Maecodians.
Mythology & Lore
According to the founding myths, the Three Virgins came from the stars and physically walked Kobos for a time. They taught that the Demiurge was flawed, and that they had a better way. The allegories and parables that form the rest of the mythology of the Three Virgins cycle are concerned with being kind even in adversity, fighting evil with either love or ferocity as it demands, and concerning oneself with the common good.
Cosmological Views
The Three Virgins taught that the Demiurge was flawed, and that the flaws in the world are intrinsic to His failings. This is obviously blasphemy according to Demiurgery.
Tenets of Faith
Morwal, Queen of Stars, commands that you deny not your passions, but use them for the intrinsic good.
Vhara of the Fields commands that you love and toil and prosper with diligence and consideration.
Domielle the Mercy-Bringer commands that evil be either cured or euthanized, and that good must be protected.
Ethics
Faith, love, charity and protectiveness are the four most revered virtues among the triarians.
Selfishness, cruelty, laziness and cowardice are the four most despised sins.
Worship
Services are informal and preformed irregularly throughout the week. While weekly scheduled services or practices might be observed, at any time nine or more people visit the church at once more often than not kicks off an impromptu prayer service, with the consent of the visitors. Depending on the area, dozens of these services may be observed throughout a given week.
Priesthood
Reverends operate in threes, with acolytes that assist them and learn to replace them when the time comes. Each church or chapel operates autonomously, communicating and coordinating with other churches but almost entirely independent. Reverends are appointed by either the reverend which they are replacing, or by the other two when no heir apparent exists. New churches are founded by missionaries, which are itinerant reverends appointed by already established ones.
Reverends wear robes in accordance to their matron: Morwal's priests wear blue, Vhara's wear green, and Domielle's wear red. All three wear wide white cloth collars, nearly large enough to be considered mantles. Additionally, Vhara's priests often wear green coveralls and leather aprons when working, and Domielle's have red-and-gold checkered tabards to wear over armor should they have to wield a weapon in the name of Domielle. While not in any way required, facial tattoos of the symbols of the various Virgins or particularly revered saints are a common sight among the clergy.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Though it is the dominant religion in Maecodia, Triarianism has little overt influence over the confederation as a whole. Locally, the power and influence over inner mural affairs varies enormously.
Sects
Wild Heresy - A belief that the Three Virgins were actually in service to High Sidhe of the Feywild, and that worship of them and the reverence for chastity is actually against the doctrines of these entities. Wild Heretics are known for insane fertility rites, where they dance around fires and participate in torrid frivolities.
Live, Love, Rest Easy
Founding Date
Middle Antiquity
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Alternative Names
The Triple Goddesses, The Three Loves, The Three Moons
Demonym
Triarian, Reverents
Permeated Organizations
Divines
Controlled Territories
Manufactured Items
Notable Members
Related Myths
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