Children of Maia

The Children of Maia are a minor religious group who are well known for their charity work among the poor of western Pelatoria. Followers dressed in their distinctive blue robes and masks can often be seen distributing food to the hungry in Jirithkaen slums or in impoverished Thurnetorrian villages.

Cosmological Views

Followers believe that their goddess Maia sacrificed her life to create humans, and that a piece of her lives within every person. As people do selfless deeds, more of Maia is brought into the world. When poverty, hunger, and suffering are cleansed from the world, Maia will be resurrected into a perfect world. There is some disagreement among the Children of Maia about whether this promise is a literal resurrection or simply a metaphor.

Most followers believe that their goddess was not necessarily responsible for creating Leitoria itself. The Children of Maia accept the possible existence of other deities, but choose to dedicate themselves primarily to the calling of Maia.

Tenets of Faith

Help those in need at every opportunity
Every person has something important to give, no matter how small it may seem
Do not accept payment or tokens for your work, for it is a gift
Avoid any substance that will keep you from a sound mind at all times
All people are sacred to Maia, do not kill under any circumstances

Ethics

Children of Maia believe that for altruism to remain pure from praise or reward, they should not let their identities be known when helping those in need. Charity workers in the field will completely cover themselves to avoid being recognized. Some even use sign language to communicate so that no one will be able to hear the sound of their voice.

Typical garments include a cloak, gloves, a cloth mask over their mouth and nose, and a large hood to conceal their upper face. The blue hooded robes and mask have become the distinguishing garments of a Child of Maia. Those who don't have a blue robe will cover themselves with what they own and then tie a blue strip of cloth around their waists as the symbol of their devotion.

Worship

Children of Maia believe that the highest form of worship is giving back to the people around them. Followers are encouraged to come together as a community to distribute food and medicine at least once a week.

Followers also often erect small wooden statues of Maia by paths or street corners. Here, people can leave small donations to be collected and distributed to the poor.