Manrien the Purveyor
Manrien the Purveyor is among the most popular of the gods in the Luthaenoism pantheon, being the the God of Life. Despite his Homeland being in the gentle banks of Sonholago, he is widely worshipped all across Maletsok, especially among the Pelozerian Halfling and naturalized Ethelan Elves. He is depicted as a rotund Halfling man with dark, curly hair. His eyes are closed, and his beaming grin indicates a bountiful laugh. He sometimes holds his stomach to show a nourishing meal. Other times, he extends his arms out for an embrace, as can be seen in his emblem. Always, however, he is laughing.
Role in the Sacred History of Maletsok
Purveyor indeed, Manrien's role in the history is that of a life giver. After Elumil of the Distant Wood had created the Island, Manrien set about making fruit-bearing plants. With these, he crafted the first ale, which he imbued with his jovial and care-free nature. He, along with other Gods, created a race to be like himself and enjoy life with him. He gave them the taste of his ale, which gave them awareness and sentience. This race, which are called the Pelozerians, then went on to share the gift of life with other races, bringing awareness of life to servants of Idwalen the Crowned, Bokoren the Voiced, Fornien of the Seven Eyes, and Kirien the Red . In this way, Manrien is credited with the creation of sentience (as well, of course, of alcohol).
Cults
Manrien - The Band of Laughter
The Band of Laughter is the common religion of the Halfling The Condados. They worship the God Manrien the Purveyor, God of Life. Their worship is characterized mostly by outward expressions of faithfulness, although some particularly devout may participate in personal prayer. The Band expresses their faith in Manriel by participating in life-affirming activities. These activities are divided into three categories, known as the Three Joys of Manrien: the Host, the Giver, and the Jester.
The Host includes activities that open the home, such as befriending the lonely, opening doors to the homeless, healing the sick, and leading meal gatherings for the hungry. The Giver includes activities that pertain to giving, like donating money to the poor, clothes to the cold, and guidance to the lost. The Jester is known for those activities that provide entertainment and laughter, such as joking, brewing, acting, and music-making.
Followers try to emulate each of the Joys in their lives, but some prefer to devote themselves to a singular Joy. This is a point of contention amongst Band scholars. The group known as the Living Ones believe to dedicate oneself to one Joy alone devalues the others in life. On the other hand, the Joyous Ones contend that it is not within the realm of possibility for one creature to participate fully in all Three Joys. However, this debate is largely left to the scholars. Common folk tend to flow between Living and Joyous actions throughout lives.
Manrien - The Hands of Life
The Hands of Life is the translation of Aethanism into the Luthaenosim. As worshippers of Manrien, they find the preservation of life to be the most holy calling. Priests and clerics of the religion focus on healing and protection above all else, leaving offensive magic and tactics to the military. Hands of Life temples often double as hospitals and temporary housing institutions. Non-magical adherents worship by volunteering at the temples, often either engaging in medicinal practices or making food and clothes for the less fortunate. Worship services are conducted in praise of Manrien for the Gift of Life, and for offering sacrifices of fruit in the favour of the protection of life and the success of the Empire.
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