The Circle of the Old and the New Gods
The Circle of the Old and New
The Circle is an order formed, as accepted by a majority of current scholars, by Ragnar the Blessed in Asteria. It is an order dedicated to the spread of word of the gods, the collection and dissemination of knowledge, the care taking of the poor and downtrodden, and the advising of faithful rulers. The Circle has 7 Primary Gods they worship, but also accepts other gods and new gods, and consider them tied in some way to the old. They are not zealous in the sense that they force their religion on others, but rather allow them to come and accept it themselves.The Old Gods
The Seven Old Gods are those taken from the Asterian Homeland. Each has an association with life or nature. Agnar, the God of War and Honor. The Father and King of the Gods, leader of the people. Rulers, Fathers, and Soliders are his primary worshipers. His color is dark red, as is the color of his marks. Nepta, the Goddess of the Sea. The Mother Goddess, from whom life is gained and sustained. She gives, she provides, and she sustains those who find solace in her. Asterians, Sailors, Marines, Fishermen, and many more are her worshipers. Her color is dark blue, as is the color of her marks. Gun, the God of the Earth and Animals. Through him, crops are cultivated and animals are herded. The Deer, the Wolf, the Bear, and the Hare are all his gifts. The Stone and Iron that is mined, the Forest that are felled, all come from Gun. Lumbers, Miners, Farmers, Herders, Hunters, and Gathers are his worshipers. His color is dark brown, as is the color of his mark. Frei, Goddess of Love, Marriage, and Family. With her guidance, our connections are born. The bond a mother feels for her child. The love a man has for his woman. All are feelings guided by Frei. Those who love and have been loved are her followers. Her color is yellow. Soldrac, God of Justice, Order, and Balance. All those who have been wronged, or who seek forgiveness for wronging look to Soldrac for wisdom. It is from him life as we know is possible. His color is Gold. Rena, Goddess of Life and Death. All that breaths takes their gift from Rena's bosom. She is the goddess who breaths our souls into existance so that we may enjoy all the world has to offer. She gives us life, and also calls us when death requires it. Medicus, Priest, and the Elderly are her followers. Her color is Green. Quan, God of Arts, Crafts, and Spirit. All the mankind builds, makes and sustains is done via Quan's wisdoms. The stone that is carved, the bows that are made, all our visions presented to us by Quan. Craftsman of all kind follow him. His color is black.The Marks
The Members of the Circle are adorned by white markings, symbolizing their pure pursuit of dedication to ones friends and neighbors. These markings are ever expanding as the individual rises through the ranks and teachings.The Wisdom of the Gods
The Circle believes that each of the Gods once walked the mortal plain alongside man, spreading their teachings and knowledge to as many as they can reach. Each of the Gods have a book, kept in the Citadel, which is constantly added to by the many members. These books serve as the personified keepers of all the known knowledge the Circle has come to understand. No knowledge, great or small, is left out.The Economics
The Circle collects Tithe from their followers on a 'as can supply' basis. Many followers have a tradition to donate 5% of their monthly wage to the organization, which then uses it to fund schools, shelters, and other establishments. The Citadel itself is funded by the Royal House of Asteria, which uses that maintenance as their Tithe.Structure
The Circle has many ranks within it, all separated by amount of study and knowledge.
And Individual begins as an Apostle. These young men or women are at least 16 years of age, and have requested to pursue a life in service of their kin. They will go through two years of intense study and community service, to prove they are committed to the cause. They wear robes of brown with no sash.
After completion of these two years, they become a Grey Priest. As a Grey Priest they also select their primary focus of Divine following and they receive their marks. They then enter a period of 10+ years of service as a Priest, learning all the primary things their God teaches or focuses on and spreading it to others. They serve as educators, trainers, healers, and in many of the hands on positions. They wear robes of grey with a colored sash for their god.
If chosen, after at least ten years, they may become Speakers. These are the experienced members of the Circle. These individuals are in charge of Circle Schools, advise rulers, lead Medical Centers, and many more. They are rare, but not unseen. They wear robes of white and silver.
For each of the seven gods, there are seven Master Speakers. These are the premier scholars of the Circle. Together, they make the Grand Council, whom have many responsibilities, not least of which is confirming the Asterian Monarch.
Public Agenda
The Main goal of the Circle is to education, guide, and advise. They believe their mission is to spread the wisdom gathered by Gods and Men as far as they are able to ensure the success and enjoyment of life for all their kin.
Assets
The Citadel
The Citadel is the Capital of the Circle. It is a large, heavily fortified and funded complex which houses the Grand Council and the Circle School which teaches the many members of the organization. The Citadel is located on Agnar's Island outside of Wulfric's Hall.Circle Schools
Wherever the Circle goes, a school follows. It is mandated that at least 1 Grey Priest from each god be present at the school to teach the many fields of study. These schools are funded by the Circle, which is funded by the many followers of the school.History
The Circle was founded by Ragnar the Blessed in the early 1200's. With the construction of the Citadel completed under the Reign of Allistar the First, it was officially enshrined and began to spread it's teaching.
Comments