The Shepherdic Sainthood

In ancient times, great gates opened and thrust a collection of refugees and settlers into the Mortal Realm. Gathered by a common purpose of finding a new and safe home for themselves and their families, they united under the leadership of three individuals from different walks of life. These refugees and settlers are the ancestors of many of the Mortal Realms inhabitants. The Elves, Gnomes, Satyrs and more all trace their lineage back to the Sylvan Exodus. Those who lead them, would go on to become gods.
The Shepherdic Sainthood is a religion based upon the legend and cultural impact of the Sylvan Exodus. It is the primary faith that connects communities of Elves as well as others who trace their ancestry to the paralell world of the Realm of Fairies. They worship the Trecii, a group of three who led them to the Mortal Realm and helped them settle, eventually elevating to the status of godhood.
These three gods, also known as the Shepherdic Saints or the Tresii, are Ardgalias, The Exodan Saint, Eochaidh, The Saint of Protection, and Tagdariel, The Arcane Architect.

Culture

The culture of those who follow the Sainthood has spread to the farthest reaches of the world. Where the Sylvan successor species have wandered, they have taken their gods and customs with them in their travels. Some often take parts of the cultures that belong to the realms they travel through.
The homeland of their people and faith is Dy Pwud. An ancient and mystical forest with trees that scrape the clouds and roots that bury through the crust of the earth. Here they passed through their gates into the Mortal Realm. Upon arrival they recieved a mixed reception. A history of hostility has led to a culture of isolationism among the people of Dy Pwud. Only select groups of outsiders are let within their holy cities on very short leashes. Fewer among those that are allowed entry and actually allowed into the cities themselves. The people of the Dy Pwud are often highly loyal and family driven, but very standoffish when it comes to outsiders and reserved in regards to the knowledge of their people.
Those who live outside Dy Pwud are quite different. Mostly accepted into the various societies across the realms of Omeath, they are often considered to be welcoming, respectful, and foreign. Seen in many ways as nomads, although many of them are settled in cities where they live and worship. They become integral parts of the socieities in which they inhabit, their temples being centers in town and welcoming to many.
Many worshippers and followers of The Shepherdic Sainthood worship and act differently based upon the views of their deities. Most worshippers follow all three of the Tresii, but choose a patron deity to follow. Those who follow Tagdariel often prize knowledge and familial bonds. They often carry portraits or mementos of their family upon their persons. Some Gnomes have a collection of sketches and drawings depicting their expansive families. Elves sometimes carry locks of hair belonging to loved ones or a single portrait where each face is or image is painted upon. They often have large and close families, celebrating holidays as a whole and keeping in touch over possibly vast differences.
Those who follow Eochaidh are often very responsible and have a great sense of honor. Honesty is common among those who follow Eochaidh and when duty calls they are the first to stand in service. Many Eochians join militias, the local guard, or the army of their homelands. Some cities have regiments of Shepherdan Lancers or Archers. The Lancers are often Elvish or Firbolg and share a powerful bond with a noble steed. Some Firbolg Lancers have been seen riding oxen or aurochs into battle, the emblem of Eochaidh upon their shields. Some Satyrs who follow Eochaidh act as lookouts or guards for their travelling bands. Word has carried that a group of Eochaidh sworn paladins have formed an order that rides upon flying frogs.
Ardgalians could be characterised as free spirited, welcoming, and have a good sense of humor. A large number of Ardgalias' followers are Gnomish and Satyr. Following the Tresii of luck and travel, they are encouraged to travel and see what they can. While many Ardgalians do have a settled life and home, you may have to search far and wide to find one who has never left his hometown. Sometime during their life they are encouraged to go on a travel, big or small. Most of his worshippers are outside the borders of Dy Pwud, wandering the roads or settled in the cities around Omeath. Some Ardgalians become scouts or couriers, travelling the roads. Some who seek to become Seers are sent on a quest. A map is placed in front of them and wine is spilt upon their current location. They must travel to the place where the wine reaches furthest. A tradition among some rambunctious groups of Satyrs is to travel to a faraway land and return with a wanted poster, their own. This tradition is not endorsed by the larger group of Shepherdans at all.

We are the flock led to greater pastures

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Alternative Names

The Shepherdic Saints

Demonym

Shepherdans