{WASC 2022} Temple of Ezarah

The temple of Ezarah is a Mairen-worshipping sect that mostly exists on the Lower Continent of Besrehen. Ezarah being a wind deity, they have taken quite a significant importance on that continent, which is windlocked for thirty-seven days every year. The status of that Temple is particular, considering some people worship Ezarah as a part of a larger Mairen pantheon, and others as a single overruling deity.

Structure

The Temple of Ezarah has a very simple structure. All physical temples have a leading religious figure at their head, who leads prayers and communes with the deity. Every temple also has five wind-priests who sing, and take care of the temple. There is no overarching rule for all of the temples, as Ezarah themself organise the cult however they please, and give directives to the religious leaders.

Ressources

The Temples of Ezarah don't necessarily have strong assets besides the temples in themselves, which are financed by Ezarah themself and the worshippers. Especially in Vindslekar and Tolian, the local governments also give substantial ammounts of financing to the Temples (even though Tolian has a separation of Church and State).

Pratiques

The most common practice for worshippers at the Temple of Ezarah, is to go to the temple once a week and take part in songs made to resemble wind. They might also write prayers into ribbons and tie them to designated areas of the Temples, the wind supposedly carrying those prayers to the ears of Ezarah themself. Every year, however, the greatest manifestations of worship take part during the windlocked month of Ezarah, where celebrations, festivals and rituals are set into place by the Temples. A lot of people participate to those festivals, including non-religious people since it generally is good fun besides simple religious manifestations.

Clergé

The High Priests of Ezarah are appointed by temple by Ezarah themself, among candidates. The candidates can come from any background, any age, any gender without discrimination. It's unclear how Ezarah chooses the High-Priest, as they've never told anyone the criteria on which they base themself. Some believe they choose base on purity of heart, on devotion, though many still strongly believe they only choose based on vibes. After the appointment of the High-Priests, seven other priests are chosen among candidates. Priests from Ezarah's temple dress in shades of white, pale grey, and silver. No color is allowed on the outfit or bodies of priests, who often wear facepaint matching their skin's color in shades of grey. The robes are simple, layered, and made from very fine fabrics which react to the faintest breeze, making them look like pale flames, dancing in the wind.

Sectes

The Temple of Ezarah is already a sect in and of itself, but some Temples have specific practices that could make them be considered sects. The Absolute Temple of Ezarah, for instance, worships only Ezarah as a sole deity. That particular sect is very widespread in Vindlekar, where it is the "unofficial" state religion.

Type

Religious, Sect

Deities