The Faith of The Seven

The Faith of the Seven

In the Vale, worship centers on The Seven—a pantheon of deities who represent the virtues and ideals that govern life, death, and the spiritual journey of the soul. The religion has existed for centuries, shaping the values, customs, and laws of the kingdom. Each of the Seven embodies a distinct aspect of existence, and together they form a harmonious vision of the universe.

The Seven Deities and Their Aspects

1. The Mother – Goddess of Compassion and Life
   Symbolized by a flowering tree, the Mother is revered as the giver and protector of life. Her followers seek her blessing in matters of health, fertility, and healing. The Mother is seen as the essence of nurture and is the patron of families and caregivers.
2. The Father – God of Justice and Law
   Represented by a scale balanced over a sword, the Father upholds order, justice, and truth. Judges, lawmakers, and protectors pray to him, asking for wisdom and fairness in enforcing the law. His temples often serve as courtrooms where disputes are resolved.
3. The Warrior – God of Courage and Protection
   Bearing a shield and spear, the Warrior symbolizes valor, protection, and the strength needed to defend the innocent. Soldiers and guards honor him, praying for his might and resolve in battle. During times of war, his symbol is displayed prominently on armor and banners.
4. The Maiden – Goddess of Purity and Innocence
   The Maiden, depicted with a silver flower, embodies youth, purity, and potential. She is venerated by those seeking new beginnings or protection for the young and innocent. The Maiden is often celebrated during festivals of spring and renewal.
5. The Smith – God of Craft and Creation
   Represented by a hammer and anvil, the Smith is the patron of artisans, laborers, and inventors. His blessing is sought for successful creation, innovation, and mastery in crafts. Temples dedicated to the Smith often feature workshops where apprentices learn from skilled mentors.
6. The Crone – Goddess of Wisdom and Fate
   The Crone is depicted holding a lantern, symbolizing insight and the guiding light of wisdom. She is the keeper of fate and destiny, and her followers seek knowledge and clarity. Oracles and sages often serve the Crone, and her shrines are places for those seeking answers.
7. The Stranger – God of Death and the Unknown
   Seen as a shadowy figure with a veil, the Stranger represents the unknown, death, and the mysteries beyond life. Unlike the other gods, the Stranger is neither wholly revered nor feared but is respected as an inevitable part of existence. People pray to him to guide souls to the afterlife or to find peace with loss.

Leader

The leader of the Faith of the Seven is known as the High Septon. This individual serves as the spiritual guide and highest authority within the faith, interpreting the will of the Seven and overseeing religious practices across the Vale. The High Septon resides in the Sanctum of the Seven, a grand cathedral located in Stormhaven, where they lead ceremonies and offer counsel to both the faithful and nobility.

Chosen through a council of senior clerics, the High Septon is viewed as the earthly voice of the Seven, with power that even the monarch respects. This role is not only religious but also highly political; they wield influence over the Faith Militant, the zealous enforcers of religious doctrine who protect the Faith and its followers.

In the Vale, the current High Septon is Father Beric. Renowned for his strict adherence to doctrine and his deep-rooted faith, Father Beric commands significant influence over both the Faith Militant and the local nobility. While he presents himself as a compassionate leader, his rigid approach has led to harsh judgments, especially regarding the treatment of magic and perceived heresies.

Father Beric's influence was crucial during the Blackwater Witch Trials, which sought to eliminate magic use from the Vale, leaving a deep-seated fear of arcane practices in the region. Though he genuinely believes in protecting the Vale from the corruption of magic, his methods have made him a polarizing figure.

Religious Practices and Traditions

• Worship and Rituals
  Followers of the Seven worship through ceremonies that honor each deity at various life stages: births, marriages, and funerals. Each deity has special days of devotion throughout the year, and major holy festivals often encompass the entire pantheon. Prayers, offerings, and acts of service to the temples are common practices to show devotion.
• The Faith Militant
  Devout warriors known as the Faith Militant serve the Seven, particularly the Father and the Warrior, by defending holy sites, enforcing religious law, and protecting the faithful. The Faith Militant has grown in influence recently, their ranks rumored to have been infiltrated by darker forces. Some believe they have strayed from their divine mission, using their positions to pursue political ends.
• Priests and Clerics
  Priests of the Seven, often referred to as the Holy Speakers, serve in temples and shrines across the Vale, offering counsel, performing rites, and interpreting the divine will. Each temple usually has altars for all the Seven, though some focus on one or two aspects more closely aligned with their location’s needs (e.g., a coastal temple dedicated to the Mother and the Crone for safe passage and wisdom).

Current Beliefs and Conflicts

The Vale’s faith in the Seven is being challenged by the rising presence of demons and devils, leaving many questioning why the gods have not intervened more directly. While the celestials occasionally appear to aid in battles, they remain unreachable, leaving the people of the Vale feeling abandoned. Some faithful whisper that the Seven are testing their resilience, while others wonder if the Faith itself has been corrupted from within.

Notable Figures in the Faith

• Father Beric: A respected yet controversial priest who has challenged certain Faith Militant doctrines, urging for reforms. He has become an enigmatic figure, with followers who believe he understands the true will of the Seven.
• Seraphine: Recently rumored to be Draven's replacement, she is said to be a highly devout and ambitious cleric, willing to go to any lengths to enforce the will of the Seven—though her methods are seen by some as ruthless and unforgiving.

Type	Monotheism (seven aspects of one god)
Location	The Vale
Centre	The Capital City (Valeria)
Leader	Who i
Clergy
Offshoots