Church of Hodall
"I must say I have ventured into many town and cites along my travels. I have seen a number of things but the Chruch of Hodall is something that is almost as common as a local tavern or blacksmith. Something that I don't often pay attention to, but I suppose it is noticable when the people of Hodall are not integrated into the crowds. I do not wish to join myself, but I admire their belief in a single Acuran. Such a wonderful sight to see communities brought together."
Origins:
In the times when life as we know it was still developing, there was a humble man. Who saw, observed and adored nature in all its glory. His name was Hodall, His admiration for the smallest critter to the largest tree is what led him to be be seen as a god for future generations to find faith in. The Acuran came to fame during the great drought, a moment in time where the daystar burned bright and scorched the lands. Making most of the fields and farms a harsh environment for new life to grow. The people grew hungry and the great cities were on the brink of collapse. Then came along Hodall, with his magical scythe he swept across the lands of Birohhal bringing a new age of life and food for the countless lives that resided in the realm of magic. Entire towns gasped in shock at his shear power, awed at his dedication and ultimately bowed down to him, calling him a god. Over the years that followed, the most loyal of disciples followed Hodall wherever he went. Learning the secrets of harvesting and sharing the stories of the nature Acuran so that more and more could put their hopes at the mercy of Hodall. They built churches in his honour, wrote prayers so he could hear them and put faith in his magic to bless the farmland from the bitterness and cruelty of the seasons. After the death of Hodall, the impact on society was not easily forgotten. The church of Hodall was born and has been able to stand the test of time. Being a presence in most of the major cities and settlements and a popular religion that very few are unaware of.The Commandments:
To put faith in an Acuran long since deceased is a serious act of commitment. But one was to join the church, there need to live their lives by a few simple rules.- Respect the land, sea and sky. For without the natural world working in harmony, we would cease to exist.
- Give where you can and you shall receive equal fortune in return
- Never deceive the natural world. It is everywhere and it sees all.
Worship:
Many who are in the church do not simply state they are believers, they show it by attending weekly prayers in one of the many churches of Hodall scatter over Cytal. They also offer gifts to the spirit of Hodall in the seasonal rituals to receive blessings and safety for the upcoming season. And they work hard at whatever they do in life, making sure to go the extra mile on the rare occasion a stranger needs their help.The People:
While anyone is welcome to join the church, the main population is made up of farmers, fisherman and alchemists all across Cytal. The most dedicated and loyal members are chosen to become priests of the church. Where they must take a pilgrimage to the resting place of Hodall himself and take part in a ceremony where his spirit decides if they are worthy of becoming priests. If they are successful they will be blessed with additional magical gifts. These typically include some form of knowledge to aid them in aiding the natural world. Things such as weather patterns, poison detection and talking to animals are some of the gifts a priest could receive.Potential plot hook: Many followers of Hodall have gathered from far and wide to the city of Sianwood to see the Scythe of Hodall in the flesh. Housed at the cathedral sized monestary to the Acuran of Nature, the scythe is on full show for all to witness. But a relic of that much power has caught the eyes of bandits, theives and Necromancers alike. Do you choose to protect the relic from getting into the wrong hands? Or do you take it for yourselves?
Type
Religious, Holy Order
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