Ferrador
(a.k.a. The Untamed Stag)
Ferrador, the Untamed Stag, pronounced "fayr-ah-dor," is a pivotal figure within the pantheon of the Nine Faces, embodying the essence of freedom, liberty, and individuality. As one of the most vibrant and actively worshiped deities, Ferrador champions the cause of the oppressed and the marginalized, offering guidance and protection to those who seek to break the chains of tyranny. This deity's domains encompass not only the physical realms of the wild and untamed but also the metaphysical aspects of the spirit, advocating for a life lived with unbridled enthusiasm and a commitment to personal autonomy.
Ferrador's interaction with the world is dynamic and multifaceted, often manifesting through natural phenomena or direct intervention in times of great need. Known for its benevolent nature, Ferrador inspires acts of kindness and courage among its followers, encouraging them to stand against injustice and fight for the right of all beings to live free. However, when provoked by acts of suppression or tyranny, Ferrador's wrath is swift and decisive, serving as a reminder of the deity's immense power and its intolerance for oppression. Through visions, natural omens, and the passionate zeal of its clergy, Ferrador continues to be a beacon of hope and liberation across Volhira, guiding its followers towards a future where freedom and individuality are cherished and protected.
History
The reverence for Ferrador, the Untamed Stag, traces back to the tumultuous times when the might of giants overshadowed the lands of Volhira, casting a shadow of oppression and fear upon its inhabitants. Amidst the despair and subjugation, it was Ferrador's essence that ignited the flames of hope and resistance among the Crestamooreans. Legends whisper of a celestial stag, or at times a majestic being part stag, part human, that appeared to the beleaguered humans and seedkin, filling their hearts with visions of liberty and the courage to defy their colossal oppressors. This divine intervention reached its zenith with the hero Jused Rov, who was inspired by a vision of Ferrador to lead the uprising that would ultimately shatter the chains of giant tyranny. Thus, Ferrador's worship began not just as a veneration of a deity but as a celebration of the unyielding spirit of freedom that led to the giants' downfall. In modern times, Ferrador's worship has flourished, spreading its roots deep into the heart of human kingdoms, particularly in the Union of South Crestamoore, where it stands as a beacon of freedom and a guardian against oppression. The deity's temples, often nestled in the vibrancy of cities or the tranquility of wilderness, serve as reminders of the eternal vigil against tyranny. Ferrador's followers, bound by a shared devotion to liberty and the natural world, continue to honor the deity's legacy through acts of kindness, rebellion against injustice, and the liberation of those ensnared by the chains of servitude. The worship of Ferrador demonstrates the enduring power of freedom and the deity's ceaseless vigilance in safeguarding it against the ever-present shadows of oppression.Clergy
The clergy of Ferrador, known as the Untamed, serve as the spiritual guides and defenders of freedom across Volhira. With temples most commonly located within the Union of South Crestamoore, these sanctuaries stand as bastions of liberty, welcoming all who seek refuge from oppression. The Liberators are organized in a relatively flat hierarchy, emphasizing individuality and the personal journey towards freedom. Each temple is led by a Freeshackle, who oversees the spiritual well-being of the community and ensures that the teachings of Ferrador resonate with all. The Untamed actively participate in the world by engaging in rituals that celebrate the natural world and freedom. They work closely with local governments to organize annual holidays focused on liberating those unjustly bound, whether physically or spiritually. These acts of liberation are not just symbolic but practical, offering those freed a new path in life, often within the clergy itself. Beyond these rituals, the Untamed venture into wilderness areas, spreading the message of Ferrador and assisting those in need, embodying the deity's ideals of freedom, liberty, and the respect for the untamed aspects of the world. Their commitment to these principles makes them revered figures, seen as the embodiment of Ferrador's will.Traditions & Observances
Ferrador is venerated through rituals and practices that embody the deity's core principles of freedom, liberty, and individuality. Common rituals include the Freedom Call, a ceremony conducted in both urban and wild spaces, where followers gather to invoke Ferrador's spirit, seeking to imbue their lives with the essence of unbridled freedom. These gatherings often feature the release of captive animals as a symbolic gesture of Ferrador's will, alongside communal dances and songs that celebrate the joy of unfettered existence. Priests and devotees also engage in personal meditations in nature, seeking guidance and blessings from Ferrador to navigate life's paths with courage and autonomy. Among the most significant observances in Ferrador's worship is the Festival of the Wild, an annual event that marks the deity's intervention in the liberation of Crestamoore from tyranny. This festival is celebrated with a week of festivities that include theatrical reenactments of key historical liberations, spirited debates on the nature of freedom, and the freeing of individuals unjustly bound, whether by physical chains or societal constraints. The culmination of the festival is the Night of the Untamed Spirits, where bonfires are lit across cities and forests, symbolizing the eternal flame of liberty that Ferrador champions. Through these rituals and celebrations, Ferrador's followers not only honor their deity but also enact the very ideals of freedom and individuality that form the heart of their faith.Dogma
Embrace the winds of freedom, for they alone cleanse the spirit of its chains. Walk the untrodden path with courage, for in individuality lies the essence of the divine. Let no mortal hand quell the flame of liberty within you, for to live freely is the highest command of the Untamed Stag. Stand against the tide of oppression, for it is in the defense of the free that true honor is forged. Release the bonds of the unjustly caged, for in their liberation, you enact the will of Ferrador. Revere the wilds, for they teach the purest form of freedom—untouched, unclaimed, and unyielding.
Religions
Children
Freedom, liberty, individuality Symbol
A stag with antlers sprouting leaves Ceremonial Colors
Emerald green and sunset gold