Blesserfolk Religion
In the western portions of the Darí Plateau, especially around Beomark and the Arankai Highlands, the dominant religion is that of the Blesserfolk. This religion does not have a formal organised structure like other faiths, nor is there any hierarchy in the divine entities that are worshipped. Instead, the Blesserfolk religion revolves around hundreds of deities, each with his or her own field of patronage or supervision. These deities are known either as a blessermay (or just May) if female, and as a blesserben (or just Ben) if male.
Shrines to the blesserfolk take many different forms, ranging from temple-like masonry structures in the towns and cities, to small roadside shrines no bigger than a beehive. In wilderness regions, shrines often exist in small caves or grottoes. Many homes possess a household shrine, which usually takes the form of a niche carved into the walls of the building. Shrines to May Rannen are common aboard fishing boats, while the northern corner of livestock paddocks usually contains a shrine to May Arlieu. All shrines contain a statue of the blesserben or blessermay to whom it is devoted, although these statues can vary in size from a few inches tall to human-sized or larger. All shrines, no matter their size or patronage, contain a small stone bowl, known as a pereppe; in some cases the bowl is carved directly into the stone of the building or the location, usually at the feet of the statue. Almost all shrines serve only one of the blesserfolk, although some structures, such as the Blessinghouse in Birdseye, house individual shrines to dozens of blesserfolk.
Very few structured rituals or ceremonies occur within the Blesserfolk religion; rather, individuals decide how they wish to worship and show devotion to the May or Ben that they choose. For example, carpenters will often pay their respect to Ben Goodwood, as he is the patron of their craft, and will seek favours (blessings) from him in return. Not all blesserfolk are associated with a specific trade or profession; for example, some, such as Ben Hoy, are identified as genius loci (spirits of a locality), while others (for instance May Ash-a-Tay) have a more domestic or household role. Nobody would ever willingly disrespect one of the blesserfolk, and so small acts of respect are common; for example, upon entering a space sacred to one of the blesserfolk, a person would typically offer a small bow or curtsy, and may silently ask for permission to move into or through the space.
When a specific blessing is being sought, a ritual is required in which an offering is always given. The nature of the offering varies in small ways from one ben or may to the next, but a constant feature is the pouring of tea into the pereppe. Pereppes are never cleaned, but rather absorb the tea, and so it is not uncommon to be struck by the smell of tea upon entering a shrine. For some blesserfolk, tea is sufficient as an offering; others require additional gifts: Ben Goodwood, for instance, is supplied with a small scattering of wood ash, while May Ash-a-Tay receives a few drops of candle-wax. Each blesserfolk typically also has his or her own personality. Ben Hoy, for example, is known to be good-natured and an undemanding blesserben, and easily satisfied without the need for any offerings at all.
The blesserfolk religion is non-proselytising: it does not seek to convert others or impose its beliefs and traditions on other people. Their philosophy is 'live and let live'. Because of this, outsiders have sometimes falsely assumed that the religion is not treated seriously by its followers. Adherents of the blesserfolk are deeply connected to their faith, and very protective of it if it appears to be threatened.
List of Blesserfolk
- Ben Dustfoot, who protects those who go on journeys
- Ben Glint, who makes shiny things shine
- Ben Goodwood, who helps carpenters select the best timber
- Ben Hoy, also known as Old Man Hoy, he is the protective spirit of Hoy's Torn (on which stands the City of Birdseye)
- Ben Raggetty, who watches over the poor and homeless
- Ben Shatter, who lends soldiers the strength of his sword arm
- Ben Sparepenny, who is patron of the charitably-given coin
- Ben Whitelock, who is kind to those who give alms
- May Arlieu, who protects livestock from insects, pests, and mischievous spirits
- May Ash-a-Tay, who is candleflame and candlelight
- May Ekarae, who guides water to the sea
- May Ovensie, who makes the bread-dough rise
- May Rannen, who cares for fishing boats during bad weather
- May Shieldma'am, who is the patron and guardian of Birdseye
- May Usse, who is the protector of birds and all things that fly
Priesthood
The blesserfolk religion, due to its highly individualistic nature, does not possess a complicated clerical hierarchy or priesthood. Instead, shrines are usually tended by volunteers, for whom the main duties involve keeping the floors clean and ensuring that the necessary materials are present to provide tea for offerings. It is generally considered the duty of the community to take care of their local shrines; in Birdseye, many of the powerful guilds make a point of pride in the maintenance they provide their shrines, as exemplified by the Worshipful Company of Jewellers and the shrine of Ben Glint in Old Quarry Lane.
The only formal position within the blesserfolk religion is that of the Sage. Sages can be either male or female, and are distinguished by wearing dark green soutanes and silk headbands in the same colour. Sages primarily function as religious advisers, providing guidance on what offerings to give to the various blesserfolk, overseeing the shrines in an area, ensuring death rituals are fulfilled, and coordinating the few holy ceremonies in the year. Sages are few in number, as their duties are rarely onerous; in a city such as Birdseye, a single sage is sufficient to serve the entire community (although assisted by a small secular staff), and in more rural areas, sages will often travel from one town to the next.
Type
Religious, Pantheon
Legislative Body
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Permeated Organizations
Deities
Divines
Related Professions
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