Nefere
Nefere is one half of The Senary pantheon's duo commonly referred to as The Family. Nefere is the parent god, depicted as father or mother. Nefere is the deity whose gender aspects are most differentiated. In the aspect of the mother, Nefere is the patron of home and hearth, of nurturing and childbirth, the creation of new life, and domesticity. In the aspect of the father, Nefere is the patron of fertility, discipline, the harvest, leadership, justice, and defense of self and others. This deity is also referred to as "The Parent", "The Mother", or "The Father". The Family is also associated with the world's largest moon, Fella, as well as the night hours.
Nefere as The Mother is usually depicted wearing a gown or long tunic, with soft shoes one would expect to see around the house. In this aspect, they are often given tools of domestic and nurturing trades - cooking, sewing, childcare, healing, hunting, growing, etc.
Nefere as The Father is most often depicted in a mid to long length tunic with boots. In this aspect, they are usually given tools aligned with the things The Father is a patron of - such as farming tools, simple weapons, a rod or switch, symbols of fertility, etc.
Anyone of any species, race, gender, age, etc. is welcome to serve Nefere. They accept both children and adults to begin their service. Amongst their ranks you will find clerics, paladins, regular priests, and mage-priests.
Dogma
Neferim take no vows of celibacy, and in fact many are married or partnered and some even have children. They do take vows of generosity and frugality; they are expected to live communally within their temple, sect, order, or wider community and support others once they have met their own needs - a Neferim found living in excess would likely be sanctioned or devested. Neferim are expected to lead in their communities, and believe they have a divine responsibility to offer guidance, protection, and justice.
Hierarchy
At the bottom of the ladder you will find Acolytes, those who have recently begun their discernment and education as followers of Nefere. Acolytes who have shown dedication, loyalty, mastery of skills will advance to the rank of Novices when they take their first formal vows to the deity and the temple of their training. Usually, at this point their education begins to specialize depending on their interests and talents, and some will attach to a particular sect or order. Adults who have joined the clergy late tend to be Acolytes and Novices for 3-5 years. Children are generally not allowed to become Novices until they turn 14. Novices who are deemed ready to take full vows (and are at least 20 - children are not considered ready) must first face The Dreaming, a mystical ritual shared by all of the Senary clergy. Those who succeed and are given full priesthood are called simply Neferim, and addressed by the honorifics Mother or Father. Further honorifics include Grandmother/Grandfather for those of venerable age, Archmother/Archfather for those who have done something special; Firstmother/Firstfather for an individual in charge of a temple, sect, region, etc.; and Matriarch/Patriarch for the highest leader of the Neferim (there is one in Delryn and one in the Empire).
Temples
The temples of the Neferim are by preference made of stone, though study wooden buildings are acceptable. The aspect of The Father requires that they be easily defensible. The aspect of The Mother influences that they also be warm and welcoming, and as full of natural light as possible.
Vestments
Vestments of the Neferim reflect what their deity is depicted in - long gowns or tunics for adherents of The Mother and long or mid-length tunics for adherents of The Father. Sturdy leather shoes are the norm, with slippers and indoor shoes favored by those whose work is mainly indoors and boots favored by those whose work is outdoors. Daily clothes are generally cream or natural colors, in fine linens and wools often embroidered with images that reflect an individual's particular order or job or paired with simpler versions of their ceremonial vestments. Ceremonial vestments are white floor-length high-necked overrobes with holy symbols or writing worn over strong, bright yellow and orange underrobes. Adherents of The Mother use green as an accent color, while Adherents of The Father use red. Those who travel wear the same daily clothes as those who remain at temples, though sometimes in more durable fabrics.
Services
The services the Neferim provide to their communities include healing, attendance to many domestic needs, midwifery, fertility magics, bodyguard and guard training, acting as judges, and serving justice.
Orders and Sects
The Knights of Nefere follow the aspect of The Father. They both train outsiders to and act themselves as bodyguards and guardians of those in need.
The Guardians of Justice follow the aspect of The Father. They study the law, often alongside followers of Meret, and take vows to uphold justice. But while the followers of Meret believe that everyone should be able to argue their position in a court and plead their case, the Neferim place the value in seeing justice done.
The Order of Serene Healers follow the aspect of The Mother. They train and serve as healers and midwives.
The Chosen
The vast majority of the Neferim are fairly run-of-the-mill priests and priestesses, going about their business with a lot of training and a small amount of divine help. But Clerics and Paladins are not uncommon; those who seem to have a more direct line of communication and aid from Nefere.
The Favored
Nefere favors worshippers who are healers, midwives, parents, judges, leaders, and defenders. It is not unheard of for particularly devout worshippers to be blessed or visited by Nefere.
Description
Nefere is most often depicted as an adult of mid to elder age, often determined by the age the corresponding Nakhta is depicted. There is no canon physical description for any of the deities of the Senary pantheon; artists often choose to match the physical descriptions of their own people, family, or audience. The exception is that they are always depicted with gold or yellow eyes, and with either halos or an aura of some sort. It is not uncommon to see Nefere with a crown or circlet.Nefere as The Mother is usually depicted wearing a gown or long tunic, with soft shoes one would expect to see around the house. In this aspect, they are often given tools of domestic and nurturing trades - cooking, sewing, childcare, healing, hunting, growing, etc.
Nefere as The Father is most often depicted in a mid to long length tunic with boots. In this aspect, they are usually given tools aligned with the things The Father is a patron of - such as farming tools, simple weapons, a rod or switch, symbols of fertility, etc.
Personality
The personality of Nefere can differ vastly depending on which aspect and which association is being depicted in a story or interaction. The Mother tends to be nurturing and warm, with a strong feeling of kindness. The Father is also generally warm, though oft sterner due to their roles as leader, disciplinarian, and arbiter of justice in the teachings.Worshippers, Clergy, and Temples
The ClergyAnyone of any species, race, gender, age, etc. is welcome to serve Nefere. They accept both children and adults to begin their service. Amongst their ranks you will find clerics, paladins, regular priests, and mage-priests.
Dogma
Neferim take no vows of celibacy, and in fact many are married or partnered and some even have children. They do take vows of generosity and frugality; they are expected to live communally within their temple, sect, order, or wider community and support others once they have met their own needs - a Neferim found living in excess would likely be sanctioned or devested. Neferim are expected to lead in their communities, and believe they have a divine responsibility to offer guidance, protection, and justice.
Hierarchy
At the bottom of the ladder you will find Acolytes, those who have recently begun their discernment and education as followers of Nefere. Acolytes who have shown dedication, loyalty, mastery of skills will advance to the rank of Novices when they take their first formal vows to the deity and the temple of their training. Usually, at this point their education begins to specialize depending on their interests and talents, and some will attach to a particular sect or order. Adults who have joined the clergy late tend to be Acolytes and Novices for 3-5 years. Children are generally not allowed to become Novices until they turn 14. Novices who are deemed ready to take full vows (and are at least 20 - children are not considered ready) must first face The Dreaming, a mystical ritual shared by all of the Senary clergy. Those who succeed and are given full priesthood are called simply Neferim, and addressed by the honorifics Mother or Father. Further honorifics include Grandmother/Grandfather for those of venerable age, Archmother/Archfather for those who have done something special; Firstmother/Firstfather for an individual in charge of a temple, sect, region, etc.; and Matriarch/Patriarch for the highest leader of the Neferim (there is one in Delryn and one in the Empire).
Temples
The temples of the Neferim are by preference made of stone, though study wooden buildings are acceptable. The aspect of The Father requires that they be easily defensible. The aspect of The Mother influences that they also be warm and welcoming, and as full of natural light as possible.
Vestments
Vestments of the Neferim reflect what their deity is depicted in - long gowns or tunics for adherents of The Mother and long or mid-length tunics for adherents of The Father. Sturdy leather shoes are the norm, with slippers and indoor shoes favored by those whose work is mainly indoors and boots favored by those whose work is outdoors. Daily clothes are generally cream or natural colors, in fine linens and wools often embroidered with images that reflect an individual's particular order or job or paired with simpler versions of their ceremonial vestments. Ceremonial vestments are white floor-length high-necked overrobes with holy symbols or writing worn over strong, bright yellow and orange underrobes. Adherents of The Mother use green as an accent color, while Adherents of The Father use red. Those who travel wear the same daily clothes as those who remain at temples, though sometimes in more durable fabrics.
Services
The services the Neferim provide to their communities include healing, attendance to many domestic needs, midwifery, fertility magics, bodyguard and guard training, acting as judges, and serving justice.
Orders and Sects
The Knights of Nefere follow the aspect of The Father. They both train outsiders to and act themselves as bodyguards and guardians of those in need.
The Guardians of Justice follow the aspect of The Father. They study the law, often alongside followers of Meret, and take vows to uphold justice. But while the followers of Meret believe that everyone should be able to argue their position in a court and plead their case, the Neferim place the value in seeing justice done.
The Order of Serene Healers follow the aspect of The Mother. They train and serve as healers and midwives.
The Chosen
The vast majority of the Neferim are fairly run-of-the-mill priests and priestesses, going about their business with a lot of training and a small amount of divine help. But Clerics and Paladins are not uncommon; those who seem to have a more direct line of communication and aid from Nefere.
The Favored
Nefere favors worshippers who are healers, midwives, parents, judges, leaders, and defenders. It is not unheard of for particularly devout worshippers to be blessed or visited by Nefere.
Common Myths & Stories
Nakhta & Nefere by devinsxdesigns
Nefere
pronounced neh-FEAR-ee
Pantheon
The SenaryPair
The Family (with Nakhta)Titles
The ParentThe Mother
The Father
Clergy Demonym(s)
NeferimSymbols and Sigils
A tree shown with both branches and roots, overset with or crowned by a golden crown.Common Domains
Arcana, Death, Forge, Grave, Life, ProtectionCommon Associations
All AspectsFella
The Night
As The Mother
Home & Hearth
Nurturing
Childbirth
New Life
Creation
Domesticity
As The Father
Fertility
Discipline
Harvest
Leadership
Justice
Defense of Self and Others
Favored Colors
WhiteYellows and Oranges
Green (The Mother)
Red (The Father)
Favored Metals and Gemstones
ObsidianGoldstone
Silver
Favored Professions
HealersMidwives
Parents
Judges
Leaders
Defenders
Children
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