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Addressing all those whom wish to read and support the Faith.
To every person, faith is important. No matter whom you are, what lifestyle you lead, faith always is present in your life. Whether it be the faith you grew up with or one you adopted, we all hold ourselves to a faith. Yet, it seems as of late that there are those among the Nelfin who have forgotten their faith. I spend many nights simply standing at the temple, waiting to see who will come to give reverence. Yet almost every evening when dawn does finally come, I am left disappointed. I thought for many weeks of why this may be, when I realized that the truest answer was the simplest. Not many come, because what they seek is not there. The faith is called the Faith of Estel, yet a statue of Estel does not mark the halls of the temple. There are multiple sects of the Faith, yet only the barest version of such is represented. As such, as a Faith, as a people, the Nelfin are divided. This reform seeks to remedy such an existence.
As we exist currently, as a whole we are at war. We are at war with an entity who seeks to oppress and conquer our people more and more every day, the Dread Empire. They are bound by a singular connection, a singular bond, their faith. By this singular connection, they are bound and unified. Yet as we are right now, we do not stand united. We stand separated by not only our race, but by our beliefs. This can not stand if we plan to succeed in defeating our enemies. We must be united, not as simply Altalar, Sihndar, Cielothar, or any other breed of Elf or Yanar. We must be unified in faith and mind. The Dread Empire has their bastion with which they are united, it is time that as Nelfin, we find our own as well.
I have spoken to the Secretary of the Faith, and to the High Reverend. The Secretary of the Faith insisted that in order for him to pass any such law that would allow for a reform of the Faith to pass, that I would require the support of the Synod. After all, it does make sense that the Ailor in Regalia whom worship the spirit should regulate what the Faith of a different people who live under their jurisdiction is about. I spoke to the High Reverend, and he plans to bring up the reform to the Synod Diet this week. For these reasons, I wish to bring forward with the changes I wish to make, so that all whom live in Regalia who do worship the Faith of Estel, can see what exactly is to be brought about. I urge all Nelfin and Yanar who have questions or concerns regarding the faith outlined below, to come to the Temple to the Pantheon of Estel in the Altalaan district. I will gladly be willing to discuss the faith with any there. For as a people, we must be unified once more in order to defeat the enemies that lie ahead of us. The Dread Empire shall not wait, and neither should we.
If you are a unionist, please do not come. I would not like to be accused of attempting to convert an individual to the faith.
Inner Pantheon
Middle Pantheon
Outer Pantheon
As I studied through the texts that were available about the faith, I realized that we had no way to treat our dead in the eyes of the Faith. I found that as a flaw, that should be fixed. As such, here are the funeral rites that those of the faith should follow.
The ceremony of Ajollen-Naderi serves its purpose, and does not require any change ultimately. It manages to encompass many aspects of our faith, although changes will need to be made to our current place of worship in order to accommodate for such ceremonies.
I seek not to preach publicly here, simply to speak to others of my faith of what we must do as a people. As far as I am aware, this does not contradict any of the existing nine holy laws. Again, I seek to reform the faith so that as Nelfin and a faith, we can stand strong against our enemies that come against us. The Dread Empire stands with the Void, and so shall we stand with the Faith. As a people, we must become unified in our purpose. For even if the Synod, and the Secretary decide not to accept this proposal for legality, the reality remains the same. We must unite, and come together as one people to stand against the threats that are posed toward us. As above, as below.
To every person, faith is important. No matter whom you are, what lifestyle you lead, faith always is present in your life. Whether it be the faith you grew up with or one you adopted, we all hold ourselves to a faith. Yet, it seems as of late that there are those among the Nelfin who have forgotten their faith. I spend many nights simply standing at the temple, waiting to see who will come to give reverence. Yet almost every evening when dawn does finally come, I am left disappointed. I thought for many weeks of why this may be, when I realized that the truest answer was the simplest. Not many come, because what they seek is not there. The faith is called the Faith of Estel, yet a statue of Estel does not mark the halls of the temple. There are multiple sects of the Faith, yet only the barest version of such is represented. As such, as a Faith, as a people, the Nelfin are divided. This reform seeks to remedy such an existence.
As we exist currently, as a whole we are at war. We are at war with an entity who seeks to oppress and conquer our people more and more every day, the Dread Empire. They are bound by a singular connection, a singular bond, their faith. By this singular connection, they are bound and unified. Yet as we are right now, we do not stand united. We stand separated by not only our race, but by our beliefs. This can not stand if we plan to succeed in defeating our enemies. We must be united, not as simply Altalar, Sihndar, Cielothar, or any other breed of Elf or Yanar. We must be unified in faith and mind. The Dread Empire has their bastion with which they are united, it is time that as Nelfin, we find our own as well.
I have spoken to the Secretary of the Faith, and to the High Reverend. The Secretary of the Faith insisted that in order for him to pass any such law that would allow for a reform of the Faith to pass, that I would require the support of the Synod. After all, it does make sense that the Ailor in Regalia whom worship the spirit should regulate what the Faith of a different people who live under their jurisdiction is about. I spoke to the High Reverend, and he plans to bring up the reform to the Synod Diet this week. For these reasons, I wish to bring forward with the changes I wish to make, so that all whom live in Regalia who do worship the Faith of Estel, can see what exactly is to be brought about. I urge all Nelfin and Yanar who have questions or concerns regarding the faith outlined below, to come to the Temple to the Pantheon of Estel in the Altalaan district. I will gladly be willing to discuss the faith with any there. For as a people, we must be unified once more in order to defeat the enemies that lie ahead of us. The Dread Empire shall not wait, and neither should we.
If you are a unionist, please do not come. I would not like to be accused of attempting to convert an individual to the faith.
Estel exists as the creator of all members of the Pantheon, and the primary influence upon the lives of all Nelfin. She exists as an entity who came from the Exist, and helped ensure the existence, as well as the success of our people.
One pays reverence to Estel by placing their hands upon their own lips and closing their eyes. The individual sits there in silence for one minute, before deciding how they wish to give reverence to Estel. Ultimately, Estel is one who has a personal relationship to all Nelfin. However they wish to pray, is up to them.
Depictions of Estel are ones of large ornate stone statues. Yet the way they are depicted is not as if someone carved her out of stone, but rather the natural world wore away at the stone to make the statue of Estel form.
Month:June
Ceremony:Night of Guardianship, June 20th
Ceremony Description:There are many terrors that hunt in the Night, whether it be Kathar, Sanguine, or some other kind of entity, this night is to show proof to his words. On this eve, all the Nelfin in a community gather together for the Night, whilst those among them stand guard around, to provide the guardianship that Ulley graces us with.
Ceremony:Night of Guardianship, June 20th
Ceremony Description:There are many terrors that hunt in the Night, whether it be Kathar, Sanguine, or some other kind of entity, this night is to show proof to his words. On this eve, all the Nelfin in a community gather together for the Night, whilst those among them stand guard around, to provide the guardianship that Ulley graces us with.
Represents protection of oneself from either outward elements. If you are in a moment where you face a threat from outside aggressors, you pray to Ulley. If you come into a situation where you do not know what lies ahead of you, you pray to Ulley to grant you protection, and for him to come to your defense.
To pray to Ulley, one must take a cloth or brush to clean off a golden coin before hanging it in a window or a lantern, before striking it thrice with a small hammer or rod, before speaking your prayer aloud.
Ulley is depicted as a tall male Altalar with hair that touches the ground. He is often seen as carrying the Scepter of Justice in one hand, and a shield in the other. He seen wearing a long regal robe, however, under the robe is seen to be a set of Nightsilver Armor adorning him.
Month:March
Ceremony Date:Day of Change, March 31st
Ceremony Description:Throughout the day, everyone works together in an area, to help prepare and change the land around them to be better suited for the seeds and building which will grow in it's place. Most of the labor is done on this day, so the ceremony the following night can be held in peace.
Ceremony Date:Day of Change, March 31st
Ceremony Description:Throughout the day, everyone works together in an area, to help prepare and change the land around them to be better suited for the seeds and building which will grow in it's place. Most of the labor is done on this day, so the ceremony the following night can be held in peace.
Represents change or strife. Whether it be a change in your mindset, your person, your environment, or even in the world around you, Ellea is whom watches it. You pray to Ellea to grant her blessings in this change, or for help if you so require it. She presides over nature, and fate, to guide the changes that may come to both.
To pray to Ellea, one must collect small bundles of twigs, intertwining them together into a crown to place upon their own head. If they wish for Ellea to bring change upon an aspect, they leave the crown on as they pray. If they wish for her to stay away from an aspect, and to let it remain as the status quo, they burn the crown of twigs, before speaking their prayer. Another method is if you must change your mindset for a specific event or occurrence. You construct a small idol, or recreation of whatever animal best fits what you need for the task ahead of you. You keep that idol with you, until that task is complete, at which point you burn it, and create a new one.
Ellea is seen as a 'female' Yanar whose form consists of many different ovalations simultaneously. Their body is covered by a multitude of different Yanil constantly scurrying over their form.
Month:September
Ceremony Date:Day of Strength, September 22nd
Ceremony Description:To prove one's devotion to Vallea, who stands for when Nelfin need to overcome trials that are beyond them, on this Day Nelfin work together to accomplish feats of strength that normally could not be done alone.
Ceremony Date:Day of Strength, September 22nd
Ceremony Description:To prove one's devotion to Vallea, who stands for when Nelfin need to overcome trials that are beyond them, on this Day Nelfin work together to accomplish feats of strength that normally could not be done alone.
Represents the ability to overcome trials of both body and mind. Whether this be through having to accomplish an otherworldly task, or to take responsibility unto yourself for the lives of others, it is a trial you must face in your life. The type of responsibility can vary from one life to another, whether it be the responsibility of your soldiers and companions on the battlefield, the responsibility of bringing a child into the world, or ultimately the responsibility of doing what is right, you may pray to Vallea for any of these.You pray to Vallea, not for necessarily assistance in this task, but instead assurance, in case you have doubts regarding your own abilities.
To pray to Vallea, one must simply take a bag or a bowl, before scooping up a rather heavy amount of dirt, sand, or water. One must simply lift it above and in front of their own person, before pouring it down onto the ground. Afterwards, simply clap your hands seven times, before speaking your prayer aloud.
Vallea is seen as being a female Altalar who has great visible strength. She wears clothes that are purely for function, as she braces herself against Aloria to hold up the Sky.
Month:February
Ceremony Date:Night of Eternals, February 23rd
Ceremony Description:All Nelfin gather in the center of whichever area fits best, and together, they make a solemn oath. Each Nelfin takes their craft, and works on a piece that they wish to outlive them, one that would be their finest one yet. That, is the celebration in the first year. However, every year after, on this celebration to Sca'Elle, they take that same piece and work on it, adding to it from the year before, as they work on making something of their craft that will be eternal.
Ceremony Date:Night of Eternals, February 23rd
Ceremony Description:All Nelfin gather in the center of whichever area fits best, and together, they make a solemn oath. Each Nelfin takes their craft, and works on a piece that they wish to outlive them, one that would be their finest one yet. That, is the celebration in the first year. However, every year after, on this celebration to Sca'Elle, they take that same piece and work on it, adding to it from the year before, as they work on making something of their craft that will be eternal.
Sca'Elle represents craftsmanship, and pride. As is expected, he functions in a manner in which he tries to ensure that whatever crafts are made will outlast those who make them. He represents the legacy of ones works, whether it be through walls, paintings, or any other form of craft, you pray to him when you wish for your craft to be of the finest quality, and serve its purpose perfectly.
One prays to Sca'Elle when they seek to create something, or to work their craft. All one must do is simply pray aloud to Sca'Elle during the entirety of the duration whilst they are making their craft, whatever it may be.
Sca'Elle is seen as a tall yet strong Altalar with white hair as well as a beard that stretches down his length twice over. His fingers seem to change shape and form, to be the optimal length and size for whatever craft he performs.
Month:July
Ceremony Date:Day of Union, July 17th
Ceremony Description:On this day, everyone comes together in one place for unison, whether or not these Nelfin were enemies throughout the year, the Nelfin come together on this eve to give reverence to the concept of unification, and solidarity between Nelfin. If any wish to try and rejoin their kind, on this day, they are able to try to, without fear of being hunted.
Ceremony Date:Day of Union, July 17th
Ceremony Description:On this day, everyone comes together in one place for unison, whether or not these Nelfin were enemies throughout the year, the Nelfin come together on this eve to give reverence to the concept of unification, and solidarity between Nelfin. If any wish to try and rejoin their kind, on this day, they are able to try to, without fear of being hunted.
Talea represents unity among people. Through her she seeks to bring together all Nelfin into one unified group and people. Whilst the fundamental beliefs of those people may differ, Talea represents the unity that can be formed as one. You pray to her when seeking to bring together meetings, or to repair relationships with those whom you are no longer close or friendly with.
To pray to Talea, one must simply bring three small items or trinkets to her, all must be different, yet they must share one recognizable trait. The three items must be placed in a pool or body of water whilst the individual prays aloud. Afterwards, they should be allowed to simply drain of all liquid at the site of the prayer, before exiting.
Talea is depicted as a Female Central Altalar, with golden blonde hair. Her eyes are a bright blue in color, and she is depicted wearing a skysteel set of chainmail. Her visage is always proud, and she always is seen surrounded by other Nelfin.
Month:January
Ceremony Date:Day of Truth, January 13th
Ceremony Description:On this day, everyone meets in one place. During the day, they figure out what was the one truth they learned throughout the past year that influenced them the most. They write this truth down, and speak with others throughout the day, where no deception is allowed to be spoken. As day turns to night, all gather around a fire, and drop the truth they wrote down into the flames.
Ceremony Date:Day of Truth, January 13th
Ceremony Description:On this day, everyone meets in one place. During the day, they figure out what was the one truth they learned throughout the past year that influenced them the most. They write this truth down, and speak with others throughout the day, where no deception is allowed to be spoken. As day turns to night, all gather around a fire, and drop the truth they wrote down into the flames.
Represents sight beyond sight, and truths. She existed as a figure who guided the Sihndar in their existence, and she showed them the true nature of what corruption faced Nelfin. She guided them to fight against it, and gave them the tools to see past the facades and deceptions others posed against them, to fight against the void, and ensure that others would not fall to the same deceptions.
To pray to Evsrenllir-Mullontavan, one must simply take a feather, and either let it sit on top of a pool of water whilst the individual speaks their prayer aloud.
Evsrenllir-Mullontavan is depicted as a genderless Dryder dress in clothes that are torn and ragged from conflict. Evsrenllir has eight red eyes that gleam from under the covering of their ragged hood with small trails of thin hair. The arachnid half of the creature seems to be more monstrous than that of a normal dryder, and seems almost sickly in nature.
Month:April
Ceremony Date:Night of Growth, April 1st
Ceremony Description:On this day, all who worked the previous one rest. At night, everyone comes as one, and simply sits at the grove or plant life that was sown last year, and they pay reverence to the Nenya in that grove.
Ceremony Date:Night of Growth, April 1st
Ceremony Description:On this day, all who worked the previous one rest. At night, everyone comes as one, and simply sits at the grove or plant life that was sown last year, and they pay reverence to the Nenya in that grove.
The Nenya represent Purity and life. They were the ones who first provided shelter and protection for the first Nelfin. They spread the message of Estel, and existed as her emissaries, by bringing the first Nelfin into the fold. They represent the purest representation of life, and how it must be cherished, not thrown away.
To pray to the Nenya, one must engage in a different tact. In the months of life, those who seek to pray to the Nenya will take a seed, and transport it outside the temple to the grass fields around, before planting it. During the planting of the seed, they will speak their prayer aloud. During the months where it is not necessarily possible to plant certain flora, instead one goes to the fields at dawn, and they shall speak their prayer before the fields. Afterwards, they shall break their fast by eating a small amount that has come directly from the ground of Aloria.
The Nenya is seen as a gigantic tree, one that spans hundreds of feet into the air. As one looks at the base trunk, the wood parts away to reveal inside the tree what appears to be a glowing white Altalar like Yanar who is asleep.
Month:November
Ceremony Date:Day of Labor, November 21st
Ceremony Description:To commemorate those whom are still suffering, and are under the subjugation of entities, all those who worship the faith come together, and work toward a common goal. Throughout the entirety of the day, All Nelfin will work on a building, or public service for the community, so that when those whom are suffering eventually become free, they will be able to share the burden of work, and no longer suffer.
Ceremony Date:Day of Labor, November 21st
Ceremony Description:To commemorate those whom are still suffering, and are under the subjugation of entities, all those who worship the faith come together, and work toward a common goal. Throughout the entirety of the day, All Nelfin will work on a building, or public service for the community, so that when those whom are suffering eventually become free, they will be able to share the burden of work, and no longer suffer.
Calvannis represents the belief of perseverance under tyranny. When one is facing oppression, or subjugation from a hostile force or nature, they pray to Calvannis to grant them strength to carry on, so that one day they may throw off the yoke that controls them, and eventually break free.
To pray to Calvannis, one must simply take a rope or chain, and secure it around their hands or wrists. For the duration of their prayer, the individual must keep their hands or wrists bound, before releasing themselves at the end of it.
Calvannis is seen as a Nelfin of many different forms. All the forms contain two similarities, one of which is that each wrist has a broken chain hanging from it. The Second similarity is that their eyes always betray an appearance of burning, to show that their mind and will is unbroken.
Month:October
Ceremony Date:Night of Masks, October 31st
Ceremony Description:An evening where each individual arrives at the same area outside the temple. To give reverence to Asc'Tea, everyone present wears a mask, yet they come together to reach compromises over differences they suffered with others over the year. The intent is not to deceive everyone, but instead provide a mask for everyone to speak of the issues they face, to reach an agreement. The event lasts once dusk sets, until the moon rises fully in the sky. Once the moon is fully in the sky, each individual takes off their masks, and joins in praying together, to Asc'tea.
Ceremony Date:Night of Masks, October 31st
Ceremony Description:An evening where each individual arrives at the same area outside the temple. To give reverence to Asc'Tea, everyone present wears a mask, yet they come together to reach compromises over differences they suffered with others over the year. The intent is not to deceive everyone, but instead provide a mask for everyone to speak of the issues they face, to reach an agreement. The event lasts once dusk sets, until the moon rises fully in the sky. Once the moon is fully in the sky, each individual takes off their masks, and joins in praying together, to Asc'tea.
Represents diplomacy, through both deception, and compromise. Whilst Altalar and Cielothar put emphasis on different aspects, sometimes one is needed over the other, yet too much of one can ultimately lead to one's demise. Both compromise, and deception must be used in unison, to ensure the safety of one's own self.
To pray to Asc'tea, one must take two different colored pieces of string, and tie them together before placing them before the Altar. Afterwards the individual will kneel in front of the Altar or string, if the Altar is not available, for five minutes whilst they speak their prayer aloud. When they have reached their compromise or succeeded in negotiations, they may retrieve their string, however long it may take.
Asc'tea is seen as a female Altalar with an almost angular and sharp appearance. Her hair always seems to match the color of her clothing, which seems to be a dress that in it's core nature can be rather refined and dignified, or if pinned up in a certain place can be seen as rather scandalous and revealing.
Month:May
Ceremony Date:Day of Service, May 12th
Ceremony Description:On this day, in order to give reverence to Cae Maen, those whom are able shall attend the nearest center of the community. Everyone shall provide their services at a reduced or free rate to those present, to help better the community as a whole.
Ceremony Date:Day of Service, May 12th
Ceremony Description:On this day, in order to give reverence to Cae Maen, those whom are able shall attend the nearest center of the community. Everyone shall provide their services at a reduced or free rate to those present, to help better the community as a whole.
Represents healing, compassion, charity, and self sacrifice. These are considered to be virtues of different kinds, for they are not ones that are for the public to see. To express these virtues must be done in private manner of sorts, for true compassion can never shine through in the presence of others.
In order to pray to Cae Maen, one must simply speak their song of Peace whilst tending to the wounds or pain of an individual. If an individual seeks to pay reverence at a temple, all that is required is for one to press their fingertips against the edge of the Altar, and speak their prayer aloud.
Cae-Maen is depicted as a dark haired Altalar woman in robes of gray and white. Her visage always seems to be one that betrays a kindness.
Month:December
Ceremony Date:Night of the River, December 17th
Ceremony Description:For this Night, everyone comes together at the edge of the river, and upon it we place small boats of paper, each one carrying a wish, or a message that you wish to give to one whom has left us. The boats eventually will carry on to those upon the river of contemplation.
Ceremony Date:Night of the River, December 17th
Ceremony Description:For this Night, everyone comes together at the edge of the river, and upon it we place small boats of paper, each one carrying a wish, or a message that you wish to give to one whom has left us. The boats eventually will carry on to those upon the river of contemplation.
She represents death, the afterlife, and the cycle of the stars above. You pray to her when one is on their deathbed, and you seek to stave her off from claiming that individual just yet. She steers the boats of the dead, as they relive their memories from their life, over and over as the stars reflect off the river, mirroring themselves in the water. Once the memories have been relived to their fullest, their journey is at an end.
Praying to Ammu Loa is done rarely, however if one seeks to pray to Ammu Loa to ease the passing of an individual, all one must do is speak the full name of the individual seven times by their bedside. To offer brief reverence to Ammu Loa in a temple, one must simply bring to them a Flower at the peak of its life, and simply lay it before the Altar whilst you pray aloud.
Ammu-Loa is seen as an aging Cielothar who wears neutral colored robes. She is of an average height, and her visage is always calm.
Month:August
Ceremony Date:Night of Peace, August 28th
Ceremony Description:The song of the Khal is sung whilst going into battle, yet, Tal'Sieth does not stand entirely for warfare. He stands for it because it is necessary, more than anything else. On this Night, a reprieve can be found from such. The Brutality of one's actions can be left alone, as everyone simply gathers, at the temple, and remembers in solace, those who pledged their lives to Tal'Sieth, and those who continue to do so.
Ceremony Date:Night of Peace, August 28th
Ceremony Description:The song of the Khal is sung whilst going into battle, yet, Tal'Sieth does not stand entirely for warfare. He stands for it because it is necessary, more than anything else. On this Night, a reprieve can be found from such. The Brutality of one's actions can be left alone, as everyone simply gathers, at the temple, and remembers in solace, those who pledged their lives to Tal'Sieth, and those who continue to do so.
Tal'Sieth exists as a representation of warfare and battle. He is prayed to when individuals must defeat those whom are threatening their home, and their companions. Tal'Sieth exists as an individual who exemplifies the nature of combat, whom is prayed to whenever blood must be spilled.
To offer prayer to Tal'Sieth outside of Combat involves bringing oneself to a temple or a body of water. One must simply dip their hair into the liquid, allowing their hair to completely soak whilst they speak their prayer aloud. Once they are finished, they may simply leave. On the field of battle, Those who seek to pray to Talsieth can engage in performing the song of Khal during combat.
Tal'Sieth is seen as a male Avanthar with nearly rather brutal features. His form is always one that seems to represent peak male performance. The weapons that one sees on him is usually a singular stave, yet it morphs into whatever weapon is needed to strike down the foe against him.
As I studied through the texts that were available about the faith, I realized that we had no way to treat our dead in the eyes of the Faith. I found that as a flaw, that should be fixed. As such, here are the funeral rites that those of the faith should follow.
When the death of a Nelfin comes, the process for their death is rather, particular. First, a few things must be done. The first is that two coins must be made, one of silver, and one of Wood. Each one should bear the likeness of Ammu-Loa on oneside, and the likeness of the Pantheon Member whom they most closely aligned with on the other. Their body is to be carried down a river, to a small isolated grove made specifically for this purpose. Here, is where they are laid to rest, with a tree being planted upon the site of their grave. This tree will be the only marker of their life, yet it is expected for each one to be tended to, for through this tree, the memories of each Nelfin will be remembered and rooted to Aloria, so that those who live past them may still remember them as they travel along the River.
I seek not to preach publicly here, simply to speak to others of my faith of what we must do as a people. As far as I am aware, this does not contradict any of the existing nine holy laws. Again, I seek to reform the faith so that as Nelfin and a faith, we can stand strong against our enemies that come against us. The Dread Empire stands with the Void, and so shall we stand with the Faith. As a people, we must become unified in our purpose. For even if the Synod, and the Secretary decide not to accept this proposal for legality, the reality remains the same. We must unite, and come together as one people to stand against the threats that are posed toward us. As above, as below.
Solveiar Leithrandorei Roannfleisiaras Selistinoradin Jasthralistra Rinavalir
Leironse Jacyrin
