Church of Nylea

In the dance of the wild, find both joy and solemnity. The hunt is a celebration of life's cycles, and in the forest's embrace, discover the beauty of solitude.

— Follower of Nylea

The Church of Nylea, devoted to the goddess of the hunt and the wild, is a decentralized and nature-centric faith that celebrates the beauty and balance of the natural world. Temples dedicated to Nylea are scattered across forests, meadows, and other untamed landscapes, often blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The faithful of Nylea find spiritual connection through the observation of the natural world and the cycles of life.

Structure

The Church of Nylea lacks a rigid organizational structure, mirroring the decentralized and organic nature of the wilderness. Local druidic circles and groves, each led by a revered Archdruid, serve as focal points for worship and communal gatherings. These circles communicate with each other to share wisdom and maintain a loose network of mutual support.

Culture

Cultural life within the Church of Nylea is deeply rooted in an appreciation for nature, the hunt, and the cycles of life and death. Followers of Nylea are often hunters, gatherers, or stewards of the land, living in harmony with the wild. Art and rituals reflect the beauty of the natural world, and celebrations are centered around seasonal changes and the abundance provided by the goddess.

Holidays

Harvestmoon Festival: Celebrating the bountiful harvest and the transition into autumn.
Renewal's Embrace: A spring festival honoring the renewal of life and growth.

Cosmological Views

In the cosmology of Nylea, the goddess oversees the untamed aspects of the world, guiding the cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth. The church teaches that the natural order is a reflection of Nylea's divine will, and followers seek to maintain balance in the ecosystems they inhabit.

Tenets of Faith

Celebrate the Hunt: The hunt is a sacred dance of life and death. Followers of Nylea are encouraged to revel in the natural cycles, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

Balance and Seasons: Honor the turning of the seasons and respect the delicate balance of nature. Nylea teaches her champions to live in harmony with the changing world, adapting to its rhythms.

Swift and Agile: Embrace agility and swiftness, mirroring the prowess of a skilled hunter. Nylea's followers learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and precision.

Cherish Solitude: Seek moments of solitude to connect with the serene beauty of the forest. Nylea values introspection and the appreciation of nature's quietude.

Ethics

Ethics within the Church of Nylea revolve around respect for the natural world, stewardship of the land, and the pursuit of a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. Followers are taught to live in harmony with nature, avoiding wastefulness and exploitation. The ethical framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Worship

Worship in the Church of Nylea involves rituals conducted in natural settings, such as groves, meadows, or ancient forests. Followers offer thanks for the bounty of the land, seek guidance in the hunt, and celebrate the changing seasons. Offerings often include harvested crops, fruits, or tokens crafted from natural materials.

Priesthood

The priesthood of Nylea is composed of druids and rangers who commune with nature and channel the goddess's power. Archdruids lead local circles and groves, guiding the faithful in the understanding of the natural world. The priesthood values a deep connection with the land, the ability to communicate with animals, and a commitment to preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Deities

• Nylea, God of the Hunt