Peonian
Peoni is the kindest and most gentle of the gods. She will accept into her fold any with an honest heart. She loves the scholarly who use their knowledge in service of others, the poor, the meek, the innocent and the powerless, the hard working and those who love with true love. She is the patron goddess of healing and agriculture, and is
closely associated with the turning of the seasons. She demands that her followers be gentle and kind, but is forgiving of those who transgress.
Peoni is most often represented as a young girl with hands worn red from her labors, and is symbolized by spring flowers or by the fruits of agriculture. It is said that she prefers white flowers and that the daisy is her favorite. Peoni and her divine servants have never taken violent action against other deities; they followed the Concordat of the Illimitable Tome even before it was signed. Peoni does not struggle with the other gods for dominion over Kelestia.
It is often held that Peoni is Larani’s mother, in spirit if not in fact. Larani’s followers are the staunch protectors of Peoni’s church. Laranian warriors often guard Peonian temples, but this is only one aspect of the working affiliation of the two churches.
Structure
The early church had no central authority. The building of the temple of Perna in 594 BT is often cited as the founding of central authority, but the hundreds and then thousands of wandering priests recognized no authority between themselves and the deity for many centuries. The Council of Perna in 293 TR, held almost 900 years after the founding of the temple, actually created the Peonian Hapalanate and established the current structure of the church.
The Hapalan (Pontiff)
The Peonian Pontiff dwells in Perna, which is still the most popular destination of Peonian pilgrims. Historically, Hapalani have not attempted to become secular lords, although their influence in Perna is great. The office of Hapalan alternates between male and female clerics; as of 720 the Hapalan is Vialle of Aradil, a saintly and intelligent woman of 54. She became Hapalan in 709. Neither she nor her predecessors have claimed to be infallible. They act and speak only as spiritual guides, and are relieved of virtually all administrative tasks by the Pelclunia to foster this role. The moral pronouncements of the pontiff are accorded great respect by adherents and are usually obeyed voluntarily.The Pelclunia (Cardinals)
The sixteen members of the Pelclunia serve as advisors to the Hapalan. Each represents a distinct geographical region and is appointed by the Hapalan in consultation with the appropriate primate. When the Hapalan dies the Pelclunia chooses a successor. In this they are said to be guided by Peoni herself and may select anyone, excepting only themselves. Usually, they select a primate or other highly advanced cleric. However, in 602, for example, the Pelclunia chose Derinea of Shulde, a Reslava from Melderyn. The choices of the Pelclunia always seem suitable in retrospect; Hapalans have been, almost without exception, competent and devout servants of Peoni.History
Earth and fertility cults have been common among the human tribes of Lythia for as long as men have farmed and kept livestock. The concept of maternal soil evolved with the growth of agriculture. Modern theologians believe that these early cults had Peoni as their common object, regardless of the name by which they called her. As people refined their agricultural practices, worship of Peoni became more organized, combining many of the early cults with more sophisticated concepts.
Unification of the Aspects
The nature of Peonianism is to seek the common ground with others. Peonians tend to celebrate the discovery of a new aspect of their goddess, rather than fight over the rightness of views. Even before the unification, those who worshipped the different aspects of Peoni were friendly toward each other. The unification of the church, traditionally dated 594 BT, was a bloodless marriage.The Aerlathos
The first visitation of the Aerlathos occurred circa 600 BT. The Aerlathos were four prophets, one each from the north, south, east, and west. Two were men, two women. Each claimed to have been gifted with the same vision, that, “those who worship the cycles of earth shall be as one.” At the time, many of the earth cults had fallen from the true ways by introducing elements of violence and retribution into their beliefs. Some had even introduced human or animal sacrifice into their rites, offering blood to enrich the soil. Ceremonies often devolved into orgiastic revels. Hence, according to tradition, the Aerlathos were summoned by Peoni to codify the beliefs and renew the purity of her followers. The four preached eloquently to the common folk, and made their separate ways to a common destination that each had seen only in a vision. Everywhere they went the crops were blessed. Word spread of their pilgrimage and Peonians celebrated their newfound unity. By the time the four simultaneously reached the tiny village of Perna, there were several thousand clerics in their train. The four, who had never met, spoke in perfect unison of the need to reconsecrate the priesthood to the principles of the Lady of Labors. They blessed all the assembled priests and each male Aerlathos married a female Aerlathos in a double wedding to symbolize the unity of the church. At this point, according to tradition, the Aerlathos were transported to Valon, but not before they promised three more visitations that would occur, “when the terror of war shall beset thee and the congregations shall as babes put aside their faith for bright trinkets.”Alamarel
Alamarel was a pious and humble woman. She became the first pontiff of the Peonian church and her first task was to conduct the marriages of the Aerlathos. Under her guidance, the assembled clerics built a temple to the glory of Peoni. A few stayed in Perna to form the nucleus of a central bureaucracy, but most departed to spread the word of Peoni as mendicant clerics dependent on the charity of simple farmers. Alamarel encouraged the proliferation of temples to be supported by the voluntary tithes of the laity. Their purpose was to provide sanctuaries for the purification and education of priests. Priests of the early church are remembered for their saintly patience and superhuman energy in the face of persecution by other religions. Many were martyred by those who rejected their doctrine. The story of Safransi of the Sheaf, who was boiled alive by Agrikan fanatics rather than renounce her beliefs, is an oft told story. Safransi continued to bless her murderers until the moment of her death. This kind of sacrifice earned respect for the church from all quarters. When non-adherents came to realize that Peonians were harmless, willing to aid almost anyone with their healing arts, the church was left in peace and was able to spread with little interference. Peonian evangelists directed their main efforts at those unwanted by other faiths.Demography and Population
Peoni is the most commonly worshipped deity in western Lythia. The countryside is dotted with peasant-made shrines to Peoni and her clerics are often found among the poor and sick, blessing their labors, and easing their tasks with boundless compassion.
In a few places, such as Rethem on Hârn, Peonianism is officially illegal, but unofficially ignored by the secular authorities.
Foreign Relations
The Other Gods
Agrik and his followers are filled with bitter, terrible rage. Like wounded animals, they are dangerous, and must be treated with respect. It is difficult to stay calm in their presence, but we must try. Only Peoni’s love can heal their torment and bring them salvation. Halea beguiles her followers with wealth, beauty, and physical excess. We are all tempted by such lures, particularly in our crowded and unchaste cities. Haleans are confused, not wicked. We must strive to remind them that their reckless pursuit of pleasure and gold brings pain to others and thence to themselves. Ilvir is a neglectful master. He provides little guidance or sustenance for his followers, who deserve better. We should always be ready to help Ilvirans for they are good folk who know and heed the rhythms of the earth. Larani and her followers strive to do good. Their mission to protect the weak and uphold the social order is noble. Just as Laranians protect our bodies from the physical dangers of this world, so must we ensure that their pride, strength, and warlike rigor do not lead them into moral danger. Ours is a special partnership, but we must never be afraid to provide moral leadership. Morgath and his minions are insane, made so by the malign influence of Bukrai. They can only be met with a resolute commitment to the principles of peace on which the Concordat is based. Never forget that Morgathians are victims of their god’s madness. The opportunity to heal a lost soul is an opportunity to be taken whenever possible. Naveh and his followers practice their evil and malice in unpredictable ways. The will and reason behind their violence is as much a mystery as the thoughts of a Navek blizzard. There is little to be done about the Thief of Night, except to help one another to recover from his foul attentions. Sarajin’s followers are loyal and true to their own kith and kin, but bloodthirsty barbarians to all others. They are to be feared, for they have the violence of the wolf or the lion. But they kill from ignorance. We must teach them peace, honor, and love whenever possible. Save-K’nor preserves the Concordat upon which the existence of Kelestia depends. To him and his priests, we owe gratitude and respect. It is sad that they so often neglect the rhythms of the earth, and the warmth of family. We need to gently remind them of this loss to their good comfort. Siem and the Elder Peoples are good and gentle folk who love nature and its rhythms as no others do. Sadly, their love of untamed nature is too strong. They prefer the clay to the pot, the tree to the wood barrel, the forest glade to the grainfield. These are the misguided ways of a dying race and we must help them to understand.Divine Origins
The Prophet Harbraen
The prophet Harbraen founded a mission to the barbarians of Shorkyne c.425 BT and taught those nomadic tribesmen the benefits of farming. After performing several miracles, including the raising a child from the dead, Harbraen recruited followers from the tribesmen awho then spread his gentle message throughout the region. Harbraen’s success came to the attention of a wandering band of Agrikan priests led by a fanatic known to (Peonian) history as Gusryl the Cannibal. The Agrikans, having had little success at winning converts, plotted to make an example of the prophet Harbraen. They seized and carried him into the wilderness. There, Harbraen suffered hideous tortures for eight days before being put to death. Gusryl deposited the mutilated corpse in the center of Hasbraen’s adopted village, proclaiming the “Triumph of the Reaper” and preaching his brutal doctrine to the horrified villagers. As Gusryl spoke, lush grass grew from the packed earth. This miraculous growth spurred the wrath of Harbraen’s flock who attacked Gusryl and his band, driving them from the village. The grass grew quickly. By the next morning, it had covered Harbraen’s body and a square sixteen feet across. Later, some who lay upon the grass were healed of illnesses or otherwise blessed. These events resulted in the village of Harbraen becoming the destination of pilgrims seeking the benefices of “Harbraen’s Plot.” As the number of pilgrims increased, so did the number of resident priests. Eshaela, who had been foremost among Harbraen’s disciples, began building a temple fronting Harbraen’s Plot, funding the construction with the generous donations of pilgrims. The village of Harbraen has since grown into a city which is the seat of the Peonian Primate of Shorkyne.Tenets of Faith
Theological Mission
The Church of Peoni is concerned with life on Kèthîra. The afterlife is only a product of what people make of the lives they are given. By providing the guidance people need to lead good lives on Kèthîra, the church ensures a good afterlife in Valon.Social Mission
Neither Peoni nor her followers press their religion by warlike means. Their weapons are persuasion and example, and they seek to convert the defenseless, who are often ignored by other religions. The Church of Peoni stresses the virtue of being satisfied with one’s station in life knowing it helps to prevent civil unrest. It strives to ease the hardships of life by offering assistance to the poor and starving.Worship
Religious Practice
Perhaps the most important element in post-unification doctrine was the principle of automatic forgiveness, unique to the church of Peoni. The idea that any sin, no matter how heinous, could be mended through sincere confession, sets the church apart from other religions, most of which tend to exact severe retribution. Another unusual element is the fallibility of the priesthood. Peoni’s clerics are accorded respect, but it is recognized that they are human beings and sinners. Even the pontiff, while possessed of special wisdom, is deemed fallible. Prayer, meditation, and song are common features of worship, as is fasting. Sacrifice of agricultural produce is typical at harvest time. Many Peonians donate part of their income to the church to support its charitable activities. If a district is prosperous and there is little need for the dispensing of alms, temples forward contributions to the regional or central authorities for use in needy regions. Hence, despite its self-denying policies, the church often has a sizable cash reserve.Religious Dates
The most important days of the Peonian year are the Restoration Festival on the fourth day of Peonu, and the Harvest Home on the fourth of Azura. The origins of these festivals are ancient. The Restoration Festival symbolizes the renewal of life after the cold of winter and the Harvest Home is a celebration to bless the harvest. The Harvest Home involves four days of prayer, meditation, and fasting, concluding with as lavish a feast of newly harvested crops as possible.Peonian Rituals
Peonians practice two forms of worship: the Greater and Lesser Sapeleh (high and low rites). The Lesser Sapeleh can be attended by any adherent of Peoni, while participation in Greater Sapeleh is restricted to priests and acolytes.Lesser Sapeleh
These are lay services and include such events as the communal blessing of the planting and harvest, or the celebration of saint’s days. Any priest can lead a Lesser Sapeleh, although in most temples they are led by the Pelnala or one of the other masters. Persons attending the mass usually bring a sacrifice or donation in kind or coin, according to their means. Most temples hold a Lesser Sapeleh mass on the 4th, 12th, 20th, and 28th days of each month. Temples have chambers available to individuals or small groups who wish to worship privately. These private ceremonies consist of prayer or meditation which may or may not be assisted by an Ebasethe. Peonian worshippers who wish to make confession employ one such chamber, unburdening their sin on an Ebasethe who then suggests a penance, most often a labor for the church to “renew the spirit.” Ebasethe who hear confessions of serious or violent crimes try to convince the culprits to submit to secular justice.Greater Sapeleh
The Greater Sapeleh is a purification rite that begins on 14th of each month and is undertaken only by priests above the rank of Esolani. For four days, the priests seclude themselves (as much as is practical) to fast, meditate, and pray, while maintaining silence. During the rite, they perform only essential tasks, such as tending to the most seriously ill patients in their hospital. All other functions are performed by Esolani. On the third day of the Ceremony, the 16th day of the month, the priests gather in the hall of ritual for sixteen hours of silent prayer. On the last day of the Ceremony they gather again for four hours of meditation. Reslava also partake of the Purification Ceremony, arranging to visit a temple during the appropriate days whenever practical. A special Purification Ceremony is held in the first month of each season. This Greater Sapeleh is followed by the “Turning,” a special rite open to the Esolani. The priests discard their garb in a heap before the altar. One robe is selected from the pile and ceremonially burned (the rest are laundered and put away for next year). After the burning, the priests are called in turn by the Pelnala who gifts them with clean robes. Clerics of Peoni wear a different hue in each season. At this time, insignia of office/promotion are also distributed. The Pelnala praises those who have served particularly well during the preceding quarter. The Turning is symbolic of renewal and the casting off of earthly impurities. It concludes with hymns of praise to the season ending and the season beginning.Symbols and Regalia
The clerics of Peoni change their garb with the season, wearing white in the winter, green in spring, beige in summer, and yellow in autumn. The number four is significant, symbolizing the four Aerlathos and the four seasons. Flowers and fruits of the harvest are also used as symbols. Peonian churches are often decorated with sheaves of wheat or other crops during harvest time. The regalia of the Peonian church is simple and functional and this is seen as a symbol of humility. Priests assigned to special offices are given pendants to wear as identification. Mendicants wear small silver tetrahedrons upon their breasts. Orderial badges are modest in size, and made of cheap cloth, as are most priestly garments; the church has better uses for its wealth.
Burial Customs
Peonian graveyards are often located near a parish church, or on a nearby hillside. Friends and relations gather, the priest performs a simple ceremony, and the casket is lowered into the ground. A eulogy is often read by a loved one. It is a sad occasion, though many Peonians celebrate the passing of loved ones with an informal party. Peonian graves are usually modest. Gravestones or small monuments, preferably made of stone (to last) are common.Priesthood
Typical Clergy
Peonian clergy have a strong sense of obligation to help others. Paternal discipline and maternal nurturing are found to varying degrees in clergy of both genders. They are often the last to stop work, the last to eat, and the first to awaken.Regional Authority
The church of Peoni divides the known world into primacies for administrative purposes. The borders of many of these primacies coincide with the political boundaries of secular nations, although some primacies (Hârn for example) contain several states. The most important task handled by the primacies is to collect and distribute relief money throughout the region as needed.Mepeleh (Primate)
Mepeleh are appointed by the Pontiff (or Pelclunia) and are responsible for the administration of the church in a primacy. Mepelehs appoint bishops in consultation with the Pelclunia.Sulaplyn (Bishop)
The governor of an ecclesiastical “fief” containing several temples. The office is essentially administrative, but does involve some theological interpretation. Sulaplyn appoint the High Priests within their region.Temple Authority
The Pelnala (High Priest/Priestess)
The Pelnala is the master or mistress of the temple. They perform most temple rituals and serve as chairman of a council of the other temple masters. The Pelnala is often in close contact with any nearby temples of Larani, and deals with them regarding cooperation or assistance.The Solana (Master of Acolytes)
The master responsible for the training of acolytes and assigning their labors. The Master of Acolytes also deals with mendicant clerics who seek accommodation.The Avasana (Master of Archives and treasures)
The master responsible for the temple records, sacred relics, special artifacts, and such wealth as the temple may possess. The Peonian practice of distributing money to the poor means the monetary resources are often small.The Lerovana (Master of Healing)
In temples which do not maintain a hospital, the Lerovana fills the role of chief physician, ministering to any who need aid. Where a temple maintains a hospital, the Lerovana is in charge of its administration.The Ebasethe (Temple Priests/Priestesses)
The number of Ebasethe vary greatly from temple to temple. They serve where they are needed, gardening, aiding the sick, dispensing alms, hearing confession, giving council, copying manuscripts, etc. Ebasethe are expected to adhere to a strict moral code. While it is true that Peoni is swift to forgive, she is less tolerant of improper behavior among her clergy. To resist the temptations of mortal man, most Ebasethe are celibate, take a vow of poverty, and many are vegetarians. However, they are not fanatical. It is sometimes said that: “The way of man is the way of temptation. Belittle not – those who succumb – or it is proof only of their humanity. And be not prideful of thy virtue, for pride is among the most perilous of the sins that trouble mortal man.”The Esolani (Acolytes)
Esolani usually join the church between ages 14 – 20. They spend their first few years in the temple laboring at the hundreds of menial tasks. This labor symbolizes the "purification and dedication” of their souls to the goddess and is intended to foster a proper degree of humility. Esolani are instructed in the doctrine of the church. The Avasana is responsible for this training although it is common for Ebasethe to conduct the actual instruction. It is not necessary for Esolani to follow the strict moral code required of Ebasethe. On the other hand, they are not expected to be wenching, roistering, drunkards either. While celibacy and denial are not essential to Esolani, they always speed ordination as Ebasethe. The judgment of when an Esolani has spiritually progressed enough to become Ebasethe is left to the High Priest(ess). The ritual of “graduation” involves fasting and a lengthy solitary vigil before the altar. Many Esolani never become priests, remaining acolytes all their lives. This is not deemed shameful. Many repentant lay sinners become Esolani as an act of penance, either for a fixed period or for the rest of their lives.Reslava (Mendicant)
Reslava are mendicant Ebasethe with license to travel widely in the outside world. They may or may not be attached to a specific temple, but are largely dependent upon the charity of outsiders. Any pious Peonian may become a Reslava by passing the “Reslava-kai Peledaur,” the Passage of Humble Souls. This test is administered by four Ebasethe. For four days the candidate performs the most menial tasks available while fasting and maintaining a vow of silence. The four Ebasethe then ritually bathe him, and give him four sips of holy water, consumed while facing first east, then south, west, and north. In these directions the candidate also utters the Praises of the Seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter respectively. After a four hour vigil, knowledge of the mysteries is tested and mastery of at least the Third Circle is required. The candidate now presents the panel with an original Labor of Reverence, usually a prayer, a hymn, or some other work of art dedicated to the glory of Peoni. If the Labor of Reverence is judged adequate, the Pelnala bestows the Reslava’Anama, an amulet in the form of a silver tetrahedron. The entire company then gifts the new Reslava with useful articles, and he exits the temple through the Reslavannon, the “Portal of Mendicants.”Sects
Clerical Orders
The division of the Peonian church into celibate male and female orders dates from about 400 BT and was designed to conserve the spiritual purity of the clerics in the face of sexual temptation. It probably developed (in part) as a response to the hedonistic orgies that typified some ceremonies of pre-Aerlathos Peonian worship. The orders have separate temples, or at least separate wings within common temples. The female order is called the Balm of Joy; the male order is the Irreproachable Order. They are roughly equal in size and importance, although in some areas one or the other has taken a dominant role. On Hârn the Irreproachable Order looks to the Balm of Joy for leadership.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Divines
Notable Members
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