The Friendly Communities of Cuppria
Taking a wholly different approach to the idea of worship, the Friendly Communities who worship the blessing Cuppria have very few structures assigned exclusively for religious services. Instead they hold services in whatever places fit the assembled congregation. Town halls, inns, and taverns are frequently used, but farmhouses and open fields are also perfectly acceptable. One of the permanent church complexes is the venerated Chapel on the Hill. Located in an open field on the road between Halfcross and Gnomregard it sits, as its name suggests, atop a tall hill with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The wooden structure’s design could be described as elegant minimalism. Plainly painted walls and heavy oaken double doors demonstrate a commitment to craftsmanship over ornamentation. The beautiful stained glass windows lining three sides of the building are masterworks, depicting simple scenes of good times spent with friends and family. Behind the ceremonial cornucopia on the front dias is the gnomes’ contribution to the structure. An elaborate organ designed to be played by three organists simultaneously is a feat of musical engineering. But beyond that the central keyboard can also control the set of mechanically rigged church bell’s up in the building’s steeple. Instead of a simple drone, melodies can be played on the bells to welcome parishioners to worship and usher them back into the world to carry the lessons they learned at the service.
The copper robes of Cuppria’s clerics are never their only attire, they are first cobblers, inventors, vintners, and most commonly farmers, and preachers second. Worship according to the copper dragon lord is more about building community and celebrating good works with one another than dogma, strict rules, or pomp and circumstance. The only segments required in every gathering are a time for people to share their triumphs and struggles (if they choose) and a time for music.
By custom lay people call the ordained “father” and “mother” as a show of respect, while these clerics refer to each other as “brother” and “sister” to signify closeness and familiarity. Generally lacking a formal figurehead or leader, the clerics select a representative to send abroad when the situation calls for one, but they hold no special power or authority beyond the mandate of the Community for that specific mission.
Worship
Worship according to the copper dragon lord is more about building community and celebrating good works with one another than dogma, strict rules, or pomp and circumstance. The only segments required in every gathering are a time for people to share their triumphs and struggles (if they choose) and a time for music.
Priesthood
The copper robes of Cuppria’s clerics are never their only attire, they are first cobblers, inventors, vintners, and most commonly farmers, and preachers second. Referred to as “Mother” or “Father” by the rest of the community; when one of these people starts referring to another community member as “Brother” or “Sister” it is seen as an acknowledgement of the good works they have done as well as an assignment to take up more of a leadership role in the faith. Many smallfolk are taken by surprise when a leader casually anoints them as a Brother or Sister of the Community.
Sects
While halflings and gnomes can and frequently do worship together, the way the Community has influenced each groups' culture varries somewhat. While both are communal societies where resources are shared in accordance with the needs of the group, the halflings largely do so through the sharing of farming labor and the food they produce. Meanwhile gnomes generally work on their projects alone or in small groups, but the fruits of their labor are still shared with the community when their inventions are completed.
When You're Here, You're Family
Type
Religious, Sect
Alternative Names
The Community, The Friends
Demonym
Community Members, Friends
Leader
Parent Organization
Location
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