Pyriel (/Pir-ee-el/)
"They Who Bring the Living Mercy"
Summary
Pyriel is the common name for the deity of mercy and light. While they abhor necromancy, they are not quite as strict in their destructive nature as Nes, and are often more revered by healers and pacifists. Sometimes depicted as androgynous, and other times as shifting fluidly between genders, Pyriel is often also interpreted as a deity of individualism alongside Fae'len. Historically, Pyriel has also been named Phyril, and less commonly, simply Phi. Rarely is Pyriel actually described, though their descriptions, when existent, are always contradictory to each other. More often, they are described in symbols and metaphors, which their holy text is full of.The Canon and the Way
Pyriel is a deity whose core messages are clear and simple, but who also provides far more cryptic wisdom outside of those messages. This leads to much debate about them between the various doctrines. This is especially the case for their pacifistic stance, which is interpreted in the most literal way among Canonists. Contrarily, followers of the Way tend to view violence as a necessary last resort if peace or rehabilitation fail - this makes sense, since they tend to broadly adopt aspects of Nes and Merak as well as those of Pyriel by the nature of their polytheistic outlook. There are plenty of other points of contention, too. The usage of even minor aspects of the Fallen Ways, for example, is abhorred by Canonists but not necessarily by those who follow the Way. The idea of rehabilitating an Undead creature is also up for debate, though largely discarded as a possibility. For all of the disagreements, all followers of Pyriel exemplify mercy, healing, and peace where possible - though the definition of 'possible' can have a lot of variance here.Symbology
Much like their physical representations, Pyriel's symbols are often vague and contradictory. Among their most common is the wooden cross, which represents a ward against evil. It is almost universally placed upon doorways in Eashavar before the coming of winter, during the festival of Pyresward, and some keep it up year-long. Perhaps ironically, the cross itself has grim origins, as it used to be hammered into the heads of the dead to incapacitate and distinguish those who *may* rise from those who have already risen and been slain. This was primarily done by priests of Pyriel who followed in the backlines of Nes' inquisitors during the war in Decia. Historically, a lamb has also served as the symbol of Pyriel, as it was viewed as an animal which was particularly docile. This symbolism has faded because of its use on the flag of Borden, though it is still present in most churches.Rites and Worship
Churches of Pyriel exist in almost every city, and they are some of the most prolific houses of worship across Eashavar. The reason for this is simple: every settlement needs healers, and the Pyrielites are eager to aid any community in need. Churches also tend to be centers for charity and shelter where alternative resources are lacking. In many cases, followers of Pyriel help to establish holy sites for other deities which provide civil services, and they tend to have good relations with other faiths committed to community support. Clerics of Pyriel often wear long white robes, so bright that they almost seem to shine in the light. They may have golden trim, but they are rarely decorated in any other way. Most Pyrielites wield staves or wands that double as torches, or wield actual torches in their stead, making them a literal "light in the dark." Unlike followers of Nes and Merak, followers of Pyriel don't care what language their holy text is written in, which makes the Song of Souls especially prominent among the population - no Cleric has an excuse to not have one!Holy Text: The Triad Song (The Song of Souls)
Tenets |
|---|
Penances | Strictures |
| ⊕ Heal those who require your aid if you are capable. | ⊝ Do not meddle in necromancy. |
| ⊕ Be merciful to those who seek repentance. | ⊝ Do not use violence, unless it is a last resort. |
Mandates |
|---|
| ⊜ Make a contribution to the church whenever you visit, in the form that its clergy deems most necessary. |
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