Illis, the Sun Mother
Mother, mother, in the sky, take my hand, so I may fly
With your help, I have no fear, with guidance, salvation draws near
Fire cleanse me, in your name, these words shall guide me,
Amer Illis
Divine Domains
Holy Books & Codes
- The Seven Lessons of Light: is the most commonly recognised holy tome of Illis. Each "lesson" is made up of several long passages, with contemplation for every day of the week, to be discussed as a family in the evening. It touches on topics such as marriage and family, sexuality, humility, honour and morality. This tome is supposed to be all an individual requires to live a good, sin free life.
- The Thirty Tenet's of Fire: Whilst the common folk live their days as faithful week by week, the clergy and chosen of Illis live by months. The thirty tenets are rules and strict rigorous practices of Illisian priests, clerics and paladins. Whilst the Seven lessons are open to mild discussion, the thirty tenets are supposed to be followed to the letter, with no deviation. These include rites and vows of purity and honour, prayers and when to use them, as well as information not privy to the public.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The symbol of Illis amongst humans is a silver shield with a golden sun on it. It is the mark by which all clerics and paladins of the Sun mother are recognised. It is supposed to symbolise their duty to protect the common people from evil. The shield is to be polished and kept in good condition, to reflect their own state of mind. More common folk and priests will adorn themselves with a pendant of a sun. In the south of Zoran, the pendant is normally made of gold or copper depending on the wealth of the individual. In the northern Zorani region of Prakkra, the desert rose crystal is used to make symbols of Illis.
Dwarves venerate Illis with a brown eye encircled in flames. Dwarven clerics will wear the symbol around their necks, on their shields and breastplates. It is because they interpret the Sun Mother as all seeing; being able to judge to goodness of ones soul when she gazes upon them from her golden throne.
Tenets of Faith
- I will strive to emulate the perfection of Illis herself.
- I shall stand up against evil wherever it rears its ugly head.
- I will give honour and respect to worthy opponents, and contempt to the rest.
- I will be temperate in my actions and moderate in my behaviour.
- My faith in the mother shall be unwavering. My body shall be her temple, my mind shall channel her strength.
- Before I condemn a soul to death, I shall be certain it cannot be redeemed.
- I will never abandon an ally, but I shall respect his or her sacrifice.
Holidays
- Silver Blood: On the 15th of Hope, priests of Illis who have studied and trained their whole lives to be vessels of her power, are placed before a summoned demon. They must vanquish the beast to pass the trial. Those who succeed are then officially taken into the clerical Illysian order, and are given assignments to complete, or are relocated to a settlement that requires a cleric. In some cases, they are even sent on mission abroad, to spread the word of their Goddess.
- Victor's Rule: On the 19th of Gathering (the summer solstice), the church of Illis is filled with dance, song and collective prayer. On this day, where the night is shortest, it is believed Illis rules over Eana, as her light reaches even the darkest corners of the trees roots. In Zoran, entire villages come together to light bonfires, tell tales of their goddess and her heroic battles against demonic lords. On the first sun of the 20th, priests of Illis make a journey to each home in the village to bless it for the coming year.
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