Solisism is a branch of Sollunism that focuses solely on the worship of Eion, the god of the sun. Followers of Solisism emphasize strength, clarity, and the pursuit of truth, seeing Eion as the eternal beacon that guides them through life. While many Sollunists venerate both Eion and Zuvi, Solisists dedicate their devotion entirely to Eion, often engaging in rituals and practices that center on his light and power.
Worship and Influence
Worship Practices
Worship in Solisism often begins at dawn, where followers greet the first rays of sunlight with prayers, songs, and offerings. Daily rituals include burning incense made of sun-dried herbs, lighting candles, and chanting verses from Eion’s sacred texts. Solisists believe that to bask in the morning light is to be directly touched by Eion’s grace, so sunrise prayers are considered the most potent.
High-ranking clerics and priests of Solisism, known as Dawnkeepers, lead the morning rites in temples, which involve a communal raising of hands toward the sun and the intoning of hymns that honor Eion's aspects: Dawn, Noon, and Dusk. Each aspect has its own prayer, reflecting the qualities it represents.
The Sacred Texts of Solisism
The holy scriptures of Solisism are collectively known as the "
Codex Solaris," a series of sacred texts that outline Eion’s teachings, divine laws, and the stories of his interactions with the world. The Codex Solaris is divided into three primary volumes, each representing one of Eion’s aspects: "The Dawn Scrolls," "The Noon Codex," and "The Dusk Verses." Together, these texts form the core doctrine of Solisism, guiding followers in their worship and daily lives.
Symbols
The central symbol of Solisism is the Solar Sigil, a radiant circle with three rays extending outward, representing Eion’s three aspects. This sigil is etched into temple walls, worn as pendants by the faithful, and often embedded in the shields of Solisist paladins. In addition, Solisists use golden or yellow-hued flowers, like sunflowers or marigolds, as offerings, believing that their bright colors capture Eion's light.
Influence on Daily Life
For Solisists, Eion’s presence is a guiding force throughout their day. Many professions and activities are aligned with his influence, such as blacksmithing, farming, and leadership roles. Farmers will pray to Eion for favorable weather, while blacksmiths will invoke his strength before igniting their forges. Solisism encourages a life of clarity, discipline, and honor, and those who follow this faith are often known for their hard work and dedication.
The faith also extends into festivals that mark the summer solstice as the peak of Eion’s power, where communities gather for feasts, athletic games, and displays of light and fire. This celebration, known as
The Day of Radiance, is a time of revelry, where Eion's strength is at its height, and his blessings are believed to be more accessible.
The Grand Solar Temple
In the bustling capital of Dal, Wistedge, stands the largest temple dedicated to Eion, known as the Grand Solar Temple. This massive structure is a beacon of light in the city, its central spire gleaming gold as it catches the first rays of the morning sun. Built on a hill that overlooks Wistedge, the temple is visible from almost every part of the city, symbolizing Eion's watchful eye over the people.
The Grand Solar Temple is a place of constant activity, from the bustling morning prayers to the quiet evening reflections. It features a Sun Chamber at its peak, where a large crystal refracts sunlight throughout the day, filling the room with warm, golden hues. Pilgrims from across Odran visit the temple to receive blessings, partake in holy rites, and consult with the Dawnkeepers, who serve as spiritual guides and leaders of the faith.
During the Festival of Dawn thousands gather at the Grand Solar Temple to witness the
Ritual of the First Light, a ceremony where the Dawnkeepers ignite a sacred flame using mirrors to capture the sunrise. This flame is then carried across the city, symbolizing the spread of Eion’s light and blessing over all.
Sects, Orders, and Cults of Solisism
A prestigious paladin order, the Radiant Shield is dedicated to protecting the innocent and bringing Eion’s justice to the world. Members of this order wear armor adorned with the Solar Sigil and are known for their fierce combat skills and unwavering resolve. They are often called upon to defend temples, lead crusades against dark forces, and serve as guardians to important figures within Solisism.
This sect focuses on spreading Eion’s teachings through knowledge and education. Dawnbringers travel from town to town, bringing literacy, wisdom, and spiritual guidance to those in need. They often act as mediators, helping to resolve disputes and guide communities back to harmony. They believe that to spread Eion’s light, they must illuminate minds as well as hearts.
A more reclusive sect, the Solar Ascetics devote their lives to meditation and the pursuit of enlightenment. They isolate themselves in sunlit sanctuaries, usually in deserts or mountain peaks, where they practice fasting, silence, and other forms of physical and mental discipline. Their goal is to attain a state of spiritual clarity that allows them to commune directly with Eion's light, achieving what they call the Solar Unity.
This group is less a religious sect and more a specialized guild within Solisism, consisting of blacksmiths and artisans who believe their craft is an extension of Eion’s divine power. Sunforged weapons and armor are highly sought after, as they are said to carry a fragment of Eion’s blessing, making them exceptionally durable and effective against dark entities. The Sunforged also provide sacred tools for use in Solisist temples, from ceremonial candelabras to the gilded mirrors used in rituals.
The Children of the Dawn
A controversial cult that exists on the fringes of Solisism, the Children of the Dawn believe that Eion’s light must shine unchallenged, and thus view Zuvi and her followers with suspicion, if not outright hostility. They have been known to disrupt Sollunist festivals and preach that Eion should be the sole ruler of the heavens, free from any shared dominion. Despite being denounced by the official Solisist clergy, the cult continues to attract followers who seek a more aggressive, uncompromising version of the faith.
The Role of Deified Spirits in Solisism
While Solisism primarily focuses on Eion, it still acknowledges the existence of Deified Spirits, especially those associated with fire, the harvest, and the sun. Solisist temples might house small altars for spirits who bless the land with warmth and growth, such as the
Sunfield Sprites who help farmers, or
Ignis, a spirit said to dwell in the forge fires of blacksmiths. These spirits are seen as extensions of Eion’s will, aiding his followers by manifesting his power in more localized, tangible ways.
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