Paragonism

Paragonism is the dominant religion among both the Turathi people as well as the Royal Commonwealth of Svain. Founded over 500 years before dawn of the Turathi Empire, this faith traces its historical roots back to the end of the Daemon wars, and the founding of the Pargothi City-States. Since its investiture into the realm of the Empire, the Paragons have watched over their people for nearly two millenia, and have guided figures both noble and ordinary.
Those who have been blessed by the Paragons are considered to be 'Chosen', and are often elevated to positions of respect and influence. To the Turathi people, the chosen were blessed because they demonstrated a virtue that should be nurtured.
The Pargothi gods are revered as great heroes from the Age of Creation. Believed to be mortal once but not longer, the gods gained dominion over aspects of ideology and reality by pursuing mortal mastery of their skills. In this sense, the gods were considered to be outside the realms of the elements, the world, or philosophical concepts.

Tenets of Faith

While the specific practices and myths around the paragons varies from region to region, some general tenets remain similar throughout the ages.

Turen

Turen represents duty. Those who follow the tenets of Turen prioritize the values of loyalty, integrity, and discipline. To worship Turen is to be dedicated to the ideas of community and brotherhood.

Anael

Anael represents grace. Those who follow the tenets of Anael prioritize the values of tradition, serenity, and compassion. To worship Anael is to be dedicated to having compassion for the suffering, and retaining composure in the face of calamity.

Mihr

Mihr represents knowledge. Those who follow the tenets of Mihr prioritize the values of history, reason, and poetry. To worship Mihr is to be dedicated to the ideas of truth and reason.

Jaoel

Jaoel represents courage. Those who follow the tenets of Jaoel prioritize the values of bravery, curiosity, and ingenuity. To worship Jaoel is to be dedicated to the ideas of dreams and ambition.

Ishida

Ishida represents perseverance. Those who follow the tenets of Ishida prioritize the values of tenacity, willpower, and patience. To worship Ishida is to be dedicated to the ideas of personal excellence and self-improvement.

Worship

Paragonism is expressed with a variety of formal and informal practices, many of which vary both in style and substance from village to village. During the reign of the Turathi Empire, the Imperial priesthood took great strides to unify many various traditions into a single, unified structure. Now widely regarded as being irreligious in their intent, the effect was nonetheless successful. Since the fall, many communities have rekindled more outdated practices unique to their locale. Nonetheless, the footprints of the Empire are visible to those that wish to look, and many traditions central to the faith are now nearly universal from continent to continent.
Pargothi rites include both official sacrements conducted by one or more ordained priests, as well as more common liturgies and prayers extolled by any faithful adherent. These rites are reserved for a variety of common events within communities, such as marriages, funderals, or the completion of commissioned public works (full list below). Additionally, there are several holidays that are now widely observed by many turathi associated with the Pargothi faith. Even communities that demonstrate little effort in investing in a local priest will often still make efforts to celebrate several of these days, even if just out of a mundane sense of tradition.

Sacraments

The sacraments are sacred rituals performed by priests specifically for divining information or beseeching aide from the gods, on behalf of another person or entity. Depending on the rite, they may be performed daily, annually, or after certain events. Below are a list of the most common Rites observed across all variations of the Pargothi faith.

List of Rites

Rite of Renewal

Sometimes called the Dawn Rite, the Rite of Renewal is a simple ritual conducted by the head priest of a parish at dawn. The Rite of Renewal is considered a functionary prayer that acknowledges to each of the five the continued belief of the priest, and an invitation to hear the prayers and requests of followers this day. Failure to perform can result in a shrine or town being ‘unclean’ until the following day. The Rite of Renewal consists of a set of five simple prayers (one for each Paragon), as well as the burning of an incense bundle (typically a mix of Cardamom, Pinewood, Fern, Hyacinthe, and Lilac).

Marriage Rite

Marriage rites vary wildly from location to location, and many traditions have resisted Imperial erasure despite the best efforts of priestly councils. They are usually only considered if witness in front of an ordained priest, though some traditions hold that any Chosen is equally as valid a witness and officiant. This rite seeks the blessing of a couple, in the hopes that they are fruitful, prosperous, and kept safe from malevolence.

Last Rites

Also known as Funeral Rites, they consist of a set of prayers and offerings given during or after the passing of a person. They seek to aide the departed through the purgatory of the shadowfell, and a quick and safe journey to the Astral Sea. As many followers believe that priestly prayers are more commonly granted, last rites are considered especially valuable.

Prayer of the Last Rite
“Mighty Heroes of the Celestial Court, heed the words of this humble servant. [Name] has remembered your grace, and seeks now your guidance through the doors of death, and beyond the divine gate.

Turen, Champion of the Ardent, grant {} Courage for the final journey that awaits them ahead
Mihr, Herald of Legends, grant {} Sympathy in the remembrances of his survivors and kin
Jaoel, Guardian of Flame, grant {} Resolve to accompany the light of your favor that lay beyond
Anael, Matron of Hearth and Harvest, grant {} Hospitality at the table of divinity eternal.
Ishida, Maiden of the Gloam, grant {} Cunning to endure the trials of perdition that swiftly approach

Paragons, heed the words of this humble servant. We ask for these gifts for the sake of our kindred, so that {} may rejoin their ancestors everlasting in the sea of stars, and to protect the aeon of divinity in the name of our world, the spark of our destiny. Amen”.

Chosen’s Rites

Clerics are recognized Chosen officially ordained by one sect of a Pargothi church, and imbue them with the authority to act in the name of that religion. The rite is commonly used to confirm that said chosen’s powers are in fact divine in nature, and are the gift of one of the paragons. While uncommon, Chosen’s Rite is considered especially important for certain organizations or officials who possess such power, and act with official capacity. Despite the similarities with the Rite of Ordination, this rite’s principal function is to divine the authenticity of a Chsoen’s power, not necessarily acknowledge their authority within an institution.

Rite of Ordination

This sacrament has a few different variations, depending on the office of the aspirant. The Rite of Ordination is reserved for the official installment or coronation of important public figures and priests. This includes senior government servants, kings, military officers, and most importantly, new priests. This Rite is often performed as part of other events, and expected to have large attendance of witnesses in its operation.

Harvest Rite

Consisting of several acts and events, the Harvest Rite is generally considered to be one of the most important rites a community can invest in. Believed to be essential for the continual prosperity of a village, the Harvest Rite is often the most expensive, in terms of offerings and labor involved. Among historians, the Harvest Rite is often thought of as the founding priest rite, and seed of the pargothi religious practices.

Maker’s Rite

Before the construction of a new house, new temple, or new ship, a priest (or two) are often called to conduct a Maker’s Rite. Prayers done to bless the tools, materials, and land itself are done to insure a structure or ship are built correctly and to prevent against unwarranted failure or destruction.

Liturgies

Liturgies are commonly accepted combinations of prayers, offerings, and ritual labors that most lay-persons are guided to use in their search of divine aide. While it would be impossible to catalog every variant either adopted or in current use, some general practices have remained recognizable through the centuries. The liturgies below serve as a rough summary of the most common rituals still practiced in one form or another.
Of special note are the Pargothi Trials. These rituals are a special sort of offering done in advance of another liturgy, and often seen as a means to purify or ingratiate oneself before calling upon a god. The Pargothi elevation of personal excellence is often viewed as a key reason such acts are considered both highly sacred, and considerably involved, relative to the other rituals.

List of Prayers

Soldier’s Prayer

A common prayer uttered before battle by soldiers on behalf of themselves or their comrades. Also common is to pour out a libation of wine for Turen and/or for the souls of one’s fallen allies or forefathers.

Judge’s Prayer

Somes known as the criminal’s lament, this prayer is said by defendants (often whispered) prior to trial or sentencing. A common offering is an owl feather, freshly picked within the last day.

Trial of the Witness

In the more populated towns and cities, courthouses and official servants often draw on a pool of adherents who offer themselves as sacred witnesses. Despite the title, this labor often involve mundane affairs, such as serving as a juror, notarizing official documents, or attending public events. While serving as a Sacred Witness, a follower is expected to remain sober, and to abstain from vices. Some shrines offer temporary beds so that Witnesses may sleep separate from family or the community in preperation of key events. After performing this labor, a follower usually confess (or write if able) a detailed account of their experience to a priest, such that it may be recorded in the local history or records of a community.

Trial of Remembrance

An uncommon trial, this labor is usually performed on behalf of loved ones whom become ill or are expected to have reached the end of their life. Followers that travel from town to town, and give a brief speech of their loved one’s accomplishments and follys are thought to ease their suffering and speed their travels through the shadow-fell upon their death. Often, shrines provide shelter and food for followers engaged on this pilgrimage, and send word ahead of a parishioner making a journey.

Death’s Prayer

A simple prayer said prior to the burial or ignition of the dead. Used in lieu of the Last Rite when a priest is not in attendance. May also be used in addition to a Last Rite, and performed by the deceased ‘next of kin’. If said in leiu of a formal Last Rite, or over a burial, may followers may also sacrifice a small carving of a raven. If available, the skeletal talons of a raven are also believed to be a worthy sacrifice. Salt is also considered a sacred offering, meant to deter spirits of the shadowfell from disturbing a grave.

Lost’s Prayer

A common prayer among sailors and explorers, the Prayer of the Lost is uttered in search of a path out of the unknown, toward safety. An adherent prior to a long trip might make an offering of huntress mushrooms, orchids, or the bones of a rabbit to bless a journey to an unfamiliar land.

Bard’s Prayer

Considered the most frivolous of all liturgies, the Bard’s prayer is used by minstrels and performers to seek inspiration for art, as well as calmness to still one’s nerves before a performance. It is also sometimes used by young men or women prior to attempting a courtship.

Storms Prayer

Known by every sailor, dock hand, and ship captains’, it is a common prayer heard along a ship at the loss of wind, or sight of dark clouds on the horizon. As one of the shortest prayers, it is often ad-lib with a healthy amount of cursing.

The Tempest’s Trial

This labor is arguably one of the most dangerous trials observed by the faithful, and not for the faint of heart. Usually performed by ship captains or merchants, the Tempest’s Trial involves lashing oneself to a post, rock, or other secure landing ahead of a powerful storm. Those willing to suffer the wrath of Anael, and survive are believed to have earned her favor for a time, and be able to summon the winds to their back at a time of need.

Rain’s Prayer

A common prayer uttered weekly, if not daily, by most farmers. Some consider it bad luck to overuse the prayer, for fear of exhausting Anael’s generosity, whilst others fear intermittent use as a display of disinterest. As such, often a point of contention amount communities during droughts or dry seasons.

Trial of Temperance

This trial is common among rural priests and farmers, and often done prior to Ananatal. An abstention from food and drink, save water, for up to five days, is thought to please Anael and considered a proper means of purification before beeching aide from the Daughter of the Harvest.

Light’s Prayer

During winter, at sea during the night, or while exploring deep mines, the Light’s prayer is a common phrase uttered against encroaching darkness. It is often heard by children fearful of monsters in the night, as well as the sick and weary as a beacon of hope against a failing body. Those who work during the twilight hours often maintain a lantern or small flame continuously for days, as an offering to the Lightbringer.

Maker’s Trial

Sometimes jokingly called “Jaoel’s Cut”, the Maker’s trial is merely a donation of an artisan’s time to build or mend a common object or tool. Depending on how devout a smith or crafter may be, it is common for a scrupulous merchant to wager the trial as part of a bargain.

Feast Prayer

Countless versions of a simple prayer, this simple ritual includes nothing more than a few spoken words before the breaking of bread and pouring of drinks at the beginning of a meal.

Holidays

Below are a list of common holidays and important life events observed by communities that at least nominally practice Paragonism.

List of Holidays

Sundrym

Sundrym is the holiday of the New Year, and observed as its own month for nine (ten on leap year) days. While this holiday is actually observed by nearly every culture in Rynn, Paragonism has several unique traditions and festivities associated with the holiday. Often, this time of year is given to every person as a reprieve from labor, and a time of feasts and excess. It is considered sacrilegious to deliver any official decree, or perform any act of governance during this time, save for priestly rites to receive bounty for the new year.

Deis Lusino

Known as the “Day of Ascension” Deis Lusino is widely regarded as the holiest day in the Pargothi Calendar. Honored in recognition of the Ascension, or the auspicious death of the five paragons who are believed to have ascended, incorporium, to the Celestial Court. Pargothi priests often fast from sun-up to sun down on this day, while followers are given the day to quiet reflection and communal betterment. Many followers often use the day to right wrongs, repair relationships, or forgive old grudges - usually in witness to the community at large. After sunset, Priests give a final blessing before ordaining a feast. A special bread, often reserved from the last of the previous years flour is baked specifically for this holiday.

Hari Awal

Also known as the “Day of Journey”, this holiday honors the generally agreed upon date of the Heroe’s Journey, some ten years before the defeat of the daemon tyrant. Hari Awal is often a time reserved for new beginnings, and is used to celebrate or begin a new chapter in one’s life. Marriage proposals are often reserved for Hari Awal, as well as the sale or purchase of new lands or assets. Sailors and merchants often celebrate Hari Awal as ideal days to begin a new journey or campaign. Children born on Hari Awal are considered to be blessed.

Ishnatal

Ishida’s birthday, Ishnatal is a day reserved to celebrate the life and deeds of the Paragon Hero Ishida. Known as a pragmatic and wizened traveller, Ishnatal is usually a more somber holiday. Adherents generally fast for the day, and ritual hunts are common. After sunset, feasts of fresh game and liquor are had, as people often seek to spend the night awake, retelling tales of lost friends and loved ones.

Ananatal

Anael’s birthday, Ananatal is observed as a welcome reprieve during the summer months. Occurring only a couple weeks after the Zenith, Annatal is celebrated by festive daytime parties, fairs, and entertainment. Priests often accept many offerings from farmers during this day for blessings of a good harvest come the fall, and from sailors blessing for good winds during their travels.

Turnatal

Turen’s birthday, , also known as Veteran’s Day, is a somber holiday reserved for the reverence of soldiers who fought and died in the name of the families, communities, and kingdoms. Since the empire’s fall, and the schism of political relations between rival kingdoms, Turnatal is often a sensitive time for civic leaders, and many parades or celebrations are kept short or demure in an effort to mollify potential rivals. Oddly, it is often believed that many priests take to making prayers in relative secrecy, beseeching Turen for aid in combat and contests against their political rivals. Among the power centers of the kingdoms, the cynical sometimes refer to Turnatal as ‘Spies Day’.

Mihrnatal

Mihr’s Birthday, also commonly referred to as the Bard’s Day or Lover’s Day, Mihrnatal is considered reserved for artists, musicians, and young lovers. Theatre’s and Inns in most large cities often host open houses or construct temporary stages for a parade of entertainment. Many budding artists are encouraged to debut new works, and writers can often be found in cities seeking audiences for their samples. Many pargothi priests often reserve the day to deliver sermons on important religious topics to interested congregations and parishioners.

Jaedis

Jaeol’s birthday, Jaedis is unique among most Pargothi holidays in that they are not seen as a reprieve from one’s daily labors. Instead, Jaedis is given a time for people to dedicate themselves to their work. Participants in the holiday often light a special lantern filled with a unique wick and oil. While it doesn’t glow particularly bright, it burns between ten and fourteen hours. While the lantern remains lit, followers are encouraged to work earnestly and consistently. Jaedis is often seen as a day of competition among laborers and craftsmen, a time to push themselves to their limits and exceed previous goals.

• Doctrine
• Taboos

Mythology

Mythology

• The Odyssey of the Paragons
• The Salvation of Tev-Rah
• Six Tribes
• Cabeal's Folly
• The Day of Ascension

History

Paragonism is the ancestral religion of the Kreata lowlands, and is still practiced in one form another by their cultural descendents (namely the Petty Kingdoms of Turath, and the Royal Commonwealth of Svain). While many Paragothic sects with different myths grew out of the disparate tribes soon after the Paragons’ deaths, the declaration of the “Right of the Chosen” and the founding of Tevros by the Turathi is considered the birth of Paragonism.

Timeline of Paragonism

• The Mihreesian Schism
• The First Council of Regnum
• The Imperial Priesthood
• The Selendrie Prophecies
• The Vulgar Dilemmas
• The Holy Diaspora
• The Seperatist Reformations
• The Council of Chalarint

Cosmology

Cosmology

• The Astral Sea
• The Celestial Court
• The Divine Shroud
• The Shadowfell
• Infernium: The Hellfire Isles
• The Maw

Sects

Since its formation, Paragonism has fractured into several different branches and institutions.

Church of the Inheritor

The Church of the Inheritor is the oldest active Pargothi religious institution. Founded after the Holy Diaspora, the Church of the Inheritor serves as both a divine priesthood as well as a territorial government that currently controls the territory of Selene.

The Royal Seminary

The Royal Seminary is a heart of Paragonism within the Commonwealth of Svain. This sect serves as a branch of the kingdom's government. In addition to ministering the priesthood and doctrine of religious practices, the Royal Seminary serves as the Judicial High Court of the realm.

Imperial Paragonism

Once the only unified form of Pargothi worship, Imperial Paragonism has fallen into relative obscurity, and worshiped only by a select few communities. Sometimes known as Pargothi Orthodox, this religion is one of the last cultural relics of the Turathi empire.

Pargothi Cults

Numerous other religious or cultural traditions exist among the Pargothi faithful that don't fall neatly into any of the other predominant followings. These communities are sometimes referred to as cultists, or at least heretics by true believers of other faiths, and met with various forms of scorn, derision or revulsion. As such, many of these adherents often keep their beliefs secret, and rarely interact with other followers for fear of retribution.

Type

Religious, Pantheon

Demonym

Pargothi

Official State Religion

Svain

Permeated Organizations

• Ikaros

Turen, the Champion

Pronounced: Tur - in
Also Known as: The First Law, The Legion of One
Symbol: A Spear and a Helm
Domains: Civilization, Life, Light, War

Mihr, the Scribe

Pronounced: Mee - r
Also Known as: The Messanger, The Cipher
Symbol: A Scroll
Domains: Civilization, Arcane, Knowledge, Trickery

Jaeol, the Maker

Pronounced: Jay - ol
Known as: The Lightbinder, Hand of the Architect
Symbol: Lantern
Domains: Light, Forge, Knowledge, War

Ishida, the Pathfinder

Pronounced: Eh-She-Da
Also Known as: The Maiden of the Woods, the Grey Shadow
Symbol: Raven and Owl
Domain: Darkness, Death, Grave, Nature

Anael, the Rainbringer

Pronounced: A-nail
Also Known as: The Stormsinger, the Lady of the Harvest
Symbol: Horn of Storms
Domains: Life, Tempest, Nature, Grave

Cabael, the Wanderer

Pronounced: Ka-bee-al
Also Known as: The Betrayer, The Exile
Symbol: Crossroads
Domains: Arcane, Death, Darkness, Trickery