Cult of Chauntea

Chauntea - The Divine Patron of Agriculture

Introduction

Chauntea, the benevolent goddess of agriculture, is revered across Faerûn as a critical aspect of the assumed cycle of life. Her followers seek her divine guidance to aid their harvests, and they turn to her in times of plague or drought, hoping for her love of nature to save their crops. Some worshipers see her as the very embodiment of the earth, while others consider her the creator and source of all mortal races.

The Welcoming Church

The church of Chauntea is approachable and inclusive, welcoming all, regardless of gender or race. The liturgical doctrine of the church, with its preoccupation with femininity, attracts more female worshipers than males. However, there is still a diverse range of followers devoted to the Great Mother.

Simple Attire and Sacred Libraries

Chaunteans favor simplicity in their apparel. Druids often don brown robes, while priests opt for a brown cloak, wearing a tunic underneath. Chauntea's temples are known for housing great libraries dedicated to agriculture, further enriching the knowledge of her followers.

The Divine Glimmer and Other Realms

Some worshipers believe Chauntea's divine glimmer gives life to the natural world, while others hold her as the manifestation of the earth itself. In Rashemen, she is worshiped as Bhalla, and her influence extends beyond Toril, taking on different names in other worlds.

Typical Worshipers

Chauntea attracts a diverse collection of followers, but she is particularly fervently worshiped by peasants, servants, druids, gardeners, and anyone earning a livelihood from farmland. Among the Uthgardt tribes, Chauntea is exclusively worshiped by women, and she is seen as the "Grandmother" who gave birth to the daughters of Uthgar.

Clerical Practice and Sacred Observances

Clerics and druids pray for their spells at sundown, reflecting their close connection with the cycles of nature. They lead dual lives as gardeners or farmers, embracing industriousness and appreciating natural beauty. The clergy encourages their followers to make entreaties at sunrise, and a notable festival during Greengrass celebrates abundance with excessive consumption and uninhibited behavior.

The rite of Holy Communion is a significant event for the faithful, and newly married couples spend their first night in fresh fields to ensure a fertile marriage. The clergy faithfully observe the dogma set forth by Chauntea herself and perform the High Prayers of the Harvest at a perennial ceremony marking the start of the harvest.

Conclusion

Chauntea's enduring presence in the lives of her followers reflects her vital role as the protector and provider of agriculture. Her divine guidance and blessings nurture the land and ensure the prosperity of all who work with the soil. As the Great Mother of Agriculture, Chauntea's influence remains steadfast, enriching the lives of those who revere her across the realms.

Divines

• Chauntea, Goddess of Agriculture

Notable Members

• Chauntea, Goddess of Agriculture
• Kheldegan Tolm