Elves venerate those that have reached perfection but have turned back in. These heroes now exist in spiritual form, guiding the lives of their faithful: encouraging the faithful to emulate the hero so that the disciple can also escape the cycle of reincarnation.
Basic Beliefs
Death is the door to reincarnation
Only through perfection in one thing can reincarnation be overcome
The Middle Realm is a prison
They were sent here as a punishment
Only by perfecting something can elves escape
Those that have reached perfection can choose to be reincarnated
By doing so, they exist in spiritual form and gain power
With this power, they're able to influence the lives of those that follow their stories
Holy Sites, Temples, & Rituals
Each hero cult is a separate and autocephalus organization from all other hero cults but there are commonalities. The first is that they do often have secret places where they convene meetings, although these are rare.
Instead, the most important parts of being in a hero are the signs and counter signs that are used to identify members. These are also unique to the cult but are often based on stories of the hero's life. Normally, to identify another member, several signs and counter signs will be exchanged over a course of hours, if not days.
Once brotherhood has been identified, the acolytes will only talk about cult business rarely and only when the need arises but the bond between members of a cult is sacred and considered unbreakable. It is above all other oaths, alliances, and promises.
Needless to say, in reality, all this sneaking around is only so effective and it is largely an open secret who is and isn't part of hero cult within a camp or Conference. It is something that nobody talks about but everybody knows.
Common Motifs
The most common motif of the hero cults is the stag's horn. This is said to symbolize the hero's legacy. Minor signs and symbols for an individual hero are not uncommon.
Hierarchy & Leadership
Hero cults are decentralized organizations: nobody, not even the members of the cult, are really able to know the extend of the cult's members. Hero cults transcend camps and Conferences, which can make them valuable resources when resolving disputes. In this case, the Tongues of a cult can be called on, acting as third-parties that can sit as judges.
Tongues
Tongues are prominent members of the cult who's membership in a hero cult is known, even if no details are given. They're often respected members of their camp and Conference. Usually, there is one Tongue per camp: the cult members in the camp electing who among them will be their public face.
Joining
You have to be invited, and then you are hazed, and then you are taught the secrets of the Paragon. Hazing can take years, if not decades, so while joining is prestigious, it is an ordeal that most don't finish. This keeps membership slim.
Notable Members
Common Theological Questions
What are Invasions?
Invasions occur when a spirit, or spirits, refuses to be reincarnated: they mutate into demons that come bursting back into the Middle Realm.
What is beyond the Mountains?
Endless void: an enteral night.
What are the Divines?
Great sourcerers who've deceived the humans.
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