Wyrd: The Green Faith

Stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature and its profound influence on the lives of the people who inhabit this realm. Rooted in the very essence of the world, the Green Faith, also known as Wyrd, is a druidic order that predates the rise of the Tenfold Faith.

A Naturalistic Philosophy

At the core of the Green Faith lies a profound naturalistic philosophy that extols the virtues of the natural world. Followers of this faith engage in daily meditations, commune with the raw forces of nature, and exhibit unwavering respect for the environment that sustains them. It is a faith that embraces the belief that the natural world, with all its elements and creatures, deserves reverence.

Symbols of Respect

One of the distinctive practices of the Green Faith is the hanging of fresh herbs from door lintels, serving as a visible sign of respect for the natural world. This simple yet powerful gesture reflects the deep connection between the faith's followers and the land they inhabit.

An Ancient Tradition

The Green Faith lays claim to being the oldest form of worship in Zentrum, a claim supported by the presence of ancient druidic symbols found in the cave drawings of early civilizations. It is a faith deeply intertwined with the history of the land, reflecting the primal connection between humanity and nature.

Harmony Amidst Diversity

In its earliest days, the Green Faith was divided into four factions, each venerating a different aspect of nature: stone, wild beasts, earth, and fire. These factions engaged in conflict, each asserting the supremacy of their chosen element. However, a pivotal event marked by the eruption of a multicolored geyser and the flight of vibrant birds ended their strife. Nature itself seemed to declare that no one element could dominate the others, emphasizing the unity of their shared philosophy.

Preserving Wisdom in Stone

The Green Faith is unique in its method of recording knowledge, eschewing paper in favor of inscribing texts solely on stone. These stone texts are intricate and often require reading multiple stones to grasp a single document. This method safeguards the faith's teachings from outsiders, preserving its secrets within the faith's inner circle.

A Strong Oral Tradition

In addition to stone inscriptions, the Green Faith maintains a robust oral tradition. Initiates are expected to commit vast amounts of information to memory, fostering a deep understanding of their faith. High-ranking members sometimes express their teachings through songs or speeches.

A Faith for All Ancestries

While humans, elves, and half-elves form the majority of the Green Faith's members, adherents can be found among all ancestries along the Golden Seas, testifying to the universal reverence for the natural world that transcends racial boundaries.

Harmonious Relations with Nature Deities

The Green Faith fosters harmonious relations with those who venerate Zentrum's nature deities. Practices of Aegria, Coedwyn, Bywyd, Azriman, Undinara, and to some extent, Azriman, resonate with the principles of the Green Faith. These shared values create a bond between followers of the Green Faith and those who worship the gods of nature. However, the worship of three deities is seen as an afront to the natural order

The Wyrd view of "unnatural deities"

Eidolon, God of the Unknown

Followers of the Green Faith harbor reservations regarding Eidolon, the Veilweaver, God of the Unknown. While not necessarily viewing Eidolon as malevolent, they are often cautious of those who associate with chaos and uncertainty. Eidolon's enigmatic nature is at odds with the Green Faith's reverence for the natural order and its desire for harmony with the world's elements.

Xuan-Ra, God of Destruction

Xuan-Ra, the Harbinger of Endings, is another deity whose veneration does not align with the principles of the Green Faith. While the Green Faith celebrates the beauty and balance of nature, Xuan-Ra's association with destruction and endings is seen as a disruption of the natural order. Followers of the Green Faith hold the view that nature's cycles should be respected and preserved, rather than disrupted by destructive forces.

Temporiana, Goddess of Time

Temporiana, the Keeper of Order and Eons, is also regarded with a measure of skepticism by the Green Faith. While Temporion's wisdom and compassion are acknowledged, the Green Faith's philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with the present moment and the natural world. The rigid adherence to time and the focus on destiny conflict with the Green Faith's more fluid and naturalistic outlook.

Differing Perspectives

In contrast, the Faith of the Tenfold, while not launching official Inquisitorum efforts against the Green Faith, seeks to integrate or eliminate its practices. The Communion of Visloism, following a similar trajectory, maintains an unspoken alignment with the Tenfold Faith's stance.
In the ever-evolving spiritual landscape of Zentrum, the Green Faith endures as a testament to the enduring beauty and power of the natural world. Its followers, bound by their reverence for nature, serve as stewards of the land, ensuring that the delicate balance between mortals and the world around them remains intact.