O’ winged crowned
O’ golden faced
Glory be thy name!
Stay fast to The Faith brother and the Faith shall hold you well.
The Faith’s main principles can be summed up in very few words: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” A simple tenant that has been overlooked and misinterpreted for generations before your birth. In the years before reason these teachings have been corrupted to justify all manner of barbarism. “The Faith is infallible and any that serve The Faith must also be infallible”. After the 12 Year War, religious figureheads began to reassess the influence political leaders had upon the church and made efforts to reestablish the narrative of The Faith.
The bloodshed of the war had been brutal and ugly and many in the church wished to navigate away from such “righteous endeavors”. It was heavily argued that the cataclysm was punishment from the High Lord for using his glorious name to justify acts of war. Several edicts were issued in an attempt to separate church from state. While the conflicts around the world died down, another silently flared between the Church and Crown. As with all things, change within The Faith is slow.
Those that follow The Faith in these modern times are happy to help their neighbors but are slow to forgive trespasses against them or The Faith. Tithing, community service, and verbalizing your devotion of Faith are all common practices of the good faithful.
Imani El-Osien – The Daughter
The one true prophet, The Chalice, The Daughter of our Lord Osien.
While theologists debate the origins of Imani’s heritage one thing is universally agreed upon. It was by her teachings that the true Faith was able to spread. She, and her followers, acted as missionaries. Traveling from country to country bringing the lord’s light. It is said her miracles were only outmatched by her charisma. She gave form and understanding to the simple beliefs of rulers and commoners alike. Once adopted, these rulers and commoners would take the faith with them as they conquered and inhabited more lands. In time Imani was loved and hailed as the spiritual mouthpiece of The Lord, Osien. Under her, the church of The Faith was formed and The Book of Faith was penned.
Muammar Osien Abdo – The son of the Prophet
Muammar, the only child born of Imani, became the figurehead of The Faith at a young age. Born of man and prophet, Muammar had a lot of expectations heaped upon him. While Muammar lacked true faith he had his mothers charms, and twice her cunning. Under Muammar The Faith began to turn a profit and use its religious power to influence political dealings. The voice of god on earth suddenly had an agenda that wasn’t always altruistic in nature. Muammar had many children and several families throughout the years. All of which were active in the church. Even in modern times members of the Abdo family hold high ranking positions within the church. During his time as Prophet Muammar indulged in the finer things in life, especially those of the fairer sex, but always ensured his mother’s teachings were present. For all of Muammar’s faults his greatest lesson was this: “Man is flawed in all its forms. Continue to seek Divinity even as you stumble along the way. You are not lost, continue to follow the light.”
Modern Prophets – Deaf ears, open mouths
In the years leading up to and during the 12 Year War, the Prophets of the Faith have been little more than appointed figureheads. Far less pious than the positions suggested, many were quick to bend the Faith for a small profit or personal gain. Allowing the golden-faced god’s name and banners to justify acts of war. After the war the backlash was swift. The prophet and all his followers were forcefully removed from their positions within the church. More favorable religious figures wrestled control of the Faith and began a campaign to separate the influence of the state. Several decades later a new prophet has yet to step forward.
The Faith has been followed as long as recorded history. As the ages pass the methods of worship have changed and varied from region to region. Some of these methods would seem harsh and even barbaric by modern standards but a good number of faithful still hold true to the old ways.
Hermetic Worship
In the very early days of worship, faithful gathered in covens, carved runes into their flesh, and drew blood across ancient sigils. They called out to the old god in blood soaked ceremonies, showed their devotion through sacrifice, and called on Osien to harden them in battle. The flesh and blood of men are the blessed tools of the old god Osien and through them you may reach through the veil and receive him.
The faithful that practice in this way are called “Witches” or “Occultists” by some. Their methods of worship may seem dark or even brutal to those on the outside. These faithful stay true to the old ways and show their devotion to Osien through bloodletting and sacrifice, Large elaborate ceremonies and rituals, runecraft, and chanting.
The old ways are all but gone in these modern times. But in the darkest places, in secret corners around the world, the faithful gather to worship Lord Osien in the old ways.
Pagan Worship
“I felt the wind against my skin and saw by the light of the sun, my fingers dug deep into the soil and felt the pulse of his living creation. This is how I speak to the lord, I need no scriptures to hear his voice”
The sky above, the earth below, and all the wonders of the world between. For some it may be difficult to see but the miracles of Osien are all around us. Those in tune with this truth commune with Osien through the natural world. Tending to his garden and maintaining his miracles. Through nature one can communicate with the lord and he can communicate back.
Faithful that practice in this way are often called “druids” or “nomads” among other faithful. Their methods of worship are sometimes as simple as tending to a garden, appreciating the beauty and function of Osiens’ gifts or as extreme as overseeing an entire forest, keeping the sacred places safe as its wardens. Worshiping through song, dance, chants, ritual sacrifice, and ritual trance are all common practices for these faithful.
While not commonly practiced in modern times, there are still those that follow this path in the more isolated parts of Erda. Narthwich, Greadon, and Parts of Myrfall are most common among these practitioners but as their nicknames suggest it is not unheard of to find them elsewhere.
Imanian Worship
In modern times The faithful practice their worship as laid out in the book of Faith. This book is what gave form and understanding to the teachings of Osien. Devout faithful speak to the Lord through prayer and Scripture. They sacrifice through Tithing and acting as a good samaritan.
Methods of worship are prayer, tithing, scripture, song, volunteering, and fasting.
This is the most common form of worship in modern days and can be found in nearly all homes in Erda.