cult of Diedne - Ars-Archange/ars-pbp GitHub Wiki

The cult of Diedne

The cult of Diedne is a polytheistic Celtic religion.

Historically, it was led by druids, and those who had the gift were naturally oriented toward this career.

In fact, the members of House Diedne were generally religious representatives, and their covenants served as "parishes" for worship.

The principle of religion is that, to have the favor and support of the gods, one must make sacrifices to them, which are generally thrown into sacrificial wells or burned. By showing them due respect, the gods can offer many benefits.

The gods usually communicate through prophetic dreams or by sending fairy or magical creatures.

The gods are not omnipotent or omniscient and have their own character, which will push them to prefer certain sacrifices to others and benefit certain people more than others.

If a person lives respecting the gods, they can be reincarnated after a few years.

Astronomy has great importance to members of the cult. It helps determine the best time for important activities such as hunting or war.

The spirits of nature are not considered gods but are nevertheless respected and can also be the subject of worship when they can bring benefits to the community.

The strength of a person or animal is believed to be in their head. It was, therefore, common to keep the heads of defeated enemies clearly visible to show one's power.

Gods

The main gods of the cult are considered as being, like humans, with qualities and flaws. Since the arrival of the cult in Cantus Arborum, they received a public name used every day by the local monks. Their real name is kept secret from most and only used in private rituals by the initiates (gifted or mundanes).

Maria (Danu), the mother. Goddess of the hearth.

Jesus (Totiourix), the Allfather. God of the sky.

Saint Barbara (Taranis), the heavenly fire. God of the sun and of thunder.

Saint Eloi (Esus), the craftsman. God of travelers and merchants.

Saint Peter (Arawn), king of Annwvyn. God of the afterlife.

Protector spirits

There are also two protector spirits of the Arboras valley.

Saint John the Baptist (Damona), protector of sources. Each year, in April, a ceremony is held at the source of the valley's river, and the most beautiful calf of the herd is sacrificed to her, ensuring that the river will provide healthy water and plenty of fish. Damona is a Might 30 ?Magical Spirit that have a Bond with Damari. Her Powers are: Purifying water on a river, making it grow more fish and any Aq effect of 10 or less.

Saint Hubert (Cernunnos), the protector of forests. Each year, just after the autumn harvests, a ceremony is held in a secret sacred grove where a potion is brewed in a sacred cauldron. A torque is placed inside the cauldron during the full process. At the end, the potion is brought back to the village, where the whole community drinks some of it and will be protected by the forest. The main druid will keep the torque and gain a special link with the forest.