Aesir

Aesir is the last Goddess and the youngest of the nine gods that Gothar created. Yet, during the whole history of the world, she has been his most dedicated and faithful child. Of course, she was part of the initial quarrels that occurred during the first times of the creation and she had claimed the world, but during the age of discord when Gothar raised his hand on the world, she was the only one to follow the way the God of Gods had chosen. She lost her people and the Kells in a violent religious war against Morgans and Calder’s sons, in the first days of the age of discord. She would offer her protection to another people again, although later on, at the end of the age of recapture, the Braves and the children of the immortal started to worship her for her righteousness and sense of justice. Since then, they live in the icy lands of the ninth kingdom and pray in the temples of Gelzart for Aesir to come back from the cold demon constellation to rule over her people once again.

Clergy:

The clergy of Aesir has a strict, simple and efficient organization. A unique patriarch is the leader of all priests of the cult. Three high priests give him advice and he could send them to places where he needs them to be. It is not uncommon that the temple of Aesir launches military operations which gives this cult a major role in the political life of the kingdoms.

There are several Paladin’s orders in the cult and these high priests are a part of them. These orders mostly follow the patriarch’s command either because they respect his opinion or the hierarchy. Indeed, even if habits change from one order to the other, most Paladins deeply respect the values of chivalry, the virtue of obedience and warrior conventions although the latter are often plagued with contradictions. The order commanders even declare that these contradictions are the best way for Paladins to put their faith to the test.

Dogma:

The clergy of Aesir has a very complex dogma because it is very accurate concerning what is forbidden and authorized and concerning duties.

Obedience and respect for hierarchy and authority, both temporal and religious are a duty because madness, disorganization and chaos are nothing but only sources of destruction of harmony. Likewise, conscience of the common wealth is a major virtue for priests and Paladins of Aesir for it is the ultimate goal of their actions. The churches that are established in Dark kingdoms generally think that the patriarch’s commands are the guidelines for the happiness of the greatest number whereas in Light churches they often become lost in interpretations according to the situation. But these two bases remain as the ground for Aesir’s obedience and involvement towards the clergy and people of Ganareth. And regarding these aspects, no kingdom or race difference shall divide the faithful.

Major ceremonies:

On the eighth day of each year, all Aesir worshipers celebrate the birth of the enemy. The day when Gothar took a part of his most faithful child to create the mother of demons, it was regarded by the religious authority of the cult as the day when the Goddess lost the part of rebellion and evil inside her which allowed her to follow her true path. The ceremony is different according to the place, even for the code of Aesir’s patriarchs which recognizes that the quest for demons within is a quest which every worshiper has to perform by himself with his own methods. Some people remain completely silent during that day, others fast. Some Paladins even avoid fighting during this day in order not to fall into the darkness of frenzy by defending their faith with their own sword.

The second holy day is the eternal fight. At the beginning of winter, it celebrates Aesir’s departure for the constellation of the cold demon where she fights against her inner demons until the day she will come back. This ceremony is the same in every place and all believers are able to carry a weapon to create a great army against the Infidels. Although the Infidels are most often dangerous and are savage creatures such as Orcs and Trolls, former dragon minions, it is not rare a thing to see the clergy using this opportunity to attack an opposite church. However, during the day of the eternal fight, it is strictly forbidden to raise one’s hand on another brother of the faith.

Sacred number and symbols:

Nine is Aesir’s number. Her symbol is three triangles attached by their angles in order to make a greater one.

Authorized classes:

• Illusionist
• Enchanter
• Archer
• Cleric
• Paladin
• Monk
• Warrior