Religion

The Cult of Ereal (aka The Cult) is the official state religion of Iridine. The Cult of Ereal insists that there is only one God gracing the entirety of Midlight: Ereal. However, there have been distant rumors stating otherwise, though saying such things publicly would incur the wrath of the Cult of Ereal as blasphemy, and it is advised against.

Major Gods

Ereal

In the ancient theology of Midlight, the story of creation is told as Ereal being at first alone, living in the Void, a timeless existence only known by gods. Eventually he came upon a rock, the World, and their union created Man and all other living things. Worshipers base a majority of their faith on the fact that without Ereal (the sun) there would be famine and the death of mankind.

It is believed that Ereal continues to watch over and nurture his children.

Ereal is a sun god, and the chosen god of the people of both Iridine and Cinera. Ereal was, if the ancient stories are to be believed, one of many gods represented by the sun and moons in the sky. Iridine, the city and Republic's ancient founder, was a Priestess of Ereal and it is thus the Republic's chosen religion. Worship of a god other than Ereal is highly frowned upon in Republican territory, and sometimes in Cinera, but only true heresy and speaking out against Ereal in favor of another will land you in trouble with the Temple authorities. For more information about the Iridinian Cult of Ereal and the various sects: Cult of Ereal: Sects.

Worship of Ereal in one form or another is common throughout most civilized nations in the world of Midlight, including:
* Aestivan League (previously worshiped several different gods)
* Altene (as Erai'Theran, a war-like god equivalent to Ereal)
* Cinera
* Parcines (recognize Ereal as a major god among many other spirits and gods)
* Remath
* Republic of Iridine
* Safelands
* Sostaera

+ Daily worship of Ereal

EREAL AND YOU
A Small Guide to Daily Life in Ereal's Light

Published in the twelfth year of the Tharius Allende's guidance
Written by Heasian Baiella in the Service of Ereal

Greetings,

The Head Priest of Ereal, Tharius Allende, has decreed that the following shall be undertaken at all places sacred to Ereal:

THE GREETING
As Ereal rises over the horizon each morning, it is the most senior priest of the Temple's responsibility to greet His rays and thank Him for gracing the world with His Warmth and Light once again. Myrrh and rose incense shall be burned as each priest in the temple kneels to the rising sun and recites a private prayer of thanksgiving.

THE PEAK
When Ereal has reached the zenith of His arc in the sky, his light is at its strongest and most radiant. It is at this time that His priests collect His precious gift of Light in the sunstone, a sacred object gifted to the Priestess Iridine by Ereal Himself. Each temple's collection of sunstones is to be set out on the central altar, beneath the window in the roof that allows the sun to shine onto the altar at every midday. After absorbing the gift of His Light, each sunstone must be wrapped in a cloth soaked in olive oil and stored beneath the altar until their use is required.

THE FAREWELL
As day's end approached, the followers of Ereal meet once more to request that He, in His Wisdom, return again at the end of the night to once more expel the
darkness. A sunstone shall be taken and set in a suitable place; the chief priest or his designate shall, with the appropriate incantation, allow the sunstone's light to fill the entire space. There it shall remain until before the next day's greeting.

Each man must find his way with respect to the adulation of Ereal. It is a personal matter that may not be dictated, only guided. A deeper look into your heart shall best inform your devotions.

The History of Creation.

Erai'Theran

The Altene god, Erai'Theran, is accepted as a more warlike incarnation of Ereal, though some Altene's living in Iridine fail to see the resemblance. Erai'Theran is worshiped by many Altene's and those who die a good death in service of their chosen company and home will find themselves following his leadership in glorious battles that are fought in the world beyond.

Old Gods

These gods are left intentionally vague. If you'd like to know more find out IG.

Ravan

God of Death, The Mad God, The Comforter, The Unravaller. Ravan is associated with death and madness. Be wary to utter his name outloud for fear of the Cult.
Known lore: He slightly turned and said...

Lucifal

The Trickster, God of the Night, God of Thieves. Lucifal is attributed with trickery, the shadows, the night. He's often seen with a jet black cat with jade eyes in older works of art.

Aera

The Warrior, God of Fire. Aera is attributed with soldiers, battle, stubborness, and fire. He's often depicted as a warrior or soldier in artwork.

Invex

The Dreamer, God of Water, God of Time.

Helia

God of Creation, The Sun, fertility, agriculture.