Post by Admin on Jul 27, 2014 10:48:47 GMT -5
Unlike the Sandovals, the Montefiores and the Deliambres, the Gardiners follow a more ancient rite that is considered pagan by those other families. They serve two deities, represented by the Sun and the Moon- Lunaris and Solara. The two gods are a balance of duality, opposite and equal.
Lunaris, the God of Night, holds sway over the darkness of life on the islands. Represented by the moon, He is the Bringer of Death, the Tester of Souls and the Dark of Night.
Solara, the Goddess of Day, brings the life and light to the islands. Represented by the sun, She is the Giver of Life, the Grace of Good Fortune and the Light of Day.
Each is served by an Order of priests/priestesses that share a temple equally divided between the two Deities. The duties are shared, though there are clearly tasks performed by one or the other. Those who serve Lunaris hold sway over the temple in the night hours, and preside over the sick and dying, while those who tend Solara keep the temple in the day, helping with births and weddings. Together they tend to the needs of the poor in the region, serving as mediators and counselors to the peoples. Eache city hosts at least one temple in its region, and often several smaller temples to tend to the spiritual needs of the people. In the countryside, most villages have a small church or share a traveling priest or priestess.
Joining the Orders is strictly voluntary. Each person who seeks to enter the Order leaves their family behind, embracing the Order as their new family. They take on the robes of the Order, as a persona, answering only to the High Priests, who guide the Orders.