Ventrism

Ventrism is a regional religion local to the Lakewood in Eastern Eldham. The religion is named after the patron Goddess and Mother of the Aseri: Ventria.

Early History
WIP

The Aldaoaka
The Aldaoaka is seen as the holiest site in Ventrism and reflects the deep historical ties that the Aseri have to the Lakewood and the gods in general. During migration, the Aseri found the Aldaoka and believed it to be a blessing by Ventria. As such, the colonists decided to land their boats close to the tree, on the opposite side of the river. It was this landing point that would become Asariana.

Araleth's Comet
Araleth's Comet is a holy site in Ventrism that Ventrians venerate. This comet struck down on the eastern region of present-day Asariana several hundred years ago. The comet itself is said to be a representation of the goddess Araleth's bloodlust, and the subsequent events in which the neighboring tribes were wiped have led to this site being representative of the steadfast loyalty to the gods that the Aseri possess. It has also become a symbol of defense, even in the case of war, within Aseri politics.

Ventria
The Deity of life who created the World, which is said to have blossomed in her womb. Ventria is the creator and ancestor of the Aseri, her chosen people. When she walks amongst her people, she is said to take the form of a youthful Aseri woman. Due to her creation of the world, the Aseri consider the world to be her domain and realm, considering her to be well above all kings.

Kontart
Kontart means 'Death' in the Aseri tongue. He is the husband of Ventria, and therefore the father of the Aseri and of the world. Despite this, the Aseri have mixed views on Kontart as a God. It is very rare to see any candles lit for Kontart, though his statues and symbols exist within all Aseri temples. The only times he is truly mentioned and worshipped is relating to his domain of death. He is only prayed to when remembering a loved one and wishing them well on their journeys into the beyond. Kontart guides dead souls, and also guides lost travellers by the light of his staff, though for this task he is rarely thanked. It is considered taboo to invoke Kontart, and so most Aseri fear doing so. He is not revered, but he is still respected by the Aseri.

Araleth
Deified daughter of Ventria and Kontart. She is the guardian of maidenhood, animals, and the forest. Though widely prayed to as perhaps the second most important Goddess within the faith, she is especially prayed to by young girls wishing to find strength, whether it is in their maidenhood, or in archery, as Areleth is patron of both. She also has an extremely vengeful side. Araleth is said to, at times, corrupt the hearts and minds of men to do evil, driving them into madness and violence, usually as punishment for a crime against the gods. Likewise, she is also a war deity, and tends to exact horrific punishment on those who harm prisoners of war.

Fanmarel
Deified son of Ventria and Kontart. Fanmarel is the god and protector of the sea in the same capacity that his sister is the goddess and protector of the land. Fanmarel guides those Aseri who voyage across the seas, and especially attempts to protect them. He also is the patron of builders, warriors and fishermen.

Calsemo
The Deity of Strife is humbled by criminals and races alike. Thieves and assassins tend to worship the God. It is said his temples are stacked with riches from retired thieves paying respect to their deity for their luck and skill in their lives. Due to his sneaky ways, Calcelmo is entitled 'Night's Harbourage'.

Key Tenants
Practicers of Ventrism believe the following Tenants and attempt to live their lives in accordance to them:


 * 1) There are no other gods except for the Five. Any other gods worshipped are mere aspects of one Ventric God or another.
 * 2) Generosity is paramount to Aseri existence.
 * 3) You shall not murder, unless it be in defence of the Forest.

Views on Other Faiths
The Aseri tend to always view other faiths and their deities as manifestations of the Aseri gods. Solon, for example, is viewed by the Aseri as a form of Ventria, Juni as an incarnation of Araleth, and Jorm as a form of Fanmarel, etc. The Aseri are therefore welcoming, by and large, to the worship of other faiths. However, ultimately the Aseri view most faiths as if they are simply misunderstandings of Ventrism. But Ventrism dictates a fundamental respect for those of differing opinions, and a s such, the Aseri are accepting of differing religions.

Trial by Combat
Ventrism determines that one can be judged as innocent or guilty in the eyes of the gods by means of combat. In a trial by combat, the accused must first specify that they seek the god's justice by means of a trial by combat. Next, the accused and the accuser are able to choose a champion to represent them in combat. The 'trial' itself takes place with both champions wearing iron armour and armed with an iron sword and shield. During these trials, no other enhancements such as enchantments or foodstuffs are allowed. The trial continues until one champion either yields or falls. Further, the 'Trial' must be sanctioned by whichever court, be it a noble court or one of the faith itself. These trials can be denied, and are usually at the Lord's discretion, but a denial can be appealed to the Church.

Organization
Ventrism relies heavily on the presence of the hierarchical Ventric Church. What is, or is not, considered as canon by the faith is determined by the members of the Ventric Church.

Hierarchy
The Karida is the speaker of the gods. They are considered to be the head of the Ventric Church. They are elected by the Kardinalate and are typically former-Amandils. Their duties include:


 * 1) Coronate the Aldareina/Aldarei of the Aseri.
 * 2) Greet pilgrims at Aldoaka and the Temple of Life
 * 3) Lead services at the Temple of Life.
 * 4) Conduct meetings with religious leaders.
 * 5) Appoint and oversee the training of the Amandils.

The Kardinalate is made up of the three Kardinales. The three Kardinales are appointed by the Karida with each member originating from one of the religious orders recognised by the Ventric Church. The Kardinales, among other duties, are in charge of choosing the next Karida. Their other duties include:


 * 1) Serving as the leader of the religious order in which they have been assigned.
 * 2) Electing the Karida when necessary.

The Amandilate is made up of the Amandils. The Amandils are the members of the clergy with which the Aseri tend to have the most interaction. The Amandils, among other things, are primarily in charge of leading congregations of worshippers. They have the following powers and responsibilities:


 * 1) Conduct religious services.
 * 2) Perform marriages.
 * 3) Perform funerals and burials.
 * 4) Conduct spiritual readings.
 * 5) Perform baptism.
 * 6) Hear confession.
 * 7) Provide faith-based guidance to the Aseri.

The Acolyate is made up of Acolytes who are training to become Amandils. They have no powers, nor responsibilities, but are often entrusted to assist the Amandils and other levels of the hierarchy perform their duties.

The Congregate is comprised of all worshippers and followers of Ventrism.

Throughout history, the Aseri have constructed various buildings and monuments to their faith. Most of these structures have a specific purpose as listed below:


 * Temple - Temples are some of the holiest places within the Faith. These buildings typically have a specific purpose or are symbolic to the Aseri. Each of the five gods is represented within these temples, often in the form of statues.
 * Shrine - Shrines are the buildings in which most Aseri congregations are led within. They typically feature specific altars to worship every one of the Aseri gods. Also, it is not uncommon for them to include elements of the earth such as trees or running water within their bounds.

Ventric Orders
To further communicate the will of the gods and ancestors to the Aseri and to the world, members of the Ventric Church have historically organised themselves into various groups dealing with the faith. Traditionally these religious orders have all been led by a Kardinale who is a member of the clergy Few exceptions to this norm have ever been made, as the Orders ultimately recognise the authority of the Karida to decide who leads them.

The Order of the Shooting Star, or the Wardens of Araleth were founded on the idea that the forest, specifically the Lakewood, is sacred to the gods and ought to be protected. They are typically trained in archery and form the vanguard of the scouts who patrol the Lakewood for intruders. It is not uncommon, also, that Wanders of Araleth are sent as emissaries to other groups throughout the word, whether to evangelise the faith, or as representation. Though not impossible, it is often rare for males to be a part of the Order of the Shooting Star. Historically, the Wardens of Araleth have also followed Araleth as their patron goddess, and as such have commonly been female. The title which is commonly associated with the Order of the Shooting Star is Liro for males, and Lira for females. The etomology of the title comes from the Aseri word for 'range', lir.

The Wardens of Araleth are typically anointed in the light of Araleth's, still burning, Comet. They brand themselves with ashes in the shape of a circle on their forehead as part of the ceremony.

The Order of the Moon, or the Swords of Fanmarel is the Ventric order of knights. The Order of the Moon is the oldest of the Ventric Orders and as such has boasted the greatest amount of membership. Traditionally, the Swords of Fanmarel have been much more martial and face-to-face enforcers of the Ventric Church's will. However, alike to their counterparts in the Order of the Shooting Star and the Order of the Scroll, the Swords of Fanmarel have also acted as emmisaries for either the Church or the Aseri nobility. Unlike their counterparts, the Order of the Moon has commonly been given more domestic honours and traditions. An example of this is that their members are often granted lands and even extensive titles in defense of the Aseri Culture. Many a Sword of Fanmarel has been granted nobility status either through lands or symbolic titles. Swords of Fanmarel also have often made up the majority of the eight members of the Silveran Guard throughout the history of the Aseri. In times of war, the Order of the Moon also boasts the greatest melee fighters of the Aseri. Swords of Fanmarel have also been known to take on personal quests in service to the gods. The title which is commonly associated with the Order of the Moon is Sir for males, and Dame for females.

The Order of the Scroll, or the Children of Ventria is the Ventric Order dedicated to the collection and maintenance of knowledge. They are charged with the creation of historical, political, and religious texts as well. Libraries throughout the Aseri world are typically maintained by the Children of Ventria. In addition, the Children of Ventria are also charged with the education of future generations of Aseri, and with the training of members of the clergy.

Invocation of Ventria
Before cutting down a tree or a section of the forest, even those which exist outside the sacred groves, all Aseri pray to Ventria for permission to cut down the tree. For the trees were a gift that were given to the Aseri by Ventria and it would be sinful to cut one down without her permission. The Invocation of Ventria is also a promise that the Aseri will grow another tree somewhere else in place of the tree that they cut down.

Day of Ventria
The Day of Ventria is celebrated on the Fifth day of each month. On this day, the Aseri worship all Five aspects as the one true god: Ventria. On this day, the Aseri fast from sunrise to sunset, praying to Ventria throughout the day for guidance. At sunset, a feast is held. The feast usually consists of bread, and apples. Though the feast varies from time to time: the foods almost always come from the earth. Along with their food; the Aseri also drink the finest alcohol available. It is tradition for the greatest brewers to have their alcohol both tested, and voted upon by those who are in attendance. At the end of the feast, the winner is announced and given a prize for their vintage.

Day of Fanmarel
The Day of Fanmarel is celebrated on the Fifteenth day of each month. On this day, the connection between the Aseri and the Aspect of Fanmarel is closest. Aseri traditionally train for combat on this day so that they will always be ready to defend the faith.

The Zandari (The Eight Pointed Star)
The Zandari (as it is known in Aseri), or the Five Pointed Star is the holy text of Ventrism.

Holy Sites
The Ventric Church has the ability to designate a site within the world as holy.

Temple of Life
The Temple of Life is the center of the Ventric Church. It is located on the Mound in Asariana.

Temple of the Stars
The Temple of the Stars is a holy site located on the Mound in Asariana

Aldoaka
The Aldoaka is considered the holiest site within Ventrism. It is believed that the world itself sprouted from its roots and that the world is connected by those same roots.