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) To consume one of Our Mother’s creatures is to devour your friend. (Veganism)
 * 4) 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.

Karida
The Karida is the speaker of the gods. They are considered to be the chief of the Amandils whom are priests. Their duties include:


 * 1) Crown the Everchosen of the Aseri.
 * 2) Greet pilgrims at the Everoak.
 * 3) Conduct meetings with religious leaders.
 * 4) Appoint and oversee the religious training of Amandils.

Amandil
The Amandils lead congregations of worshippers and read scripture. 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 Conversion Rites.
 * 6) Hear confession.
 * 7) Provide faith-based guidance to the Aseri.

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 Fenmarel
The Day of Fenmarel is celebrated on the Fifteenth day of each month. On this day, the connection between the Aseri and the Aspect of Fenmarel is closest. Aseri traditionally train for combat on this day.

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.