Fallen Empire: Religion - Dvas'tiesan Mysticism

Dvas'tiesan Mysticism

Spirit of Truth

Dvas'tiesan Mysticism, commonly referred to as Tiesan Mysticism, is a specific expression of druidism that arose among elvenkind during the Age of Tyranny. This faith holds that divinity is simply the sum total of living creatures. They hold nature to be sacred as it is the primary component of the Living Spirit. The tenets of this faith form more of a belief in an ideal than the worship of a concrete deity. This faith is especially prevalent among elves, and most members of that race adhere to this creed. Outside of the elves, the faith is fairly rare, but some mages, a number of khülen and a handful of half-elves adhere to the philosophy. It is a secretive religion and takes any actions outside of elven communities quietly and without drawing notice to itself.

The religion is associated with the number four, and the symbol of the faith is a four pointed silver star on a white field. Druids devoted to this philosophy may be identified by their silver and gray robes adorned with the symbol of the faith. The faith holds the moon to be sacred, and the holy days of the religion are the full and new moons of each month, as well as the equinoxes of the year. The sign of the faith is a raised palm turned outwards with four upraised fingers.

This faith was founded by elves who allied themselves with friendly khülen in opposing the machinations of the Lich Lords. Although the cult started small and was by necessity secretive due to the rampaging hordes of the Empire, it slowly grew in size, becoming popular among the bands of khülen living alongside elves who gravitated to the naturalistic faith that also attracted many humans and other elves. There are four maxims that set forth the fundamental tenets of the faith, and as a result, the number four is holy to members.

First, followers are expected to always be accountable for their actions. The most important religious ceremony a member of the Dvas’tiesa can participate in is the Circle of Truth. In this ritual, all members gather together in a circle and one by one each speaks the truth of any wrongs he has done and bathes his head with a cup of cool water. After ritually washing away the sin of falsehood, the follower vows to take whatever action seems appropriate in order to repair the wrong. Any member of the circle may challenge the oath as being too weak.

The second tenet requires that adherents only destroy what is absolutely necessary for the preservation of the goals of the religion. While they do not shrink from conflict if it is forced upon them, no Tiesist will seek out a fight if it is not an absolute necessity. In addition, they will avoid unnecessary destruction when they do fight and will become outraged at wanton rapacity or cruelty.

The third tenet of the faith requires that Tiesists preserve and restore the natural world. They are fundamentally conservationists, and seek to repair the damage sentient creatures have done to the natural world. They will attempt to replace cut trees, and rebuild forests and natural areas. In addition, they believe that it is easier to preserve something than it is to rebuild it, so they are very protective of natural sites that they can defend. Tiesists regard preservation and restoration as a religious duty, and become outraged by wholesale destruction. For example, although the Imperial clear cutting of many forests was strategically devastating to the Tiesists, it is also a religious affront as the Empire appeared to simply be engaging in wholesale destruction for the purpose of achieving short term military goals.

Finally, the fourth tenet requires that Tiesists maintain the harmony and balance between magic and nature. They are required to avoid harming the physical world with the overload of magical energies. Tiesists feel a duty to prevent others from also engaging in such destructive actions, and oppose those who appear to be recklessly or intentionally courting this danger. They are also required to prevent the use of evil magic to destroy or harm the natural world.

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