Isidor Thrane
SERMONS
Isidor stood before the threshold of the temple as people began to assemble at its steps.
“Brother and Sisters of the faith, welcome.” He took a short pause as he looked upon those gathered. “Before I begin I would like to announce the enlarging of the first Temple of Ainanism. Upon these foundations shall continue our sacred duties and grow to become the remedy of chaos in this world.” There were a few cheers and the polite clapping of hands. Isidor looked to the sky and took a deep breathe before returning his gaze to the crowd. He smiled, “Take heart and be at ease for it is in these trying times when we need most the loving embrace of the Mother, the assertiveness of the Father and the curiosity of the Child. It is in times, such as these, we need most our family.”
“I have heard it said in the local taverns and the courts of minor nobility. From the shining coast of Oroyo to the townlands of Tokat they speak of the ceaseless waging of war. While it is true that our kingdom has suffered many trespasses we must not forget that which is written in our holy tomes.” Isidor cleared his throat and spoke louder, “As the Father attempted to provide law and justice, some of the men demonstrated a corruption of heart that had never been seen before. For many days thereafter, the Father grew ill as the wars grew increasingly violent. The Father then clutched his head in agony, until finally, out of him came a new being. A being with no form but a life force unlike any other. A dark energy that spread out into the world, bleeding into the hearts and minds of men.”
“We are bound to both King and country, but so too are we bound to the will of Mother and Father; balance. I ask of those in service of the Shadow Legion to safeguard your hearts. Conduct yourselves with honor and stay your men from mindless bloodshed. Acts of looting and pillaging can only manifest within you the same corruption that bore Ulca. We must achieve a righteous justice. A justice of wrath and mercy, compassion and conviction.”
There was another gentle applause. Isidor then motioned for the crowd to hear his final words, “Go forth now, in the name of the Mother and the Father, and practice balance in all that you do. It is through your individual, honorable actions that make our collective future brighter.”
We believe in the Divine family; The Mother Amille, the Father Atar and the Child Seldo. Our Mother is of mercy, love, compassion and light. Our Father is of law, order, honor and righteous anger. They two bore the Child Seldo, a fickle but not malevolent being. We attribute him with with luck, chance and capriciousness; a patron of many adventurers and wandering souls. There is too the Deceiver Ulca. The Formless Dark of malevolence, senseless violence and the plague upon the hearts of men. The plague of greed, lust and envy.
We must always remain vigilant to keep this Great Darkness from our hearts. It is for this reason we stress the importance of a strong family unit amongst our brothers and sisters. We must emulate the aspects of Amille and Atar in all that we do, a separate but equal balance. Through our practices of their character we worship and exalt them. We abstain from any sexual relations before and outside of marriage. There too are several important days, relating to the seasons of this mortal plane with the exception of the winter solstice. It is during this time many devout brothers and sisters remain indoors, fasting to repent of their trespasses. More commonly, many will wear masks to shield themselves from the gaze of Ulca. This custom has been celebrated in wealthier communities in the form of masquerade balls.
