The Order of the Elders
Contents
The Order of the Elders
The Order of the Elders is devoted to the englightenment of all men, ensuring the salvation of their souls and granting them access to Asgard; the heavenly city in which Odin, the Father of All, resides. Referred to as the Order, the worship of the Elder Gods is based out of Nighthelm where the blessed truth is accepted and endorsed as the State religion.
The Elder Gods
The worship and knowledge of the Elders is open to all. As is proclaimed in the entrance of every temple of the Elders, whether it be large or small. The five Elder Gods of the Ancient Texts are given here.
All-seeing Odin, Father of all - Wisest of the Elders, he rules over all of Asgard.
Thor, Lord of the Skies - Powerful Thor commands both the anger of the worst thunderstorms, and the quiet mourning of the soft rain or snow present at a warrior's funeral. Travellers also pray to the Lord of Lightning when they wish for good skies during their journey.
Hildr, Mistress of Battle - Commanding the best and worst upon the battlefield, Hildr is the lady warriors pray to when blade meets blade, when their courage is shaken and their sword arm grows heavy from swinging. Lending strength, as well as guarding those she favors, the Lady of Blood dances in the flash of light from blade and shield.
The Dark Prince Loki Lietongue - Planning and scheming, the master of shadows and inky darkness, Loki is the patron of thieves and assassins, though anyone doing black business might whisper his name. What he offers should not be trusted however, for the Black God turns the best of luck to the worst, caring naught for who gets trapped by the turn.
Hel - Guardian of the Underworld, Hel ensures the souls within do not escape to find new life until they have paid for the black Sin tainting their soul. Eternity awaits those who pass into the pitch-black of the Underworld, their memories of dark fear the only company - other than the terrified shrieks of others lost in the darkness.
The Faith
The Order of the Elders has many interpretations of it's faith, even amongst it's own faithful, however this is encouraged and such debates are a source of much joy and discussion. The Order at it's core believes in improving the Self; the mind, body, and soul of an individual. To do this one must challenge themselves in life, find ones strength and more importantly -- weaknesess and overcome them; attain to levels of self-enlightenment through recoginition of failures and inabilities and to seek within yourself and the Gods the resources to defeat ones own weaknesses.
To do this one follows the Path of Enlightment, known as the Path, though many refer to this process as following the light. For one follows the Gods and seeks their help to engage in enlightment. The Path of Enlightenment is also refered to as the Path of Thor, for Thor is the patron God of Travellers and it is seen that those who walk the Path travel within themselves and through the world. Thus they may seek out Thor to aid them in this journey, for the roads we walk in life are watched over by Thor, and thus we should seek his blessings and aid if we find ourselves unsure of which path to travel down.
Many followers seek the blessings of Father Odin, for he aids people who pray and seek for guidance. Those who seek wisdom, knowledge, understanding of the world; they all aspire to the tenents of Odin. Indeed Patience and Wisdom are the most often sought virtues, but many find themselves praying for long hours, or studying the ancient texts for days to achieve the insights he grants. It is those who are confused, confounded, or lost in their journeys who tend to seek out Odin's wisdom when they find their own resources to be stretched. His guiding hand is felt by all of the faithful, for what he teaches is the key to Enlightenment.
As we seek Enlightenment we shall encounter great difficulties in our lives -- this is a test of resolve and strength. These are the challenges that Hildr teaches us to embrace. Her strength, resilience, and endurance on the battlefield are not only for those who fight another man or beast -- but are lessons, virtues even that aid one in overcoming the struggles in life. Thus those who encounter difficulties and troubles in their lives often seek Hildr out for strength and aid in defeating their adversary, whether that is an armed combatant or the endurance to continue on despite great loss or ill fortune.
In our lives we encounter those who have done us wrong knowingly or unwittingly. To find it within ourselves to forgive those who have wronged us, to seek out an understanding of other peoples. Indeed to aid those who are lost and hopeless in life or to seek Justice in the world; those who seek to preform these tasks look to Hel in times of need. She endorses truth seeking, to examines ones soul or those of others for that which inhibits us from Enlightenment. Those who ask for her aid often are seeking Justice in an unbiased fashion. A Justice that embraces mercy and compassion, the salvation of the soul.
In all of us there lies hidden parts of our being which aid in our downfall. Arrogance, short-tempers, lack of foresight. Indeed these are of use to Loki for he shows us our folleys and enjoys our failures. It is he who confounds us with multiple choices on the Path, he does so to make us seek the truth. He revels in our failures, in our personal flaws and will exploit them to our downfall. However this is a two-edged sword, through such actions he reveals to us the cause of our failures and thus those who understand Loki's teachings can improve themselves by embracing his teachings, that of our own personal weakenesses. Thus Loki is the most powerful God when it comes to self-enlightenment, for he shows us what we have left to achieve, not what we have accomplished, and thus reminds us that Enlightenment is not a destination, but instead is a journey along the Path.
Founding of the Order
The Order was founded by twice King-elect of Nighthelm, the glorious prophet Thraymn. He is closest to Odin, and wisest amongst the High Clergy.
The History of the Elders is availible here: History of the Elders (This is a place holder)
Religious Texts of the Order
The Ancient texts of the Elders have been painstakingly translated by the Monks and members of the Order so that the words of Wisdom and Truth may be spread to the common man and enlighten him.
Currently the Library contains all the translated texts on the Elder Gods.
Temple Locations
| Anacan Temple |
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Realm: Antoza Commonwealth |
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| Apelen Temple |
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Realm: Nighthelm |
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| Batesaor Temple |
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Realm: Nighthelm |
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| Hatdhes Temple |
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Realm: Nighthelm |
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| Masahakon Temple |
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Realm: Nighthelm |
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| Idaol Temple |
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Realm: Nighthelm |
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