Ceremonies

The Cradle of Nanin

To be baptized as a Druid of the Circle of Nanin is to be buried. Initiates are stolen in the still hours before dawn and guided to a shallow grave, where they are buried beneath a smattering of soil. To rise from the grave is to be born again and take their place in the Circle.

The Embrace of Eternity:

For Druids, death is not the end. Funerals are a celebration, the next step in a cycle that never ends. The bodies of the dead are buried beneath nutrient dense soil and seeds are planted along with the corpse, a tree or a bed of flowers depending on the individual.

Tenets and Tales

• Nature's reclamation of old human cities and ruins are a frequent theme in stories of Nanin. Nature is revered, and its balance protected by Nanin's druids: wood gathered only from deadfall, every part of slain prey utilized, and offerings given back.
• The darkest of Nanin's tales (and of most comfort to the grieving) speak of vengeance, long-time foes meeting their unwitting (but deserved) end.

Ceremonies

The Rite of Nín

To be considered one of Nin's chosen, an initiate must undertake the Rite of Nín. The initiate is instructed to select a pebble from the banks of the river at twilight. They are then taken (by boat) to the deepest part of the river. There the stone is tossed into the still waters and the initiate must dive into the cold depths and retrieve it, proving themselves worthy of Nin's favor, or be dragged to the depths by their river goddess to linger with the dead.

The Ritual of Returning

The dead are as coveted by Nín as the living. Only the most devoted of her followers are returned to the cool embrace of their goddess. The dead are dressed in a ceremonial cloak stitched with numerous pockets of varying depths. Friends and family gather around, each bearing a stone which is then placed in the many pockets. A priest of Nín bears the body in a boat to the middle of the river where the body is cast down, sinking to the bottom to be feasted upon by fish and various river dwelling creatures- and sometimes Nín herself. Thus continues the cycle once more, a return to the waters that first gave life.

Tenets and Tales

• Protection of rivers and the life that flows through them are important to Nín, who guards the realm's waterways. Those who care for life's balance may find her favor. Though she does not share all of Nanin's realm, they equally revere nature.
• It is said that a current runs through all living things, linking people together in this life and the next.
• Many stories caution those who would take dangerous waters for granted. Many an unfortunate soul has been swallowed by Nín's depths.

Ceremonies

The Longest Night

Those of the Stonecarvers who believe themselves to be the most hardy and devout undertake the vigil of The Long Night. On the eve of celebration, they and they alone scale the highest peak of Caledonia’s claim to meditate upon the state of their soul, and the deeds they have done and will do to venerate their god of iron and stone.

The Mountain’s Call

As we live, so do we die, and in death the mountain calls us home. In the event of such a passing, Stonecarvers of Dúr encase their dead in elaborate stone cairns at the base of the mountains. In their cold grasp they place a hammer, so they may work beneath his steady gaze and raise the mountain ever higher.

Tenets and Tales

• Many stories tell of Dúr forming the world -- cracking it open with his hooves, siring mountains, stamping valleys to make way for the sea.
• A worshiper of Dúr should be like the mountains: strong, tall, impervious. Many tales allude to feats of strength and overcoming adversity through great trials. They also tell of Dúr lending his strength to those who need it most.
• While his most devout are often smiths or stonemasons, Dúr appreciates Luperci's hard work and creation in all aspects.

Ceremonies

The Trial of Eventide

Two ceremonies, one for each face of the Dual spirit can be undergone by their most worthy disciples. The Trial of Eventide requires that the Sunweaver fast from sunrise to sunset on a cloudless day, so they may soak in every purifying ray with a clear head and body free of toxins.

The Trial of Zenith:

Similarly, Moonweavers undergo the Trial of Zenith. They set out for the beach when the sun begins to fall, forgoing food and drink to witness the moon’s splendor.

The Heavens Rest

No one lives forever. Sooner or later death comes for us all. The Sun and Moonweavers know this to be true. The Heavens Rest is a ritual burial styled in the ways of the ancient priests. When a Sun or Moonweaver falls their body is carried to the highest scaleable peak of New Caledonia's claim by those they cherished in life. Their body is then set upon an altar of stone and after all have said their farewells the deceased's remains are left to be devoured by the birds and beasts of the land-- for a dead body is an empty vessel. The soul lives on.

Tenets and Tales

• Freedom of choice is important to the dual-spirited god -- after all, their worshipers choose which aspect (sun or moon) calls most to them.
• Worshipers should demonstrate pride and conviction, flaunting their faith through social rituals and fine clothing. One should strive for grace and beauty in all that they do. Valleui the eagle's warriors often make battle an art form.
• Knowledge is valued by Valleuar the owl's worshipers especially, but this knowledge is to be shared rather than hoarded.