Zephyrean

I, of the Storm

Zephyrean belief is often defined by some as an Obscuran religion. While true by some definitions, Zephyrean belief is one of the larges religious denominations that is not a Zolaen-Centric, or Trinity-Centric belief system. It is based in worship of Adrathar, Father of the Wind and the Greatwinds of the north-eastern kingdom of The Ward.

Zephyrean belief focuses on the idea that there are great dangers within Zol. Only through strength, honor, and unity can they be overcome. You can only grow through challenge.

The Zephyrean religion formed largely in isolation, making its lore and traditions quite different from the dominant religions of The Three Corners like Arkian belief or Trinaism.

• Adrathar, Father of the Wind
• Greatwinds
• The Ward
• The North Sea
• Strength
• Honor
• Community
• Unity
• Willpower
• Struggle
• Dragon Slaying
• The Enduring
• The North Honor
• Archons
• The Ferric Alphabet
• Stormcallers
• Warriors

• Adrathar, Father of the Wind

Zephyrean scripture describes the Sea of Monsters as a world of endless, angry wind. An infinite sky filled with horrible monsters. Adrathar came and stilled this sky. He fought along side the other warrior Gods like The Watcher and his pantheon of Zolaen Gods against the darkness of the early world. In their victory, they founded Zol.

Zephyrean scripture describes the old world as something vast, beautiful, and strange. The great warriors of old fought of every beast and enemy the Gods had. They lived in peace for many ages. Then a great, unnamed darkness came. It was so terrible that it tore the world into pieces. The people of the old world had been living in peace for so long they forgot how to fight. Only Adrathar’s people remembered the warrior’s ways. Though their strength wasn’t enough. This weakness cost Zol everything.

Zephyrean lore tells of a horrible war against a strange and ancient darkness, it drove the Gods apart. The Watcher and his Zolaen Gods decided to burn the old world down, and build it anew to drive away the darkness. The Undoing. Adrathar did not condone The Watcher’s actions, but he did not condemn him. However, this drove a wedge between the two gods.

The Zephyrean church has a very important role in The Ward’s culture. Church’s do not have an interconnected hierarchy amongst them. They are instead usually organized by their local region. Each town, neighborhood, or district having its own church.

Churches are ran by an Aeostraemos, a position similar to a high priest. Sometimes the title is shortened to Aeo. Beneath them may have a few various Priests aiding them in the organization of their church.

Modernist belief surrounds the idea of honor, and doing what is best for one’s self, and their community. Many with swear an oath that they live by. Some are simple, like swearing to be a skilled, and fair tradesman to their community. Others may be more complex and personal.

Fundamentalist belief is focused on the idea of extreme dedication, struggle, and self sacrifice. Fundamentalist Zephyreans are known to subscribe very literally to the ideals of Zephyrean scripture. They are most often known for idealizing strength, and acting as a warrior.

• The Ward

• Hoss is known for its tendency to lean towards fundamentalist ideals.
• Zephyrean belief sees the Ferric Alphabet as a sacred thing. Its symbols are used for spiritual and ceremonial purpose. Because of this, Zephyrean religion does not allow for the usage of Iron Light. Apparatum and Warforged are seen as heretical.

• The Church of the Winds. Organized in Often and Fike
• The Glass Cathedral, of Hoss