Religion is important in every aspect of the Dalmite people’s daily life. The Naiir al Dal is the leader of the Dalmite religion and resides in Tilitha with Teila. He is an extremely influential person in the Nation and his powers are second only to Teila. Even then, many Teila’s have been influenced by their religious leaders, and sometimes to the detriment of the Dalmite people. Each clan also has a Tielda’len or Tielda’lend, an Elder Shaman who is responsible for the religious leadership within the clan. Most tribes also have a shaman called the Da’len, or Da’lend.
In Tilitha, rituals and ceremonies to the various deities are common. The Shamans carry out many of these rites while others involve the entire community. Each fall, Alondra is celebrated during the harvest season and in the spring, Zaolla is the guest of honor at a festival of rebirth.
Each year, a different deity is the subject of an elaborate celebration held in Tilitha. Every six years, there is a Year of Celebration, in which there is a huge festival, often lasting several weeks. Most Dalmites attend, and have a wonderful time. During these years, a larger ceremony is held to honor all the gods. Often, the worship of the gods happens at the same time as meetings of the clan leaders. Those born in the year of a certain god are said to have some of the traits of that god. The lucky ones born during the Year of Celebration are blessed by all the gods and are said to have a great destiny.
Every Dalmite has prayers, which they use to appease the deities on a personal level. When an animal is taken from the forest, Elaen is thanked for her gift and Adralis is asked to take the animal quickly, without pain. When trees are taken for building or bows, Elaen is again thanked for her gift and Zaolla is asked to bring forth new growth to renew the forest. Couples pray to Zaolla for children, farmers pray to Alondra to bring forth bountiful harvests, and Graem is asked to keep springs and streams flowing, providing water to the people. Religious ceremonies play an important part in the passage from childhood to adulthood and in death as well as birth.
Creation Myth
From the infinite darkness of time she came. She had gazed upon the countless worlds of the heavens and frowned. She would make a world that rivaled all those before her. With a passing thought to each of these worlds, Kainna reached into the heavens and gathered to herself a piece of the darkness. With gentle hands, she molded the darkness into a world, and in the glow of her divine light, the world was thus created.
As Kainna looked upon the world, she smiled softly and with a gentle hand, began to fashion and mold the world into her perfect vision. She created lush green forests upon the world so that it may breathe life. These forest would be her children upon the world. They would grow and cover much of the lands. Then she created all the blue waters upon the world to help nourish and feed all life upon the world. She created the tall mountains so her children upon the lands would reach to the heavens and see their mother. As her breath swept across the lands, lush green meadows sprung up behind it. Her children would have the meadows of the lands as their playground. There was much happiness from her children. The shouts of joy and happiness filled Kainna's heart to the brim of eternal happiness. She then took the world and placed it in the heavens and gently spun it for all to witness its beauty.
"Since thee art the glittering jewel of mine own heart, I shall name thee Adellion", said Kainna.
As the world grew, Kainna watched patiently over it, nurturing and tending to every need that arose. But her children began to feel alone. Her children reached into the heavens and cried for companionship. She began to feel their pain and suffering. She felt much compassion towards her hurt children.
Thus Kainna reached onto Adellion and with a stroke of her hand a few of her children were blessed into her likeness. They would move about the world tending it and fulfilling her role as Kainna saw fit. The first one she fashioned and named her Elaen. She would be the mistress and caretaker over all of Kainna's children. Next she fashion into her likeness another and named her Adondra. Adondra would ensure the world of Adellion was bountiful of food and did not hunger. Next she fashioned Zaolla and gave her the power of creation itself. She would become the Mother of Birth now. She could, with a stroke of her hand, create wondrous life upon Adellion.
Kainna watched over Zaolla as she attempted to create life for the first time. Zaolla attempted to created a life from the trees as Kainna has done. However, the life that was created did not appear in the likeness of Kainna. It was different in some ways. So Zaolla called him Graem (which means, Zaolla's Other). Graem would assist Zaolla by ensuring the world had bountiful water to drink from. Kainna was very pleased with her children and told them to watch over Adellion as she had done from the beginnings of time itself. As time passed, Zaolla created much life upon the world of Adellion. From the smallest of insects to the mightiest of beasts. It pleased Kainna greatly as her children's suffering was eased considerably. They once again reached towards the heavens in praise of her wonders.
As the children of Adellion played, the world of Adellion became boring. Everything had been explored and there were a great many questions left unanswered by Kainna. So the children began to talk amongst themselves. What would make the world of Adellion a challenge? What would make Adellion a place of opportunity? Zaolla pondered all this and much more. It seemed as if a eternity had passed when Zaolla stood up and created life once more. But something was wrong. She knew this immediately because the soils around where she created life turned into barren wastelands of sand and dirt. All life within a radius of the creation had died on the spot and in a instant. Great sacrifices were made as thousands upon Adellion screamed in horror of the pain just done. There, amidst the sands, stood a likeness of Zaolla. But this likewise bore a semblance of something dark, something evil.
This likeness gazed up at Zaolla and said, "Thank you my sister, I am called Araessi (which in the old tongue means Evil Twin of Zaolla)". Before Zaolla could summon Kainna, Araessi was gone. All that remained was the sands from which she was birthed and the screams of thousands of children. Kainna heard the screams and rushed to her daughter's side. But it was too late.
Kainna did her best to comfort her daughter. But her daughter had already bore too much of the pain and sorrow from the failed creation. Guilt and grief stricken, Zaolla remained helpless to act. Kainna realized that if she did not do something soon her dearest daughter would be lost to her. Kainna knew what she had to do. She also knew what it would do to Adellion and forever change it. Kainna cried a thousand tears as she reached into Zaolla and pulled from her the essences of the troubles and formed them into entities. For one can never use the power of creation to destroy. It can only be used to create life. Thus she named them, Adralis (Lord of Death), Nydelik (Raiser of Mountains), Naeria (Lady of the Sand), and Asurin (Lord of Pain).
"Now go, bother Zaolla no more for she is thy mother and thou shall respect her", said Kainna.
It was then that Adellion learned of darkness and evil. Chaos and Order. It was then that the world knew fear. In time, Zaolla recovered, but she had lost a big portion of herself. Zaolla knew something deep inside her had changed and that the power of creation had brought forth the darkest of her inner secrets. She vowed to Kainna to watch over them and make sure they did not change Adellion. Kainna smiled at her daughter and explained that world was be given the choice to follow it's heart from this day forth. It would be given the chance to lead it's destinies as it saw fit.
Dieties
The Yearly Cycle of the Dal is very much like the Chinese calendar. Those born in the year of a certain god are said to have some of the traits of that god. Also, every year a ceremony of worship to that year's god is held in Tilitha. Every six years, there is a Year of Celebration, in which there is a huge festival, often lasting quite a while. Most Dalmites attend, and have a wonderful time. During these years, a larger ceremony is held to honor all the gods. Often, the worship of the gods happens at the same time as meetings of the clan leaders.
"Kainna (Creator) (F)" -
The Creator is very enigmatic, and little in known of her. What is spoken has never been proven, and she rarely speaks, except in very rare dreams and visions to her chosen. One should worship the Creator during all things, and in all ways, for she is our mother. Her rival is Araessi, Mistress of Evil. The Eleventh Year is hers.
"Elaen (Mistress of the Forests) (F)" -
The Mistress of the Forests, Elaen is the patron deity of all who draw their sustenance from the woodlands of Adellion. She is slow to change, like the forests she protects, and doesn't ask for much more worship than to simply respect her forests. Those unwilling to thank her for the resources they draw from her may find themselves fall prey to a venomous spider bite, or some other similar malady. Her rival is Nydelik, Raiser of Mountains. The Second Year is hers.
"Adondra (Bringer of Harvests) (F)" -
The Bringer of Harvests, Adondra rejoices in the creations of her children. Those who worship her particularly tend to be craftsmen or farmers. Adondra is very close to Zaolla, but don't be fooled into thinking the two are similar. Adondra is constantly questing for knowledge about how to make it easier for her worshippers to do their work. Besides the usual worship, she asks that craftsmen thank her for their work, and that part of all their creations are sacrificed to her. This goes for farmers as well, and when harvests are not as plentiful as usual, it is said that the people brought down her wrath. Her rival is Asurin, Lord of Pain. The Ninth Year is hers.
"Graem (Master of Water) (M)" -
Master of Water, Graem is present wherever there is water. Because of this, he is very often a messenger to the other gods, as he is usually the first to find out when something happens. Besides controlling rivers, oceans, and lakes, Graem is the god of the weather. He is the patron god of some farmers, as well as sailors and fishermen. Those who brew potions also worship him, as they are constantly using his element. One should always thank Graem for rain, and be careful what you put in the water. Shrines have also been erected at springs, to ask Graem to bless the source, and keep the water flowing. Often quick to anger, he has been known to put droughts on an entire village when he feels one man or woman has not treated him well. However, these times are rare, as he can usually be dissuaded from this path by one of the other gods. His rival is Naeria, Lady of the Sand. The Seventh Year is his.
"Zaolla (Mother of Birth) (F)" -
As the Mother of Birth, Zaolla is present whenever something new is born. Often considered the right hand of Kainna, she was one of the earlier gods, and created many things. She is worshipped by parents, of course, and midwives, but also by those who raise animals. As the goddess of fertility, those that wish to conceive a child often pray to Zaolla and give her offerings of flowers and other things of beauty. A prayer to her may help those being born to have a long life, and one should also try to get her aid in warding off Asurin, Lord of Pain, for the mother. Most Dalmites pay their respects to Zaolla, knowing that she brought them into the world. Zaolla loves prayer and worship much more than sacrifices, as she considers them to be merely undoing her work. Her rival is Adralis, Lord of Death. The Fourth Year is hers.
"Araessi (Mistress of Evil) (F)" -
The Mistress of Evil was brought into existence by mistake and accordingly loves to take advantage of another's misfortune. She truly has earned her name, and is found in the dealings of the dishonest, causing deceit and hate. She angers quickly, and enjoys watching others suffer. Those who go against her often wind up dead. She finds very few worshippers, except thieves, killers, and others who live by the code she created. Only the foolish, and those with the direct protection of the gods, dare to oppose her. While the occasional prayer of recognition to her definitely doesn't hurt, it is often wise not to draw her attention to you. Her rival is Kainna, the Creator. The Tenth Year is hers.
"Adralis (Lord of Death) (M)" -
The Lord of Death works to destroy what others have created. He generally kills any Araessi requests for him, but is of course present whenever others die, also. However, he is not quite the pure evil most think him to be. Adralis does not enjoy watching people suffer, which is why he will kill those who will never recover. While those who lose loved ones may consider this cruelty, the Lord of Death thinks of it as compassion. Also, Adralis exists so that life can renew itself. Adralis is deeply aware of the balance between life and death, and imbues this belief in his followers. While he has few permanent followers, one should always pray to him for a swift journey for the spirits of the dead. Usually, the funeral of dead is his ceremonies of worship, and he takes his sacrifices from the battlefield. His rival is Zaolla, Mother of Birth. The First Year is his.
"Nydelik (Raiser of Mountains) (M)" -
The Raiser of Mountains can move the earth like clay in his hands. Unfortunately, he tends to uproot and destroy whatever vegetation is in his path, which makes many Dalmite dislike him for doing his duties. While he isn't entirely good, he is often misunderstood. Nydelik can be found in the high places, and is the patron god of travelers, roamers, and bards who have strayed far from home. He also delights in mapmaking, and rewards those who travel high into the peaks to worship him. Others who worship him are those who dig for metals, and, to some extent, those who shape them. Nydelik delights in ceremonies in his honor, and often stones left in the middle of such ceremonies are said to have magical properties afterwards. His rival is Elaen, Mistress of the Forests. The Fifth Year is his.
"Naeria (Lady of the Sand) (F)" -
The Lady of the Sands is the bane of those who would grow crops, and her disciples among the Dalmite are few and far between. Because of this, she rarely leaves her desert land. Typically, she shows her power in massive sandstorms, and has been known to appear to people as a face in the sand. Sometimes, she has been known to work with Nydelik, and between them they can change almost any landscape. Among the gods, she is one of the harshest to those who do not properly recognize her. It is certainly very wise to pray to her both when entering and leaving her domain. She rarely blesses those who follow her, but isn't very nice to those who enrage her. Her rival is Graem, Master of Water. The Eighth Year is hers.
"Asurin (Lord of Pain) (M)" -
The Lord of Pain wallows in suffering and hardship. A cruel, hard god, he is almost as likely to smite down his followers as his enemies. He causes pain indiscriminately and rarely kills, which is the misfortune of his victims. A master of torture, he often teaches his followers some of his techniques. If one is captured by followers of Asurin, some speculate it is nearly as bad as the pain of the god himself. Of course, this has never been affirmed, because what remains of the victims is usually a babbling mess, pain-stricken, and usually insane. Very little is proven to be known about Asurin, but he certainly prefers his subjects to worship by sacrifice. The more the victim screams, the more he rewards his followers. Of course, often Asurin's "rewards" aren't exactly pleasant to the mortal. His rival is Adondra, Bringer of Harvests. The Third Year is his.
Prayers
"Kainna" -
Creator, master of all,
By your actions, this world was made,
Because of you, we all have life.
I praise you for your awesome deeds,
I ask that you would bless my life.
"Elaen" -
Great Mistress of the Forests, whom I serve,
Your wisdom is found in the swaying of branches,
Your strength in the roots of mighty trees,
I pray that you shall bless my feet, that my trails be invisible,
And my eyes, that I may find the paths of those I seek.
"Adondra" -
Bringer of Harvests, Goddess who feeds us,
I thank you for the crops that sustain me,
I thank you for the knowledge you share with me,
Please, keep my hands nimble, that I may do my craft,
Please, put your blessing on our fields.
"Graem" -
Master of Water, controller of the tides,
By your hand, the land is refreshed with rain,
By your kindness, we have springs to drink from,
I ask that we never thirst,
I pray that the storm of your wrath falls not on me, but on my enemies.
"Zaolla" -
Mother of Birth, creator of all life,
Without you, this world would wither and die,
Without you, the joy of new life would become sorrow.
Help our tribe to grow in size,
Help the creatures around me be fruitful.
"Araessi" -
Mistress of Evil, bane of light,
All who follow the path of light fear you,
Those who wish to live, avoid your wrath.
Let your favor be on my shoulders,
Keep me far from your hatred.
"Adralis" -
Lord of Death, he who destroys,
Your power maintains the cycle of life and death,
Your wisdom keeps all life from suffering,
I pray that those who hate you would understand you,
I ask that those I know do not die before their time.
"Nydelik" -
Raiser of Mountains, shaper of land,
At your touch, high peaks crumble,
At your glance, valleys are no more.
May you not obstruct my path with obstacles,
May I find your favor, and reach my destination safely.
"Naeria" -
Lady of the Sands, whose will destroys farmland,
All who grow crops are wise to fear you,
Those who pass through your realm must worship you,
I pray that you will not destroy my food,
I ask for your protection in your realm.
"Asurin" -
Master of Pain, creator of torture,
Those who feel your wrath are never the same,
All who scorn you bring hardship on themselves,
I ask that you keep your pain from me,
Please, accept my sacrifices.
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