Kingdom of Braebar

'Under Construction'

Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

In the sacred lands of Braebar, the people's devotion to Aelia, the Goddess of Work, is unwavering and profound. Their beliefs are deeply rooted in the principles of penance, suffering, and the sanctity of labor, seeing these as pathways to divine enlightenment. Every ritual, every prayer, and every act of faith is a testament to their commitment to Aelia's teachings. Births and weddings are particularly revered, seen as divine blessings and rare moments of respite from the toils of daily life. These occasions are grand spectacles, where joy and celebration permeate the air, and the entire community comes together to partake in the festivities. For the people of Braebar, these moments are not just personal milestones but are considered gifts from Aelia herself, allowing them a day's reprieve from work to bask in her benevolence. Through these practices and beliefs, the Braebarians continually reaffirm their bond with the divine, seeking Aelia's favor and guidance in every facet of their lives. Yet, lurking in the shadows of their faith is the ever-present fear of the Severed Realm, a hellish abyss, and the malevolent Dark Aether, a realm teeming with sinister Fae creatures. This dread shapes their intolerance for non-human entities, further solidifying their devotion to Aelia as their sole protector.

Religious Values

In the sanctified chronicles of Braebar, the ethereal voice of Aelia reverberates, guiding her chosen through the tapestry of life. Each sacred tenet, a luminous beacon, lights the path of the devout, drawing them into her eternal sanctuary. Herein are inscribed the hallowed values, the pillars that uphold the kingdom in its unwavering devotion. Yet, intertwined with these teachings is the admonition against the Severed Realm and the treacherous Dark Aether, realms of malevolence that threaten to ensnare the unwary soul.

Pilgrimage of the Narodnik

In the shadowed crevices and upon the towering zeniths, the Nalukkhel Spires ascend, bathed in celestial light and embraced by Aelia's benevolence. To journey upon this revered path is to embark upon a spiritual odyssey, a pilgrimage of atonement and enlightenment. Each footfall, echoing the weight of bygone days, seeks Aelia's benediction. In her boundless compassion, she offers solace to the pilgrim, guiding them towards divine union. For in this voyage, souls find oneness with the cosmos, purified by the challenges of the trail and the grace of the Goddess. Yet, the pilgrims are ever watchful, for the Severed Realm's specter looms, seeking to lead them astray.

Ritual of the Iskusstvovik

In the intricate mosaic of existence, every endeavor, every artistic creation, mirrors Aelia's divine vision. Labor, in its most sacred form, is an act of reverence, a silent hymn sung in the hallowed hours of dedication. And art, birthed from the crucible of anguish and sacrifice, captures the spirit's essence, resonating with Aelia's ageless tale. For in every act, when shaped with fervor and suffering, the devout draw nearer to her, their masterpieces an homage to her infinite muse. Yet, they remain vigilant, guarding against the insidious allure of the Dark Aether and its malevolent Fae.

Covenant of the Edinovik

Across the vast realm of Braebar, myriad souls converge, yet they stand as one, bound by the sacred ties of belief. For Aelia proclaims that in unity, the kingdom discovers its might, and in solidarity, it transcends the tests set by celestial adversaries. As streams meld into the boundless ocean, so do the hearts of Braebarians unite, forging an unassailable front against the cosmic trials. In this unity, they find refuge, their collective spirit a radiant beacon amidst the encroaching darkness. But this unity also serves as a bulwark against the terrors of the Severed Realm and the treacheries of the Dark Aether.

Path of the Stoikrez

Amidst tempests and upheavals, through trials that threaten to fracture the spirit, Braebar stands resolute, its fortitude echoing Aelia's eternal strength. She imparts that through tribulations, the soul is honed, emerging more formidable, its essence purified by the ordeals of destiny. With every challenge, the kingdom ascends, its roots deepening, its spirit steadfast. For in resilience, the faithful discern Aelia's blessings, her guardian aura warding off the tempests of fate. Yet, they are ever wary, for the shadows of the Dark Aether seek to weaken their resolve.

Wisdom of the Mudrostnik

In the cosmic ballet, where deities strategize and mortals play their roles, Aelia bestows the gift of strategy and the virtue of sagacity. She enlightens her chosen to traverse the labyrinth of life, not with sheer might, but with astuteness and vision. For victories are not claimed by power alone, but by the keenness of intellect and the profundity of insight. In this wisdom, the kingdom flourishes, its leaders illuminated by Aelia's revelations, guiding Braebar towards its celestial purpose. But this wisdom also arms them against the deceptions of the Severed Realm and the malefic entities of the Dark Aether.

Celebration of the Zhenitba and Rozhdenie

Births and weddings, the most joyous occasions in Braebar, are grand spectacles where the entire kingdom comes alive in jubilation. These events are not just personal milestones but divine gifts from Aelia, allowing the people a rare day's reprieve from their toils. Anyone remotely connected to the family is invited, and the celebrations often see hundreds, if not thousands, in attendance. The air is thick with music, dance, and laughter, as Braebarians let their hair down, reveling in the festivities. For on these days, Aelia's blessings are most palpable, her presence felt in every joyous tear and heartfelt embrace. Yet, even in these moments of joy, the people remain vigilant, for the Severed Realm and the Dark Aether never truly rest.

Important Holidays

In the heart of Braebar, the rhythm of the seasons is punctuated by sacred celebrations, each echoing the profound teachings of Aelia. These holidays, deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, serve as luminous beacons, guiding the people in their journey of faith and unity. Through song, dance, and communal gatherings, Braebarians honor their divine heritage, drawing closer to their Goddess and to one another. Yet, the specter of the Severed Realm and the malevolence of the Dark Aether cast their shadows, reminding the people of the ever-present dangers lurking just beyond the veil.

Vigil of Remembrance

An annual event, this vigil is a poignant reminder of the past, filled with songs, tales, and prayers. It honors the memories of those lost in the War of the False Prophets. The streets are adorned with lanterns, and families gather to share stories of ancestors, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain alive in the hearts of the new generation. Yet, amidst the glow of the lanterns, the people are reminded of the Severed Realm's darkness, ever waiting to claim unsuspecting souls.

Day of the Narodnik

Celebrated at the peak of summer, this day pays homage to the sacred pilgrimage to the Nalukkhel Spires. Pilgrims who have completed their journey in the past year are honored, and those embarking on their pilgrimage are blessed. The day is marked by processions, traditional music, and the sharing of tales from pilgrimages of yore. Yet, the pilgrims are ever watchful, for the Severed Realm's specter looms, seeking to lead them astray.

Feast of the Iskusstvovik

Held during the autumn harvest, this festival celebrates the divine connection between work, art, and Aelia's teachings. Artisans and craftsmen display their creations, and the kingdom revels in a bounty of artistic expression. It's a time for appreciation, where the toils of the year are showcased and celebrated, emphasizing that every creation, born from effort and sacrifice, is a tribute to Aelia. Yet, they remain vigilant, guarding against the insidious allure of the Dark Aether and its malevolent Fae.

Eve of the Edinovik

As winter's grip begins to loosen and spring approaches, the people of Braebar come together to celebrate unity and community. It's a day where differences are set aside, and the kingdom stands as one, reflecting on the teachings of Aelia about the strength found in unity. Bonfires are lit, symbolizing the collective spirit of Braebar, and dances, songs, and communal feasts strengthen the bonds of community. But this unity also serves as a bulwark against the terrors of the Severed Realm and the treacheries of the Dark Aether.

Rite of the Mudrostnik

On the longest night of winter, Braebarians gather to honor the wisdom and strategy imparted by Aelia. Elders share tales of past challenges and the strategies employed to overcome them, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and foresight. Candles are lit in every home, representing the guiding light of Aelia's wisdom, and the kingdom comes together in reflection and gratitude for the lessons learned. Yet, even in this sacred rite, the shadows of the Dark Aether loom, a constant reminder of the ever-present threat.

Important Rituals

In the heart of Braebar, rituals are the lifeblood of spiritual connection, a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine embrace of Aelia. Each ceremony, steeped in tradition and reverence, serves as a testament to the kingdom's unwavering faith and the lessons passed down through generations. Common themes resonate throughout these rituals: the embrace of suffering as a path to enlightenment, the sanctity of penance, and the profound belief in Aelia's guiding hand. These practices, both solemn and celebratory, are designed to draw the soul closer to the divine, to seek Aelia's favor, and to reaffirm one's commitment to her teachings. Yet, intertwined with these rituals is the ever-present dread of the Severed Realm and the Dark Aether, realms of malevolence that threaten to ensnare the unwary soul.

In Braebar, the metals Iron, Silver, and Platinum hold significant religious importance. Gold is strictly forbidden in religious practices, as it's believed to be a metal of vanity and not of true devotion. The more one spends on a religious artifact, the more power it is believed to possess, with Platinum being the most revered. These metals are intricately woven into the fabric of their religious rituals, symbolizing the depth of their faith and commitment to Aelia. Yet, even these sacred metals are believed to offer protection against the malevolent forces of the Severed Realm and the Dark Aether.

Svetlanternaya Vigil

Families light a lantern for each ancestor lost in the War of the False Prophets, placing it outside their homes. As night falls, the kingdom is illuminated by these lanterns, symbolizing the enduring spirit of those who have passed. Yet, amidst the glow of the lanterns, the people are reminded of the Severed Realm's darkness, ever waiting to claim unsuspecting souls.

Puteshestvie Narodnik

Pilgrims embarking on their journey to the Nalukkhel Spires are anointed with sacred oils by the elders, receiving their blessings and prayers for a safe and enlightening pilgrimage. The flasks containing the oils are often made of silver, signifying the purity of their journey. Yet, the pilgrims are ever watchful, for the Severed Realm's specter looms, seeking to lead them astray.

Iskusstvovik's Obretenie

Artisans and craftsmen offer their finest creation of the year at the temple of Aelia, dedicating it to her divine inspiration. These masterpieces, often adorned with platinum, symbolize the union of labor, art, and divine guidance. Yet, they remain vigilant, guarding against the insidious allure of the Dark Aether and its malevolent Fae.

Edinovik's Ognivo

Communities gather around grand bonfires, where each individual throws in a written pledge or prayer, signifying their commitment to unity and the teachings of Aelia. The paper on which these pledges are written is often bound with iron, representing the strength of their commitment. But this unity also serves as a bulwark against the terrors of the Severed Realm and the treacheries of the Dark Aether.

Mudrostnik's Svecha

Elders light a central candle in the temple, from which all other candles are lit by the congregation. The candleholders, crafted from silver, symbolize the spreading of Aelia's wisdom from one source to many hearts. Yet, even in this sacred rite, the shadows of the Dark Aether loom, a constant reminder of the ever-present threat.

Brachnoye Zavet

Couples exchange rings made of platinum, symbolizing the eternal and unbreakable bond of their union. They then light a shared candle, representing the union of two souls under Aelia's watchful gaze. Yet, even in this moment of unity, the couple seeks protection from the malevolent forces of the Severed Realm and the Dark Aether.

Rozhdeniye Krest

Newborns are bathed in water from the sacred rivers of Braebar, and a small pendant, bearing the symbol of Aelia and made of iron, is placed around their neck, ensuring her protection and guidance from the very beginning of life. This ritual also serves as a shield against the dark entities of the Severed Realm and the treacherous Fae of the Dark Aether.

Smertnaya Molitva

The departed are wrapped in white cloths and placed facing the Nalukkhel Spires. A vigil is held where loved ones share tales of the deceased, celebrating their life and journey to Aelia's embrace. The ceremonial urns or coffins often have platinum adornments, symbolizing the soul's eternal journey. Yet, even in death, the people of Braebar seek protection from the Severed Realm's grasp and the Dark Aether's malevolence.

Zvezda Pokayaniya

Individuals seeking atonement wear a small star pendant made of iron, symbolizing their commitment to penance. They also fast from sunrise to sunset, reflecting on their actions and seeking Aelia's forgiveness. Yet, even in penance, they remain vigilant, ever wary of the Severed Realm's snares and the Dark Aether's deceit.

Molitva Predanosti

Braebarians begin and end their day with a simple prayer to Aelia, thanking her for her guidance and seeking her blessings for the day ahead. They also touch an emblem, often made of silver and worn around the neck, as a symbol of their unwavering faith. Yet, even in their daily devotions, they remain ever watchful, guarding against the encroachments of the Severed Realm and the Dark Aether.

History

In the sacred annals of Braebar, every chapter is a testament to Aelia's divine orchestration and the unyielding faith of her chosen people. From its divine inception, Braebar was cradled in Aelia's protective embrace, even as other deities sought to sway its destiny. The Nalukkhel Spires, bathed in Aelia's grace, became a beacon for souls yearning for her redemption. Trials, both celestial and earthly, were but tests of faith, challenges set forth to draw the kingdom closer to Aelia's divine heart. A spiritual renaissance, illuminated by Aelia's eternal light, heralded an age where her teachings became the very soul of the land. Through divine trials and tribulations, Braebar's saga unfolds, a living testament to a kingdom forever bound to Aelia's celestial will.

Legendary Beginning

In the ancient ballads of Braebar, where myth and reality dance in a timeless embrace, the tale of the kingdom's divine ordination unfolds. Braebar was not merely birthed by the whims of nature but was chosen by Aelia, the Goddess of Work, the Embodiment of Toil and Strife. Aelia's own tale is one of passion and taboo, born from the forbidden union of Eruer and Udona, forever shadowed by the scandal that marred her celestial lineage. Her existence, a testament to love that defied divine boundaries, was further tainted by the legacy of Onos. Yet, it was in her very essence, shaped by rejection and a thirst for acceptance, that Aelia saw the potential in Braebar. She envisioned this land as a beacon of relentless perseverance, where the weight of past sins could be transformed into the forge of a legendary future.

Before the storm clouds of war gathered, Braebar thrived in the Age of Penance. From this time emerged a ritual, symbolizing the kingdom's unwavering commitment to its divine path and its connection to Aelia's own journey of redemption. Devotees, seeking to emulate the Goddess's resilience, would bear an eight-pointed iron star upon their backs. This emblem of dedication and challenge weighed upon them as they embarked on sacred pilgrimages to the Nalukkhel Spires in the West. Days would pass, and these pilgrims, burdened yet unyielding, would journey forth, their path a living testament to Braebar's and Aelia's shared spirit of endurance.

However, as the War of the False Prophets loomed, Braebar's belief in its divine destiny, intertwined with Aelia's quest for redemption, led it down a path of ambition. With pride and purpose, the kingdom led an alliance into the heart of the conflict. But the aftermath was a bitter draught to swallow. The kingdom, while standing tall, bore the internal scars of its actions. This hidden shame, though cloaked in silence, remains a constant echo, a reminder of the price of hubris and the eternal quest for redemption.

Post War

In the aftermath of the War of the False Prophets, Braebar found itself not merely at a crossroads, but at the very altar of divine judgment. Chosen by the celestial, yet tested by the very same forces, the kingdom's soul bore the weight of its transgressions. The path to the Nalukkhel Spires, once a mere testament of faith, transformed into a pilgrimage of penance. Every footfall echoing a plea, every tear shed a testament, all seeking Aelia's grace to illuminate their path from the engulfing shadows of their past. As the scriptures of Aelia foretold, the kingdom would face trials, each orchestrated by rival deities, each a move in the grand celestial chessboard. These challenges, known as The Trials, were not just tests of resilience but divine lessons etched in the annals of Braebar.

The Trials

In the wake of their transgressions, Braebar was destined to face divine challenges, each a testament to their faith and resilience. These celestial tests, orchestrated by the pantheon yet countered by Aelia's grace, came to be known as The Trials.

The Bishop's Gambit

As a malevolent plague threatened to consume Braebar, it was perceived as a rival deity's gambit to weaken the very fabric of Aelia's chosen. Yet, in Aelia's infinite wisdom and protection, she inspired the kingdom's healers, guiding them towards salvation. Through relentless work and profound penance, Braebar emerged not just healed, but spiritually fortified, understanding the sanctity of unity and life.

The Rook's Advance

The very earth rebelled, with tremors seeking to destabilize Braebar's foundations, a clear move by another deity to challenge Aelia's dominion. Yet, under Aelia's benevolent watch, the people of Braebar toiled, rebuilding and reinforcing. The lesson was clear: true strength lies in resilience and the sanctity of unwavering beliefs.

The Knight's Maneuver

When foreign forces, possibly under the influence of a rival deity, sought to breach Braebar's sanctity, it was Aelia's divine strategy that prevailed. Guiding the leaders of Braebar, she emphasized the might of intellect over arms. The invaders were repelled, and the kingdom learned the essence of strategy, intelligence, and the sacred duty to protect one's beliefs.

The Queen's Ploy

Discord threatened to fracture the very soul of Braebar as diverging interpretations of Aelia's teachings emerged. Another deity's attempt to sow chaos was evident. Yet, Aelia's eternal teachings, through her most devout, shone like a beacon. Through understanding and dialogue, unity was restored, emphasizing the sanctity of shared faith and the perils of division.

The Spiritual Renaissance

In the embrace of introspection, Braebar experienced a divine renaissance. Recognizing that every endeavor, even art, was a manifestation of Aelia's will, the kingdom thrived. Artists and poets, divinely inspired by Aelia's saga, chronicled Braebar's spiritual journey, heralding a golden age of cultural enlightenment. Majestic temples, dedicated to the ever-watchful Aelia, graced the land, standing as monuments to the belief that through pain and sacrifice, one draws closer to the divine.

The Festival of Remembrance, birthed in this era of spiritual resurgence, became an integral facet of Braebarian culture. An annual homage, it resonated with songs, tales, and prayers, immortalizing the memories of those lost in the war. Yet, the celestial game was not done. As Braebar extended its arms to war-ravaged refugees, it teetered on the brink of strife. This brief, fiery unrest was yet another divine test. From its embers, a reborn Braebar emerged, radiant in its divine beauty and purpose.

The kingdom's renaissance was further enriched by a transformation of its education system. Braebar's academies, now bastions of excellence, were not mere centers of learning but temples of indoctrination, instilling the sacred philosophies of penance and pain. The ensuing generation of Braebarians, nurtured on these teachings and under Aelia's guiding hand, were destined to shape the kingdom's fate in this celestial game of divinities.