Aenar

Aenar, also spelled as Enar (/'eːnɑr'/, Arethian: εναρ) is one of the seven elemental deities. He is bound to the element of Fire and is the god of War, Glory and Blood. His ideals have spread far beyond its original purpose, they have found new followers from far and wide.

Religion

The Aenarian religion takes places in large communions in chapels and cathedral. These churches range in shape and form from small stone domes in rural areas, to large detailed cathedrals in urban areas. A common feature is a large pyre with a fire stake at the top and large leadlight pieces at the tail end of the church. On top of every church you'd also find the traditional symbol of the Aenarian Religion, the Cross of Dom Nikolas.

A traditional Aenarian communion features traditional personalized red face-paint, lighting the fires of a church with each person carrying in a torch and an Herbad reading from the Propugnatores Fabulas. The fires of the church are left burning through the night, until they dwindle before the morning. Blazing Dawn is the Aenarian national day on the 14th of Kuresohl. It traditionally features a festival of large pyres, fire breathing and Duellum duels.

There are many soldiers who follow the Aenarian religion. Over time, they have created a unique sect. Its distinctive feature is the lack of permanent churches. A military unit usually carries a portable shrine and features a pyre. The former military camps can be recognized by the large burn marks in the grass. Another defining feature are the shield-maidens, these woman have passed the trials and tribulations to gain their spot as a warrior.

In the Aenarian religion, the phoenix holds a holy regarded position. In the Time before History they used to congregate around these legendary animals. The Phoenix later granted the elite followers redemption through fire. They would be turned into the legendary Phoenixborn. Multiple accounts claim that Aenar ascended to the heavens on the backs of a Phoenix, leading to many trying themselves, yet none succeeded.

Sects

The Aenarian religion is fairly united, yet is divided in a number of sects.

• Sect of Ignis — The Sect of Ignis idolizes the fire. Featuring it prominently in everything they create. Their churches have been built around the concept of integrating fire on the inside.
• Sect of Solis — The Sect of Solis is captivated by the Sun. They are the ones who have constructed some of the largest leadlight pieces to ever exist.
• Sect of Bellum — The Sect of Bellum are the ones who don't congregate in churches, but fight on the battlefield. The lack of a permanent home has caused them to innovate in mobile shrines and personal worship.
• Sect of Vita — The Sect of Vita are the followers who kindle to the fire of life. From across the realm it hosts the most distinguished Chirurgeons.

Structure

Venerated Ancestors

See also: List of Aenarian Venerated Ancestors

The Aenarian religion includes the worshiping of venerated ancestors. These might range from national heroes to local stars. These venerated ancestors are given the prefix Dom as a title.

Priestly Order

The Aenarian clergy follows a clear order of ranks.

Cultural

Qui Iure Belli

The Qui Iure Belli is a relic from the Time before History. It is believed to be written by Aenar himself and describes his optimal design for society. The societal classes should be built upon combat experience and prestige. This society of warriors is a hell to face on the battlefield, but hasn't developed high amounts of intelligence and wisdom. The children are given a warriors training from a very early age, this ideal is named Agoge. Both males and females are eligible for this education, but there are much heavier requirements for females. It is a requirement for full citizenship. The elite Viaan warriors, which follow Qui Iure Belli, are the Iprenron.

Propugnatores Fabulas[^pf]

The Propugnatores Fabulas is a book constructed in the Time before History. It features legendary tales from champions following the Qui Iure Belli. Although the Qui Iure Belli are Aenar's direct teachings, the Propugnatores Fabulas is the more prominently featured book in Aenarian communions.

Duellum

The Warriors of Aenar can engage in Duellum, this is a duel to the death as described in the Qui Iure Belli. The denial of such a duel is seen as an act of cowardice and shall be proportionally punished. Multiple victories in Duellum will grant that warrior a higher and higher rank. At the end of the duellum, the fallen warrior will be cremated as sacrifice to Aenar. The Duellum ranks are:

Codex Poenarum

Even though they are fierce warriors, they have a well established Code of Punishment.

Blazing Dawn

Blazing Dawn is the holy day of the Aenarian religion. It symbolizes his followers trying to reach out and show their faith, laid in fire. On this day, followers wake up before dawn to attend the Dawn ceremony. In this ceremony they welcome the sun back for another cycle. Following this ceremony they light their torches and carry it to the large pyre constructed away from the Church and light it simultaneously.