N/Entities/Vayrian
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God of Creation and Birth, Supreme Lord Vayrian was the original entity at the beginning of the universe. He is directly opposed to Lamoth, and the repercussions of their struggles formed the pantheon of gods and the planes of existence. Vayrian's home is in the realm of Aether where he reigns from his celestial throne.
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[edit] Vayrian's Gender
Vayrian began as the female Vayria. At the end of the period known as A Calm in the Storm, Kaos was able to cause Vayria to become male, and thus Vayrian, breaking the Marriage Bind that kept peace between the two eldest gods.
Because of this, Vayrian has often been depicted as androgenouse male, and the traditions of his worshippers have encorporated a gender paradox into their theology. In sacred writings it is not uncommon to have references to the "Womb of Vayrian", the "Milk of Vayrian", or "His Lordship Vayria". Vayrian's ability to encompass aspects of both masculinity and femininity, although he has been male since the breaking of the marriage bind, is referred to as the "Third Mystery of Eternity", one of the seven "mysteries" celebrated by Vayrian's worshippers.
[edit] Symbolism
Aspect Vayrian has three aspects that are typical in artwork and vision.
The first is of a young man, muscular, light skinned, and bursting with vitality. He often wears the Crown of Aether, and sits upon a throne of ivory and gold. A staff of authority is often in his right hand, and a cornucopia or other symbol of plenty in his left hand. This image is most often used when depicting Vayrian as the Supreme Lord.
The second aspect is of an androgynous man, clothed in sweeping robes, surrounded by harvest symbols, with light emanating from his face and hands. This is the default depiction of Vayrian when neither the female or male aspects needs to be emphasized.
The third aspect is the mother of creation, a pregnant woman wearing a soft white garment. She often has a jar of milk, honey, or oil in one hand, and an orb in the other.
Icons Vayrian is symbolized by a sheaf of wheat, a cornucopia, interlinked symbols of male and female, baskets and orbs.
Animals Vayrian is associated with sheep, cattle, eagles, and lions. They are often depicted as accompanying him, or occasionally as an aspect of him.
Colors Vayrian's temples and priestly garments are typically decorated in white, red, blue, and purple. White is said to symbolize purity as Vayrian is Lord of Aether and morality. Red is said to symbolize blood, the substance of life and birthing. Blue is said to symbolize sky, associated with the plane of Aether, and water, the sustainer of life. Purple is said to represent royalty, as Vayrian is the first, preeminent god from whom the other gods came.
Metal Vayrian is associated with gold, due to its incorruptibility, preciousness, and association with royalty.
The historian, Mikradh, notes in "A Treatise on Deities" that in addition to associated symbolism, purple, red, blue, and true white are some of the more expensive and difficult colors to make, and are thus also historically were assigned to the first and preeminent god.
[edit] Clergy
Remarkably, Vayrian's clergy are made up of both male and female, in relatively equal numbers. In addition to knowledge of the rites and practices of the Vay priesthood, they tend to be skilled in medicine, herblore, agriculture, and arts, both visual and performance.
The Vay priesthood has an internal structure that overlaps, but is independent from the Panecclesia. Clergy from outside the Panecclesia can be recognized as official members of Vayrian's priesthood. The structure of the Vay priesthood is much more loose than the structure of the Panecclesia, consisting of cell groups and temples that interact with other cell groups and temples in an ever changing web.
The Vay priesthood is lead by the Vay Father. The Vay Father may be male or female, but is always referred to as the Vay Father regardless. The Vay Father does not control the Vay Priesthood, per se, but acts as a vision caster, inspiring the rest of the priesthood or chastening it with the Words of Vayrian that are typically penned monthly and distributed throughout the priesthood.
Vay priests and priestesses are most often called to officiate over marriages, bless crops, new houses and other buildings, and perform exorcisms.
[edit] Worship
Worship of Vayrian is typically colorful and noisy. Brilliant banners, a wide variety of musical instruments, and bold declarations of adoration are common place.
Toward the end of the period known as the Pax Religium, worship at Vayrian's temples degenerated into drunken orgies. It became an accepted act of worship to visit temple prostitutes. Because of this, most of the Vayrian temples became quite wealthy. These practices were put to an end during the Panecclesial Reformation.
[edit] Temples
The greatest temple to Vayrian located in the midworld is at the base of the mountain, Cobden. It is an immense, rambling structure, due to the priests endless attempts to express the creativity of Vayrian by adding to it.
The temple is known for seemingly endless, awe inspiring galleries hung with artwork created by pilgrims to the temple, inspired by the creative force that seems to emanate from the mountain.
The Vay Father resides at the Aetherean temple.
[edit] Miracles
Truly devout adherents of Vayrian, whether priest or layman, have been known to perform miracles throughout history. They typically are in the form of blessing and include healing and agricultural miracles largely consisting of bringing rain in times of drought. There are recordings of instances of light provided by Vayrian in dark places, and occasional instances where an adherent has prayed to Vayrian and asked the god to deny rain to an area in order to punish enemies.
