Origin:
The Fellowship of Chorian's genesis can be traced back to a turbulent era when the pristine forests and the natural world faced relentless encroachment by expanding Silver Dominion. During this time, the lands was scarred by the relentless march of deforestation and mining operations, as cities and settlements grew, devouring the ancient woodlands that had thrived for aeons. Rivers once teeming with life were choked with dams, and the lakes being overfished.
In response to this, a group of natives who held a deep reverence for the natural world and its inhabitants came together. These early followers shared a common belief in the sanctity of nature, a belief that ran deep in their hearts. They were hunters, farmers, and stewards of the land who lived in harmony with the wild, guided by a profound respect for the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
As they roamed the dwindling forests, these individuals began to experience a profound connection to something greater than themselves. They spoke of visions in the heart of the woods, moments when the rustling leaves and the gentle breeze seemed to whisper secrets to them. It was during these mystical encounters that they felt the presence of Chorian, the Archangel of plants, hunting, and archery.
In these visions, Chorian revealed himself as a guardian of the forests, a deity entrusted with the preservation of the natural world. He chose these individuals as the stewards of his sacred duty, tasking them with the protection of the wild and the values of hunting and archery. This divine calling filled them with purpose, and they embraced it wholeheartedly, forming the Fellowship of Chorian as a response to the urgent need to safeguard the sanctity of nature from the encroaching tide of civilization.
Dogma:
The core tenet of the Fellowship's belief is their unwavering faith in Archangel Chorian. They see Chorian as the benevolent patron of the forests and the wild, responsible for granting them sustenance and the skills needed for survival. Their dogma emphasizes the importance of living in balance with nature, utilizing the gifts of the wild respectfully, and protecting the natural world from harm.
Organization:
The Fellowship of Chorian is a decentralized and loosely organized religious sect. It operates on a network of small, independent groups, often consisting of druidic tribes and forest-dwelling communities. Each group has its own rituals and practices, tailored to the unique environment of their forest home. There is no overarching hierarchy or central authority, which helps them evade detection by the Dominion Church.
Leadership:
Leadership within the Fellowship is typically informal and community-based. Elder members or those with deep knowledge of the forests and Chorian's teachings often assume leadership roles. These leaders guide the group's spiritual practices, organize rituals, and impart knowledge to the younger generation. Leadership is not about authority but rather about wisdom and experience.
Activities:
The Fellowship of Chorian engages in a variety of activities to uphold their faith and protect the forests. They conduct secret ceremonies deep within the woods, offering prayers and thanks to Chorian for their daily sustenance. Members also serve as protectors of the natural world, thwarting poachers and defending against any threats to the forests. Additionally, they discreetly share their beliefs and teachings with like-minded individuals in the hopes of expanding their community.
Symbols & Signs:
The Fellowship uses symbols rooted in nature to identify themselves to one another, such as leaf-shaped pendants or intricate tattoos resembling forest patterns. They also leave subtle marks in the woods as signs of their presence and solidarity. The image of a elder tree, representing Chorian's association with forest, is a common symbol among them.
History:
The history of the Fellowship of Chorian is one of struggle against religious persecution. As the Dominion Church gained power and influence, they deemed the worship of Chorian as heretical and a threat to their authority. This led to the outlawing of open Chorian worship, and the Church actively sought out and punished members of the Fellowship. Despite the danger, the Fellowship remained resilient, driven by their unwavering belief in Chorian and their commitment to protecting the natural world.
Over time, the Fellowship has become more than just a religious sect; it has evolved into a clandestine resistance movement. They are dedicated not only to preserving their faith but also to safeguarding the forests and the environment from the Dominion's expansion and the Church's dogmatic teachings. The followers of Chorian are willing to risk everything to ensure that the wild places and their Archangel's blessings are not lost to the march of progress.
In the shadows of the forests, the Fellowship of Chorian continues to thrive, driven by their shared faith and their resolve to protect the sanctity of the natural world. Despite the odds stacked against them, they believe that Chorian will guide and shield them, and they remain a symbol of unwavering dedication to their cause.