Guildsfaith

Location: Most of Rinhony
Though named for the Guilds in today's world, this sect got its origins in the mighty citadels of the dwarves. These were the gods worshiped by the dwarven kings of old and the clans who swore to them.

Theology

The Empyrean Gods are worshiped as:

• Aermak Crownforge, the god of the forge and other smithcraft (Aevo)
• Lysri Warmhearth, the goddess of the home and hall and homecrafts (Edyma)
• Tishtyn Alemother, the goddess of brewing and foodcrafts (Ulandira)
• Gwinla Spellwright, the goddess of spellcrafts (Aeldryn)
• Barkom Coinsmith, the god of mercantilism and coincrafts (Aldinmure)
• Lysdelle Runemother, the goddess of writing and wordcrafts (Kaedlah)
• Mysthel Hallwright, the goddess of laws, construction and hallcrafts (Khoro)
• The Empyrean gods who are not revered are Ildinmara, Xanayr, and Elbitara.

The Talion Gods are worshiped as:

• Grimfist, the greedy god of avarice and selfishness (Augdos)
• Ironscepter, the god of kingship and tyrrany (Makoryn)
• Filthson, the god of disease and filth (Gildammar)
• Spiltblood, the goddess of violence and war (and its attendant losses to profit) (The Red Lady)
• The Two Thieves, the twin goddess and god of all forms of thievery (Varum and Iritsa)
• The Talion Gods who are not revered are the Gaunt and Admaak'Raas

Rituals & Observances

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Hierarchy

Though not members of the Guilds proper, the priests of the Guildsfaith work very closely with the Guilds at every level. Out of courtesy for their selfless work, the Guilds treat priests of the Guildsfaith as members of the Guilds, at a level equivalent to their place in the faith.

• Acolytes: Those who would serve the gods of the Guildsfaith must pass through the training and trials of the faith as one of its Acolytes. Clad in simple white shifts, belted with leather belts hung with symbols representing the deity they serve, the Acolytes of the Guildsfaith are treated by the Guilds as though they were Apprentices within the Guilds. All Acolytes dwell in one of the Guildsfaith temples around Rinhony, learning under that temple's Wisdom. All Acolytes of the Guildsfaith are taught healing techniques and given training in the many rites of the various gods of the faith.
• Guildspriests: Once an Acolyte has proven themselves as well-educated and of a proper temperament to serve the gods, they are given ordination and made one of the Guildspriests. About half of such folk remain to work in the myriad temples of the faith, while the other half become wanderers, either traveling along to minister to those Guildsfolk in far-flung places, or joining Guilds caravans. Guildspriests are considered equivalent to Journeymen by the Guilds, and given the respect and entitlements of that station by Guildsfolk.
• Wisdoms: When a Guildspriest has not only demonstrated admirable skill at his priestly vocation, but made a name of some note for himself among the Guilds, he may seek to become a Wisdom. He undergoes the Twelve Confessions, in which he must find twelve Guildsfolk who will speak to his ministering ability and willingness to aid the Guildsfolk in alignment with the aims of the faith. Though these Guildsfolk are supposed to be one from each of the Guilds by tradition, any twelve Guildsfolk of Journeyman status or better will suffice. Once made a Wisdom, a priest of the Guildsfaith may be given governance over a small temple, or made part of the Council of Wisdoms for one of its larger temples. A Wisdom is given the rights and entitlements of a Master by Guildsfolk.
• The Faithwright: The head of the faith, and chief priest of the Hall of Altars in Gorum Midrash, the Faithwright acts to keep the Guildsfaith focused on its greater purpose: the elevation of the Guilds and the attendant culture thereof. Though he does not have a vote, the Faithwright sits upon the Guilds Council in an advisory capacity. The current Faithwright is Hargarn Roadkeeper, a dwarven paladin who once made it his duty to defend the Underroads of the Guilds.

Orders

• Champions of the Vaults: Originally an order of dwarven warriors dedicated to the defense of dwarven Vaults - hidden sanctuaries where dwarven populations might retreat to in times of threat to their homes - the Champions have become the elite (and no longer exclusively dwarven) guardians of Guild interests. They often serve as bodyguards for Councilors, maintain patrols of the Stoneway to keep them safe and are the first line of defense for Gorum Midrath.