Demothren questions

Discussions around the universe of Esteren and its English series of books.
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herkles
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Demothren questions

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Message par herkles » 19 sept. 2013, 16:31

Hello,

I have some questions about the Demothren that i am hoping could be answered :)

1.) What would their temples look like particular in the cities? I know that in more rural areas their would be groves with menhirs, but what of the various cities?

2.) Do any of the spirits that are worshiped have names? for instance perhaps a local or major river is associated with a particular river spirit/goddess? would he/she have a name according to the Dremothren.

3.) relating to question 2; are their any spirits that are worshiped as gods, or just worshiped more often then others due to how they are associated?

sincerely,

-herkles

Iris
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Re: Demothren questions

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Message par Iris » 19 sept. 2013, 19:16

Hello !
herkles a écrit :1.) What would their temples look like particular in the cities? I know that in more rural areas their would be groves with menhirs, but what of the various cities?
There are no real "temples", only stones... You may see an example Book 1 - Universe p.65... You can add rituals in normal houses (Birth for example)

herkles a écrit :2.) Do any of the spirits that are worshiped have names? for instance perhaps a local or major river is associated with a particular river spirit/goddess? would he/she have a name according to the Dremothren.
See Book 0 - Prologue, p.39 : local spirit have names (feel free to choose them for your story ;) )
herkles a écrit :3.) relating to question 2; are their any spirits that are worshiped as gods, or just worshiped more often than others due to how they are associated?
Well... difficult to answer, the limit between worshiping a powerful spirit and a local god is very thin... :)
Si je ne suis pas là, vous pouvez me trouver ici ou ou par MP.

herkles
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Re: Demothren questions

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Message par herkles » 19 sept. 2013, 20:23

Iris a écrit :Hello !
herkles a écrit :1.) What would their temples look like particular in the cities? I know that in more rural areas their would be groves with menhirs, but what of the various cities?
There are no real "temples", only stones... You may see an example Book 1 - Universe p.65... You can add rituals in normal houses (Birth for example)
Ah, so how would a shrine for the demothren in a city be different from the rural countryside? I assume that cities would have more eloberate 'shrines' for them, particularly in Taol-Kaol, that is the kingdom that mainly follows them I believe.
Iris a écrit :
herkles a écrit :2.) Do any of the spirits that are worshiped have names? for instance perhaps a local or major river is associated with a particular river spirit/goddess? would he/she have a name according to the Dremothren.
See Book 0 - Prologue, p.39 : local spirit have names (feel free to choose them for your story ;) )
Thanks :)
Iris a écrit :
herkles a écrit :3.) relating to question 2; are their any spirits that are worshiped as gods, or just worshiped more often than others due to how they are associated?
Well... difficult to answer, the limit between worshiping a powerful spirit and a local god is very thin... :)
Oh, I know that is true, even for the various celtic mythologies that the demothren are inspired by that is the case. :)


Thanks for the responses :)

-herkles

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Luohu
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Re: Demorthèn questions

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Message par Luohu » 19 sept. 2013, 22:37

In fact, are there any shrines or places of worship for Demorthèn in big cities (such as Osta-baille, for example)? Or are they all situated at the outskirts of cities, in areas of wilderness?

Now about spirits: Do they all embody elements of the natural world or could Demorthèn worship urban-themed spirits (such as a spirit reprensenting a particular street or road, a spirit reprensenting a building, a spirit of the sewers, etc.).

Thanks!

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Clovis
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Re: Demothren questions

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Message par Clovis » 19 sept. 2013, 23:40

herkles a écrit :1.) What would their temples look like particular in the cities? I know that in more rural areas their would be groves with menhirs, but what of the various cities?
There is no "by the book" answer in that regard, so you're free to improvise however you deem it fit, but my stance on the subject is that urban areas must have spaces left as pristine as possible in order for the local Demorthèn to gather and meditate there. It also stands to reason that towns must have local monuments (menhirs, dolmens, shrines, etc.) dedicated to the spirits of nature.
2.) Do any of the spirits that are worshiped have names? for instance perhaps a local or major river is associated with a particular river spirit/goddess? would he/she have a name according to the Dremothren.
In addition to the answer provided by Iris, I also advise you to read the chapter about Demorthèn in Book 1 (p.140), particularly the box on p.142. This should be what you are looking for!

If you need other names, it will up to you to invent them ;)
3.) relating to question 2; are their any spirits that are worshiped as gods, or just worshiped more often then others due to how they are associated?
The four primordial spirits (Adhar, Usgardh, Roimh, and Aingeal) are the four major deities of the Demorthèn, so Demorthèn rituals must involve them frequently, whether to ask for their blessings or to placate their wrath.
Luohu a écrit :In fact, are there any shrines or places of worship for Demorthèn in big cities (such as Osta-baille, for example)? Or are they all situated at the outskirts of cities, in areas of wilderness?
The first part of my post partly covers this question.

Places of worship located inside a city would probably be a sign of consensual Demorthèn influence, whereas having them remain separate from the town itself would be a clear manifestation of distance (both physical and ideological), or even of hostility with the local power.

However, it seems important to me to stress once more that there is nothing set in stone on the subject at the time, and that you are therefore free to do as you see fit. Do what you and your Players are most comfortable with! ;)
Now about spirits: Do they all embody elements of the natural world or could Demorthèn worship urban-themed spirits (such as a spirit reprensenting a particular street or road, a spirit reprensenting a building, a spirit of the sewers, etc.).
By essence, the spirits are spirits of nature. The idea of "urban spirit" would be completely absurd to the mind of a Demorthèn. To them, it would be like suggesting that a bee could pollinate stone!
Allez, come on, allons-y, here we go, en avant, godspeed, hardi, let's do this!

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Luohu
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Re: Demothren questions

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Message par Luohu » 20 sept. 2013, 00:57

These answers do make a lot of sense!

Thanks!

herkles
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Re: Demothren questions

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Message par herkles » 20 sept. 2013, 02:03

Clovis a écrit :
herkles a écrit :1.) What would their temples look like particular in the cities? I know that in more rural areas their would be groves with menhirs, but what of the various cities?
There is no "by the book" answer in that regard, so you're free to improvise however you deem it fit, but my stance on the subject is that urban areas must have spaces left as pristine as possible in order for the local Demorthèn to gather and meditate there. It also stands to reason that towns must have local monuments (menhirs, dolmens, shrines, etc.) dedicated to the spirits of nature.


cool. I have ideas for what a celtic pagan temple might/could be like. Those sort of things are all incorporated to some in fashion in the temple. I imagine though that it would be more grand then rural place.
Clovis a écrit :
2.) Do any of the spirits that are worshiped have names? for instance perhaps a local or major river is associated with a particular river spirit/goddess? would he/she have a name according to the Dremothren.
In addition to the answer provided by Iris, I also advise you to read the chapter about Demorthèn in Book 1 (p.140), particularly the box on p.142. This should be what you are looking for!

If you need other names, it will up to you to invent them ;)


Thanks I will check that section out.
Clovis a écrit :
3.) relating to question 2; are their any spirits that are worshiped as gods, or just worshiped more often then others due to how they are associated?
The four primordial spirits (Adhar, Usgardh, Roimh, and Aingeal) are the four major deities of the Demorthèn, so Demorthèn rituals must involve them frequently, whether to ask for their blessings or to placate their wrath.
thanks, I did not know about this. :)
Clovis a écrit :
Luohu a écrit :In fact, are there any shrines or places of worship for Demorthèn in big cities (such as Osta-baille, for example)? Or are they all situated at the outskirts of cities, in areas of wilderness?
The first part of my post partly covers this question.

Places of worship located inside a city would probably be a sign of consensual Demorthèn influence, whereas having them remain separate from the town itself would be a clear manifestation of distance (both physical and ideological), or even of hostility with the local power.

However, it seems important to me to stress once more that there is nothing set in stone on the subject at the time, and that you are therefore free to do as you see fit. Do what you and your Players are most comfortable with! ;)
always good advice and thanks :)
Clovis a écrit :
Now about spirits: Do they all embody elements of the natural world or could Demorthèn worship urban-themed spirits (such as a spirit reprensenting a particular street or road, a spirit reprensenting a building, a spirit of the sewers, etc.).
By essence, the spirits are spirits of nature. The idea of "urban spirit" would be completely absurd to the mind of a Demorthèn. To them, it would be like suggesting that a bee could pollinate stone!
What about house spirits, ie a spirit of your home that you give respect to?

Iris
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Re: Demothren questions

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Message par Iris » 20 sept. 2013, 18:49

House spirit may exist, especialy for Noble houses (a castle may be respected and loved for itself), but those would be "private" spirit, not exactly what demorthen pray... So I would say there may be private rituals, but they remain... private :)
Si je ne suis pas là, vous pouvez me trouver ici ou ou par MP.

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