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Sgrios Mass: Van's Used Book Club II - Schisms of Temuairan Religion by Dryst

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     Lets start with a few definitions. Sectarianism , refers to strong divisive, loyalty to a particular group. It prioritizes the sects beliefs and practices to the detriment of others.         Now " syncretism " is the amalgamation of different religions and schools of thought. When religions meet and mingle they combine ideas and beliefs into new ones. But not always without controversy.         Now lets jump right into it. In Danaan 1980, during the Great War, there was a schism in the temple of Ceannlaidir. There were other temple schisms in the lands at this time, but this one had Ceannlaidir aligning with a neutral god. When these schisms were occurring, the defectors always turned to an aligning deity.         Not here.         A sect arose of Gramail aligned Ceannlaidir worshipers who insisted that the relationship between Gramail and Ceannlaidir was a reciprocati...

Sgrios Mass: Walk with Death, not from it

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Firstly, I am honored to have the opportunity  and privilege to speak before you today.  Thank you for showing your support for me  and your dedication to this temple with your presence… It has been insisted that I take this opportunity  to introduce myself to you, a nd for the sake of you knowing me,  I would tell you that to do so is not  a choice I would have made for myself.  I believe that mass is beyond the self,  for fellowship and for Gods,  and not the feeding of one’s ego.   My name is Wormtongue…  I have done my best to show my dedication to Sgrios  and be of service to this temple.  I’ve even been compared to Greim here,  as I am a constant presence within the temple.  I am always happy to assist anyone who passes through,  whether for prayer, initiation, or quest of any kind.   I was promoted to the rank of Priest  this past double moon, though my journey has been brief....

Sgrios Mass: Crimes of Complacency

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I like to think that, as Sgrians, we have a keen finger on the pulse of our fleeting mortality. By finding a home in the darker corners of Temuair, we have become sharply aware of the tenuous grip we have on our precious lives. Each wound that shrinks to a scar; each illness that sets us on our backs, each passing deoch that brings us closer to our end - these are bells that chime the song of Sgrios, and with each brush with death, we devote ourselves anew to His service. But not all signs of death are so obvious; there are ways in which we sacrifice our lives without the drama of disfiguring scars; without coughs; without pain; without calendars. Of all of Gramail’s repulsive gifts to the world, there is one with which he syphons our spark, ounce by ounce, until we’re left as little more than a necromancer’s puppet: this disgusting trance through which our spark is snuffed out is the dangerous swamp known as complacency. While Sgrios is best known for His chthonic duties; tending to t...

Sgrios Mass: Van's Used Book Club I - Seals of Darkness by Chogal

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  So we were talking of having a more informal Mass that was not so dogmatic, but more historical; that focused on one of the scrolls every week. It just so happens I had a Mass already written that kind of leaned that way. So that is what I am giving tonight. But that is why I am calling it the "Used Book Club." Tonights time slot is just that, old scrolls we all learn about for new Aislings; a lot of these new sparks have never heard of these things. So instead of preaching every single Mass this time slot we will just go over a scroll on our list. Discussion can be after Mass is cast. Does everyone like this idea? We need newer Aislings to come for sure. *thunderous agreeance* Alright, well let us get started with our first official Sgrian Mass and Used Book Club. Amen. Altor Devon Dubach was born around Danaan 1785. Growing up and throughout some of his adult life, he was a devout worshiper of Grinneal, the "god of life." But, The appearance of the dubhaimid cha...

Sgrios Mass: Faces of Death

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  How many are the faces of death? To know them all would require more time than a life provides, and more wisdom than one can obtain in this time. So myriad are the ways in which one can experience death, that this kaleidoscopic lens sits like a grim jewel at the very heart of our faith. The many facets, cut with reckless precision, are set to catch the light no matter which angle it is held - as such, so, too, is the foundation of our faith. Because the grim reality of death can be approached from nearly any conceivable direction and still offer the shimmering beam of salvation, we also find that those who seek Sgrios as their Lord are also following His dark invitation from a multitude of different origins - having tested many worshipers in my day, I can say with confidence that, when I ask what drew them to our shrine, no one has ever given me the same answer as another. For some, they lust for death - to bring it into the world; others are covetous of it and long for the day t...

Sgrios Mass: Owning Death

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I want to take a moment, first, to welcome all the new Aislings who have sparked during this population boom. I hope you’re appreciating Deoch’s gift and using your inner light to help illuminate the community in which you were born. The wilds of Temuair are, indeed, teeming with monsters and, while it can be gratifying to smite them on occasions, always bear in mind that we, as Aislings, are tasked to share our inspiration, not just our strength. I sincerely hope that you’ll bear that in mind as you grow into the generation which will shape the world of the future. With that said, I also want to welcome you to the Shrine of Sgrios; the god of decay. The devout of our faith are blessed right now to have the leadership of three members of the high clergy, and a dedicated priest that will, in short order, join us - as is His will. Moreover, it is a wonderful time to be a worshiper in Temuair, with masses being held across the eight temples of the octave. I hope you’re taking the time to ...

Sgrios Mass: The Age of Sgrios cut short?

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  Welcome everyone! Our last official (recorded) mass was hosted by none other than our esteemed High Priestess herself, Paramour. Thank you so much for your endless Deochs of service. If you end up reading this that your moments of lucidity always bring our clergy so much joy. Her sermon spoke of how our lands have faded to ruin. Aislings resembled zombies more than companions, and comrade was a long forgotten phrase. It brings me unending joy to witness the the birth of a new generation of sparks. Like a flame without any tinder, Sgrios without new souls hungers for more. My main focus for mass this evening is to encourage you all to seek out the god or goddess within Temuair that speaks to you. While Sgrios has been my calling my whole life, maybe Priestess Nadja could entice you to join the nature-loving Cail? Or if death is a little too much, but war is where your heart truly lies, consider speaking with High Priest Thubub of Ceannlaidir? What an honor to have a High Priest jo...