Ancestor monolith - Revision history

Gronk at 00:16, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:16:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:16, 30 January 2025
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	To worship the ancestor monoliths is in no way exclusive, and many who do so also hold other faiths simultaneously. In Bohaar, for example, the monoliths are seen as figures trusted by Eraamn and the other deities of the [[Bohaar pantheon\|pantheon]] to keep [[Ob]] at bay in the moral realm. In the [[Storm-Path]] they are sometimes associated with past heroes of the [[Dustwalkers]].		To worship the ancestor monoliths is in no way exclusive, and many who do so also hold other faiths simultaneously. In Bohaar, for example, the monoliths are seen as figures trusted by Eraamn and the other deities of the [[Bohaar pantheon\|pantheon]] to keep [[Ob]] at bay in the moral realm. In the [[Storm-Path]] they are sometimes associated with past heroes of the [[Dustwalkers]].

	Veneration of ancestor monoliths is widespread across the Stormlands, present in remarkably distinct cultures. It is especially prevalent in the north - in Bohaar, Kad, Vukararn, and [[Tazak]] - and amongst the Trailblazers and Oasis-dwellers, but also found as far south as parts of [[Akatzar]]. Very few west of the [[Amanas Mountains]], however, in either the cordillera or along the western coastline, hold the tradition of carving the monoliths, though the [[whisper urn\|whisper urns]] of [[Shanidan]] bear a few similarities.		Veneration of ancestor monoliths is widespread across the Stormlands, present in remarkably distinct cultures. It is especially prevalent in the north - in Bohaar, Kad, Vukararn, and [[Tazak]] - and amongst the Trailblazers and Oasis-dwellers, but also found as far south as parts of [[Akatzar]]. Very few west of the Amanas Mountains, however, in either the cordillera or along the western coastline, hold the tradition of carving the monoliths, though the [[whisper urn\|whisper urns]] of [[Shanidan]] bear a few similarities.

	{{Deities}}		{{Deities}}

Gronk: /* Beliefs and practices */

2025-01-30T00:16:08Z

Beliefs and practices

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:16, 30 January 2025
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	=== Beliefs and practices ===		=== Beliefs and practices ===
	Only upon the death of a respected figure - whether that respect is by a nation, community, family, or even merely a single individual - may the carving of their ancestor monolith begin. This is a highly ritualized process. It does not demand artistic skill, necessarily, but rather a close connection with the deceased, such that the final, completed piece can take the form of a physical reflection of their soul. If the piece matches the individual then their spirit can come to inhabit it, though they do not necessarily do so always or often, and when they do they are invariably silent. These carvings are then ~~placed~~ in places of prominence, perhaps a hall central to a village, in the midst of a family's living space, or on a mantle or by a hearth. There they are consulted for advice, even if they never physically speak in return, sometimes carried with to court, council, or the meetings of extended families.		Only upon the death of a respected figure - whether that respect is by a nation, community, family, or even merely a single individual - may the carving of their ancestor monolith begin. This is a highly ritualized process. It does not demand artistic skill, necessarily, but rather a close connection with the deceased, such that the final, completed piece can take the form of a physical reflection of their soul. If the piece matches the individual then their spirit can come to inhabit it, though they do not necessarily do so always or often, and when they do they are invariably silent. These carvings are then positioned in places of prominence, perhaps a hall central to a village, in the midst of a family's living space, or on a mantle or by a hearth. There they are consulted for advice, even if they never physically speak in return, sometimes carried with to court, council, or the meetings of extended families.

	Ancestor monoliths are regularly fed, washed, clothed, and otherwise treated as the living, especially those whose carving was led by their families. This care usually lasts for a few generations at least, though longer is not unusual, for as long as they are remembered by the living.		Ancestor monoliths are regularly fed, washed, clothed, and otherwise treated as the living, especially those whose carving was led by their families. This care usually lasts for a few generations at least, though longer is not unusual, for as long as they are remembered by the living.

	In many cultures specific holidays involve the statues. As part of marking the new year in the Oasis, ancestor monoliths are traditionally clothed in bright red, turned to face the east in the morning and the west in the evening.		In many cultures specific holidays involve the statues. As part of marking the new year in the Oasis, ancestor monoliths are traditionally clothed in bright red, then turned to face the east in the morning and the west in the evening.

	The voicelessness of the ancestor monoliths is thought to be a choice. In death spirits learn much, even those who previously were fools, and quickly come to understand that to impart all their knowledge upon the living would be disastrous without the wisdom to understand it. Some who venerate the monoliths do the same while still alive, hermits who spend their time developing hypotheses and theories none will ever hear.		The voicelessness of the ancestor monoliths is thought to be a choice. In death spirits learn much, even those who previously were fools, and quickly come to understand that to impart all their knowledge upon the living would be disastrous without the wisdom to understand it. Some who venerate the monoliths do the same while still alive, becoming hermits who spend their time developing hypotheses and theories none will ever hear.

	The primary role of the ancestor monoliths, however, is protective in nature. Through their presence they keep danger away - those inside homes often face doors, and those in central places in a community face towards exterior walls or gates. This protection is spiritual ~~in nature~~, at least primarily, as the monoliths are adept at fending off malicious spirits in whatever shape they may take. Some [[Trailblazer Republics\|Trailblazers]], however, claim to have known ancestor monoliths to physically move and fend off dangerous beasts as well, though this is not a belief held by most.		The primary role of the ancestor monoliths, however, is protective in nature. Through their presence they keep danger away - those inside homes often face doors, and those in central places in a community face towards exterior walls or gates. This protection is spiritual, at least primarily, as the monoliths are adept at fending off malicious spirits in whatever shape they may take. Some [[Trailblazer Republics\|Trailblazers]], however, claim to have known ancestor monoliths to physically move and fend off dangerous beasts as well, though this is not a belief held by most.

	To worship the ancestor monoliths is in no way exclusive, and many who do so also hold other faiths simultaneously. In Bohaar, for example, the monoliths are seen as figures trusted by Eraamn and the other deities of the [[Bohaar pantheon\|pantheon]] to keep [[Ob]] at bay in the moral realm. In the [[Storm-Path]] they are sometimes ~~thought to be~~ past heroes of the [[Dustwalkers]].		To worship the ancestor monoliths is in no way exclusive, and many who do so also hold other faiths simultaneously. In Bohaar, for example, the monoliths are seen as figures trusted by Eraamn and the other deities of the [[Bohaar pantheon\|pantheon]] to keep [[Ob]] at bay in the moral realm. In the [[Storm-Path]] they are sometimes associated with past heroes of the [[Dustwalkers]].

	Veneration of ancestor monoliths is widespread across the Stormlands, present in remarkably ~~different~~ cultures. It is especially prevalent in the north - in Bohaar, Kad, Vukararn, and [[Tazak]] - and amongst the Trailblazers and Oasis-dwellers, but found as far south as parts of [[Akatzar]]. Very few west of the [[Amanas Mountains]], however, in either the cordillera or along the western coastline, hold the tradition of carving the monoliths, though the [[whisper urn\|whisper urns]] of [[Shanidan]] bear a few similarities.		Veneration of ancestor monoliths is widespread across the Stormlands, present in remarkably distinct cultures. It is especially prevalent in the north - in Bohaar, Kad, Vukararn, and [[Tazak]] - and amongst the Trailblazers and Oasis-dwellers, but also found as far south as parts of [[Akatzar]]. Very few west of the [[Amanas Mountains]], however, in either the cordillera or along the western coastline, hold the tradition of carving the monoliths, though the [[whisper urn\|whisper urns]] of [[Shanidan]] bear a few similarities.

	{{Deities}}		{{Deities}}

Gronk at 00:10, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:10:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:10, 30 January 2025
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	=== Beliefs and practices ===		=== Beliefs and practices ===
	Only upon the death of a respected figure - by a nation, community, family, or even merely a single individual - may the carving of their ancestor monolith begin. This is a highly ritualized process. It does not demand artistic skill, necessarily, but rather a close connection with the deceased, such that the final, completed piece can take the form of a physical reflection of their soul. If the piece matches the individual then their spirit can come to inhabit it, though they do not necessarily do so always or often, and when they do they are invariably silent. These carvings are then placed in places of prominence, perhaps a hall central to a village, in the midst of a family's living space, or on a mantle or by a hearth. There they are consulted for advice, even if they never physically speak in return, sometimes carried with to court, council, or the meetings of extended families.		Only upon the death of a respected figure - whether that respect is by a nation, community, family, or even merely a single individual - may the carving of their ancestor monolith begin. This is a highly ritualized process. It does not demand artistic skill, necessarily, but rather a close connection with the deceased, such that the final, completed piece can take the form of a physical reflection of their soul. If the piece matches the individual then their spirit can come to inhabit it, though they do not necessarily do so always or often, and when they do they are invariably silent. These carvings are then placed in places of prominence, perhaps a hall central to a village, in the midst of a family's living space, or on a mantle or by a hearth. There they are consulted for advice, even if they never physically speak in return, sometimes carried with to court, council, or the meetings of extended families.

	Ancestor monoliths are regularly fed, washed, clothed, and otherwise treated as the living, especially those whose carving was led by their families. This care usually lasts for a few generations at least, though longer is not unusual, for as long as they are remembered by the living.		Ancestor monoliths are regularly fed, washed, clothed, and otherwise treated as the living, especially those whose carving was led by their families. This care usually lasts for a few generations at least, though longer is not unusual, for as long as they are remembered by the living.

Gronk at 00:10, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:10:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:10, 30 January 2025
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	Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.		Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.

	The ~~name of the~~ ancestor monolith is derived from how each is constructed of a single piece of stone. To do otherwise is to shatter the soul of the deceased they embody.		The term ancestor monolith is derived from how each is constructed of a single piece of stone. To do otherwise is to shatter the soul of the deceased they embody.

	=== Beliefs and practices ===		=== Beliefs and practices ===

Gronk at 00:08, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:08:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:08, 30 January 2025
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	== Description ==		== Description ==
	As they are worshiped by people across much of an entire continent, there is predictably great variation in the appearance of ancestor monoliths. Even within a culture they are not necessarily consistent, for the status of a figure, or the wealth of their descendants, may play a large role in the size and level of ornateness of a monolith. An ancestor monolith of a widely loved and respected ~~local~~ leader may be carved out of an immense, high quality piece of marble by a skilled sculptor, while that of a familial elder in a small village may be a foot tall - or less - and rather more crude in its design.		As they are worshiped by people across much of an entire continent, there is predictably great variation in the appearance of ancestor monoliths. Even within a culture they are not necessarily consistent, for the status of a figure, or the wealth of their descendants, may play a large role in the size and level of ornateness of a monolith. An ancestor monolith of a widely loved and respected leader may be carved out of an immense, high quality piece of marble by a skilled sculptor, while that of a familial elder in a small village may be a foot tall - or less - and rather more crude in its design.

	Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.		Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.

Gronk at 00:07, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:07:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 30 January 2025
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	== Description ==		== Description ==
	As they are worshiped by people across much of an entire continent, there is predictably ~~much~~ variation in the appearance of ancestor monoliths. Even within a culture they are not necessarily consistent, for the status of a figure, or the wealth of their descendants, may play a large role in the size and level of ornateness of a monolith. An ancestor monolith of a widely loved and respected local leader may be carved out of an immense, high quality piece of marble by a skilled sculptor, while that of a familial elder in a small village may be a foot tall - or less - and rather more crude in its design.		As they are worshiped by people across much of an entire continent, there is predictably great variation in the appearance of ancestor monoliths. Even within a culture they are not necessarily consistent, for the status of a figure, or the wealth of their descendants, may play a large role in the size and level of ornateness of a monolith. An ancestor monolith of a widely loved and respected local leader may be carved out of an immense, high quality piece of marble by a skilled sculptor, while that of a familial elder in a small village may be a foot tall - or less - and rather more crude in its design.

	Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.		Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.

Gronk at 00:06, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:06:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:06, 30 January 2025
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	\|sacred_colors = None		\|sacred_colors = None
	}}		}}
	'''Ancestor monoliths''' are both a type of statue and a form of [[ancestor worship]] that centers around them. Depictions of cherished predecessors, carved out of single pieces of stone, ancestor monoliths are constructed and venerated across much of the [[Stormlands]] east of the [[Amanas Mountains]].		'''Ancestor monoliths''' are both a type of statue and a form of [[ancestor worship]] that centers around them. Depictions of cherished predecessors carved out of single pieces of stone, ancestor monoliths are constructed and venerated across much of the [[Stormlands]] east of the [[Amanas Mountains]].

	== Description ==		== Description ==

Gronk at 00:06, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T00:06:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:06, 30 January 2025
Line 17:		Line 17:
	\|sacred_colors = None		\|sacred_colors = None
	}}		}}
	'''Ancestor monoliths''' are both a type of statue and a form of [[ancestor worship]] that centers around them. Depictions of cherished ~~ancestors~~ carved out of single pieces of stone, ancestor monoliths are constructed and venerated across much of the [[Stormlands]] east of the [[Amanas Mountains]].		'''Ancestor monoliths''' are both a type of statue and a form of [[ancestor worship]] that centers around them. Depictions of cherished predecessors, carved out of single pieces of stone, ancestor monoliths are constructed and venerated across much of the [[Stormlands]] east of the [[Amanas Mountains]].

	== Description ==		== Description ==

Gronk: Created page with "{{DeityInfobox |name = Ancestor monoliths |image = |type = Local faith |adjectives = - |plane = Material |alignment = Varies |areas_of_concern = Ancestors, earth, silence, wards |worshipers = Inhabitants of the Stormlands east of the Amanas Mountains |domains = Confidence, Family, Protection |divine_font = Heal |divine_skill = Society |divine_ability = Constitution or Wisdom |favored_weapon = None |symbol = None |sacred_animal = None |sacred_colors = None }} '''..."

2025-01-30T00:05:54Z

Created page with "{{DeityInfobox |name = Ancestor monoliths |image = |type = Local faith |adjectives = - |plane = Material |alignment = Varies |areas_of_concern = Ancestors, earth, silence, wards |worshipers = Inhabitants of the Stormlands east of the Amanas Mountains |domains = Confidence, Family, Protection |divine_font = Heal |divine_skill = Society |divine_ability = Constitution or Wisdom |favored_weapon = None |symbol = None |sacred_animal = None |sacred_colors = None }} '''..."

New page

{{DeityInfobox
|name = Ancestor monoliths
|image =
|type = Local faith
|adjectives = -
|plane = Material
|alignment = Varies
|areas_of_concern = Ancestors, earth, silence, wards
|worshipers = Inhabitants of the [[Stormlands]] east of the [[Amanas Mountains]]
|domains = Confidence, Family, Protection
|divine_font = Heal
|divine_skill = Society
|divine_ability = Constitution or Wisdom
|favored_weapon = None
|symbol = None
|sacred_animal = None
|sacred_colors = None
}}
'''Ancestor monoliths''' are both a type of statue and a form of [[ancestor worship]] that centers around them. Depictions of cherished ancestors carved out of single pieces of stone, ancestor monoliths are constructed and venerated across much of the [[Stormlands]] east of the [[Amanas Mountains]].

== Description ==
As they are worshiped by people across much of an entire continent, there is predictably much variation in the appearance of ancestor monoliths. Even within a culture they are not necessarily consistent, for the status of a figure, or the wealth of their descendants, may play a large role in the size and level of ornateness of a monolith. An ancestor monolith of a widely loved and respected local leader may be carved out of an immense, high quality piece of marble by a skilled sculptor, while that of a familial elder in a small village may be a foot tall - or less - and rather more crude in its design.

Ancestor monoliths are rarely lifelike, but rather take a variety of stylized forms. In [[Bohaar]], for example, they tend to be flat and on the smaller side, carved with elaborate swirls and often sun motifs to connect the deceased to the goddess [[Eraamn]]. In the northern [[hobgoblin]] realms of [[Kad]] and [[Vukararn]], meanwhile, size conveys prestige, as do stylistic elements that emphasize the strength of the ancestor. Throughout the [[Oasis]] states and elsewhere they take still more different forms. One of the few universals of ancestor monoliths is that all employ composite views of their subjects.

The name of the ancestor monolith is derived from how each is constructed of a single piece of stone. To do otherwise is to shatter the soul of the deceased they embody.

=== Beliefs and practices ===
Only upon the death of a respected figure - by a nation, community, family, or even merely a single individual - may the carving of their ancestor monolith begin. This is a highly ritualized process. It does not demand artistic skill, necessarily, but rather a close connection with the deceased, such that the final, completed piece can take the form of a physical reflection of their soul. If the piece matches the individual then their spirit can come to inhabit it, though they do not necessarily do so always or often, and when they do they are invariably silent. These carvings are then placed in places of prominence, perhaps a hall central to a village, in the midst of a family's living space, or on a mantle or by a hearth. There they are consulted for advice, even if they never physically speak in return, sometimes carried with to court, council, or the meetings of extended families.

Ancestor monoliths are regularly fed, washed, clothed, and otherwise treated as the living, especially those whose carving was led by their families. This care usually lasts for a few generations at least, though longer is not unusual, for as long as they are remembered by the living.

In many cultures specific holidays involve the statues. As part of marking the new year in the Oasis, ancestor monoliths are traditionally clothed in bright red, turned to face the east in the morning and the west in the evening.

The voicelessness of the ancestor monoliths is thought to be a choice. In death spirits learn much, even those who previously were fools, and quickly come to understand that to impart all their knowledge upon the living would be disastrous without the wisdom to understand it. Some who venerate the monoliths do the same while still alive, hermits who spend their time developing hypotheses and theories none will ever hear.

The primary role of the ancestor monoliths, however, is protective in nature. Through their presence they keep danger away - those inside homes often face doors, and those in central places in a community face towards exterior walls or gates. This protection is spiritual in nature, at least primarily, as the monoliths are adept at fending off malicious spirits in whatever shape they may take. Some [[Trailblazer Republics|Trailblazers]], however, claim to have known ancestor monoliths to physically move and fend off dangerous beasts as well, though this is not a belief held by most.

To worship the ancestor monoliths is in no way exclusive, and many who do so also hold other faiths simultaneously. In Bohaar, for example, the monoliths are seen as figures trusted by Eraamn and the other deities of the [[Bohaar pantheon|pantheon]] to keep [[Ob]] at bay in the moral realm. In the [[Storm-Path]] they are sometimes thought to be past heroes of the [[Dustwalkers]].

Veneration of ancestor monoliths is widespread across the Stormlands, present in remarkably different cultures. It is especially prevalent in the north - in Bohaar, Kad, Vukararn, and [[Tazak]] - and amongst the Trailblazers and Oasis-dwellers, but found as far south as parts of [[Akatzar]]. Very few west of the [[Amanas Mountains]], however, in either the cordillera or along the western coastline, hold the tradition of carving the monoliths, though the [[whisper urn|whisper urns]] of [[Shanidan]] bear a few similarities.

{{Deities}}

[[Category:Local faiths]]
[[Category:Religion]]