Alnair

The Eternal Flame, The Dawnbringer, The Guiding Light

Alnair, the Eternal Flame, is the astral sun god of Aurôrum, representing life, growth, and the eternal cycle of renewal. The sun overhead carries the name, and so does the last day of the week: Alnsday, when the light has come all the way round again. Worshiped as one of the oldest deities in existence, Alnair is said to have kindled the first spark of life and illuminated the world, nurturing life and guiding those lost in darkness. Revered as the light that sustains all life, Alnair embodies renewal, growth, and the pursuit of truth, providing guidance to the virtuous and protection to the weak. Although Alnair’s light is gentle, it is also unyielding, burning away corruption and bringing hope to the downtrodden. Just as the sun rises each day, so too does the opportunity for growth and renewal in the hearts of their followers.

History

Alnair’s origins stretch back to the very creation of the world, where they are said to have risen as the first god, casting their light upon the darkness. When the world was still in its infancy, Alnair’s light first dawned, bringing with it the warmth and energy needed for life to flourish. Alnair’s role in shaping the early world is revered by their followers, as it is believed they gifted the world with warmth, life, and order, establishing the cycle of life and death in harmony with the seasons.

Over the eons, Alnair has seen civilizations rise and fall, yet has never wavered in their duty as the eternal guide for both mortal and divine beings. Though many gods are believed to have come and gone, none can rival Alnair’s age or their unwavering commitment to maintaining the balance of life and light. As the ancient protector, Alnair stands watch over all realms, illuminating the paths of the righteous and guiding the lost. Their radiance is seen as the ultimate truth, and their influence spans across many cultures in the world of Aurôrum.

Alnair remains impartial in mortal conflicts, focusing instead on the greater balance of creation. During times of darkness, such as the Great Plague or the fall of the Mól Empire, Alnair’s followers spread hope and light, often sacrificing themselves to protect others. Even in the bleakest times, Alnair remained constant, shining on the world with unyielding brilliance.

Dogma

Alnair teaches that life is a cycle of light and darkness, growth and rest. All beings should seek balance, taking from the world what is needed but always ensuring that life continues to flourish. Protect the weak, heal the wounded, and offer guidance to the lost. Alnair also values self-reflection, urging followers to seek inner light and cleanse themselves of hatred, greed, and malice. While the sun’s light is gentle, it is also strong, capable of burning away the evils of the world.

Tenets of Faith

• Shine Brightly: Live as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others, spreading Alnair’s light through your actions.
• Embrace Renewal: Embrace change and rebirth, recognizing the opportunity for growth in every failure.
• Persevere: Even in the longest night, the sun will rise. Maintain hope and keep moving forward.
• Seek the Light: Always pursue knowledge and truth, as the sun reveals all that is hidden.
• Guiding Light: Help those lost in darkness or confusion find their path with patience and wisdom.

Rituals and Practices

• Dawn Prayer: Every day, Alnair’s faithful offer prayers as the sun rises, thanking the god for the life-giving light and asking for guidance.
• Sun’s Blessing: In sacred ceremonies, priests of Alnair bless crops, newborns, and homes to ensure prosperity and growth.
• Alnairi Festival: Held annually at the height of summer, followers celebrate Alnair with feasts, games, and blessings. It’s a time of joy, renewal, and hope.
• Renewal Rite: Held at the winter solstice, this ritual involves burning away old crops or objects to welcome new life and light in the coming year.

Consequences of Transgression

• Withering: Those who lie or act with cruelty are cast into a period of spiritual darkness, where they feel abandoned by Alnair’s warmth and guidance.
• Darkness Calling: Those who use their position within the faith to intentionally harm the weak will find themselves hunted by the faithful.
• Eternal Dusk: Grave transgressions against life, such as murder, slavery or other heinous harm, will find themselves imprisoned in an oubliette, lost in darkness.

Worshipers

Those who keep Alnair are called Solanites, and it is a wide enough word to be worth little on its own: it takes in the paladin and the smallholder equally.

Alnair’s faithful include farmers, healers, leaders, sages, and protectors who seek to foster life and bring light to the dark corners of the world. Paladins and clerics of Alnair often serve as guardians of the weak, guiding others toward truth, justice, and the protection of life. They are frequently called upon to heal the sick, defend the vulnerable, or guide those who have lost their way, embodying Alnair’s light in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Followers of Alnair range from humble rural folk who rely on the sun’s blessings for their crops, to scholars and knowledge-seekers who revere Alnair for their association with wisdom and enlightenment. Although Alnair is a benevolent god, their followers are not pacifists. When necessary, they defend the vulnerable with the strength of the sun’s fire, standing as both healers and warriors in service to life.

Orders and Sects

Order of the Radiant Spear

This militant order is dedicated to protecting life and purging evil. They wield spears said to be blessed by Alnair’s light, and are known for their unshakable courage in battle. This sect is particularly common in Taziondale.

Alnari

A monastic order focused on self-enlightenment and meditation. They retreat from the world to contemplate Alnair’s teachings and bring back wisdom to guide others.

Dawnbringers

This sect of healers, herbalists and midwives serves as the hand of Alnair in communities, delivering babies, curing diseases, and symbolizing the god’s nurturing aspect. They believe every act of care is a tribute to Alnair’s sustaining power.