The Father and the Mother

Gods of authority, civilization, family, and leadership
Allies: The Lightbringer, The Guide
Enemies: The Betrayer
Temples: Nurseries, tribunals, war camps
Worshippers: City planners, judges, leaders, managers, parents, soldiers
Sacred animal: Beavers
Sacred colors: Silver and gold
Holy symbol: The kindly visage of a man or a woman, sometimes both
[DnD 5e] Domains: Peace, Order, War

The Father and the Mother fulfill a very important role within Siarvaldan religion. When there is disorder or chaos, the people turn to them for guidance. When the law is broken and the consequences could be dire, there the people pray to them, to lessen the fallout upon their lives. And when a pregnant woman's health is compromised, the people send their laments and offerings to them, praying for their divine blessing so both mother and child may survive.   Indeed, the Father and the Mother are the glue that holds Siarvaldan civilization together. Though the Lightbringer, the Guide, and the Teacher all fulfill very important roles within the lives of the common inhabitant of the Kingdom of Vah'kan, none are prayed to quite as often, and by quite as many people, as the Father and the Mother. It is little wonder that the Protector-Saint traditionally displays symbols of said gods prominently upon their person; a tradition that Vah'tor has followed.   While the Father and the Mother are worshiped as a pair, they are perceived slightly differently within the public eye. Indeed, the Father is often regarded as the harsh authority figure, the one who admonishes and reprimands, for he knows it is for the good of their children. The Mother, meanwhile, is traditionally seen as forgiving and kind, the reassurance needed when dire events arise.   Those who have been contacted by the Father and the Mother know that they do not show their faces to anyone, instead opting to display themselves as giants sitting upon thrones, their faces shrouded in shadow. This has caused an interesting phenomenon to appear; no two Holy Symbols dedicated to them are similar. Indeed, worshippers are encouraged to use whatever authority figure best displays the quality of these gods, in their eyes, in order to represent their visages. This may be a person's own parents, a particular hierarchical superior, or other such figures of authority. Only one exception exists: it is forbidden to use the visage of the King for such idols, for that is considered heresy, as the King is human, and strictly forbids any association between him and any gods, as a bid to keep himself grounded in reality - and closer to his people.   The Father and the Mother are worshiped as a pair, and almost always represented together. However, there is a tendency for those who identify as male to worship the Father more, and those who identify as female to worship the Mother more. This is not a hard rule, and the church does not discriminate against anyone that doesn't follow this tendency. As of late, some criticism has arised that the Father and the Mother encourage a family dynamic which does not represent everyone. Religious scholars have either ignored this criticism thus far, or have opted to tell these people to think of the Father and the Mother as a single entity, "Parents" of sorts, which remain neutral in gender.

Holidays

Aside from the Day of Thanks, the 37th of Spring is considered to be a holiday for the Father and the Mother. This is because this is the official date where the War of Unification ended, and thus, symbolically represents the 'birth' of the Kingdom of Vah'kan.

Common rituals and gestures

Worshiping the Father and the Mother involves, like many things in the Kingdom, a set of well-learned prayers and rituals, most of which involve a display of one's loyalty to their family, their job, or their superiors. For instance, when a soldier obeys an order despite their own doubts on the subject matter, then recites a prayer to the Father and the Mother, that is a form of worship. Even something as simple as a child doing all their chores with zeal can count as a form of worship.

Divine Intercessions

The intercessions of the Father and the Mother are very rare, only intervening for their most devout worshippers - or their worst offenders. Generally, the blessings of the Father and the Mother involve increased clarity of thought, as well as increased fertility in some cases. Their curses, however, can be devastating; reducing the victim's find to nothing but confused thoughts, or permanently removing their ability to have children.

Aphorisms

Followers of the Mother and the Father mostly use these expressions during regular, routine life.   May the Father judge you!: An invective given to someone who has caused undue chaos or disorder.
May the Mother forgive you!: The reverse of the first aphorism, this expression is used to offer forgiveness to someone for their slights.
We are but children in their eyes: This expression is used as a reminder that mortals are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Particularly used when consequences out of one's control arises, as if to say "This is but a small thing, and it will pass".
The Mother smiles upon us all this day!: A joyous expression used to signify the successful and safe birth of a child, as well as the health of the mother.