Istralites

"Everyone tries to do their best, to use their knowledge and light the darkness of ignorance"
- Shva Belle - Saint of Istral

  Istralites or Istralians see overly dogmatic views in their faith as critical, because in the pursuit of knowledge there is also always new knowledge. Too entrenched thought patterns are therefore a hindrance and abhorrent to Istral.   However, it is considered sacrilegious to withhold knowledge from others in order to gain an advantage for oneself, with the exception of guilds, confederations and consortia that need this knowledge as a basis of life or keep it secret for a good reason (invocations of demons, perfidious weapon constructions, production of poison).   Sacred or pleasing to Istral is any form of gaining knowledge, it is not important whether the knowledge is already known or not, the knowledge of each individual pleases Istral.   However, Istral always gives her followers a hint when an existential discovery has been made. When the knowledge is offered at the great equinox, these important writings are transformed into so-called core crystals, which form the crystal dome of the great library. Thereupon this knowledge is protected and can be used by anyone by touching the crystal and praying to Istral.    

Prophets

Rhada

One of the most important personalities and most famous figure of the Istralians was Radha. According to legend, she produced the large crystal that lies in the centre of the floor of the library. Her disciples are said to have built the supporting pillars of the dome with their core crystals. The crystal in the floor still gives off a soft glow that resembles moonlight reflected from snow.  

Holiday

The biggest holiday of Istral belief is the day of the winter solstice, which marks the start of a new year in the Istral church. It is celebrated with big bonfires and large feasts that are celebrated with all of the community. Some cities dedicated to the Istral belief also hold big conventions with bards and sages from all over the world, who share their stories and songs with each other. This is also the day, when Istral's season, the true winter, starts and the land is covered by her holy symbol. The new year is considered to be a lucky one for the region, if it snows on this holy day. This is also the day when all knowledge of the past year is gathered in the scripture halls of the Istral temples. It is written down and catalogued and afterwards the high priest of the temple goes on a pilgrimage to the crystalline library, the main temple of Istral, also the biggest and most expansive library in the known world, to collect and unify the knowledge. Afterwards the temple celebrates the holy season with symposia and discussions that last until the end of winter, the equinox, when night and day are equal in length. Besides the priests of Istral, the celebrations are joined by many scribes from all over the world.