The Argent Host
In the Aruvian Kingdom there are hundreds of gods and pantheons, but above them all, revered by both state and church is the Argent Host. The gods and goddesses within the pantheon reflect Aruvian virtues and vices, but also their fears and history. Most festivals and sacred rites are observed in respect to the deities of the Argent church, and the Silver Hand himself, though elevated to godhood is but one of many among them.
Structure
Despite the myriad of larger and lesser gods within the Argent Host, at the top rules Jalis. He was charged with his father's dying breath to rule justly and guide his siblings. Jalis is not the strongest of gods, but he is equally respected and reviled by his brethren.
Public Agenda
According to Aruvians, the argent deities live vicariously through them by subtly influencing every day events, but also through the granting of powers to clergy and worshippers.
Mythology & Lore
The stories told of the gods and their deeds usually reflect traditional Aruvian beliefs and traditions. Hunting, warding darkness and keeping secret knowledge secret is largely featured in the myths of the gods.
Divine Origins
The Argent host is considered by scholars to be remnants of a much older, possibly Althoran, religion.
Cosmological Views
According to scripture, the Argent Deities reside in a spiritual realm inaccessible to mortals. There is little ceremony to death other than a burial, but is said that spirits go to reside in the halls of their most appropriate deity. This can be a punishment or reward depending on the subject.
Tenets of Faith
Depending on which deity, or how many one chooses to emulate or obey, tenets vary. Though Jalis and his law are observed by most magisters and rulers within Aruvia, not all his teachings are kept by the common folk.
Ethics
Many outsiders consider the Argent church to be too severe. Jalis' teachings and his punishments to those he deems trespassers are rarely merciful, and this is reflected by acolytes and clerics who follow him. Justice and truth are rarely put aside for convencience or even compassion.
Worship
Sacrifices, grand deeds and appealing to vanity might appease gods, but all most ordinary Aruvian worship however they see fit. Short violent lives make traditions seem petty to many. Burials are also mostly pragmatic, and often the corpse will be nailed to the bottom of the coffin, or at the very least buried upside down.
Priesthood
Each deity has their way of worship, and not all are organized in the traditional sense. Some are worshipped only during the hunt, and some are observed all year round at every hour of every day.
Granted Divine Powers
Due to the myriad of different deities, most domains are represented in the Argent Church, and its clergy command a host of powers.
Sects
The Order of the Silver Hand is deemed a sect, or cult, by many of the traditional Argents. This is due to the fact that many within the order claim that the old gods are weaker, or less important than the 'upstart' Silver Hand.
Type
Religious, Pantheon
Alternative Names
The Church of Silver
Demonym
Argents
Permeated Organizations
Related Myths
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