The Tidekeeper’s Grace

Overview

The Tidekeeper’s Grace is the faith dedicated to Aqualon, the Keeper of the Depths. It emphasizes harmony with the sea, respect for its power, and the pursuit of discovery. Practiced widely among coastal communities and the Marithyn (sea elves), this faith blends reverence for the ocean’s beauty with a recognition of its danger. Followers of Aqualon see the sea as both a giver of life and a test of strength, requiring humility and courage.

Symbol

A cresting wave intertwined with a trident encircled by seafoam, representing protection, power, and the eternal tides.

Mythology & Lore

The Creation of the Seas: Aqualon is said to have formed the oceans by releasing the cosmic waters trapped within the void, creating the tides to balance the world.The Marithyn’s Refuge: During the Arcane Cataclysm, Aqualon guided the ancestors of the Marithyn to safety beneath the waves, teaching them to adapt to their new aquatic lives.The Eternal Horizon: A story often told by sailors speaks of Aqualon’s eternal journey across the horizon, symbolizing the endless pursuit of knowledge and exploration.

Divine Origins

The Tidekeeper’s Grace emerged as a natural expression of gratitude and reverence among the Marithyn. Over centuries, it spread to coastal communities, evolving into a structured faith with temples, rituals, and a rich tradition of maritime blessings.

Cosmological Views

Followers of Aqualon believe the sea is both a physical and spiritual realm, acting as a bridge between the mortal world and the unknown. The tides symbolize life’s balance, with high tides representing abundance and low tides signifying introspection. Aqualon’s domain is seen as a place of both peace and challenge, where souls may journey after death to find clarity and purpose.

Tenets of Faith

Respect the Sea: Treat the ocean with reverence and avoid taking more than needed.
Seek the Horizon: Embrace curiosity and pursue knowledge and discovery.
Aid Those in Peril: Protect those who are lost or struggling, as Aqualon once did for the Marithyn.
Honor the Tides: Celebrate the rhythms of nature and accept both abundance and scarcity as part of life’s cycle.

Ethics

The faith emphasizes balance, generosity, and courage. Exploiting the sea’s resources recklessly or refusing aid to those in need is considered a betrayal of Aqualon’s teachings. Followers are also expected to face challenges with resilience, seeing adversity as a test of their spirit.

Worship

Daily Practices: Tidekeepers offer small blessings at the water’s edge, often casting tokens or flowers into the sea. Sailors whisper prayers to Aqualon before embarking on voyages.Festivals: The Festival of Tides: Held during the spring equinox, this celebration honors the balance of nature with feasts, music, and offerings to the sea. The Lantern Walk: A nighttime ritual where lanterns are set adrift on the water to guide lost souls and honor those who perished at sea.

Priesthood

The Tidal Shepherds: Priests of Aqualon who maintain temples and lead ceremonies. They are often skilled sailors or divers, serving as mediators between land and sea. The Wavecallers: A holy order of Tidekeepers who act as guardians of the ocean, protecting marine life and aiding ships in distress.

Granted Divine Powers

Blessing of the Waves: The ability to calm turbulent waters or summon minor waves to aid in navigation.
Voice of the Depths: An innate understanding of aquatic life and the ability to communicate with marine creatures.
Tidal Resilience: Enhanced endurance and strength when underwater or in the midst of storms.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Tidekeeper’s Grace wields significant influence in coastal and maritime communities. Temples of Aqualon often act as neutral grounds for disputes, especially among sailors and traders. In times of crisis, followers of Aqualon provide aid and counsel, solidifying their role as protectors and mediators.

Sects

The Wavecallers: A militant sect dedicated to defending the seas from exploitation and protecting coastal communities.The Seekers of the Horizon: Explorers and adventurers who view discovery as their ultimate form of devotion.The Keepers of the Deep: A secretive sect that guards ancient underwater ruins and relics tied to Aqualon’s divine history.

“The sea gives, the sea takes, and its depths hold endless truths.”

Founding Date

Circa 100 BX, following the salvation of the Marithyn during the Arcane Cataclysm.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Demonym

Tidekeepers

Deities

Aqualon

Related Ethnicities

Marithyn

The Tidekeeper’s Grace