Xeen: Sects

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Stag Society

Within the temple of Xeen, there is a sect of clerics and worshipers devoted to her ideals of physical pleasure and pain. Teachings of physical pleasure are an important part of any Xeenite cleric's education as are the proper applications of pain, but members of this sect are renowned for their refinement in such arts. They have adopted the philosophy of personal growth and devotion through the exploration of such physical forms. Major centers with feast halls to the Mistress generally contain at least one cleric with either a direct or indirect link to this society. They are much sought after as both instructors in Xeen's gifts and by wealthy patrons for the services they can provide. Early in the development of this society it became apparent that there was a certain need for privacy in their practices. The general populace and those aligned with other gods did not always look favorably on their methods of worship. Thus, what is now known as Laanilv Isle was developed. A gift to the temple by Andres Harlor, a Dregarian noble, noted alchemist and early society member, the island stands as both a temple of learning and a playground for wealthy Xeenites. Its exact location is known to only a few. Portals to the island can be found in influential temples and homes of wealthy patrons. The island has the ideal climate for the growth and production of the temple's main supply of pipeweed known as Ausir's Pleasure. Several plantations exist in the sheltered forests of the interior, and the production of weed seems to be increasing at a phenomenal rate since the current Stag took over the running of the Island. Also, found throughout the island and allowed to roam freely within its boundaries, is a large population of white stags. Indeed, there are very few bucks of the normal tan variety on the Island. Every three to five years, the constellation of Xeen aligns itself on the north--south axis of the island. It is at this time that the greatest and most austere festival of the sect occurs. The Rites of the Stag are known only to select clergy and patrons, though the entire populace of the island is encouraged to partake in the temple festivities and the blessing of the Stag Elixir that will be distributed to Xeenite temples worldwide. The elixir is rumored to be a powerful contraceptive as well as aphrodisiac and widely sought after and heavily used in Xeenite rituals.

The current Stag is known simply as Tyiril and is One in the Sky, as is his consort Ellise. They are Xeen's word on the island and at the head of all social and economic decisions. The island runs as a theocracy. Wealthy patrons come and go, as do ships bringing supplies and slaves for the plantations, manors, and temples, and carrying away the cargo of leaf and bottle. The Stag oversees it all. Parties run contiguously from the temple and his manors in the port and seaside retreat. Whispers of all levels of debauchery abound, but no such rumor has ever been proven. Most are dismissed as the workings of a drugged mind.

Laam Mailceana (New Reality)

Within the ranks of Xeen's followers is a group of mages and, to a smaller extent, bards that specialize in the art of enchantment and illusion and its powers over the mind. It is said that, while not members of the clergy themselves, they hold positions of influence within the higher echelons of the temples. Their skill in manipulating the Al'Noth in the school of enchantment has no equal. While in general terms those that study illusion and enchantment are in opposition, the competition between the two heads of this Mailceana keep each other on their toes. Many public and private rituals of Xeen incorporate the works of the Laam Mailceana. Illusions that enhance the effects of many of the wines and various substances are taught to budding Mailceanas. The basics of influencing the mind are a staple of any of Xeen's clerical teaching, but the master enchanters of the Laam Mailceana take it to new heights. Items bewitched to Xeens's delight are their specialty as well as the study of how the mind works and ways to influence the pain and pleasure centers to any aim. These mages are also the keepers of the spells that open portals to Laanilv Island. This ensures the integrity of the isle, but limitations in the portals are such that only humanoids may be passed through them. It is not completely known why this limitation exists. The main tower of the sect is located on said island as it is a complex weave of their design that keeps the island hidden from prudish eyes.

Masters of the Vine

There are those within the fold that devote their entire lives to the study of the natural world and the substances found within. Constantly seeking to please their Mistress, they sample, distill, and perfect those substances that exalt the ideals of their Mistress. As makers of great wine, they are often found as much in the feast halls of Xeen as they are in the courts of kings and nobility alike. Gifted alchemists and druids alike populate this subculture. Some whisper that these individuals have been somehow enchanted by Xeen herself or lured away from the folds of Aragen, Prunilla, and Katia to do her bidding. This, of course, is supposition.