Worshipers
The worshipers of Balor are a diverse group of people. Among them (and chiefly) are warriors, mercenaries, berserkers, soldiers and warlords. The Skrel'eth also worship him as their Patron god, though many will following the calling of other Gods as well. He is the God of death, war and conquest, those who die in large-scale battle are under his domain. However, he is also the God of inspiration, the sky and fate. These attributes draw bards, storytellers, actors and leaders of various sorts to his worship as well. Fatalist, (those who believe in the Fate of all things) are also counted among his worshipers.

Number of Worshipers
Before the cataclysm, the majority of the Skrel'eth tribes worshiped Balor almost exclusively. While not all followed him, they all at least acknowledged him and his ways. Some nomadic human tribes also worshiped him. He has a number of priests, but also warriors who act as mentors in his ways. The gladiators of Yarsin were known for worshiping him, as well as those who trained in the martial arts. Skrel'eth and warriors of all sorts of course made up the bulk of his followers, and, for the most part, still do.

A smaller number of his followers are improvisational bards who seek inspiration from him. Even fewer than they are the Fatalists. many who worship Balor tend to be many of these things rolled up into one. You will find warriors who are also bards and fatalists. It is rare to find one of his followers who is not a warrior and exclusively following one of His other aspects.

Methods of Worship
Most of Balor's followers practice a type of meditation that incorporates stretching, strength building and stamina training into it. This practice is called the Kavanat Halev. During this exercise, they train not only their strength, agility and dexterity, but also their heart and soul. There are several different levels of this practice and several specific exercises associated with each level. The lowest level is called hasagos and is taught to younger initiates by their master. The final level of the practice is free form and is reminiscent to shadow fighting. The practitioner focuses as if they are fighting themselves, countering and attacking each blow that they strike upon themselves. While they fight, they recite the prayers and meditations to Balor in their mind, focusing upon them as they focus upon each movement.

Arena fighting, duals and sparring are also part of his worship. During such fights, the worshiper prays to Balor, asking for guidance and strength. If they should lose, they accept this gracefully, as it was not their Fate to be favoured in battle. His worshipers honour these things and accept when their opponent is stronger and more skilled.

Like most of the Gods, Balor likes sacrifice. His followers often sacrifice the weapons of their enemies to him or weapons they have broken in battle. They will also offer to him their fallen enemies. To do this, they carve his symbol upon the enemies chest, whispering prayers over it. They give thanks or their victory and, if the opponent is worthy, ask that s/he be taken into Balor's army. If the opponent is unworthy of being sent to Balor's army, they pray that their Fate in Annwn be a cruel one.

Battle, war, conflict, these things are holy to Balor, as such, many of his warriors will cut themselves before they head into it. They offer their blood to him as it lands on the field of battle. they pray to him for a positive outcome of the battle. This outcome, however, may or may not include their lives. All of his warriors aspire to be taken in battle. many believe that if they die in battle, fighting long and hard, that they are worthy to be taken into His army for the afterlife rather than spending it in Annwn.

Dedicated Temples and Priests
Balor's priests are often typically warriors who act as mentors for the younger initiates. These mentors teach the Kavanat Halev to the students. And also teach them to spar and fight in general. they teach them the ways of battle and to accept the Fate of it. Balor's most popular church is known as the "Spear Of Conflict", and there is someone who is at the head for each region of the land. This Priest is said to be closest to Balor, the one whom He has fated to rule over it. The Bechirim gains position by fighting all of Balor's followers in that region and coming out victorious. It is said that the Bechirim may not be the strongest or the fastest of Balor's warriors, but rather, the one whom Balor chooses to win. There are myths of Bechirim winning through 'luck': an opponent's weapon breaking during the fight, a piece of armour breaking at an inopportune moment, strange weather, etc. The Bechirim acts as the go between the warriors and Balor. Any follower of Balor can challenge the Bechirim at any time to become the new Bechirim.

Arenas,gladiatorial rings, these places are often dedicated to Balor, along with a few more 'traditional' temples. Often His temples are build on old battle fields where many died in glorious and worthy battle. These temples are called cellas. The cellas of Balor are where his altars may be found. They are simple, rectangular buildings with no roof. They are open to the air and sky as an honour to Balor. The altar is always in the centre of the building and that is where sacrifice is made to Balor. His symbol is carved upon the altar such that the sun will cross it during the day. Some rare priests of Balor often reside in the Cellas. These rare few are can sometimes divine people's fate from the symbols of the clouds. Whether this is true or not, remains to be seen. Not all of the cellas have a priest in them at all times, but the local Bechirim care for the buildings.

Appearance
Balor, when he chooses to appear, often does so as a Strong man wields a large, steel tipped spear. Often he appears wearing no armour, but carrying a shield. He changes his appearance from race to race, depending on who he appears to. Often his appearance will mirror the person he appears to, only he looks larger, taller and stronger. He is also said to appear in the clouds by changing their shape most notably into large cats, or a spear.

Motives
He revels in war and emotion itself. The primal source of all things will always go back to animalistic emotions. Fate is his to rule over and at times, he can be petty when ruling over it. He'll move the strings of Fate to see a whole army perish to a single squad. Or he'll rescue a single warrior from death to carry out his will. His Fate is the only Fate, though he must occasionally bow to Morhiag in it, something that makes him a touch jealous. To balance this out, he will take warriors from her realm and train them, but for what, who knows. He tries to moves the threads of Fate so that all opposing forces eventually come into balance, though, not necessarily harmony.

Symbols
The Blue Sun is associated with Balor, as well as spears and occasionally other weapons.

Worshipers
Worship of Ylessa is widespread and diverse, as are her powers, however, the number of true devotees are small, as often other gods are prayed to in addition to Ylessa (For instance, in matters of fertility and reincarnation, Cymur may also be prayed to, and in regards to the fertility of land among farmers, she may be asked for help from her ruling of the seas, but Sykala may also be prayed to to allow them favorable weather, as well as Cymur once again as he also holds ties with agriculture). Of the races, the Tir appear to be the majority of her followers, as she is believed to be particularly fond of them, and of the sexes women are the majority. The walks of life that her followers tend to fall under are small peasant farmers and mages focusing on curative powers and the use of healing herbs.

Methods of Worship
Devotees of Ylessa believe that they must abide by certain rules in their lives so that the goddess will be pleased and bless them with signs of her gratitude or favor, though there is no evidence that this has been revealed by the goddess herself. These rules are as follows: Respect the fruits of the earth, the miracle of life, and the honor of motherhood. Sex is an act done as a display of love, and with the intentions of conceiving a child, not simply for pleasure; Respect and honor should always be shown towards family and kin; and the less fortunate should be aided with all that one can, especially the eldery.

Her devotees also tend to wear simple, green woolen robes with one or more of her symbols sewn into the hems, carved into their staffs, or branded onto their pouches or bags. Ylessa also loves music, spring and flowers, which has led to many singing songs praising her, or sending offerings of flower petal afloat in the nearby rivers or lakes. During the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes, are when the majority of offerings are made to Ylessa, as they are associated with the planting and harvesting of crops, as well as birthdays, giving thanks to the goddess for the birth of children.

When both worshipers and devotees pray to Ylessa, they often make a sign to her, and their prayers are usually carried out either outdoors, or near a window (if one is available) or a doorway, though the latter is usually performed by those of a noble status. Dipping their heads back towards the sky, the come down to their knees facing the nearest body of water, placing a hand over their heart. If it is a woman praying to Her, they may also drape a hand over their abdomen as they ask for assistance in conceiving a child, or over their forehead as they turn to her for creative inspiration. Believing that Ylessa loves music, spring and flowers, they may also sing songs praising her, or send offerings of flower petal afloat in the nearby rivers or lakes.

Dedicated Temples And Priests
Worship of Ylessa is purely carried out in personal prayer and household shrines.

Ylessa's Appearance
There is much debate as to how the goddess Ylessa appears to her believers. Those who spend much time by the sea speak of visions of seeing a youthful mermaid with a pregnant belly. In villages cities and towns, some speak of a scholarly woman walking the streets, carrying a pile of books, and an instrument also dangling in her grip. If she should stumble and fall, spilling all of these objects onto the ground, the first woman to aid her is believed to be inspired with a magnificent inspiration and creativity as the woman vanishes from site, leaving behind only an object indicating the path the woman should take (For instance, if the instrument remains, the woman will feel compelled to play music). In forests, some say that the very trees or flowers began to move, or even speak to them as Ylessa inhabited them with her spirit. Others believe she never appears at all.

Ylessa's Motives
At times, it seems that Ylessa is concerned with the perseverance of her own followers, as women under her worship appear to be made more fertile than others. However, conflicting with this goal to nurture womankind, she will just as quickly rob them completely of their fertility, or use fertility as a punishment for those not planning a child, but rather are promiscuous, and seek solely pleasure from the act of sex. Ylessa also has the tendency to fall in love with mortal men, and may cause their companion to become barren, refuse to aid in her healing should she become injured or ill in an act of jealousy, believing that the woman seeks to take the affection that the man feels for the goddess away from her in the love of their relationship. A small group also believe that at times Ylessa has gone to extremes, turning to the help of Morhiag to bring about the death of a woman in her seas, and refuse her a reincarnation.

Ylessa's Symbols
Ylessa’s symbols are an acorn, a babe in a mother's arms, or rolling waves. Believing this to be a form she takes in the presence of mortals, some also consider a mermaid, large-bellied with child, to be a representation of the goddess.

Three Elder Gods:
Cymur, God of Guardianship, Reincarnation, Fertility, Fire, Agriculture, and Tradition.
Balor, God of War, Death, Inspiration, Conquest, Martial Arts, Sky, and Fate.
Morhiag, Goddess of Vengeance, Night, Magic, Dark Prophecy, Death and the Underworld.

Two 'servant' Gods:
Ylessa, Goddess of Fertility, Reincarnation, Feminine Creativity, Healing, Love, Sexuality and the Sea.
Sykala, God of the Hunt, Woodlands, Nature, Animals, Weather, Earth, and the Seasons.

And there are three Demigods:
Elbahn, God of Wealth, Trade, Opulence, Sex, Good Fortune, and Change.
Melchior, God of Song, Bards, Poetry, Druidism, Magic, Writing, Wisdom, and Knowledge.
Belial, God of Secrets, Stealth, Betrayal, Forbidden Knowledge, and Misfortune

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... sunrise
If I were a material, I would be... corn
If I were an animal, I would be... a dragon
If I were a colour, I would be... gold
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... the excersise of Justice
If I were a weapon, I would be... a sword
If I were an object, I would be... a gavel
If I were an emotion, I would be... indignation

Morhiag

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... an aurora borealis
If I were a material, I would be... marble
If I were an animal, I would be... a snake
If I were a colour, I would be... burgundy
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... vengeance
If I were a weapon, I would be... a dagger
If I were an object, I would be... a burial marker
If I were an emotion, I would be... wrath

Ylessa

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... the tide
If I were a material, I would be... water
If I were an animal, I would be... a fish
If I were a colour, I would be... silver
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... an affectionate touch
If I were a weapon, I would be... a net
If I were an object, I would be... a mirror
If I were an emotion, I would be... love

Sykala

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... a storm
If I were a material, I would be... wood
If I were an animal, I would be... a fox
If I were a colour, I would be... green
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... toil
If I were a weapon, I would be... an axe
If I were an object, I would be... a tree
If I were an emotion, I would be... protective

Elbahn

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... intoxication
If I were a material, I would be... velvet
If I were an animal, I would be... a cat
If I were a colour, I would be... purple
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... sex
If I were a weapon, I would be... ornamental!
If I were an object, I would be... a wine-skin
If I were an emotion, I would be... the pleasure of success

Melchior

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... clouds
If I were a material, I would be... skystone
If I were an animal, I would be... an eagle
If I were a colour, I would be... azure
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... philosophy
If I were a weapon, I would be... a bow
If I were an object, I would be... a scroll
If I were an emotion, I would be... tranquility

Balor

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... a volcanic eruption
If I were a material, I would be... magnesium
If I were an animal, I would be... a lion
If I were a colour, I would be... red
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... war
If I were a weapon, I would be... a spear
If I were an object, I would be... a set of scales
If I were an emotion, I would be... rage

Belial

If I were a natural phenomenon, I would be... an eclipse
If I were a material, I would be... obsidian
If I were an animal, I would be... a jackal
If I were a colour, I would be... black
If I were a mortal activity, I would be... treachery
If I were a weapon, I would be... poison
If I were an object, I would be... a mask
If I were an emotion, I would be... bitterness

Worshipers
The largest groups that worship Sykala are farmers, though most people have been known to call his name when the weather is foul, giving birth to the saying, "Sykala is angry with me/us."

Number of Worshipers
Almost all farmers divide their time between worshipping Sykala, worshipping the patron god of their city/race, and actually tending to their crops. Also, most people that find their homes in the woods, such as outcasts of cities, or anybody else that derives sustenance from the land will worship him. Also, hunters of any sort, animal, bounty, etc. will ask for Sykala's blessing before they begin.

Druids follow the same paths as farmers. They worship Melchior primarily, as well as Sykala. This has been the cause of some jealous actions on Sykala's behalf in the past; Melichor has never retaliated.

Methods of Worship
Most people that hunt or farm solely for sustenance will offer the unused crop or parts of animal to Sykala. Bounty hunters will extract the right eye from their quarry and sacrifice it as thanks for a successful hunt. This is because the common manifestation of Sykala is missing it's right eye. The legend behind its disappearance has long been forgotten.

The sacrifices are prepared on an altar and a jan-whei, a glass sphere constructed just for this purpose, is broken over it. It is then burnt until only ash remains. The ash is then used by the priests to make new jan-whei.

Dedicated Temples and Priests
A few temples can be found, at least, before the darkness, hidden in groves in the centers of forests, or in farming towns. Most sustain themselves, some sell jan-whei to procure supplies for maintenance.

Sykala's Appearance
He appears most of the time as a satyr, a man with the legs of a goat, as well as two massive horns curling from his skull. His right eye is typically missing, though it doesn't seem to restrict his vision in the least. His black fur coat covers everything below his torso, as well as the tops of his forarms.

Sykala's Motives
His goals and motives revolve heavily around nature, and it's growth/preservation. He rewards those that sustain/better nature, while he punishes those that detract from it. He also views these acts as good and evil, respectively.

Symbols of Sykala
The jan-whei is a major symbol of the religion, as well as a willow tree crest. The gesture performed at prayer is the touching of the first two fingers of both hands to the ground, bending at the waist, then trailing the fingers back up through the air, then splitting when they reach the worshipper's head, and spreading outwards like the branches of a tree.

Worshipers
By and large, true worship only comes from merchants, thieves, mercenaries, and exiles. Many people pay him spurious homage, hoping to gain brief benefits, such as a kiss to end their dates or for a small boon to brighten their day. As such, Elbahn has no organized religion or temple, instead taking the form of a "hearth" goddess, and accepts dedications as the worshiper offers instead of requiring specific rituals.

Numbers of Worshipers
True devotees he has few, except perhaps for those so wealthy or lucky that they feel a desire to please the goddess for their fortunes. However, most everyone has at some time or another called upon him, especially those seeking something for nothing (which as many know makes up a large percentage of the population).

Methods of Worship
Both worshipers and devotees alike often make a sign to the god, touching their lips with the first two fingers of their right hand. It's sometimes considered an attempt to bestow a blessing upon another in his name to press one's fingers thereafter to another's exposed flesh, be it their shoulder, cheek, lips, or elsewhere. Other small acknowledgements come with tossing a coin to the street whenever one earns a fair portion them-selves, a small bribe or thanks to the goddess for their fortune. Others few coins into the inner-lining of their sleeves and their pillow cases or drop an extra coin atop the bar for the barkeep, etc after paying for services.

His devotees typically wear a common coin on a chain about their throat as a form of devotion, and may practice the skill of "Casting Coins" by tossing five coins into a circle to read a fortune. Coins that fall outside thecircle indicate luck and those within wealth. Heads are luck or wealth coming and tails luck or wealth leaving. Many a man or Tyen believes thatcasting the circle of coins calls his attention, and so may do so before a prayer.

Followers are often very sexual in nature, their body language often reflecting this through casual touching, and sharing kisses much like others greet a shaking of hands or a hug. Sex is seen as an act of pleasure with no specific motive other than to please, entertain and enjoy and in this it differs from the teachings of Ylessa who links it more to an act of love or fertility. His devotees are often very responsive to affections administered or requested from them, it almost being considered a "crime" to turn someone down or to refuse an honest request. Despite this, Elbahn does severely frown upon the exchange of sex for coin, and amongst his followers, beingtermed a whore or something akin to that is considered the worst of insults.

Dedicated Temples and Priests
None what-so-ever. His "priests" are all self-proclaimed individuals that swear by him, their own luck or lack thereof a matter of question. Though he may at some time choose a priest or priestess, this has not happened in any known record of history. There are, however, written records of his teachings.

Elbahn's Appearance
He commonly appears to be an average man of random ages of the race that he reveals himself to (or at least a race they can relate to). The only way to reveal him for what he truly is, some say, is to toss a coin at his feet. If this is done, he'll disappear (as will the coin), but at least the man or woman who came across him will know the truth. He's quite mischievous, curious about mankind and whimsical, though in no manner actively hostile. Instead, he's merely "unfair".

He uncommonly appears in his "true" form, and generally only when the need is great (as opposed to randomly enjoying himself travelling incognito amongst mortals). This is a handsome "human" man with short curly hair, and dressed in extravagant clothing of exotic taste and design. It's unknown if this is really his true form, but he uses it for most official business.

Views of Other Gods and Religions
A live and let-live kind of god, he respects the other gods within their domains. He sometimes thinks that the gods with organized religions, such as temples, are a bit too serious for good conversation, but he holds no ill-will towards any of them. Unfortunately, this includes the evil gods, which means that, at times, the gods who are on the opposite side of the fence of his current company (whomever they may be) often get their feathers ruffled. His open personality keeps him slightly ahead of the "gossip" and he gains information from both the goodies and the baddies amongst the pantheon. His reputation for being chaotic leaves him in the position of being considered unfair, but like most gods, he's bound by his word and has long ago sworn an oath of Silence in confidence. Because he cannot physically force himself to speak the secrets of another, if he's aware that they are intended to be kept secret, many come to him for advice knowing that he's often blessed with the view of both sides of the coin.

Elbahn's Motives
Elbahn first and foremost is a benevolent being (though nothing will ever explain that). The problem is this benevolence is a mass benevolence, the kind that focuses on no individual, but instead upon the universe as a whole. Therefore, to him, the end justifies the means, and the horrible deaths of a thousand men mean little to him if other, broader goals are achieved. Both good and evil, in his eyes, are mere constructions that are both necessary parts of the loom that weaves the world-fabric. The important thing is that the universe survives in its best form. His goals are often so obscure and broadly-scoped that even other gods find his intentions unfathomable.

Elbahn's Symbols
A coin with two sides, both heads and tails. The coin can be of any material (though wealthier folk tend to wear gold versus bronze). When worn about the neck, it's supposed to serve as a common good-luck charm.

Worshipers
The Golden Faith has a very strong footing among all those of Telanthan birth, though outside of Telantha it only found a very small following, primarily among Humans though some other races have been known to worship the Great Dragon, though more often than not these were merchants who did a large part of their business in Telantha. It is well known that the Great Dragon favours that city and its inhabitants and so many of those who had dealings within the city on a regular basis would offer prayer to the Great Dragon upon entering the city or as they were leaving.

Number of Worshipers
Prior to the cataclysm the amount of followers likely counted into the tens of thousands, though keeping track of exact numbers in these times would be difficult, but roughly the number of followers was slightly greater than the entire population of Telantha (The majority of the Telanthan population plus small pockets outside in other cities) However since the cataclysm and the horrendous death toll that has been levied upon the city, the number of followers would be greatly diminished, though with out a doubt the number of followers for the Golden Faith would overwhelm that of other religions, perhaps claiming a little over half the population of the city (And thus half of all known survivors of the cataclysm)

Methods of Worship
There are many different ways that worship is conducted, and many of these forms have strong roots in tradition. However the most widely used and regular form of worship is prayer which can be conducted at churches or temples early every morning in large communal but simple ceremonies, or personally. Having once had the Great Dragon live among them, many of his followers feel a keen bond with their deity and converse through prayer on a regular basis, often only to relate the days events. He even blessed the fountain within the centre square of Telantha ensuring the purity of the water for the town's people.

In the military there are only a few traditions, the most prominent of which is the blessing of armour before a battle by the clergy which takes place in a large ceremony in which the owner of the armour will pray for a swift conclusion to the battle and for the safe passage to the mists for all those who will fall in the coming conflict. This tradition serves not only to hopefully turn the blades of their enemies, but also it is believed that those wearing blessed armour are more visible to the Great Dragon and that their deeds (Heroic or cowardly) will come to his attention above all others on the battlefield. As a result, many believe that those who are unwilling to attend or simply miss the ceremony do so with an intention to commit an act of cowardice during the battle and thus want to avoid the Great Dragons attention. It's worth noting that while the natural vocation of Telanthans has always been farming, and thus they are not the most highly trained warriors, that despite this they are known not to retreat from combat. They are by no means berserkers, however even faced with insurmountable odds it is more common for a man to fight to his death than consider retreat.

As might be expected there are many traditions tied with agricultural, almost all farms, even orchards, have one small field they use to grow wheat (from March, harvest on July, in the off months the field is left barren though due to the land shortage after the cataclysm some farms have taken re-using this field for other purposes, but many frown on this practice and believe it brings bad luck) Just before the wheat is ready to harvest a priest from the temple is sent for, who will come to bless the crop. The wheat from this field is used to make extremely lavish pastries, breads, etc (Traditionally by the wife of the farmer, though this is the case simply because traditionally the women of the household are the better cooks) There is an element of competition in this as it is seen as a measure of a persons devotion to he Great Dragon and everyone strives to make the best goods as a result. (There is a belief that if for some reason the goods are spoilt, for example the bread doesn't rise, that it is a sign that the family has committed some act of wickedness in the past year. Naturally people tend not to show these goods if this happens, and so those who don't take part in this tradition or those who don't present much goods are suspected by others) These goods are then transported to the great temple where they are arranged in the great hall (previously the residence of the Great Dragon himself) in stunningly mouth watering displays. However the food is never consumed, and in fact it is a crime to do so, as these offerings are meant to show the peoples continued devotion to their God and their hard work even in face of the new threat, it is believed that should the offering be made in sufficient quantity and be prepared to a suitably high standard the Great Dragon will return. And despite the fact that thus far it has not happened every year the people are even more hopeful than the last (and in fact many farms increase the size of the field annually, hoping the improved yield of the crop will make a difference)

Aside from this larger display, the first goods made from a harvest are commonly offered in a more low-key, personal offering to the Great Dragon on shrines situated in the yard of the farmhouse. If the offering remains unspoilt (By the elements or wild animals) for a week then it's believed the Great Dragon is pleased with the offering and the further harvests will be especially bountiful. Also, since the cataclysm, exactly three months to the day after the anniversary of the cataclysm families hold a large feast in thanks and celebration for the Great Dragon repulsing the darkness from above Telantha. (Naturally as this is a belief that mainly only the Telantha's believe in this is a celebration that only they observe) That day is a holiday and very few stores remain open (And even those that do often don't get much custom save from non-Telanthans)

Dedicated Temples and Priests
The great temple within the walled inner-city of Telantha is dedicated to the Golden Faith, and outside the city there are many small churches and shrines erected so local people need not travel too far to consult with the clergy or attend the morning prayer. There is a moderately large and dedicated order of priests which maintain the various churches, temples and shrines and offer blessings and lead prayer for the civilians. They also maintain the massive library in the great temple, copying the most important books painstakingly to preserve the teachings and more notable literary works in case of disaster.

Worth noting is that there is also a class of warrior/priest that function as the guard for the temple. These men are the descendants of men hand picked by the Great Dragon himself over a century ago, and are the most highly trained and feared military presence in the city. Though by and large they rarely leave the temple save to act as representatives on the behalf of the Golden Faith during the monthly court the Duke holds in the city hall. The temple guard maintain their own weapons and armour and are known to be the only people with access to the (albeit small) stores of mithril the city has stock piled. They are accepted as the military hand of the Golden Faith but also when they speak their words are considered that of the Great Dragon himself, the only authority which exceeds them in religious matters are the higher ranking priests. They do not socialise by and large and remain a mysterious and perhaps terrifying enigma to all but the priests, in reality they simply have no time for it, instead they spend every waking moment (When not eating, etc) either in prayer or training. For it is their belief that when the Great Dragon returns he will lead them against the darkness in what they believe will be a deciding battle which will either see the darkness put down and all of its spawn wiped out, or themselves, Telantha and everyone in it consumed by the dark.

Appearance
The Great Dragon, as the name implies appears as a massive Dragon with golden scales. However it is known that the Great Dragon can assume many different shapes and alter its size at will, however many believe that the form of a Dragon is its natural form and that the ability to change shape is simply a manifestation of its power, and while it has been recoded to have assumed both male and female genders when it has chosen to alter its form, it is largely accepted that the Great Dragon is male.

Motives
The goal of the Great Dragon has always been to maintain and protect Telantha and her inhabitants(The human ones at least), as he sees them largely as his adopted children- he had no hand in the creation of Humans, however it was largely due to his guidance that Telantha arose and grew strong in both Trade, and toward the later years before the cataclysm, improved its strength in the military fields. Thus, his motives for favouring this city and its inhabitants are largely those of a parent or mentor, he wishes to pass on his wisdom and help improve the lives of his followers.

He reacts extremely aggressively to any force which threatens the city if he believes the threat is not offering a fair challenge. An example would be that while he didn't move to intervene when mortal armies fought with Telantha, instead allowing them to apply the knowledge he had taught them in a fair contest, he did repulse the darkness- a force which was unnatural and at the time, impossible for the forces of Telantha to combat (Thus, an unfair fight)

Cymur's symbols
Dragons, especially those of a golden colour. The most recognised symbol is a golden dragon standing on its hind legs with its wings spread and its mouth open as if roaring.

"Polytheism is belief in, or worship of, multiple and equal gods or divinities. The word comes from the Greek words poly+theoi, literally "many gods." Most ancient religions were polytheistic, holding to pantheons of traditional deities, often accumulated over centuries of cultural interchange and experience. Present-day polytheistic religions include Hellenismos, Shinto; some forms of Wicca; Vodun; and Asatru. Buddhism and Hinduism are regarded by some non-practitioners as polytheistic although this view of the religion is rejected by many believers."

"Ancient polytheism
Well-known polytheistic pantheons in history include the Sumerian gods; the Egyptian gods; the Norse Aesir and Vanir; the Yoruba Orisha; the Aztec gods; and many others. Today, most historical polytheistic religions are referred to as "mythology", though the stories cultures tell about their gods should be distinguished from their cultures or religious practice.

Few ancient religions, indeed, were not polytheistic. Those that weren't include early Vedic Hinduism (which has been termed at the most henotheistic with groundings of monotheistic, monotheistic and naturalist polytheistic philosophy), henotheistic Greek and Roman Classical Pantheon of gods, the Abrahamic religions, dualistic Zoroastrianism and Mithraism, and possibly the short-lived Atenism promulgated by Akhenaton in Egypt in the 1350s BC.

In many civilizations, pantheons tended to grow over time. Deities first worshipped as the patrons of cities or places came to be collected together as empires extended over larger territories. Conquests could lead to the subordination of the elder culture's pantheon to a newer one, as in the Greek Titanomachia, and possibly also the case of the Aesir and Vanir in the Norse mythos. Cultural exchange could lead to "the same" deity being renowned in two places under different names, as with the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans; also to the introduction of elements of a "foreign" religion into a local cult, as with Egyptian Osiris worship brought to ancient Greece."

Worshipers:
Because the principles of Melchiorism promote individuality, creativity, and the pursuit of personal enlightenment, its clergy remains decentralized. There are, though, two notable sects who's members can be considered 'clergy': the Omuits and Druidism.

The Omuits--founded in the early sixteenth century by their namesake, Brevier Omuan--dwell in communal monasteries, where they dedicate their lives to the recording of history, the study of philosophy, the sciences, and (more often) the arcane arts. By 1600, it became common practice for Omuit monasteries to support themselves by accepting lay-students; by mid-century, they had become as much schools as temples. An Omuit education is a point of great interest in noble circles--difficult, expensive, and somewhat controversial.

Druidism is the oldest known form of Melchiorism, and more a general collection of ideologies than an organized religion. 'Druids' may live in communities, may live alone, might stay put or wander, and usually answer to no system in any official capacity. They are gypsies, bards, poets, rangers, vagabonds, hermits, naturalists, and town-folk who have simply dedicated their lives to the Melchiorist values: Mind over matter, the esoteric over the physical, and the discovery and expression of Truth above all. More naturalist druids tend to mix Melchiorism with the worship of Skyala.

Of note: Melchior is, in an unofficial capacity, a sort of patron-god to the Dryth, and is traditionally recognized as their creator and keeper.

Number of Worshipers:
Casual worship of Melchior is highly common among the intellectual--or those who might consider themselves so--and among dryth. Actual devotion to Melchiorism is rare for its social, political, and (often) financial difficulties; not everyone enjoys the lifestyle of the starving artist, or the zen idealist.

Methods of Worship
Meditation is the most common ritual practiced, but teaching and learning themselves are considered sacred. There are many versions of simple mantras and prayers spoken before learning or studying (especially among the Omuits) that are believed to bring magical clarity and focus. Also, there is ritual of 'advent', a type of gathering that is centered around dialogue, debate, and philosophizing.

Because the mental and the spiritual are considered higher and more desirable than the physical, other common (but not required) rituals include a confined diet (such as vegetarianism), fasting, and abstinence. In this vein, some (rare) extremist communities of druids practice flogging, branding, cutting, and the like. There is even one legendary case of self-induced blindness.

Melchoir's Appearance:
Melchior himself has appeared, traditionally, only twice in known history, and obviously prefers a more subtle role, communicating more in dreams and in epiphanies of deep meditation, if ever at all. He is most often depicted as an ageless humanoid, nude, with great wings, sometimes even covered in feathers, and very rarely with the head of a bird.

Melchoir's Motives:
"Melchior helps those who help themselves."

Ambition and creativity causes conflict, and conflict betters mortal souls, or so the god believes. He frowns upon charity, is altruistic, and rewards hard, passionate, creative work. Good and evil are counted in terms of motion and stagnation, respectively. He seeks the enlightenment of all on an individual basis.

Melchoir's Symbols:
Birds and their feathers (especially intelligent birds) are commonly associated with Melchior, as well as dreams of flying, and the shape of spirals.