Saira
Mythos and History
Saira is the consort of Strar Khan, and as such holds a high place in the Mortaisan pantheon.The only major goddess in the pantheon Saira has many aspects through which she is worshipped; from seasoned warriors who take pride in their craft to the mother expecting the birth of a child, all call on Saira for aid. The temple of Saira is also popular. She has a pragmatic approach to life, with little of the ridgid adhearance to rules as some of the other temples have, and yet she is also a sympathetic goddess. This makes her ideal for many of the inhabitants of Holat.
Life after Death
As with all the Mortaisan gods life after death is assured to all followers of the pantheon.Nature of the Temple
Reason for Existence
Saira acts as patron goddess for many areas, below are listed a fewWisdom
Skill at profession, this provides a martial aspect with skill in arms
Love, and lovers
Women, including Wivesand Mothers, both parental and earth.
Social/ Political Position
The temple of Saira due to its large following has a significant power base in most countries except the Empire. In Corsaira the temple and the military structure are seen as one, so there is no distinction between the temple and the governmentLikes and Dislikes
Saira hates cruelty in all its forms. Torture of enemies is only ever permitted if there is good justification. On this basis the Orcs and Goblinoid creatures who revel in cruelty are particularly disliked. However the Sha'tiemar are not allowed to refuse healing to those races.Organisation
Inter Temple Organisation
The Temple of Saira in Vanard is considered to be the leading temple of Holat. The She'en Supra of this temple is accepted by all as the head of the Temple on Holat. Corsaira is the only exception.Intra Temple Organisation
Each temple is headed by a She'en Supra. Reporting to her are the She'en rabir and the She'en tiemar, who head up the Sha'rabir and the Sha'tiemar. These are all initiates. Worshippers of Saira who have not become either Sha'rabir or Sha'tiemar are considered lay members of the Temple. Within the initiates there are no ranks, all know who the more senior members are.Centre of Power/ Holy Places
The Temple of Vanard is the Centre of Power and the main holy place. The other significant holy place is the area at the centre of the Tears of Saira. However this area is inaccessible due to the dictates of the EmpireHoly Days
Saira's day and one other day of the year that varies depending on the aspect worshippedLay Membership
Requirements to Join
Willing to worship Saira. Few professions are excluded, even the less savouryRequirements to Belong
Tithe ten percent of available cash on holy days. Pray at a temple at least once a month.Mundane Benefits
Lay members have access to minor healing spells cast by the Sh'tiemar at no cost.
Also a cell will be provided for the night if avaiable.
First aid is taught to lay members at no cost and it takes only half the time.
Famous Lay members
Lord Gellan is perhaps the most famous, it is rumoured that Saira even saved his life while in the sewers under Vanard.Initiate Membership
Requirements for initiation
Have been a conscientious lay member and be recomended by another initiate. Become either a Sh'rabir or a Sh'tiemarThe Sha'tiemar
The White and Red of the Sha'tiemar is known and respected across the continent. A Sha'tiemar will never refuse healing, and so stories of orcs allowing a healer to pass unmolested after having killed the party the healer belonged to are not uncommon.The lay healer sept of the temple, while not having the kuodos of the others is nevertheless an important one, it is also the most loved. The lay healers, having a different temprement to the full healers of Marag have saved lives and limbs in many remote places that a priest of Marag would normally not visit.
The Temple of Saira is situated in its own grounds in the city of Vanard, and the lay-healers have there headquarters there.
The organisation of the lay healers is very informal. There are no ranks as such, everyone knows who has more experience, and knowledge. Everyone is listened to and all ideas are explored; in this way the temple is way ahead of its time.(and certainly the blacksmiths guild).
Lays healers are encouraged to travel after they have completed their initial training. The temple likes its members to have a worldly air about them, in helps to engender confidence in patients.
The Sha'rabir
Once again the light grey of the Sha'rabir's robes are known across the continent. Although a Sha'rabir can't expect the same level of safe conduct that a Sha'tiemar can.This is the martial arm of the temple. While humility is expected of a Sh'rabir, at least below the She'en level, they nevertheless command great respect. Capable of stunning feats of martial prowess without the benefit of weapons most arms users would not consider attacking a Sha'rabir for that reason alone. Known for their impartiality Sha'rabir are often asked by those involved to settle disputes. If a Sha'rabir is willing to arbitrate in a dispute she will normaly be willing to enforce her decision.
Sha'rabir are more committed in their allegience to the Spirit of Saira than the Sha'tiemar. This is shown by their lack of posessions. Any possessions a Sha'rabir has or gains are considered Temple property, the Sha'rabir is merely borrowing them.
Requirements to remain initiated
Follow the spirit of Saira and the wishes of the templeMundane Benefits
Access to either the unarmed combat techniques or the healing spells taught by the Sh'rabir and the Sha'tiemar. A cell within the temple.Easier access to the healers of Marag, who are normaly found in Sairan temples
There is also the respect and friendship shown by the general populace. Merchants will often provide an initiate with discounts.