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This article is about the worship of Astaroth, for information about the Deity see Astaroth.

Astaroth is the new All-God of The Five Realms, and almighty God of Civilisation and Shadow in the Realms Pantheon. He possesses mastery and dominion over all godly domains, though he is particularly associated with those of Knowledge and the rise of civilisation, and Trickery, as an acknowledgement of his shadowy past as an Archdevil.

"Astaroth arrived to us in a year more like an era- The Uncertain Era. We need him, and he is here to stay. Yes, there are shadows in his history- but we have all grown from our past, haven't we? This is a step forward for the Realms, whose tragedies we learn from and whose darkness we acknowledge. Together, we progress. Where we end up is our decision."

-High Priestess Illuzi Bearhaven

Worshippers

Though new to the Realms Pantheon, worship of Astaroth is spreading quickly through The Five Realms, though plenty of apprension remains. He is often worshipped by those who seek new beginnings, or wish to enact change in the world, though he also has a sizeable following amongst members of the service industry.


Clerics and Priests

Priests and Priestesses of Astaroth are varied as his domains are, encompassing a wide variety of people who nonetheless all worship him and champion progress and free will. Clergy often have a personal pursuit or a talent that they are particularly passionate about, and devote much of their free time to it. As Confidants they are always happy to lend a nonjudgemental ear, but will generally encourage you to make your own decisions rather than offering solutions themselves. The position of High Priestess is currently filled by Illuzi Bearhaven.

Temples

Temples to Astaroth are often centres of knowledge, hosting collections of a great many books that may be read within the temple, as well as a hub for the community. These temples often feature a tea room, funded by donations and offerings of teas made to the temple. Beyond these commanilities the temples take on the shape needed by the community they are in and the wishes of their priest or priestess. The High Temple of Astaroth can be found in Alysium.


Beliefs

Astaroth encourages progress and change for the betterment of civilisation, to examine current and past ways of doing things, to learn from them and improve upon them. Advancements in all areas are encouraged, whether they be large scale improvements for the Realms or a community, or whether they lead to self-improvement on the individual level.

Self-improvement is highly valued, encouraging learning in all areas and following your passions. Mistakes and our past are seen as something that should not weigh us down, but something to learn from and move forward from to make choices we feel better reflect who we are going forward.

Free will and the freedom to do what you feel is right, is given great importance within the faith. To live in a way that will leave you without regrets, whilst also being respectful of other's freedom to do the same. Treating those who do you a service, particularly serving staff, with respect is generally expected. As the antithesis of free will, enchantment magic which removes one's ability to act as they choose is largely frowned upon.

Though there is an emphasis on progress, the faith also preaches the importance of appreciating the moment, of who you are now and how far we have already come. Taking peaceful respite, often accompanied by a cup of tea, is encouraged, along with an understanding that we should do what we can, and what makes us happy, and to be true to ourselves above all else.


Holy Day

Omnifel is dedicated to Astaroth, with dedicated followers and pantheon followers alike leaving more offerings to Astaroth throughout the month. At the mid-point of Omnifel lies Astaroth's Holy Day, Shadow's Eve, a day of community, storytelling, and forgiveness, looking at learning from our pasts and looking to the future. A High Tea Ceremony takes place during the day, where the whole community is invited to share tea together, connect with each other, and tell stories.


Religious Rites

Offerings - Among usual donations of gold, typical offerings to Astaroth include teas, cakes, stories, and interesting trinkets. Tea is often taken or prepared in combination with prayer.

Confidant - whereby clerics and priests will offer a nonjudgemental ear, often over a cup of tea, to discuss past actions that may have not gone as you wanted or difficult decisions you may face, encouraging you to talk through the issue and decide for yourself what to do going forward. That which is discussed will not be shared outside of the temple and confidence is assured.

Tea Ceremony - worshippers are encouraged to take time out of their day for themselves to relax and reflect, and/or to connect with others. Whilst tea is not a strictly necessary component, it is a very common practice, adding an enjoyable beverage and a ritual to the practice.


Afterlife

Those dedicated to Astaroth's worship believe that when they die they shall enter The Divine Archive, contributing to the knowledge contained within, where all cummalative knowledge of The Five Realms is held and the answers to all questions can be sought.