Erumpens
Erumpens, the goddess of volcanoes, was born when her divine fragment fell into an active volcano. Trapped within the fiery mountain, she was driven to madness until she found her first worshipper, who helped spread her faith. Since then, volcanic activity in most regions has decreased and in some become a rare occurrence.
Temples
Temples dedicated to Erumpens are constructed atop active volcanoes, built hastily from stones found in the vicinity. These structures are ephemeral, as they are invariably destroyed when the volcano erupts. Despite the absence of any divine decree regarding the direction of volcanic eruptions, it is observed that when a temple is present, it is always obliterated in the eruption.
Proselytization
Erumpens' clergy target regions known for their active and dormant volcanic mountains, persuading locals to worship Erumpens. Some followers venerate the eruption itself, others pray to keep a volcano dormant, and still others hope to direct the lava flow away from their property. Whenever signs of volcanic activity emerge, attendance at services dramatically increases.
Taboos
Worship of Other Nature Deities
Worshipping other deities associated with natural disasters or elements, especially those related to fire or earth, is considered blasphemous and may result in expulsion from the community.
Abandoning Temples
Once a temple is built, it must not be abandoned, even if an eruption is imminent. To do so is to invite Erumpens' wrath upon the community.
Doubting Erumpens' Power
Questioning the goddess's ability to control or influence volcanic activity is a grave offense and is met with severe consequences.
Ignoring Eruption Day
Failure to acknowledge Eruption Day, especially when a volcano is active or on the brink of eruption, is considered a severe violation of Erumpens' tenets.
Obligations
Temple Construction
Followers are obligated to participate in the construction of new temples atop active volcanoes. This is considered a sacred duty and a test of faith.
Attendance During Volcanic Activity
Whenever signs of volcanic activity emerge, followers are expected to attend services to seek Erumpens' favor. This is considered an essential act of devotion.
Eruption Day Rituals
On Eruption Day, clergy are obligated to conduct a swift service to honor Erumpens. This is considered a high-risk, high-reward act of devotion, as the goddess is more likely to grant favors at the peak of an eruption.
Spreading the Faith
Clergy and devoted followers are expected to proselytize in regions known for their volcanic activity. This is seen as a way to extend Erumpens' influence and control over these volatile areas.
Historical Figures
Maeve Eion
Maeve was a formidable woman, known for her fiery temper when provoked. A tall human woman with vibrant red hair, fair skin, and an innate grace, she secured a prominent marriage for herself. However, while pregnant, she discovered her husband in the arms of another woman. Enraged, she rode her horse to an active volcano, intending to throw herself into the crater. At the volcano's edge, she heard the cries of another woman in anguish and pain. It was there that Maeve encountered Erumpens, becoming her first worshipper and high priestess.
Holy Relics
Volcanic Rock
Among the stones stacked to construct the temple, an altar is made with a rock erupted from another volcano. This rock bears an imprint, either of a hand or foot, believed to be Erumpens' mark, a testament to her power.
Holy Days
Eruption Day
When a volcano is on the brink of eruption or is actively erupting, a swift service is conducted to honor the goddess. Due to the inherent danger, these services are typically attended only by the clergy. However, at the peak of the eruption, any clergy worshipping in the temple may seek Erumpens' favor, which is likely to be granted.