Salvius

For followers of Salvius, negligence in the act of healing is considered a grave sin. Whether it's a careless mistake during a surgical procedure or the improper mixing of a medicinal potion, such actions are seen as betrayals of Salvius's teachings.

Using the art of healing to exploit people for personal gain is highly frowned upon. Charging exorbitant fees for essential medical services or withholding treatment for financial reasons is considered a violation of the faith's core principles.

Mocking or belittling those who are suffering is considered a serious offense. Salvius's followers believe in showing compassion and empathy to all, regardless of their condition.

Followers are expected to offer their healing services freely or at a minimal cost, especially to those who cannot afford it. This is seen as a direct service to Salvius and a way to spread his teachings.

The medical field is ever-evolving, and followers of Salvius are expected to continuously update their knowledge and skills. Regular attendance at medical seminars, workshops, and other educational events is encouraged.

Devotees are encouraged to participate in community health programs, offering free check-ups, vaccinations, and basic medical education to the public.

During ceremonies, followers wear white robes symbolizing purity, cleanliness, and the sanctity of life. These robes are often embroidered with Salvius's holy symbol.

A sash worn across the body, usually containing small pockets for carrying essential medical tools and herbs. It's a practical piece of attire that also serves a ceremonial purpose.

A simple circlet or crown designed to resemble a halo is often worn by the highest-ranking priests during important ceremonies, symbolizing the divine light of Salvius.

The alleviation of suffering is the highest calling for Salvius's followers. They are taught to approach all beings, regardless of race or creed, with compassion and empathy.

Followers are expected to practice their healing arts with the utmost integrity, always placing the well-being of the patient above all else.

While Salvius himself may struggle with pride, his followers are cautioned against such arrogance. They are reminded that the gift of healing comes from Salvius and should not be used to inflate one's ego.

Though Salvius may not fully appreciate it, the concept of balance between health and disease is important. Followers are taught to understand that healing is not just about curing ailments but also about maintaining a balanced state of physical and mental well-being.

Aeliana was a renowned healer during a time when a particularly virulent plague, sent by Morbina, was ravaging the lands. With an innate ability to understand the intricacies of the body and an unwavering faith in Salvius, she traveled from village to village, healing the sick and teaching preventive measures. Her methods were revolutionary for the time, combining both spiritual rituals and practical medical knowledge. Aeliana's dedication was so profound that legends say Salvius himself would occasionally guide her hands. She eventually founded a grand healing center, which later became one of the most significant temples dedicated to Salvius.

Lord Thrain was a powerful and influential noble who fell victim to a mysterious ailment sent by Morbina as a test of his faith and character. The disease was relentless, causing immense pain and rendering him bedridden. Many healers tried and failed to cure him. On the brink of despair, a humble priest of Salvius approached him, offering a prayer and treatment. After several days under the priest's care, Lord Thrain miraculously recovered. His healing became a widely celebrated event, strengthening the faith of many in Salvius. Grateful and forever changed, Lord Thrain became a patron of Salvian temples and played a pivotal role in spreading the deity's teachings across the realm.

Serin was a scholar who initially questioned the legitimacy of Salvius's miracles, attributing them to mere medical advancements or coincidences. He traveled extensively, documenting cases of healing and interviewing Salvius's followers, intending to debunk the myths surrounding the god. However, during his journeys, he witnessed undeniable miracles that science and logic couldn't explain. Over time, his skepticism transformed into genuine curiosity and eventually devotion. Serin's writings, which began as critiques, evolved into some of the most comprehensive records of Salvius's miracles and teachings. His unique perspective as a former skeptic made his works particularly influential, bridging the gap between believers and doubters.

The Luminous Order is a sect of Salvius's followers who believe in the divine power of pure magical healing. They argue that Salvius himself bestows upon them the ability to channel raw, unadulterated magical energy to mend wounds, cure diseases, and even reverse the effects of potent curses. Members of this sect undergo rigorous spiritual training, meditating in sacred groves and ancient temples, seeking to strengthen their connection to Salvius. They often bear intricate tattoos or wear specific amulets that they believe amplify their healing abilities. The Luminous Order is often sought after in times of great calamities or when diseases prove too potent for traditional medicine. While they respect the ways of medicinal healers, they firmly believe that the purest form of healing comes directly from Salvius's divine touch.

The Apothecary Guild is a sect dedicated to the study and application of medicinal remedies, both mundane and magical. They view Salvius not just as a god of healing but also as a deity of knowledge and learning. Members of this sect are scholars, herbalists, and potion masters, blending the art of natural medicine with a touch of magical enhancement. They maintain vast libraries and botanical gardens, constantly researching and experimenting to find cures for even the most obscure ailments. The Apothecary Guild believes that while direct magical healing has its place, the true testament to Salvius's greatness is in the knowledge he provides to create lasting remedies. They often work in tandem with local communities, teaching preventive measures and ensuring that medicinal care is accessible to all.

A beautifully crafted ceramic jar, said to have been used by Salvius himself to mix his first healing potion. The vessel is adorned with intricate patterns depicting various medicinal herbs and plants. It's believed that any potion or medicine prepared within this vessel possesses enhanced healing properties. The Elixir Vessel is often displayed during major ceremonies and is considered a symbol of the deep knowledge and tradition of the Apothecary Guild.

A parchment of ancient origin, this scroll is believed to contain writings from Salvius detailing various cures and treatments for ailments. While many of its remedies are well-known today, some are written in codes or riddles, leading many healers on quests of knowledge to decipher them.

A smooth, palm-sized stone with a natural indentation for one's thumb. Legend says that Salvius used this touchstone to meditate and channel his healing energies. Healers of the Luminous Order often use similar stones in their meditation practices, seeking to emulate the god's connection to the healing arts. The original Healer's Touchstone is a revered artifact, often placed on altars in temples dedicated to Salvius.

Celebrated on the first day of spring, this day marks the renewal of life and the world's rejuvenation. Healers offer free services on this day, and people cleanse their homes of any lingering illnesses from the winter months. Temples of Salvius overflow with fresh flowers, and the air is filled with songs of gratitude.

On the summer solstice, when the sun is at its peak, followers of Salvius gather to celebrate the healing power of sunlight. They engage in sun salutations, meditation, and share stories of miraculous healings. Special sun-shaped pastries are baked, and golden drinks are shared among the community.

This solemn night, falling in the middle of autumn, is dedicated to remembering those who were not healed and passed on. Candles are lit for each soul, and their stories are shared among the community. It's a night to reflect on the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Held on the winter solstice, this day celebrates the alchemical and medicinal side of Salvius's teachings. Potion makers and herbalists showcase their skills, offering samples and teaching the community about various remedies. It's a day of learning, experimentation, and embracing the magic within medicine.

When a child reaches a certain age, usually around seven or eight, they are brought to the temple to learn the basics of first aid. This ceremony involves the child demonstrating their knowledge of basic bandaging, cleaning wounds, and recognizing common ailments. The child is then blessed by a priest of Salvius and given a small healer's kit to carry with them.

When a healer decides to dedicate their life to Salvius, they undergo this ceremony. In front of the temple's congregation, they swear an oath to always use their skills for the betterment of others, to never harm using their knowledge, and to continuously seek out new healing methods. They then receive the temple's mark, often a tattoo or brand of Salvius's holy symbol, on their dominant hand.

Held monthly, this ceremony involves the community gathering at the temple to partake in a shared drink, often a herbal tea or elixir believed to boost health and immunity. As they drink, prayers are said, asking Salvius to protect the community from illness and to bless the hands of its healers.

When someone in the community is gravely ill, a vigil is held in their honor. Healers and loved ones gather around the afflicted, taking turns to maintain a constant chain of prayer and healing rituals. This can last for hours or even days, with the community bringing food and support for the participants.

Once a year, those who have recovered from severe illnesses or injuries in the past year are celebrated. They share their stories of recovery, offering hope to others. The ceremony ends with a ritual bath, symbolizing their cleansing from the ailment and their renewed lease on life.

This heresy posits that true followers of Salvius should never fall ill and that illness is a sign of weak faith or moral failing. This belief undermines the compassionate and empathetic nature of Salvius's teachings, as it leads to the stigmatization of the sick and suffering.

This heretical belief suggests that only those who are "pure" in body and soul can truly serve Salvius. Followers of this heresy often engage in extreme fasting, ritualistic cleansing, and even self-flagellation to maintain this so-called purity, pushing the tenet of cleanliness to an unhealthy extreme.

This heresy argues that suffering is a form of spiritual purification and that healers should only alleviate physical pain but never fully cure the ailment. This twisted interpretation of Salvius's teachings on balance and compassion leads to unnecessary suffering.

Founder: High Priestess Elara
This cult believes that Salvius's true teachings were corrupted by modern practices of medicine. They claim that only the use of gold-infused remedies, which are exorbitantly expensive, can truly heal ailments. This directly contradicts Salvius's teachings on altruism and exploitation for profit.

Founder: Alchemist Gideon
Members of this cult claim to possess a secret recipe for an elixir granted by Salvius himself, which they say grants eternal life. They deny the natural cycle of life and death, and charge immense sums for a sip of their so-called "Elixir of Immortality."

Founder: Prophetess Seraphina
This cult teaches that each individual has the power to heal themselves without the need for external intervention, be it divine or medical. They often engage in dangerous practices, ignoring serious medical conditions in the belief that their faith alone will heal them. This goes against Salvius's teachings on the importance of medical knowledge and community service.

Founder: Mystic Orion
This cult believes that Salvius and Morbina are two sides of the same coin and that to truly master healing, one must also master the art of causing disease. They engage in morally dubious practices, such as intentionally infecting people to later "cure" them, thereby gaining social and financial influence. This is a direct violation of Salvius's tenets of compassion and integrity.