Introduction: Religion

There is only one major religion in Frozen Over. While others may exist in other parts of the world, within the confines of the bay the Order of Voland stands alone.

Voland & Bishal

The Order teaches that there are two gods: the creator, Voland, and his nemesis, Bishal. Voland is associated with fire, light, and order, while Bishal is associated with ice, darkness, and chaos. Before the Freeze, many had ceased to believe in the gods and even within the Order itself there was uncertainty as to whether they still existed or had ever existed. However, for the truly devout that uncertainty doesn’t shake their belief in what the gods represent.

In the ancient texts, it is said that after Voland created the world with his fire, he created the thinking beings of the world. But in order to give them true life, a true soul, he had to give each person a small part of the holy flame, his soul. As a result of this action, the Order teaches that all peoples are one, that each individual is part of Voland. Charity is revered above all else, and the protection of innocents is highly honoured.

Bishal, on the other hand, is the demon who struck Voland down in his weakened state, having given so much of himself to his children. Trickery and deceit are considered vile actions, and theft is nearly as heinous a crime as murder. However, Voland is merciful, and even allowed Bishal to live, choosing rather to banish him to the frozen realm of Nifel. Likewise, thieves and murderers are banished rather than killed or imprisoned, though they face death if they return.

The relationship between Voland and Bishal represents the struggle of order to overcome chaos and light to overcome darkness. This struggle is central to the story of the Freeze, as well as the survival of the Bay, and the heroic sacrifice of Barton Butter. As a result of their ideals the people of the Bay defend order and honour at all costs, and uphold their laws with unwavering fervour.

The Order

In the Bay, the Order is led by the Deacon, who resides in Dunstable in the Silver Keep. The Deacon is a powerful figure in the politics of the Bay, reflecting the renewed devotion of the people since the Freeze began.

Individual priests of the Order are known as Keepers of the Flame, often simply shortened to Keeper. They receive their tutelage and ordination at the Silver Keep, which also serves as a seminary and reliquary. Most Keepers receive a post in a local kirkhall, similar to a church, and tend to the needs of the people, but some choose to serve in other ways, as medics for example. As being a Keeper entails tending to the needs of others and remaining utterly devoted to the Order, they are not allowed to marry or have relationships as doing so would distract from their mission.

While the Order is involved in the politics of Butter Bay, they strive to remain neutral in war. The current Deacon, Torren Hoster, believes that supporting either side would allow chaos and darkness a place in the Order. Picking sides would also serve to alienate the races of the opposing side and thus bias the Order and harm its position as the thread that links all people to Voland.

Holy Days

There are three religiously significant festivals celebrated by the people of the Bay. The first, Sorrows, takes the form of a funeral service to commemorate the death of Voland at the hands of Bishal. The seconds takes place in the darkest time of winter, when the sun does not rise at all, they celebrate Chand, in remembrance of the first Keepers who watched over Voland’s body and maintained its dormant flame. And finally, Nighsend is celebrated when the sun makes its triumphant return, just as Voland did in returning to life to banish Bishal from the worlds.

Symbols

The most common symbol for Voland is, unsurprisingly, a flame. However, the symbol for the Order is instead a simple circle. To the Keepers, the circle represents the bond that all thinking beings have with Voland and one another. It also symbolizes order standing firm against the chaos. Some Keepers will also tell that it represents the separation of the righteous residing in Muspel from the sinful and evil who are cast out of Voland’s love and forced to reside in Nifel with Bishal, though the Order does not officially condone this interpretation.

Other Beliefs

The Kindred teach people about the primal spirits and how nature should be revered. Likewise, the Academy teaches of arcane magic and how it can be turned to the service of people. Neither of these, however, should really be considered religious beliefs as they are not worshipped as gods. They are instead seen as forces that can be used in the service of either good or evil, and those who adhere to their teachings are also followers of Voland.

Wednesday: Geography