Rexelios
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Rexelios, God of Trials
SYMBOLS
Flaming Sword - The sword is one of the most obvious symbols of warfare. The flame is a symbol of invention, as the discovery of fire is often considered the most obvious example of humanoids separating themselves from beasts. The most common depiction of this symbol is a bright steel sword alight with red flame, above a black anvil.
COLORS
Black and Red are the predominant colors used by followers of Rexelios.
HOLIDAYS
Dawn 1 - New Year - The first day of the year is holy to Rexelians as the new year symbolizes a fresh opportunity to better oneself. Traditionally, Rexelians choose something they want to improve about themselves and take a New Years Pledge to that effect.
This holiday is also important to inventors and engineers, as a brand new year represents a full slate of opportunities to discover new ways to do things. The beginning of a new year symbolizes hope for a better life through mortal achievement.
Torrid 1 - The Day of Storms. For centuries, this day of the year has always been a time of powerful storms and exceptionally hot temperatures. Thunderstorms come out of nowhere, ocean squalls swamp even the stoutest of ships, and the air becomes so hot it is nearly impossible to venture out of doors or out of the shade. It is believed that this day is an annual trial Rexelios visits upon all mortalkind. It is a simple challenge: survive.
Followers of Rexelios are known to celebrate this day by facing the heat and the storms head on. Sailors sail out the night before in small, barely seaworthy ships, challenging themselves to ride out the storms on the following day. Others host grueling events of physical challenge - outdoors - where people can prove they are able to handle the worst Rexelios throws at them. There is a legend of an old festival held in Chemer that began at sunrise and included, among other things, a particularly brutal foot race. Participants began at the western gate of Chemer and ran west toward the desert. They ran non-stop until sundown. Whoever made it the furthest from Chemer was hailed as a hero, and a small monument would be erected on the spot they reached. Every year, many participants perished. The legend says that the event only ended in a time of war when Chemer could no longer afford to lose so many strong and battle ready men and women. Some Rexelians believe the event should be restarted, with versions in Askagard and Troj as well.
Sojourn 21 - The Harvest. This is the time when farmers harvest their crops. It is the day when the fruits of many months of work are realized. In the days leading up to this holiday, farmers make sacrifices to Rexelios in hopes of ensuring a bountiful harvest. On the evening of the Harvest, farmers celebrate the end of their season by celebrating the holiday with followers of Rexelios and Stratos.
BELIEFS
The core message in Rexelian religious texts is the belief that nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without challenge and sacrifice. Civilizations cannot be built without War. The old must be cleared away to make room for the new, just as lightning from storms must clear choking debris from forests and fields. Inventions cannot be made or utilized without a desire to change. Great warriors must endure tremendous pain and suffering through training and warfare. To achieve anything great, you must be willing to suffer in equal measure.
Rexelians look for opportunities to challenge themselves in a never ending pursuit of self actualization. They do not look for shortcuts. Extreme fundamentalists will often deliberately choose are more difficult path in life in order to magnify the quality (in their eyes) of an achievement.
One of the more significant philosophical questions within the faith is whether the ends justify the means in the pursuit of invention, innovation, and improvement. Many belief that if the end is important enough, and means necessary to reach that end is acceptable. After all, Rexelios preaches that nothing great comes without sacrifice. Others believe that putting morality or ethics above personal gain is an integral part of the sacrifice.
