Xeen

[hellspawn]

•Aliases: Mistress of Pleasure and Pain
•Race: Human
•Worshippers: Mostly Humans.
•Governs: Pleasure, Wine, Love, Insanity
•Mantras: Active, Arrogant, Destructive, Urban

The purpose of life is to enjoy and live it to its fullest. Restraining oneself to illusionary constructs established by a chained society seeking nothing but to hide their true purpose in life in order to appear civil is the biggest fallacy constructed by men. Break these bonds of restraint; for in them, you will find bliss in all its forms. Pleasure and pain exist in each nuance of life. Seek to exploit the pleasures of living for your own fulfillment but do not ignore the pain as often it can serve as a catalyst to greater pleasure. Follow your desires as you explore your world for all the delights it may bring to you. Cast off reason and temperance as they are for those who do not know how to savor life in the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Enjoy carnal passion, the only true palpable aspect of love, for any other feeling attached to the word is simply a fleeting illusion made to comfort something that is not meant to last. Make wine and other gifts of Xeen and offer them to everyone that they may enjoy the blissful taste and free themselves of their worldly cares.

[hellspawn]

Xeenites prefer the whip, a weapon that can in skilled hands be used for both great pain and great pleasure. Clerics of Xeen prefer either loose or tight-fitting clothing, depending on the situation. They prefer leather armor and clothing over metal. They always try to be dressed as seductively as possible to evoke feelings of pleasure in others. The color of what they wear doesn't matter as long as it makes them look desirable. Colors that evoke the image of the wine are favored among some, while others prefer those of the night sky and moons.

[hellspawn]

In the beginning of the life of a cleric of Xeen, initiates are expected to complete the rites of calling as quickly as possible once deciding to pledge their lives to the Mistress of Pleasure and Pain. The results of the calling dictate which path the new subjugate will follow in her devotions. The path of the Vine is that of the senses, be it the pleasures of the flesh in the sensuality of the beast or the intoxication of mind with the fruits of the grape and the leaf. Those that walk the way of the Whip revel in the pain that ultimately brings pleasure. Dedication to its art and the exacting finesse of use marks the responsibilities of the ones chosen. They too are privy to some of the secrets of the vine; the ones perhaps considered less pleasurable, but for some of the Whip, balance must be maintained. Those called to the Veil do so in conjunction with either the Vine or the Whip because the Veil is only an outlet for these pleasures; the Veils are the performers of Xeen. They exalt her gifts in song and sensuous dance.

Subjugate
A subjugate of Xeen has not yet earned the rights of her divine gifts. Subjugates must walk their chosen path in the shadow of another, learning all they can at the whim of their master or mistress. Their main path was presented to them in the calling, but all must learn the basics of Xeen's gifts.

Acolyte
At the discretion of their master or mistress, subjugates are presented to the temple for testing. This ritual, the one of passage, marks the new clerics of Xeen worthy of her divine gifts. They are expected to demonstrate the ability to share Xeen's gifts in both giving and receiving. Special attention is paid to the called path as they must demonstrate above average skills in this area to be considered worthy. Many a selfish mentor has hindered their subjugates' called skills to keep them under their yoke longer. This practice, while not openly encouraged within the temple, is neither frowned upon either as it seems to be a common method of controlling the advancement of those who seek to gain prominence within Xeen's ranks. Should their rite of passage be successful, the new clerics of Xeen are allowed to shirk their white shift and collar of the subjugate and walk among the acolytes.

Devotee
Acolytes spread the gifts of Xeen to the masses. They may do this as junior positions within temples or as wandering priests and priestesses. In smaller centers, a shrine to Xeen may only have a single acolyte to minister to her followers and oversee the interests of the temple, while more populated areas, or areas with more worshipers, might have several acolytes under the eye of devotees and chamber masters/mistresses. Acolytes may choose to split their time within the temple and travel, but all are expected to perform to the expectation of their superiors when the time comes to choose to move in the ranks of the temple. It is during this time too that most acolytes discover the inner workings of the temple as the more mystic rites and sensitive knowledge are kept for those showing a higher devotion to the Mistress. Trials for passage to the Lower Chambers are designed and carried out by Ones in the Sky and usually occur in conjunction with a Night of Flesh and Magic. Trials passed, the acolyte continues as a Devotee in their path.

Chamber Masters/Mistress: Upper and Inner
The distinction between these two is in the perfection of their arts. In their devotion, Xeen's clerics learn how to manipulate Xeen's gifts of pleasure and pain to bend the will of even the most righteous in cause if it serves their whim or that of their Mistress. The distinction in Chambers is bound in the secrets they keep. Knowledge of ritual and lore that enchant and ensnare as well the most secret methods of pain and pleasure are so exquisite that they are kept for only those most trained or those with the coin to ensure entry in the company of one of the Chamber masters/mistresses.

Ones in the Sky
Xeen's whims are directed to the Ones in the Sky. Xeen is the only true Mistress and she delights in the chaos that is generally rampant in her council. Fifteen seats for fifteen stars in the sky. These positions in the council are tenuous ones. Members are chosen from the ranks of the Inner Chamber with a new council being convened every fifteen years or on the passing of a council member either to death or voluntary withdrawal. A master/mistress may serve on successive councils and all in the Inner Chamber have a say on who steps into the role. The Ones in the Sky have a say over both religious and secular matters dealing with the temple. They promote the leaders of various organizations that procure temple supplies, oversee leaf production and distribution, and set the various requirements for donations for Xeen's pleasures in the various temples and shrines throughout the realm. As such, there is much in the way of political power as divine in these places, and they are highly coveted with bribes and favors for votes sometimes starting a year or more before the new council is called. Mysterious deaths during some of Xeen's more intense rituals are not unheard of either, though rare in occurrence.

[hellspawn]

Stag Society
Within the temple of Xeen, there is a sect of clerics and worshipers devoted to her ideals of physical pleasure and pain. Teachings of physical pleasure are an important part of any Xeenite cleric's education as are the proper applications of pain, but members of this sect are renowned for their refinement in such arts. They have adopted the philosophy of personal growth and devotion through the exploration of such physical forms. Major centers with feast halls to the Mistress generally contain at least one cleric with either a direct or indirect link to this society. They are much sought after as both instructors in Xeen's gifts and by wealthy patrons for the services they can provide. Early in the development of this society it became apparent that there was a certain need for privacy in their practices. The general populace and those aligned with other gods did not always look favorably on their methods of worship. Thus, what is now known as Laanilv Isle was developed. A gift to the temple by Andres Harlor, a Dregarian noble, noted alchemist and early society member, the island stands as both a temple of learning and a playground for wealthy Xeenites. Its exact location is known to only a few. Portals to the island can be found in influential temples and homes of wealthy patrons. The island has the ideal climate for the growth and production of the temple's main supply of pipeweed known as Ausir's Pleasure. Several plantations exist in the sheltered forests of the interior, and the production of weed seems to be increasing at a phenomenal rate since the current Stag took over the running of the Island. Also, found throughout the island and allowed to roam freely within its boundaries, is a large population of white stags. Indeed, there are very few bucks of the normal tan variety on the Island. Every three to five years, the constellation of Xeen aligns itself on the north--south axis of the island. It is at this time that the greatest and most austere festival of the sect occurs. The Rites of the Stag are known only to select clergy and patrons, though the entire populace of the island is encouraged to partake in the temple festivities and the blessing of the Stag Elixir that will be distributed to Xeenite temples worldwide. The elixir is rumored to be a powerful contraceptive as well as aphrodisiac and widely sought after and heavily used in Xeenite rituals.
The current Stag is known simply as Tyiril and is One in the Sky, as is his consort Ellise. They are Xeen's word on the island and at the head of all social and economic decisions. The island runs as a theocracy. Wealthy patrons come and go, as do ships bringing supplies and slaves for the plantations, manors, and temples, and carrying away the cargo of leaf and bottle. The Stag oversees it all. Parties run contiguously from the temple and his manors in the port and seaside retreat. Whispers of all levels of debauchery abound, but no such rumor has ever been proven. Most are dismissed as the workings of a drugged mind.

Laam Mailceana (New Reality)
Within the ranks of Xeen's followers is a group of mages and, to a smaller extent, bards that specialize in the art of enchantment and illusion and its powers over the mind. It is said that, while not members of the clergy themselves, they hold positions of influence within the higher echelons of the temples. Their skill in manipulating the Al'Noth in the school of enchantment has no equal. While in general terms those that study illusion and enchantment are in opposition, the competition between the two heads of this Mailceana keep each other on their toes. Many public and private rituals of Xeen incorporate the works of the Laam Mailceana. Illusions that enhance the effects of many of the wines and various substances are taught to budding Mailceanas. The basics of influencing the mind are a staple of any of Xeen's clerical teaching, but the master enchanters of the Laam Mailceana take it to new heights. Items bewitched to Xeens's delight are their specialty as well as the study of how the mind works and ways to influence the pain and pleasure centers to any aim. These mages are also the keepers of the spells that open portals to Laanilv Island. This ensures the integrity of the isle, but limitations in the portals are such that only humanoids may be passed through them. It is not completely known why this limitation exists. The main tower of the sect is located on said island as it is a complex weave of their design that keeps the island hidden from prudish eyes.

Masters of the Vine
There are those within the fold that devote their entire lives to the study of the natural world and the substances found within. Constantly seeking to please their Mistress, they sample, distill, and perfect those substances that exalt the ideals of their Mistress. As makers of great wine, they are often found as much in the feast halls of Xeen as they are in the courts of kings and nobility alike. Gifted alchemists and druids alike populate this subculture. Some whisper that these individuals have been somehow enchanted by Xeen herself or lured away from the folds of Aragen, Prunilla, and Katia to do her bidding. This, of course, is supposition.

[hellspawn]

The public face of Xeen is that of her halls. Larger cities have more extravagant halls filled with music, dancers, food, wine, and open sexuality. Not a brothel situation but a more controlled environment. Wine and leaf might flow freely in affluent inner circles and diluted, less powerful (yet still potent) amounts in outer circles. In smaller cities and towns, it might be a front for the temple run brothel in the back.
Temples to the Mistress can be as simple as a shrine in a local bordello to the grand feast halls of Katherian, Hurm, and Arnax. More established temples have a blessed fountain. These fountains, originally the creation of a devotee Goranite tinker, were designed to prevent thirst in the desert and irrigate crops to better the lives of those prone to drought and thirst. Xeen influenced the naïve builder and with her charms convinced him that a fountain of wine would be much more beneficial to people. Thus, those temples with influence enough to warrant one, have a fountain of ever-flowing wine. The type of wine will vary by location and preference, but always during the eve of the moonless night festival it flows blood red.

The business face of Xeen is more the promotion of Xeen's gifts through temple-run organizations. The making and distribution of wine and leaf, young men and women recruited into worshipers addicted to properties such and Xeen's dogma. Xeenite clergy tend to spend much of their time in the temples as these are the centers of activity. They are constantly alive with music, song, dance, and revelry. It is, however, the mandate of the clergy to expose as many as possible to their Mistresses' gifts. At least a portion of a Devotee and indeed even the time of the Chamber Master and Mistress is spent spreading the word and seeking new and better ways to perfect their devotions to Xeen. Favor is shown to those bringing attractive new Subjugates and Acolytes to the temple rituals. The influence of a Xeenite cleric can in some ways be measured by the number subjugated under their yoke.

The clerical faces of Xeen are divided. It is a cleric's duty to manage these operations either directly or indirectly. This would be things like the recruitment of new flesh into the brothels either through persuasion or slavery/addiction or both, and the arrangement of disease control supplies, contraceptive measures, protection bribes, etc., as well as the entertaining and distribution of her gifts to her congregation.

[hellspawn]

Prayers
Clerics of Xeen pray for spells in the morning after they wake up so that they may magically remove harmful effects from the previous night's revelry and immediately begin preparing for another, more spectacular day and night of celebration. Prayers to Xeen can often be heard anywhere there is a celebration.
An example of a prayer to bless wine: "Xeen, Mistress of Pleasure, bless this wine that the people gathered here can enjoy the taste of your gift and find eternal joy in fleeting love and pleasure."

Holy Days
The clergy of Xeen spend most of their time celebrating and enjoying life, and they tend to make up holy days of Xeen whenever they want to have fun. This has led to few knowing exactly what holy days exist, but they are more numerous than anyone could imagine.

•Carnival
In the beginning, this celebration had many names. Most have been lost to time, and it is now shortened to Carnival. It is in honor of Xeen's birthday. Carnival is celebrated annually but never on the same day. It's always the 15th day of a month, but every year it is one month later than it was the previous year. This is because Xeen wants to appear much younger than she really is, even though she doesn't age. In 1368 the night was 15th Oclar, in 1369 15th Novlar, etc. The celebration begins at dusk on the 14th and lasts for 36 hours. Many Xeenites make the journey to celebrate Carnival at Xeen's temple in Erion. Part of the festivites is a competition of costume and dance and draws participants from all over Layonara. Brightly and usually scantily-dressed dancers line the streets of Erion as they celebrate the birth of the Mistress.


•Night of Flesh and Magic
The exact beginning of this festivity is uncertain. One telling of the legend has it that Xeen was invited by Lucinda to attend an affirmation ceremony of her mages. Xeen in her mortal life was a gifted sorceress and had a respect for the Al'Noth inasmuch as it served her desires. Xeen considered the event a bit staid and decided it needed to be loosened up. While Lucinda's back was turned, she spiked the wine being served in the feast hall. What followed was a party of grand proportions, such that buildings of Spellgard still bear the souvenirs of the revelry. This pleased the Mistress greatly. Each year, the temples of Xeen hold a night of festivity with an open invitation to Lucinda's faithful or any other of her friends and allies to attend what is known as the Night of Flesh and Magic.


•Dance of the Endless Night
While the Night of Flesh and Magic is shared openly with other faiths, the more erotic and meaningful celebration of those called to the Veil is the Dance of the Endless Night. Symbolically it represents the conception of the goddess and occurs every fifteen years at the induction of the Ones in the Sky, but it is most holy on those rare occurrences of a totally moonless night. It is said that an avatar of the goddess is conceived at the performance of this ritual when there is no moon in the sky. This is subject to conjecture as no natural moonless night has occurred in Layonara history for centuries.

[hellspawn]

•Allied:

◦Deliar
◦Lucinda
◦Mist

•Friendly:

◦Az'atta
◦Baraeon Ca'duz
◦Branderback
◦Folian S'pae
◦Ilsare
◦Kithairien
◦Prunilla
◦Vierdri'ira

•Neutral:

◦Aeridin
◦Beryl
◦Corath
◦Grand
◦Katia
◦Shindaleria

•Unfriendly:

◦Aragen
◦Goran
◦Grannoch

•Enemy:

◦Dorand
◦Pyrtechon
◦Rofirein
◦Shadon
◦Sulterio
◦Toran
◦Vorax

[hellspawn]

•Alignment:
◦Chaotic Neutral



•Cleric Alignments:
◦Chaotic Good
◦True Neutral
◦Chaotic Neutral
◦Chaotic Evil



•Domains:
◦Animal
◦Destruction
◦Plant
◦Water