Heltevei

Whilst southern regions of Ursal have converted to The Fayth, those in the colder, harsher climes of the north subscribe to the beliefs of Heltevei. This religion is an interesting evolution from early paganism with an intermingling of ideas propagated by The Fayth. It is not surprising that elements of the Verda religion can be found here, due to its prominence across the continent.

Similar to The Fayth, Heltevei follows a singular god, but differs in that this god is feminine - Helligmor. She is mother to all, and is believed to be an evolution of the old pagan goddess Dagmar, who was a fertility goddess associated with the sun. Helligmor retains her links to the sun, and followers of Heltevei wear a sunburst as a holy symbol. 

Further similarities tie the two religions closer in that like God, Helligmor also has an Evil adversary. Her adversary is Helligfar, the moon. The moon itself is not deemed Evil, but again his association with the moon appears to be a pagan hangover from the god Bori, a warrior god represented by the moon. 

Helligmor and Helligfar are wife and husband, who brought the world into existence together. However, Helligfar was bitten by a snake, a creation that spawned of its own Evil will, and was twisted by the venom. To protect the world from his rage and anger, Helligmor was forced to cast Helligfar off of the world where he became the moon. The two are locked in a constant cycle, and prophecy dictates that when they meet in the sky in eclipse that it will bring an era of despair. Snakes are therefore viewed as an unlucky creature that brings Evil, and are considered vermin to be killed on sight.

A key divergence from The Fayth is Heltevei’s focus on ancestor worship. This is certainly carried forward from the faith’s pagan roots, which focuses more on hero worship. Those who have carried out great deeds and became famous heroes are deified upon their death. The era of raiding and heroes in the traditional sense has long since passed, and modern interpretation leans more on leading a Good and pious life honouring Helligmor and the ancestors. 

All who follow Heltevei become an ancestor spirit, which can be prayed to for guidance. Other gods and goddesses from the original religion appear as ancestors in Heltevei, and have not entirely disappeared, though some will have certainly fallen to obscurity. 

Festivals

Heltevei followers celebrate a series of seasonal festivals. These festivals are deeply rooted in agricultural cycles, and honour Helligmor's role as the sustainer of life and the provider of abundance. From the vibrant festivities of the Spring Equinox to the solemn reflections of the Winter Solstice, these rituals serve as occasions for communal bonding, gratitude, and renewal.

Vitki

There are no priests like you find in The Fayth within Heltevei. Instead, you have the Vitki, who play a crucial role as mediums between the mortal realm and the spirit world. These spiritual practitioners undergo rigorous training and initiation rites, often venturing into the Ursan wilderness to commune with ancestral spirits and receive divine guidance from Helligmor. Their insights and healing abilities are revered among the faithful, offering solace in times of trouble and guidance on matters both mundane and profound. 

They are the last remnants of ancient pagan belief for a modern time, as vestiges of an era long passed. Vitki may dress in modern garb, but their practices place them deep into the past and back into the hands of ancient gods and spirits from long before the names Helligmor and Helligfar were uttered on mortal lips - but in their names these practices focus now.

Yuwa

A form of folk magick to commune with the spirits and rituals to honour Helligmor is a common practice in Ursal, but it is not to be confused with the Evil magics used by Witches. Yuwa relies on superstition and understanding of one's own environment, its effects are often subtle, influencing luck, health, and the harvest. 

Yuwa usually takes place in the home and at the hearth, focusing on the heart of the family. Many practices require the use of the hearth in some form and items which are easily found around the home and its immediate area. Herbs and flowers are a key component, representing the bounty of Helligmor, which hang above every Ursan hearth.

One common item created using Yuwa is a Witch Bottle, these small vessels are made with any type of empty bottle and filled with the hair and nail clippings of every member of a household. In addition, ashes from the hearth and rusty nails fill the bottle which is then buried under the threshold of a home. The purpose of this is that any hexes or curses a Witch may cast upon them is instead directed to the Witch Bottle, protecting the family from harm. 

Superstitions generally have remedies in Yuwa, for example; the belief that sneezing without receiving a blessing after will doom a soul to Helligfar's wrath - but this can be counteracted by clapping thrice loudly and clearing one's throat.

Sacred Sites and Ancestral Barrows

Throughout the northern regions of Ursal, sacred sites dot the landscape serving as focal points for pilgrimage and worship. These sites, ranging from ancient groves to towering mountains, are believed to be imbued with the divine presence of Helligmor and the ancestral spirits. Pilgrims journey to these hallowed grounds to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings, forging a tangible connection between the earthly realm and the divine. As you travel further south in Ursal, and as religion mixes and eventually converts fully to The Fayth, these religious sites are often forgotten; either reclaimed by nature, or razed and replaced with Fayth churches. 

Despite old sacred sites being held in differing regard from north to south, one ancient belief transcends religion; ancestral tombs, or barrows. Ancestor worship extends beyond prayer and veneration to include rituals of remembrance and honour. Families maintain ancestral tombs, where the remains of esteemed ancestors are interred alongside offerings of food, drink, and prized possessions. Regular memorial rites, marked by feasting, storytelling, and music, ensure that the memories of the departed endure through the generations, fostering a deep sense of connection and continuity within Ursan communities.