The Book of Faith

Naak'e'Tuun

Naak'e'Tuun (The Collectivity of Nature) is a way of worship towards the various entities of Nature, such as the Aö-Rê (Great Spirit), their messengers and children such as the dryads, ents, fauns and other elementary creatures, but also each plant and animal.

The Collectivity draws its roots from the depths of the forest, but the influence of natural creatures is present everywhere, sometimes more discreetly, and sometimes less! We are devoted to an ensemble that is essential to life, because although many people of Mundus claim otherwise, no one could exist for long without the Collectivity of Nature.

Naak'e'Tuun is also about respecting its values through action. It is not enough to stay in your lone corner of the earth arms crossed! An attack on Nature is harmful to all people, and there is always room for improvement in the importance and respect for Nature everywhere in Mundus.

Naak'e'Tuun baard-ti! - May the Collectivity keep you!

History

The connection between the diverse peoples of the Seahorse and nature is as old as the creation myths of our world. Since the beginning of time, peoples have lived at the expense of Nature, feeding on its flesh and drinking its water. Stories, legends, and popular beliefs related to nature are as numerous as there is sand in the ocean. Wild men once lived in harmony in the Collectivity, as did the Eldars. With time, technology, progress and modernity, many have strayed from Naak'e'Tuun, forgetting to give back what is, and will always be owed to her. Naak'e'Tuun's influence is present in all realms and kingdoms, even today! It is not without reason that many kingdoms, guilds and noble families use animals and plants in their heraldry and symbolism. Followers of the Collectivity believe that it is the personality of the spirits that over time has dictated the impressions and meanings attached to each species.

For example, it is because Bear is large, fierce and powerful that the symbol of the bear is attached to these values. Fox, on the other hand, is cunning and tricky, and this has been passed down to his symbolism over the ages. If a plant wants to be nutritious, it is because it has the good of other peoples at heart. If Nettle decides that she does not want to be in contact with men, it is by her choice that she has become a stinging plant! There is therefore a strong link between what the spirits have determined, and the reality and meaning associated with it since the beginning of creation.

From a more recent historical point of view, although the few current followers of the way of Naak'e'Tuun dedicate their life and devotion to it, many inhabitants of Mundus live in communion with the Collectivity, and give it importance, prayers and devotion more or less directly. When a peasant prays to the land for good harvests, Naak'e'Tuun listens and responds if he is deserving. When a hunter hopes to find enough to feed his family, respects his prey, and thanks Deer for helping him survive, Deer listens and will be generous in future hunts if he is worthy.

With the Clan Fiery-Fang emerging from the depths of the Irendille forest, having had very little contact with the rest of the other peoples, they were surprised that the direct devotion to the Collectivity of Nature was no longer as present as it used to be. It was by banding together again that the clan finally felt ready to share this belief with the rest of the inhabitants of Mundus, so that Naak'e'Tuun would have the devotion that is rightfully theirs.

Dogmas

The spirits of nature, the Ao-Rê, are morally above any other being.

Although not as powerful individually as other entities, as some deities have greater influence and greater powers, nature spirits are an absolute necessity, and the primary source of life on Mundus.

To harm nature passively is a sign of stupidity; willful harm is a sign of evil.

The followers of the Collectivity recognize that it is not given to everyone to have been brought up in an environment prone to the learning of good values. It is saddening to them to see people abusing or not considering Naak'e'Tuun appropriately, but the difference lies between those for whom it is naivety, and those for whom it is done knowingly.

People blessed by nature are worthy of trust and respect, unless they stole their blessing.

People showing signs of strong ties to the Collectivity, such as the growth of plants on their bodies, the ability to transform into a natural creature, or even signs of a spiritual presence surrounding them, are normally worthy of respect. On the other hand, some can obtain these results by trickery, whether by alchemical alteration, curses, pacts or corruption of the spirits. They are enemies of Nature who deliberately try to abuse its proximity, and this is a great taboo for the followers of Naak'e'Tuun.

The spirit world is theirs, and Mundus is ours.

Although the spirits have a strong presence in some places of Mundus, this is no reason for us to go beyond the limits of our plan in order to disturb them in their homes. Unless there is a specific request for help from a spirit, it would be unthinkable to intrude into their homes. Conversely, it is our duty to provide all that a spirit may need in order to be able to act in our world. By being their eyes, mouths, and ears in our plan, that is how we can be of greater service to them.

It is never appropriate to order an entity of nature what to do.

Ordering or imposing one's own will on a being of nature is sacrilege in the eyes of Naak'e'Tuun's followers. It is rather preferable to be worthy and benevolent towards them so that they voluntarily respond to a request from one of their followers. Sometimes, an emergency situation may require exceptional action contrary to this, but these must always be done with the good of the Collectivity in mind.

Spirits are varied and numerous, the term does not only apply to nature’s spirits.

One must be wary of these other spirits, as these can bring corruption to good spirits. Animal, plant, and elemental spirits are examples of Naak'e'Tuun's beneficial spirits.

If you live as a humanoid people, it's your turn to help the cause.

Naak'e'Tuun's followers believe in reincarnation, and that it is based on a principle of merit. If you have been beneficial enough in your past lifetime, there is a good chance that you will be reincarnated into a more passive part of the Collectivity, such as a fern, or a small animal! If you're still humanoid, that means you haven't helped enough or you’ve harmed the Collectivity, and so the Collectivity has condemned you to try again until you change for the better.

The Three Branches

Most followers of Naak'e'Tuun gather within three Branches, each with an emphasis on certain aspects of Nature, but they are not mutually exclusive nor in perpetual conflict. In the eyes of the followers, they are rather complementary, allowing everyone to be actively part of the global development of Nature, each in their own way.

The Harmony

Arguably the most populous branch of the Collectivity's followers, the Harmony branch is that of farmers, gatherers, hunters, and tillers. It is the branch of the hermit living near the village, of the herbalist witch helping the bourgeois unaware of the benefits of nature, or even of the large family of hobbits who live completely independently according to the seasons.

Followers identifying with Harmony are those who aim to live in communion in the Collectivity without taking more than they give back. It is by planting only what is necessary for its well-being that we preserve the soil, by not hunting each animal that we preserve wildlife diversity, and by forgetting the absurd idea of clear-cutting that we preserve life in the forests.

Often skillful cultivators, the followers of Harmony have learned over time to alternate crops, harmonize plants so that they support each other, and manage insects and rodents without resorting to toxic alchemical concoctions! Pets can handle a lot of problems, and several plants can naturally repel unwanted insects. All you have to do is take the time to learn, and the Collectivity provides all the solutions to the challenges it brings us.

The Wildness

If all the people lived in Harmony with Naak'e'tuun, the followers of the Wildness would undoubtedly have much less work to do. These are the followers who have never really joined the great civilizations, or have decided to leave it in order to join the forest and its inhabitants. It is also about those who actively take up arms when nature is threatened in any way. Sometimes, they are reclusive communities that do not maintain links with other villages, and chase those who would want to come and harm their peace far from the big cities. At other times, they are protective guardians, protecting sacred places or ancestral forests, quickly chasing away any invader aiming to harm or take advantage of these places.

Very often, people belonging to the Wildness tend to get lost in it, systematically placing nature above themselves, responding to the smallest of its calls. Spirits and other nature entities with little restraint will occasionally take advantage of this intense devotion in order to have a better footing on Mundus. This is a "problem" that many guides and druids warn their apprentices against, as it is easy to lose one's essence, one's personality when a balance is not achieved between mortal and spirit. Some followers of the Wildness will tend to voluntarily welcome this abandonment, preferring to leave behind their free will in favor of total devotion to the Collectivity.

Of course, this is not an absolute for all followers of this Branch. The Wildness also sometimes includes individuals who take to heart the fight to slow down the advancement of civilization on the wild lands, and who consider that by remaining the humanoids that they are, they are better suited to contribute to the conflict. While it may be tempting to lay down and get entangled within the roots of an old tree, a bow, blade, hands and legs are valuable assets when it comes to fighting off looters or poachers.

The Gift

Where the branches of Harmony and Wildness are very much defined by interactions with others, the branch of the Gift is defined more by the personal fulfillment of bonds with nature. Its followers are often spiritual guides, druids and shamans within communities in communion with nature, or even travelers wishing to share their knowledge with those who do not have easy access to it. Lycans and several fae are examples of humanoids with a powerful Gift of the Ao-re.

The manifestations of the Gift through the beings of the world are as numerous as there are individuals. Many will bear traits of animals or plants, others will form spiritual bonds with spirits of the forest. Since some ties are hereditary, or can be passed on relatively easily (methods that are sometimes called a disease or a curse by the ignorant), it is common to view these Gifts of Nature with some skepticism among civilized peoples. .

Followers of the Gift branch will promote taking pride in these connections to nature and its spirits, helping those who wish to deepen these bonds. They will also try to create bonds between those who show themselves deserving with an appropriate and willing spirit. The Ao-rê having eyes and ears everywhere, they know how to recognize those with whom they are compatible in order to experience Mundus through them.

Celebrations

The Croakening

“Ribbit! Ribbit!” 

- Carl, according to Ovidia Ben Jacob, cleric of Carl the frog

The Croakening is the name given by the followers of Naak'e'Tuun for their annual celebration of winter’s end, and therefore the arrival of spring. Unlike many spring festivals that take place at the equinox, the Croakening takes place when the snow has melted locally, and the frogs and toads have begun to wake from their winter sleep. The life cycle of frogs being one of the best known, this animal represents renewal within an annual cycle. Communities following the way of the Collectivity will gather near a small stream where it is possible to find frogs in order to celebrate and commune with nature and its fellows.

Common activities of the Croakening often consist of sharing a good time with your peers, with drinks and food when available, but also to get out of your winter hibernation. Perhaps the most popular activity is imitating frogs, trying to mimic their croaks as faithfully as possible. Many will even make it a competition! The title of croaker of the year is a prestigious one, guaranteed to earn the favor of the Frog Ao-Rê. Although for city dwellers it may seem embarrassing to croak in front of an audience, it is a good way to break the ice and bring members of the community out of their shells.

Essentially an opportunity to get together and get to know each other, it's the perfect moment to let go and be in a jolly mood! Wooden frogs and other instruments are welcome, as are swamp-themed elements. Incense can be burned, ideally with scents reminiscent of wetlands, and green candles are welcome as the sun sets. 

From a more spiritual point of view, certain practices will be appropriate for devotees of nature. Some will wash their hands and face in the cool water of the nearby waters, swollen by the melting of the snow. This practice is a symbol of washing away the past and welcoming the new year. Others will make offerings to the local stream’s spirits to receive their blessings, and to thank them for welcoming them into their homes. Another custom is to simply sit back for a moment in order to confide in the batrachians, who will always listen, and will always keep your secrets. It is said that confiding one's fears and worries to the frogs and toads during the Croakening is a sure way to alleviate them.

Berries’ Blessing

“Nature’s greatest gift is not just the fruit of the land, but the joy of those who gather to celebrate it.” 

- Vixen, BoozeMother of the Grape

In the heart of Summer, where the gentle whispers of the Aö-Rê embrace every leaf and petal, there lies a joyous celebration like no other! The "Berry Harvest Jig" or the "Berry Blessing Dance" is done in the peak of Summer heat, to celebrate abundance and give thanks.

A berry crushing jig that weaves the threads of nature and devotion into a vibrant tapestry of reverence. Gathered beneath the verdant canopy, followers of The Collectivity of Nature unite, their spirits alight with an unyielding adoration for the entities that grace our world. They dance, and stomp about, either in traditional large, berry crushing buckets, or in simulation happily during a feast or picnic. It matters not where the jig is done, but rather that it is done with joy in your heart.

Drums and other very rhythmic instruments are the usual sounds to which the celebrants will stomp around, often increasing in speed until both exhaustion and quite often laughter take over. Following such merrymaking, it’s often the custom to cool down with cold beverages, with the highly honored berries as a choice ingredient. Bakeries, wines and other fruit based creations are often traditional tokens of participation to the celebration to share with friends and family alike. 

The Autumn’s Den

“Sure, this is a lot of food, but this is not luxury when facing winter.” 

- Cannelle Croc-Ardent, motherly priestess of the Bunny

The Autumn’s Den is the name given by Naak'e'Tuun's followers to the celebration that takes place when the trees begin to take on warm hues of color, while the nights cool down significantly.

Unlike the more festive celebrations, the Autumn’s Den is intended to be more reserved. It is common for the populations of Mundus to celebrate the harvest with grandeur, but among the followers of the Collectivity, we instead follow the example of ants and rodents. It's a more relaxed celebration, inviting people to cook and share food preserved for the Winter. We can therefore find meat pies, preserves as well as candied delicacies. It is also courteous to make offerings for the comfort of the home, both aesthetic and practical. The important thing is to ensure that everyone can spend the winter as comfortably as possible, when nature is at its slowest.

On a more spiritual side, followers will gather at sunset to prepare for the Long Night. The tradition is to spend a first night awake in a group, to practice a host of activities suitable for this time of year. Cooking, crafting clothes or winter blankets, but also sharing stories and legends, snuggled up against each other, around a comforting fire. Everyone knows that it's okay to skip sleep this night, because they know that a full day of rest will soon follow. At sunrise, the followers of Naak'e'Tuun will join their beds, and this until the following dawn. The roosters will be silent, and the usually noisy animals of the farms and the forest will do the same. Strangely so, an outside observer could possibly see that it seems during this day the wind calms down, just like the ambient noises of the rivers, leaving the supporters of the Collectivity to rest amply, like a reward after a summer of toil.

The Winter Flame

“To hoard is to wither, but to share is to thrive!”

 - Fern’ai the Moth, champion of the Spider 

The Winter Flame is not just a festival, it is a promise, a vow to one another that during the coldest stretch of winter, when the ground is frozen solid, and the nights seem endless, no one will face the cold alone.The fires blaze high, not merely for warmth and light, but as a symbol of the collective spirit that binds all life together. Mead and mulled wine are poured generously, stews bubble over open flames, and roasted nuts and dried fruits make their rounds. Any food that would soon spoil is cooked and enjoyed, a reminder to not waste what can be consumed, especially when it can be shared with your community. 

It is also common to exchange small gifts for warmth like hand knitted items, but it is also a moment of preparation. Seeds, meant for spring planting, are exchanged between hands as promises of life yet to come and as symbols of renewal. Stories of past harvests and future hopes are shared like embers, passing warmth from one to another. Not only to pass the time, but to weave wisdom through the Collectivity, like roots beneath the frozen earth. In this way, the land’s cycle is honored not just in the reaping, but in the careful tending of what will grow when the thaw returns.

Some may stay awake until dawn, watching over the embers, while others drift to sleep, knowing that as long as the fire is tended, the warmth of Spring will return.