Stratos

Stratos, God of the Sun
Excerpted from the Book of the True Path:

From above, His radiance illuminates us. From below, he fuels the hearth that warms us. From within, he grants us the power to show mercy. From all around us, he is the wind that cools, the rain that slakes thirst, and the sun that gives life. He is everywhere. He is Truth.

Stratos guides us. His light burns through darkness and deceit to reveal the Path.

Stratos provides for us. He feeds us with healthy crops and shelters us with warm homes.

Stratos forgives us, for we are flawed. He grants us His mercy so we may grant mercy to those who have earned it.

To Lord Stratos we pray:

Great Lord of the Sun,

You burn away the darkness and reveal truth. You make fertile our lands and grant plenty. You provide what is needed and take nothing.

For those who are cold, you give warmth. For those who are hungry, you give nourishment. For those who are sinful, you show mercy.

Your will is our mission. Your wisdom our guide. Your glory our message.

SYMBOLS
The blazing sun is the most common of Stratos' holy symbols. It is typically yellow in color with a thin orange outline. It is generally worn in the center of the chest on a tunic, tabard, or similar article of clothing.
 * Blazing Sun.
 * Burning hearth.

The burning hearth is a less grandiose symbol that is used on holy objects, official writings, or other devices. It has become common for people to place this symbol above the threshold of their residence, believing it will bring harmony to their home. This practice has even spread to followers of other deities.

COLORS

 * White and Gold. Occasionally yellow and orange as well.

HOLIDAYS

 * Serenus 21 - The longest day of the year.
 *  Deepchill 21 - The shortest day of the year.
 * Thawing 21 and Sojourn 21 - Days of balance.

Serenus 21 is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. It is the day when the sun brightens the Primordian sky longer than any other. It is logical that Stratos followers revere this day above all others. The celebration begins on Serenus 19 and includes grand parties, feasts, and many other forms of reverie. The three day celebration begins with a brief sunrise service and ends every night at sunset. It is rumored, however, that when the sun goes down a more passionate type of celebration takes place behind closed doors both in the temples and the private residences of devout worshippers. This is the primary holiday for followers of Stratos.

Deepchill 21 is a time of mourning and atonement for the followers of Stratos. All followers are expected to attend service during this day and make some type of self-improvement resolution. These resolutions take many forms, but they are publicly declared and followers are expected to make great effort not to falter in the following months. After the resolution is declared, a priest marks the worshipper's right hand with ash from a cold hearth. The most devout followers fast until this mark wears off naturally.

Thawing 21 (The Spring Balance) and Sojourn 21 (The Fall Balance). These are the dates when day and night are of equal length. During the Spring Balance, priests of Stratos and priests of Faeyora hold joint services with balance as the theme. Farmers seek out Stratos and Faeyoran clerics to bless the planting of crops and to ensure good weather. The Fall Balance holiday is shared with Rexelios, God of the Harvest. Followers of both faiths join in celebration of the harvest and thank both Gods for the bounty that they receive.

BELIEFS
Followers of Stratos endeavor to be honest and merciful in their dealings with others. They understand that since all mortals are fallible and flawed this goal is an aspirational ideal. They also understand that not everyone deserves mercy - particularly those who are deemed blasphemous or unredeemable in Stratos' eyes. They also do not believe that Stratos would want their beliefs to be used as a weapon against them, so they are willing to lie in extreme circumstances if someone is attempting to manipulate their faith for impure purposes.

Many followers spend a great deal of time studying and analyzing the weather. They believe Stratos sends messages through the patterns of weather and sometimes uses it to directly express approval or dissatisfaction.

Devout families hold a nightly devotional before the hearth in their homes. During this time each member of the family shares what they did that day and how they feel Stratos would have judged them. This ritual is believed to bring members of the family closer to their God and to each other. Blasphemous heathens jokingly refer to this tradition as a "Hearth-to-Hearth" chat, but know better than to use this mocking term in front of an actual worshipper.