Religion in Wheatstan

“..let not judgement stay the hand that provides, for all folk are capable of great acts of the Divine as they are the Profane. All have need of help whether for the body or the soul and whether it is known to them or not, that is the role of the Shepherd to provide, guide and protect the flocks of the Divine...” -Unknown. Reminder chant of the Shepherds of the Divine’s Flock, often misquoted.

The Church of The Divine’s Flock

The Church of the Divine’s Flock, more informally known as The Divine’s Flock, is barely considered a church, more closely resembling a guild of Shepherds and Farmers. This is deliberate as many years ago before Wheatstan became the state it is today, the old church of The Golden Empire had become corrupt having gained too much power and influence, causing great strife and division amongst its people. After the fall of The Golden Empire, the stripping of the old church of all its wealth and positions and the changing of cultures in the lands of Saxum, a new church rose to prominence in what would become Wheatstan.

Initially formed by the largely forgotten farmers and land workers after the collapse of the old church, who feared repeating the excesses of the previous order, it was established that only working folk of the land would be allowed to hold positions in the church. They established that these practitioners must be able to provide and sustain themselves practically, without needing to take from the general populace, and they must also be able to give to those in need.

This meant the ideal role for a practitioner was a Shepherd, although not exclusive to this, as there are many orchards, farms, and fishing related roles. 'The Shepherd' captures the imagination of the folk, and marries the religious ideals of the newly emerging Wheatstan with an image the people could palate. The name stuck and even informed the new church's identity, becoming 'The Church of the Divine’s Flock' and its practitioners gaining the title of Shepherds. Although the Shepherds are largely sheep herders they can have many roles, which can be confusing to those outside of Wheatstan.

It is often said the Shepherds give up their own families to provide for the folk in all of Wheatstan, but family is a strong presence and many families support their kin who become Shepherds by providing herds and homes they would otherwise be unable to keep on their own and making known they have a Shepherd in the family so the community as a whole can help maintain their home and flock. This is reciprocated by the “Host of the Traveler”, a set of guidelines directing Shepherds to open their homes to weary travelers and the needy, and to always have hospitality available. Often Shepherds will leave their homes unlocked and open when away, foregoing personal effects. These waypoints are held sacred and abuse of such charity is considered an act of the Profane. Such Profanity is treated harshly by the whole community with an outpouring of anger towards the guilty, who would steal what's freely given.

Beliefs and Practices of The Divine’s Flock

The Shepherds practice faith in the Divine, through humility and pragmatism, providing shelter and sustenance, for the body and the soul, to all who require it, whether in solitude or company. Their estates, bothies, farmsteads, huts and makeshift shelters are mostly found in the fields, forests, and orchards of Wheatstan, with the cities and towns acting as hubs for any Shepherds passing through or trading.

Belief

The Shepherds' core principles are that The Divine has provided all the bounty in the world, and to covet it is an act of the Profane. This is not an act of charity taking from those who have and giving to those who have not, all people at all levels are expected to be able to generate something and share what they have. Those who manage their resources properly are more able to provide and are therefore discouraged from wastefulness. The Shepherds believe through communal uplifting, the whole of society can become closer to the Divine and further from the Profane. This is a core belief of Wheatstone, but where the family ties are strongest and influence the folk on who and how they share, the Shepherds are expected to be exemplars and practice this with everyone they encounter.

The tenets the Shepherds live their lives by are:

• Be helpful, but mindful enough to know when it will cause more harm.
• Be prepared, but know not to be wasteful.
• Be open, but never be taken for a fool.
• Be willful, to be able to direct the flock.
• Be vigilant, to guard the flock from its own profanity.
• Be strong, to protect the flock from predators.
• Be smart, to guide the flock through hard times.

Practice

The Divine’s Flock practice by extolling the virtues of charity and kindness, of supporting and being supportive, offering counselling and guidance, but also teaching on the virtues of self-sufficiency, not being a burden or expecting charity without offering in return. These teachings form the core of all practice, whether it be weddings, births, funerals, festivals celebrations, or those seeking aid.

A common practice or service is to put out a bowl of grain, fruit, and some water, and give thanks to the Divine for the bounty to provide to those without. This food and water is available to travelers and those in need. This offering must be kept fresh for if the food goes bad this is an act of the Profane. If not taken by a traveler in need, the offering gets fed to the animals after some time, replaced when the shepherds prepare their own food. Travelers who do partake offer what they have in return, usually in service for a day or two.

Hierarchy of The Divine’s Flock

The Divine’s Flock is organized around apprentices, with each Shepherd taking on one or more, who are trained in a profession alongside the duties of the Shepherds. Apprentices are usually family members of the Shepherd, but can also be those of other families, as well as lost souls with nowhere to go. Many who struggle with the family intricacies, hierarchies, demands, and expectations of Wheatstan culture, but who do not reject it, also join The Divine’s Flock. The comparative freedoms and isolation, without a complete culture change, is enough to allow them to stretch out in an otherwise closed community. These apprentices will eventually take over from their Shepherds or be sent away to start new farms or herds, or to replace Shepherds in other areas who have had no apprentices.

As Shepherds gain experience, word will spread of their good deeds and also their success in business, giving them prestige amongst their fellow Shepherds. Whilst the latter might at first glance seem to be repeating the errors of the past, it in fact acts as proof that they can not only support themselves but also those that cannot. The most prestigious of Shepherds are able to entrust their farms and herds to several apprentices so that they may attend The Great Market and the Church of Saxum's council.

This dual-layer check of Divinity, being successful in both business and charitable acts, is used to appoint 'Rambling Shepherds', representatives of regions whose duty is to check in on the parishes and ensure adherence to the Divine's ideals, and to check no covetous actions are being pursued as these are viewed as acts of the Profane. Whilst the Shepherds practice acceptance and forgiveness, stemming from the need to ensure the people remain on the path of the Divine, treading the path of the Profane is something they will never accept and those who will not change their ways and repent will not be forgiven. Through these “rambling Shepherds” word of any changes to practice, amendments to the great teachings, or of other Shepherds' great deeds and misgivings are shared, fulfilling a dual function as both emissary and auditor of The Divine’s Flock.

The work and deeds done by Shepherds will all be considered at The Great Market, where they might be appointed as a Rambling Shepherd, a council member of The Market Council or even appointed to The Grand Choir of The Church of Saxum.

The Great Market and The Market Council

Once a year at the end of summer the Shepherds gather at The Great Market, a truly massive festival and market that can last for two weeks or more. The Great Market takes place in the Capital of Wheatstan, Moss Point, which doubles in size with the number of people who travel from across Wheatstan to be there. With so many family members, friends both old and new, on top of all the vendors, food and beer tents, it is said it is impossible to see the whole festival in the time it is run and that is on. The prior month's newspapers always sell very well as everybody is interested in what attractions will be on so they can plan what they want to go and see.

Initially the festival starts with celebrations, religious gatherings, feasts, and fairs. This allows the livestock to be brought in and reviewed before trade starts, it also gives chance for prospective Market Council members to meet and greet with the Shepherds whose votes they will require to get their positions. The Shepherds appointed to the Grand Choir are rarely seen at this time as their function is to remain in the Capital, but they are kept abreast of all goings on and have their own apprentices in representation should the council decide on new appointments. As the fairs come to an end, the trading begins furiously, days pass with herds changing hands, produce being redistributed, and all the business of a state market being conducted, but by this point visitors have largely returned home.

In the last few days after the majority of business has been conducted, the Shepherds and traders start to make preparations for their return journeys. This is when the Market Council is brought to order. The upcoming year is discussed, complaints and needs given voices and amendments to The Church of the Divine’s Flock teachings are argued over. All these decisions are decided on by a majority vote. It is always the last point of discussion to address new appointments for new Rambling Shepherds, members of The Grand Market Council and representatives of The Grand Choir. Prospective appointees will have their proof of good business, sustainability and adherence to the teachings of The Divine discussed and every Shepherd in attendance can voice their opinions.

To outsiders, it appears little different from the livestock bids earlier in the festival, but this organized chaos is important. The pressing need to flock home, and return to duties keeps the process moving and largely prevents any filibustering, as anyone attempting to do so is audibly deafened by hundreds of Shepherds. This gathering will then clear, leaving the Market Council to vote on all potential appointments. In truth, this has largely been decided well in advance, but final decisions are confirmed on the day, meaning no seat is guaranteed. These appointments are usually for positions on the Market Council and for new Rambling Shepherds, representatives in the Grand Choir usually keep their positions until retirement, better to ensure there is always a Wheatstan presence in The Grand Choir.

Clothing of The Divine’s Flock

Shepherds at all levels dress fairly practically, in the style of the common folk, with the additions of a stylized blanket vestment with a hole in the middle for the head. This blanket is both practical and worn ceremonially, usually a bold color with golden trim and filigree. It is not unknown for Shepherds to use their blankets to sleep in outdoors at night, then wear them for a wedding the next day, whatever the condition. Shepherds take pride in personalizing their vestments, using cloth in their favorite bright colors, adorned with patterns consistent with their regular clothing. A Shepherd might not care about a bit of dirt on their vestment, but would be proud of a pattern embroidered by a family they once helped or something that reminds them of a great act of charity.