Ryala is the Regent Court virginal goddess of true love, beauty, and purity. She is the daughter of Castellos and Esmaryal and the sister of Adean. It is said that Ryala has the highest count of avatars to this date and that many wars have been caused under her name. Ryala is also the creator of the deity Minara, who was originally an avatar of hers who she turned into the goddess of lesser love and celebrations.
Appearance
Ryalas classical depiction is of a beautiful woman, clad in an almost glowingly white dress. Golden rings, flowers, and the Ryalan Heart symbol usually accompany her. Her appearance frequently varies between different regions and times, as she is representing the ideal beauty. A depiction of Ryala in a pre-landing temple in Esmaria will look considerably different from a depiction in a contemporary temple in Cestirmark.
History
Cannorian Myth
According to the Cannorian Creation Myth, Ryala was created by Castellos and Esmaryal from the massive energies released during The Godswar. Immediately taking the side of her father Castellos in the war, she inherited part of the fallen goddess Hedine's former powers, and domains, sparking an eternal rivalry between the two.
The Interregnum
The Order of The Unblemished Maiden was established in the year 1208 by Leithia the First, to spread the virtues of Ryala across Esmaria. Initially formed to aid the defense of the Duchy of Ryalanar, the order gained land in Loveswood and became the militant arm of the Ryalan Temple. In 1270, after Ryalanar fell into the hands of the Duke of Themarenn, the order joined forces with the temple in a revolt that resulted in the overthrow of the Duke. Since then, the order has served as the standing guard and military force of the Ryalan Temple.
Following the Temple's sovereignty, a statute called "The Ryalan Privilege" was enacted. Negotiated by Priestess Kerstie of Tretun, it granted the Temple the right to govern Ryalanar Proper and Loveswood in exchange for blessing all Emperors' weddings and providing final authority on matters of marriage legitimacy and divorce among the Anbennarian nobility.
Era of Greentide
During the Era of Greentide, Ryala gained a significant following in the newly formed nation of Ravenmarch and caught the attention of The Sisterhood of Ryala's Smile. They were a religious organization that was dedicated to upholding the tenets of Ryala, even among orcs and goblins, who were considered evil by most temples at the time.
During the reformative movement of Corinite beliefs in Ravenmarch, the Sisterhood had embraced the ideals of Corin. However, their devotion to Ryala and the death god Nerat remained strong, forming a triarchy of faith that emphasized life, war, and death.
The Lovelost Schism
As the discovery of Castellos death, and the Corinite Wars that followed raged through Cannor the entire Regent Court faith was divided. The Temple of Ryala wasn't an exception, and the Ryalan Temples were split between the Corinite and Adeanic factions.
The schism is believed to have originated as a dispute over the marriage rituals practiced by the Escanni people, which were deemed invalid by the Temple of Ryala. This declaration by the temple was seen as a dismissal of decades of established tradition and ceremonial practices.
The crux of the disagreement lay in the stark contrast between the viewpoints of the Temple of Ryala and the Escanni. The temple advocated for strict adherence to formal and rigid marriage rituals, emphasizing the importance of following prescribed procedures. They argued that deviating from these rituals would undermine the sanctity and significance of marriage.
On the other hand, the Escanni population, driven by a desire to prioritize genuine and authentic love, felt that the existing rituals were excessively austere, lacking warmth and emotional connection. They believed in celebrating love in its truest form, valuing the essence of the relationship over adherence to rigid ceremonial practices. To them, the rituals seemed impersonal and detached from the genuine experiences and emotions of the couples involved.
The schism developed into a deep divide between the nobles and urban, wealthier followers of the Empire of Anbennar, and the more rustic, rural population of Escann. The urbanites, who were generally more traditional in their outlook, sought to maintain the existing social order, where physical beauty was predominantly associated with those who had the means to conform to societal beauty standards.
In contrast, the rural followers held more progressive views, seeing beauty as a quality accessible to anyone regardless of their social standing or material resources. They rejected the notion that beauty should be confined to external appearances and emphasized the importance of inner beauty, such as kindness, integrity, and compassion. For them, beauty was a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, open to all individuals, regardless of their background or economic status. They argued that the traditional Ryalan doctrine made sure that “beauty” was exclusive and limited to those who could afford it, reinforcing existing hierarchies and granting privileges to the elite.
In an effort to address the internal tension and division caused by the Lovelost Schism, the Temple of Ryala undertook a significant step towards reconciliation. Recognizing the validity and value of the Escanni traditions and philosophies, the temple decided to incorporate them into its broader teachings.
Temple of Heavenly Matrimony
As the Ravelian faith started gaining ground in both Cannor and Aelantir, some temples of the Regent Court converted wholly to the new faith. One of those temples would become the main branch of converted Ryalans, and renamed themselves The Temple of Heavenly Matrimony. It is considered a sacred institution within the Ravelian faith. It upholds the sanctity of marriage as one of the highest expressions of devotion to both God and one's partner.
With the transition of some Ryalan Temples into the Ravelian faith and the canonization of Ryala as a saint, the high priesthood made a significant decision to rename the temple. This renaming emphasizes the profound significance of the act of matrimony itself, redirecting the focus towards the devotion and commitment shared between spouses, rather than solely on the former goddess Ryala.
Contemporary Criticism
One of the central issues raised by modern critics is the expectation imposed on young women to conform to specific beauty ideals. The Ravelian Valorman professor Eduardo Morellsi argues in his 1895 essay "Body and Soul", that the emphasis on physical appearance within the temples of Ryala can contribute to what he calls “dysmorphophobia”. A condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance. The relentless pursuit of physical beauty, as promoted within these spaces, can lead to an unhealthy obsession with attaining unrealistic standards of attractiveness.
This, in turn, can contribute to the development of depression and other mental health issues. Eduardo argues that the temples' focus on outer beauty detracts from recognizing and valuing women's diverse qualities and achievements beyond their appearance. By excessively emphasizing physical attractiveness, the temples perpetuate a narrow and limiting view of womanhood, disregarding the multifaceted nature of individual identities and experiences.
Relationships
Ryala is the daughter of Castellos and Esmaryal, and the brother of Adean. This familiarity also extends to her mortal followers and temples, and they all maintain close relations.
This is equally true towards Minara, as she is a part of Ryala herself. Even though many assume their temples are opposed in their teachings, they both recognize they represent two different sides of the same whole and choose to work in tandem, united against their common enemy.
Ryalas most ancient enemy is the archdevil Hedine, the fallen former goddess of joy and celebration, turned Mistress of Lust. She thrives on corrupting and defiling the purity and beauty in the mockery of Ryala and Minara both.
Religion
Avatars
Ryala would split her powers with a mortal Avatar known as Minara. She took the responsibilities of celebrations, and joy, and lesser love so that Ryala could dedicate herself to beauty, true love, and purity.
The second most famous Avatar of Ryala, second to Minara, was Laurenne Ryalan. She would trigger an all-out war between several nations due to her otherworldly beauty. She would commit suicide by falling on her dead husband's sword, suffering total heartbreak after finding him slain in battle due to the war.
Other legends of the avatars of Ryala also reveal that men have gone to great lengths to win their favor. In a notable conflict between the Duchies of Cestirande and Istralore, the Emperor intervened and declared a contest of affection to settle the matter. The avatar herself would choose her suitor, marking the first diplomatic solution to a conflict for the hand of a Ryalan avatar.
The River Ryal
The springtime floods of the Ryal River in old Ryalanar hold a significant place in the religious and cultural beliefs of the region and are also believed to be a source of many of Ryalas avatars. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs during spring thawing when the Ryal River overflows its banks, reaching heights nearly twice as high as nearby rivers. The consistent and predictable nature of these floods has led many to consider them more than just a natural occurrence but a holy event.
The significance of the floods goes beyond their religious connotations. The consistent nature of the flooding has gained the attention of natural scientists within the Empire. Through meticulous observation and study, they have been able to predict the river levels during floods with remarkable accuracy, often within an infinitesimal margin of error. This scientific understanding has further reinforced the belief in the sacred nature of the floods and deepened the reverence for Ryala's influence.
The villages and towns that line the banks of the Ryal River have also been witness to a notable number of avatars of Ryala throughout history. Some attribute this to the increased presence of Ryalan clergy in the area during the floods, as they gather to recognize and celebrate the emergence of these divine manifestations. Others believe that the river itself, blessed by Ryala, plays a role in attracting and guiding these avatars to the region.
The Temples
Temples dedicated to Ryala reflect the divine essence of their patron goddess. These sacred spaces are adorned with lavish halls, exquisite decorations, and a serene ambiance. Clothed in pure white fabric and adorned with fresh flowers in vibrant shades of pink and red, the temples emit a subtle perfume or incense. The colorful windows allow bright light to bathe the interiors, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Many artworks and items symbolizing beauty are displayed in these temples, celebrating the divine manifestation in the material world. They are usually designed so that you can always gaze upon the large depiction of Ryala at its center. Symbolizing her ever present beauty in all things.
Priesthood
The Temple of Ryala traditionally only allows women to serve as priestesses. They are most often dressed in pure white robes or habits, with red or pink accent colors. Many also wear flowers as part of their clerical dress. Their hair is uncovered, or covered with a thin white veil, and is made up in complex and intricate styles.
The Temple of Ryala welcomes all women who wish to learn about Ryalan values and traditions. Ryalan temples often function as informal schools for aspiring courtiers, and those who prove their beauty and purity may join in the ranks of Ryala's faithful. While the priestess's primary duty revolves around officiating marriages and blessing young couples, their responsibilities extend beyond ceremonial functions. Ryalan priestesses actively strive to ensure the longevity and strength of love between couples. They serve as marriage counselors, offering guidance and support to couples seeking to rekindle their love or navigate challenging times. Additionally, priests provide similar services to individuals who have experienced heartbreak or lost hope in finding love. Some temples even organize gatherings of lonely or heartbroken individuals to foster connections and ignite love within their community. The Ryalan Temple is also traditionally the final authority on matters of divorce and marriage legitimacy, especially amongst the Noble class.
Art and beauty hold particular significance within the Ryalan Temple, as they are considered the creation and manifestation of the divine in the material realm. Inspired moments of artistic fervor are often seen as gifts from Ryala, a way for her to infuse beauty into the world. Priestesses of Ryala are all accomplished artists in their chosen disciplines, and aspiring initiates must create a single piece of "true beauty" as a final test before being ordained as priestesses. They must also be deemed beautiful and pure, from the inside and out.
While Ryalan followers value physical beauty, the priestesses of Ryala also emphasize the cultivation of inner beauty. They assist each follower in discovering and nurturing the unique qualities that make them beautiful. All priestesses are sworn to refrain from judging individuals based on appearance or behavior, as the Ryalan Temple views true beauty as an ongoing journey rather than a static destination.
The Temple of Ryala acknowledges that true love encompasses more than just romantic relationships. It also encompasses the passion for artistic pursuits, the platonic love between friends, and the love for one's work, among other manifestations. Ryalan priestesses are encouraged to promote and cultivate these diverse aspects of true love within their followers. Though many see their primary divine calling as pure romantic love.
Priestesses of Ryala are traditionally not allowed to marry or engage in physical intimacy as long as they serve the Temple. While love is encouraged, purity and beauty are also of equal importance. It is therefore common for priestesses to graduate from their duties and start serving another temple, most often the Temple of Esmaryal, as they start families. This isn’t considered sinful or shameful by either Temple but is regarded as a natural evolution of pure love.
Followers
Within the followers of Ryala, a clear distinction exists between urban and wealthier adherents and their more rustic rural counterparts. Urban followers often prioritize external beauty and its enhancement, while rural communities emphasize inner beauty.
Typical offerings to Ryala are objects of beauty, like art pieces, gems, jewelry, or flowers. Incense and perfumes are also often offered at her altars.
Followers are expected to foster and nurture love and beauty in everything they do. To spread the manifestation of Ryalas divinity across the physical world. They are also expected to hold themselves to values of chastity, temperance, and purity. Defiling or violating something of beauty is looked upon very harshly by the temples, and is often grounds for punishment within the temples.
The typical follower of Ryala is a young woman looking to maintain her beauty, courtiers looking to stand out in court, and couples in love. However, many Ryalan followers are artists, sculptors, and performers looking for inspiration or a muse. You might also find gardeners or landscapers devoting their gardens to Ryala, or chemists making perfumes and cosmetics to honor her. Diplomats and ambassadors are also known to follow Ryala, to ensure love and peace between nations.
Rites
The Ryalan Vow
The Ryalan marriage rites are complex and practiced mainly by devout or privileged members of Cannorian society. The Ryalan Vow is recited during the marriage ceremony, invoking the blessings of Ryala. Another tradition associated with Ryalan vows is the custom of "binding bands," which originated from Castanorian soldiers following Castan II Beastbane. The twin bands symbolize true love and have become popularized as a symbol of Ryala and the first marriage rites of the Cult of Ryala.
Festival of the Vows
The Festival of the Vows is celebrated in the month of Suren and is dedicated to the union of two souls in love. During this festival, couples can renew their vows and express their undying love for each other. The festival is marked by a procession of couples, dressed in their finest attire, walking through the streets while holding hands to the cheers and salutations of onlookers. This is followed by a grand feast, where couples can share their love stories and wishes for the future.
The Purification of the Heart
The Purification of the Heart is a ceremony held on the first Sorrowday of Castanmark, where followers reflect on their past mistakes, love and seek forgiveness. During this ceremony, followers immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Ryal River, symbolizing the washing away of their sins, flaws and imperfections. Priestesses offer prayers and blessings to those seeking to purify their hearts, helping them to find inner peace and forgiveness.
The Dance of Love
The Dance of Love is a ritual held early in the month of Yshdament. It is a time to celebrate the beauty and power of dance in expressing love and affection. During this ritual, followers dance together in pairs, symbolizing the harmony and balance that love brings. The dance is guided by the priestesses, who offer blessings and encouragement to those seeking to deepen their connection with their partners.
Beauty Celebration
During the Beauty Celebration, young women from various backgrounds and classes come together to participate. They showcase their talents, kindness, and devotion to the temple. Instead of focusing solely on physical appearance, the festival encourages participants to demonstrate their unique qualities and virtues that embody the teachings of the Ryalan Temple.
The selection process is carried out with great care and respect, as the festival aims to choose the most deserving woman. The chosen woman is then honored by leading the temple's ceremonies as an embodiment of the temple's core values and teachings. Many poor or low-class women spend much of their young lives preparing for their one Beauty Celebration, as the temple's chosen women, are often the subject of affection for noble or rich men looking for a potential wife. More than one of Ryalas avatars has also been discovered during the celebrations.