[Hisana]

[Disaster] Cult of the Storm Moderation and mercy. RELIGION'S DEITY: Susanoo-no-Mikoto TEMPLE LOCATION: Just About Anywhere VILLAGE LOYALTY: Just About Any Do not tempt the Storm. Instead of being a cult devoted to destruction, The Cult of the Storm brings the worship of Susanoo-no-Mikoto as one of the eldest, and grandest of the gods. Embodying the storm he is sure to bring destruction wherever he goes, but such things are just a part of nature. Creation also requires Destruction, but the force can be moderated through prayer and sacrifice. Members of cult express Susanoo as a dangerous force, but a noble and honorable one, felling the old trees to make room for new growth. They collect offerings of physical value, be it gold, ryo, or barrels of rice or sake. They use their powers to keep communities willing to make these sacrifices safer from wild storm seasons. This religion can be found anywhere, though it tends to be most popular in regions where storms abound.  Costal regions and island nations find these priests to be common, while land locked regions prone to violent storm seasons also see them popping up to ply their trade. RELIGION LAWS 1: Daily Prayers: Members of the Cult of the Storm pray once per day, at either dawn or dusk. They must also say a small prayer for mercy whenever they are confronted by a natural storm. 2: Do not Follow the Sage's Path:  Cultists do not practice Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. 3: Moderation: Taking a lesson from the destruction caused by their god, Members of the Cult must practice, and should preach, moderation in life. They may enjoy themselves but should avoid over indulgence, or becoming too lax in their duties. 4: Be of Benefit: While a storm brings destruction, it is not without benefit. As a cleansing of weak and old trees leaves more room in a forest for healthier trees to grow, so too can the cult’s destructive side be used for the betterment of civilizations. Among their duties is, of course, proselytizing over the greatness and importance of Susanoo. More importantly, this means a follower is obligated to intercede on a human settlement’s behalf should they be willing to make a sacrifice to Susanoo. These sacrifices can be anything of monetary value, like precious metals, art pieces, or just money, and may include still living animals, but not dead ones. 5: Show Mercy: The cult has worked hard to portray itself as a benefit to villages and cities alike. Though they are not afraid to express their power, or warn others from angering the storm, they should as often as they are able, spare others. Especially those willing to make offerings to Susanoo’s cult. While a follower of the cult is not forbidden from killing, doing so when not necessary is sure to earn Susanoo’s ire. 6: Tithe: You will donate 10% of your income to the Cult. Along with this is a slight stigma in most lands with the priests and priestess showing too much wealth. In the spirit of moderation, cultists should dress modestly, if nicely, and keep their adornments relatively modest. Most members tend towards kimono or shozoku.  This rule covers income the cultist earns, not donations made to Susanoo.  It is especially important for cultists employed by shinobi villages.  7: Greet all storms: Cultists must walk out into any storm they are able to hear, if they’re able. To do this a follower will physically go outside when they notice it is raining, allow the rain to wet their hair some, and lift both their hands skywards with their palms up. They’ll remain there as long as they like, though need only get their hair and hands damp before they can consider it done. This rule must be followed if the cultist is doing anything unimportant or of only minor importance, however if the cultist is physically unable to get outside or is too busy with something of dire importance, they can whisper a prayer and continue on with their day. RELIGION STRUCTURE The home of this religion is on the island of Kiba no Senpu (lit: Fangs of the Whirlwind), a spire-like mountain jutting out of almost constantly storm tossed seas in the far south-east of Whirlpool country.  While this was their home, lesser temples and shrines to Susanoo can be found almost anywhere. Mei: The Bright, or the Enlightened. There are Four of these in the cult at any one time and they essentially serve as bureaucratic overseers ensuring the donations gathered by the cult make their way to the church. They do little field work, but are often the oldest and most experienced of the cultists, and hold considerable powers, and favor from the Storm God. Kaminari no ko: Storm Children Children of the Storm have achieved a special status among the clergy.  Not only are they priests, these cultists have joined a shinobi village as a part of their military.  Nothing really changes for these cultists, except their loyalty is permitted to be of a single village above all others.  They are still expected to gather donations and spread the message of the faith, and they generally hold the same status and duties of other Kiyomeru. There is only ever one of these per shinobi village. Kiyomeru: Purifiers Lieutenants among the field agents of the cult, there is generally a Kiyomeru overseeing many other Atsumeru in their region. Generally there is one of these for a very large city, or one of these for a few or many smaller villages or towns clustered near each other. Atsumeru: Gathers The most common rank for members of the cult, Atsumeru tend to wander, proselytize, and collect donations to placate the storm god.  They are the lowest ranking cultists, but they are still full fledged priests.  It is not uncommon for merchant ships to bring an Atsumeru along with them, and treat them well, as they travel from port to port. Kumomeru: Little Clouds Acolytes still in training.  They tend to be taught by Kiyomeru, or study in the Temple of Winds on Kiba no Senpu. RELIGION HISTORY Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. RELIGION ABILITIES Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. RELIGION MEMBERS Position Name - Name Here Position Name - Name Here Position Name - Name Here Position Name - Name Here