The Court of Four

=The Court of Four=

The Court of Four is the oldest religion on Markoth. No one knows how it formed, though some believe that the fey also worshipped these four gods. Others believe it's a folk religion that eventually formed up into an organised belief after centuries. What is known is that four gods preside, each representing different traits. Together each of these gods unite to form the court.

Beliefs
There are four gods in the Court of Four, each with its own aspect. The gods of the Court are represented in art in both male and female forms. There is no use of the word "goddess" to Royalists; "god" is a gender-neutral term to them.

Markoth, the Wise (White/Grey)
God of Air and Spring. Markoth represents parenthood, growth, nurturing, wildness, perseverance and life. Markoth is often depicted as a parent, often with a crown or other symbol of rule.

Bran, the Bold (Red/Yellow)
God of Fire and Summer. Bran represents sensuality, desire, passion, courage, glory and power. Bran is often depicted as a armour clad female knight without a helmet.

Vance, the Learned (Green/Brown)
God of Earth and Autumn. Vance represents learning, magic, logic, cunning, patience and imagination. Vance is often depicted as a robed mage with a book in one hand.

Asha, the Merciful (Blue/Black)
God of Water and Winter. Asha represents mercy, healing, dreams, foreknowledge, wisdom and rest (both sleep and death). Asha is often depicted as a cowled and robed androgynous figure with a fortune-telling instrument (dependant on culture) in outstretched hands.

There are no particular tenets for priests of the Court to adhere to; rather they are seen as paragons and symbols of virtues to strive for.

Symbols
The primary symbol of the Court of four is an intricate knotwork design with four distinct but equal parts. Symbols include: a square with a circle looped around it a cross with all four points being equidistant four-pointed star (similar to that on a compass) Each god has individual symbols too, the most common ones being a tree or mountain for Markoth, a sword or fire for Bran, a book or spear for Vance, and a flower or bell for Asha. It is rare for a priest of the Court to use only one god's symbol.