The New Religion
The gods didn't use to have religion. It was really just mortals who worshiped what they believed in, but now that gods have some existentialism and there is a lot less certainty in our world they need something to believe in. Here's some words you might hear thrown about and what they mean:
The Voyager
Her real name is Silena Beauregard. Our older sister and the only person I've ever met with a true conscience. After she died, she left the Underworld to try and find where gods and missing souls go. Everyone is waiting for her to return. And she will. For me if nothing else.
The War of Divinity
You were little when this happened. This is basically when we discovered divinity could be transferred to others and gods could be killed. Gaea and the giants attacked while Kronos tried some underhanded tactics, but ultimately, we came out with some steady peace. It's the kicking off point for the New Religion.
The Prophets
There are three prophets that have predicted three futures for you to choose from: Rachel Dare, Octavian Abbott, and Drew Tanaka.
The Heretic
This is what they call me. I'm what the others consider 'anti-god' so the name is a bit of a joke. And here's the thing, I don't hate the gods, exactly. I just don't believe they should have divinity. Especially when they divinity could cure monsters. Sue me.
Cabins
Places of worship for those who follow the new religion. Only those who have a key can get inside the Cabins and typically sacred items are inside. No blood or ichor can be spilled once inside. Ironically, Camp Half-Blood is considered the most sacred place in the New Religion because our original cabin is still there.
The Lost Child of Aphrodite
This is you, kid. Lost because we tried to keep you away from everything once we realized how important you are. I won't say why... yet.
The Three Prophecies
Rachel's Prophecy (Supported by Hazel)
The noble sacrifice for the brave
Allowing those wrongly turned to be saved
The lost child will stand between
Sea and sky before sixteen.
The world continues with free will
But the tapestry will remain still.
Religious Branches
I keep talking about these prophecies and such. Everything ties back to them to an extent. A few labels you might hear...
Antichrists: Followers of Drew's prophecy and supporters of Bianca's side of the war. They are often represented by an X.
Reformists: Followers of Rachel's prophecy and supporters of Hazel's side of the war. They are represented by a forward facing arrow.
Restorists: Followers of Octavian's prophecy and supporters of Nico's side of the war. They are represented by a backwards arrow.
Sometimes it changes how people worship a bit, but really it just shows allegiance. Some other symbols you might look our for are doves carrying trident refer to the New Religion in general. A Pegasus represents Camp Half-Blood and Greeks. A laurel means the Romans, Hyllara, and Camp Jupiter.
Some Miscellaneous Things:
Evelyn's Prayer
You'll hear gods use this as a generic prayer - especially if they are looking for mercy. Prayers can just be them talking, but this one is special and the most sacred. It was named after my sister.
Some Weird Traditions
Gods wear pink ribbons with the idea if they die, it is easier for Silena to find them in whatever afterlife. They'll also have tattoos of things she said on them. And get this, we have TRADING CARDS. Because of course we do. The idea is that gods carry these cards in their pocket that bring them protection or cause curses. For example, if you get a Voyager card? Good! You're safe! If you stumble across my card? Ha. Look out, apparently.
Funny how desperately they tie themselves to these things when suddenly their deaths are on the table. I wonder if they ever think about the thousands of children who lived like this at their mercy before all of this?
Funerals
If a god does die, you may need to help put them at rest. Gods can only be officially buried if a child of Aphrodite presides over a funeral. But, you know, up to you if you actually want to do it.
Holidays
Yes, we have holidays and various celebrations. Not sure what it accomplishes, but sure. A couple include, your birthday, Silena's birthday and the day she died, and when I... did certain things. There are also certain days Drew, Rachel, and Octavian are all celebrated for some reason. Not that Octavian ever looks forward to his celebration since I always make it such a point to attend.
Something to know about Octavian is he is a person of interest since he technically 'sent the Voyager off' aka he killed her. Some people think he's a hero, though nobody is quite brave enough to say that around me. At any rate, his celebrations are usually attempted to held in secret since I like to stop by so often.