Dione

Titles: Lady of the Silver Vow, Keeper of Quiet Hearts, The Rose in Still Water

Symbol: Two interwoven silver rings resting upon a calm pool

Partnership is most sacred when freely chosen. Harmony is most sacred when intentionally maintained. Tranquility is most sacred when cherished by all. - Holy Mother Yreldia, 1337-3A

The Five Bonds of Devotion

All clergy teach these principles. Married devotees often take formal vows to uphold at least two within their own unions.

1. The Vow is Living

Marriage is not a single promise but an ongoing act
Words spoken in ceremony must be upheld in conduct
Renewal of vows is encouraged throughout life

Dione’s faith places immense weight on spoken oaths of love.

2. Love Requires Work

Patience is holier than passion
Listening is an act of devotion
Conflict resolved peacefully strengthens bonds

Followers are taught that tranquillity is cultivated, not accidental.

3. Harmony Over Pride

Apology is not weakness
Forgiveness restores balance
Stubbornness corrodes affection

Clergy often serve as mediators in disputes both domestic and political.

4. Shelter the Union

Protect marriage from external harm
Guard private matters from public scorn
Defend the sanctity of home

A household is considered a sacred space under Dione’s gaze.

5. Love Extends Beyond Romance

Familial devotion is holy
Deep friendship is worthy of blessing
Communities thrive through mutual care

Dione’s temples frequently act as centers of charity and reconciliation.

Moral Tendencies

Most followers lean:

Neutral Good among common folk
Lawful Good among officiants and magistrates
Occasionally Chaotic Good among romantics who prioritize love over rigid custom

Dione values consent and sincerity above strict tradition.

Worship and Practice

Temples are warm, welcoming, and filled with soft light.

Common practices include:

Public wedding ceremonies
Annual vow renewal festivals
Quiet evening prayer circles
Mediation sessions overseen by clergy
Blessings for new homes

Fresh flowers and still water are common temple features, symbolizing living affection and calm stability.

Sacred Rituals

The Joining of Rings

The formal marriage rite
Rings are warmed over a gentle flame before being exchanged
The couple speaks personal vows before witnesses

The Calmness

A guided ritual to resolve deep conflict
Each partner speaks without interruption while holding a silver thread

Taboos

Forcing marriage without consent
Breaking vows casually
Public humiliation of one’s partner
Manipulating affection for power
Exploiting love to control another

The gravest sin in Dione’s faith is betrayal of trust.

Clergy Structure

Hearth Acolyte - Initiate
Silver Officiant - Ceremonial Hosts
Rosewarden - Church / Chapel Officiant
High Matron or High Patron of the Hearth

Clergy are often calm, empathetic, and skilled in diplomacy.

Clerics / Paladins of Dione as Adventurers

They speak gently but firmly
They avoid escalating conflict
They defend their loved ones fiercely
They believe reconciliation is almost always possible

In an adventuring party, a cleric or paladin of Dione might:

Mediate disputes between companions
Advocate mercy when anger flares
Perform small blessings before dangerous journeys
Maintain correspondence with loved ones back home

“Gentle Lady of the Heart,
Let our words be kind,
Our tempers steady,
And our vows unbroken.”