Eri, the (Sisters of)

Eri, the (Sisters of) RELIGION AND BELIEF — A religious order. The Eri are a sect of seers, all female, who divine using natural herbs and stores. Also known as the Sisters of Eri, members of the order use the prefix Eri, from an ancient word meaning awake, before their given name. Generally a peaceful group, though worthy of respect and deference, the Eri are typically visited for medical purposes, endangered pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, and general hexes to thwart misfortune, or spells for luck. Their abilities, culled mostly from the natural things of land and water, are mostly shrouded in secrecy, as they do not want attention. However, they do not secret themselves as the → Edöné do and rather choose to be an active part of the communities in which they live. Though uncommon, the Eri have a history of being dangerous when cross. The Eri’s origins are unknown, but their three Matriarchs are → Eri-Sofia (a goddess of intentional love), → Eri-Timley (a goddess of wisdom), and → Eri-Staint (a goddess of strength). These three Matriarchs are believed to be divinely purposed by the → Weeping Mother Tree, the mother of all life and guardian of travelers, both weary and lost. The Weeping Mother Tree, though believed to be the Creator → Mother, is only one of many token spirits the sisters use in their work. Though the Eri do employ incantations and religious rituals in many of their rites, their true power comes from the secret things found in the natural world, many of which have both medicinal value, as in treating ailments and health related issues, and hallucinogen properties that may induce a trance state.