Dominion: war, the army, military power, agriculture

Title: Lord of Battle

Sacred Symbols: spear, shield

Sacred Colour: red

Sacred Animals: woodpecker, goose, barn owl, vulture, wolf, dog, boar, venomous snakes, garfish

Sacred Plants: laurel, peony, foxglove, thyme, anything with thorns or needles, anything spicy 

Sacred Jewel: ruby

Day of Worship: Tuesday 

High Feast Days: 27th of February, 17th of March, 25th of September and 23rd of October

Festival: 1st of March 

Devotees: the army and cavalry, agricultural communities, election and census officials 

Invoked for: military victory, peace through victory, protection on the battlefield, healing from wounds gained on the battlefield, safe and fair elections, protection of fields and crops  

Temple: The main Temple of Mars is in the city of Calavon in the Eastlands. There is no temple to Mars in Camden; the nearest is in the town of Sudforth on the other side of Camden Bridge, and it is located in Herald Square.

Initiation: It is only possible to be initiated into the Temple of Mars during times of war or military conflict. Everyone who joins the army at this time becomes an initiate of Mars, although the exact details are secret. 

Merged with: Noddo, the Tirathic god of healing, and Tiw, the Saxon god of war 

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Mars is one of the most highly respected and revered gods, because his strength and dignity protect the kingdom. It is easy to take him for granted during long periods of peace, such as we have enjoyed for many years, but should we go to war, the Temple of Mars would be packed with people praying for victory, peace, and the safe return of their loved ones from the battlefield.

Just as young girls make a donation at the Temple of Venus for beauty when they reach puberty, so do boys pray to Mars for strength and courage upon attaining the age of fourteen. The Temple of Mars is particularly popular with men of Castilian and Moorish descent, since they are more likely to join the army.    

There are not many temples to Mars in Lindensea, although you will find a few in country villages, where people rely on him to protect their crops from disease and damage. No doubt these were originally dedicated to the Tirathic god Noddo, who was appealed to in times of disease, whether human, or affecting crops and livestock.  

Apart from these, temples of the god Mars are in towns and cities with ties to the army. The main temple is in Calavon in the Eastlands, fifty miles from Camden. This city is the main military base in the kingdom, and the Temple of Mars is in the grounds of Calavon Castle, the headquarters of the Royal Army of Lindensea. It is surrounded by beautiful fields and woods, which is used as the parade grounds and training area.      

The nearest temple of Mars to Camden is in the town of Sudforth, which has a garrison of soldiers. It may be found on Herald Square, which sits beside the River Tayo overlooking a small chain of islands. The huge white marble temple is two storeys high with red tiled roof and a massive stone courtyard so that entire regiments may gather there. 

As well as merging with that of Noddo, worship of Mars merged with the Saxon god of war, Tiw. The month of March is dedicated to Mars, and from Tiw comes Tuesday, the day of the week sacred to the god.     

 ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅