Religions

Religion, as a fundamental aspect of human culture, plays a vital role in shaping the beliefs, values, and practices of societies across Gotha. It serves as a guiding force, offering answers to profound questions about existence, purpose, and morality. The diversity of religious expressions reflects the richness and complexity of the human experience. In every corner of the world, societies have woven their unique cultural practices and belief systems into the fabric of their religious traditions. These traditions serve as the cornerstones of identity, providing individuals with a sense of belonging and offering communities a shared framework to navigate life's challenges and celebrations.

The twelve major religious groupings on Gotha represent global systems with widespread influence and significant followings. Each religion has its own intricate set of rituals, doctrines, and sacred texts that guide its followers on matters of faith and conduct. These organized religions often have established institutions and clergy to oversee religious affairs and foster a sense of unity and purpose among their adherents. However, beyond the well-known global religions, the least advanced and populated regions of Gotha are home to a tapestry of indigenous beliefs and practices.

Akchacknism

Main article: Akchacknism

Akchacknism, a polytheistic religion, finds its divine pantheon residing in the ethereal realm of the celestial plane. From this realm, the deities manifest their presence as the shimmering stars and majestic planets that grace the night sky. Each deity is believed to govern over specific aspects of life, wielding influence over every human's existence.

The followers of Akchacknism hold deep reverence for their benevolent deities, viewing them as guardians and guides in the journey of life. They firmly believe that through rituals and devout practices, they can sway the actions of these celestial beings and seek their favour. By partaking in these sacred rituals, adherents seek to align their lives with the divine will, hoping to receive blessings and divine intervention.

One of the core tenets of Akchacknism lies in its profound belief in reincarnation. According to this belief, every human undergoes an endless cycle of birth and death, perpetually experiencing the ebb and flow of existence. However, the journey of rebirth is contingent upon the soul's purity and goodness. Souls deemed worthy ascend towards the light, embracing the potential for continued spiritual growth. Conversely, souls tainted by darkness are believed to descend into eternal obscurity.

Akchacknism encompasses a rich tapestry of rituals, beliefs, and spiritual practices that imbue the lives of its followers with profound meaning and purpose. Through their devotion and connection with the celestial deities, adherents find solace and guidance in their earthly sojourn, navigating the complexities of life and seeking enlightenment amidst the eternal dance of the stars.

Anur

Main article: Anur

Anur, known as the Anuric religions, centers around the veneration of a singular and powerful deity named Aroth. This divine being is symbolized by the radiant sun, embodying both the forces of creation and destruction.

Despite their expansiveness, the followers of Anuric religions exhibit a remarkable tolerance towards other ways of life. They maintain amicable relations with followers of different belief systems and are open to progress and change. This inclusive outlook fosters a harmonious coexistence within diverse communities.

Central to their worship practices is the gathering beneath towering obelisks, where adherents pay homage to the sun and the sacred fire. Offerings are made with reverence, acknowledging the power and significance of these cosmic forces. The rituals are often presided over by male clerics who guide the congregation through sacred ceremonies.

The Anuric religions follow a sacred text. This text serves as a guiding source of spiritual wisdom and provides moral principles for their followers to live by.

In essence, the Anuric religions encapsulate a belief system that reveres the sun as a divine entity, drawing inspiration from its dual nature as both a life-giving force and a bringer of transformative change.

Chakrana

Main article: Chakrana

Chakrana is found mostly along the northern coasts of the continent of D'Runia, primarily in modern Chaska, but it has its adherents elsewhere as well. The beliefs of this religion are diverse and multifaceted, but focus on the plurality of experiences and honours one might accomplish in this life and the next. Each of the gods put forward by the priesthoods is, in theory, the only god one will ever need; the kama, the morality they express, differs between them, and yet all are accepted under the concordat. At the same time, there are other rules one needs to follow regardless of deity of choice, chief among them ayni, or reciprocity. One repays the good done to one in one's own way; what bad one does, one will find done to one. Finally, one must realize that there is divinity in everything, in the form of wak'a, a holiness that is observed in all things wonderful.

Dlroch'veldr

Main article: Dlroch'veldr

Dlroch'veldr, the ancient monotheistic faith of the Wolgos and Eokoesr, finds its roots in the Dnkluwos island group. This belief system is said to have emerged from the fusion of various shamanistic traditions that thrived on the islands nearly four millennia ago. At its heart lies a singular male deity known as Dlrocha, credited with the awe-inspiring act of creating the universe, along with the very essence of the Wolgos themselves.

Dlrocha, though revered as the creator, is also perceived as a god of potent retribution, and his favor must be diligently sought to ensure his benevolence shines upon his followers. The Wolgos deeply understand the need to appease their vengeful deity, engaging in devoted reverence and rituals to elicit his goodwill and blessings.

This faith exhibits a fascinating syncretic nature, harmoniously weaving together an array of spiritualistic and shamanistic practices. Among these are the veneration of nature spirits, the communion with haunted Wolgos spirits, the exploration of mystical arts like magic, and the enigmatic realm of witchcraft. Such a diverse tapestry of spiritual traditions adds depth and meaning to the profound belief in Dlrocha's omnipotent presence.

Exclusively practiced by the Wolgos, 'Dlroch'veldr' leaves no room for the rest of humanity within the realm of its god's grace. Instead, it classifies all others as abominations, firmly excluding them from the fold of divine favor. In lands subjugated by the Wolgos empire, a coerced submission to 'Dlroch'veldr' becomes a form of penitence, with non-Wolgos adherents compelled to practice it under the watchful eye of their Wolgos rulers.

Erecund

Main article: Erecund

The religion of Erecund is faith with beliefs and practices centred around a diverse pantheon of gods, each personifying different aspects of the human mind, virtues, and the wonders of the natural world. Within this intricate belief system, followers find guidance, moral principles, and a profound connection to the divine.

Faith, hope, and prayer form an essential triad in the spiritual lives of Erecund adherents. Through unwavering faith in the gods, followers cultivate positivity and resilience, finding solace in the face of life's challenges. They seek divine guidance, strength, blessings, and express gratitude and devotion through heartfelt prayers.

Central to the Erecund pantheon is the god of the soul, the creator and keeper of all souls. This deity imbues newborns with a soul and, upon death, collects the souls once more. The afterlife plays a crucial role in Erecund beliefs, and the god of the soul judges each individual based on their adherence to the Erecund code. Virtuous souls find their way to the next universe, a haven where the righteous are rewarded for their goodness and continue to grow spiritually.

The Erecund pantheon consists of eight guiding gods, each representing specific aspects of the human mind and guiding souls towards self-improvement. The guidance offered by these gods empowers individuals to overcome challenges, develop virtues, and strive for continuous growth.

In the belief system of Erecund, the afterlife serves as a source of hope and purpose. The next universe, a paradise-like realm, welcomes souls who have lived virtuous lives and passed the judgment of the god of the soul. Here, the journey of spiritual growth and development continues as souls strive for further enlightenment and transcendence.

Guso

Main article: Guso

At the heart of Guso lies ancestral worship and the belief in the interconnectedness of life and death. The clergy, known as Soul Keepers, possess The Gift, enabling them to communicate with spirits residing on the other side. Guso believers find spiritual guidance through mentorship by established Soul Keepers, building lasting bonds that transcend death.

Guso promotes individualism and group ethics, emphasising love, respect, and self-development. The religion fosters a sense of belonging within extended families and guild-based clans, which are essential elements of Shanghti society. Ancestral worship is central, and Soul Keepers play a crucial role in various life events, from births to burials.

The religion has its basis in southern Altaian Lizehanist religions where ancestral worship is a central tenet. Guso rejects concepts of fate or divine intervention and embraces modern scientific theories while valuing mythological stories as alternative truths from history. Guso's dynamic nature allows for various denominations and sects to coexist peacefully and encourages interaction between different congregations.

Gathering places known as Gekijō serve as centers for worship and performance arts, blending theaters, music halls, and bars. It is mainly established in Sokoku with few followers outside, but is gaining traction in surrounding Lizehanist regions at this moment. Guso fosters curiosity and friendly competition among Soul Keepers and followers, promoting spiritual growth and development in a diverse and open religious landscape.

Izha

Main article: Izha

Izha is a monotheistic religion largely found in northern Tharna, Eastern Davai and Anaria Minor. The faith holds that Izha is the all-powerful creator and force of creation, a god that holds the pulse of all the living and creation under his grip and ever-watchful gaze. The Eye of Izha sees all, and the many eyed "Skophedan" are his agents in creation.

Izha's will is shaped by the Skophedan, who roam creation as an agent made visible to humanity, influencing and coming into communion with highly elevated beings, the Hypsbarzhan. The Skophedan are also the harbingers of the Wrath of Izha and will appear in times of great strife and to those to be punished.

Mysticism and ascetism are common elements in Izha practice. Clerics and scholars study the mysteries of the Skophedan, and fervent believers seek out their apparitions. Those worthy of Izha become one with the paradise of light radiating from the ever watchful eye while those deemed unworthy sink into the void of the eye and suffer in the eternal cold void.

Izha crusades were common against the Dragar Monopoly, Tharna and Eastern Davai. In Anaria, the crusades found little success, but in Eastern Davai and Tharna, the crusades expanded the range of the faith and swelled the number of adherents.

The Uruphan are a heretical Izha denomination that, after persecution within Izhadom, found themselves scattered as travelling communities across much of the Izzhaic world and Anaria. The Uruphan are considered heretical because of their belief in the dual eyes of Izha, the All-seeing eye of order and the Blind eye of chaos and discord.

Kin

Main article: Kin

The Kin is a monotheistic belief system centered around the worship of a single goddess, Kin Puxe, also known as the “Mother of Dawn.” It is predominantly followed in the regions surrounding the Shangti Ocean in Western Davai and Eastern Altaia, and the Shriaav people are its primary adherents. The faith originated in the Kamuran Archipelago and was spread to other lands and peoples within the influence of the Kamuran Empire, where it has served as the state religion for over a millennium.

At the heart of the Kin is a cosmological belief in Kin Puxe as the weaver of all creation. She brings order to a universe teeming with innumerable animate spirits that imbue everything, from natural processes to living beings, with a spiritual quality. Each created spirit is thought to have a purpose and intention to serve the greater whole. This spiritual presence is found in various aspects of life, such as the ebb and flow of tides, the smelting of metal, and the cycle of life, death, and decay.

The Kin aligns human society with the cosmic structure, promoting a matrilineal clan system as the most common family unit. This ensures that women play a central role in society. The belief system emphasizes understanding how to interact with other spirits in nature and aligning one's purpose to cooperate with them for collective wealth and wisdom. Duty to one's clan and covenant is highly emphasized.

The Empress of Kamura is the most prominent figurehead of the Kin faith, serving as the head of the Imperial Covenant of Kamura. The Empress holds power over a clergy composed of ordained priestesses and lay priests who fulfill various roles as part of the theocratic apparatus. There are also other covenants of Kin followers that exist separately from the Imperial branch, adhering to different rites and sometimes having their own high priestess or a more egalitarian structure.

Naskel

Main article: Naskel

Naskel is a pantheistic religion practiced primarily in South Tharna and Northern Tzeraka. It encompasses a belief in nine revered gods, each representing different personalities with domains of power. These spirits are deeply integrated into the daily lives of the Naskel followers, guiding them in various facets of existence, from agricultural practices to personal conduct.

The religion's pantheistic nature acknowledges the presence of spirits in all things, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence between the earthly and spiritual realms. Naskel's followers find spiritual significance in the natural world, viewing it as a reflection of the divine, and they engage in rituals to honor and seek blessings from the spirits.

One of the core tenets of Naskel is ancestor worship. Upon death, the souls of the deceased become acolytes of one of the nine spirits based on their personality and actions in life. Ancestral veneration is a significant aspect of Naskel's religious practices, with people regularly visiting the tombs of their ancestors to celebrate, clean, and tend to their remains. This connection with the departed ancestors strengthens the bond between generations and provides guidance and protection from the spiritual realm.

Naskel's religious festivals are vibrant and joyous occasions, marked by colorful ceremonies and communal celebrations. They serve to reinforce the unity among the Naskel people and their reverence for the spirits. The religion's iconography includes sacred symbols representing each of the nine spirits, which are often adorned in places of worship and religious artifacts.

Overall, Naskel is a deeply spiritual and community-oriented religion, fostering a profound connection with nature, ancestors, and the divine spirits. It shapes the cultural identity of its followers, influencing various aspects of their lives, from their relationship with the natural world to their understanding of the afterlife.

Orkanan

Main article: Orkanan

Orkanan, a monotheistic faith, finds its stronghold in the northern reaches of Anaria, with its core centered in the revered lands of Stoldavia. While non-believers may associate it with the Stoldavic empires, Orkanan stands as a faith that resonates deeply with its devoted followers. At the heart of Orkanan lies the concept of an omnipotent deity known as Vind, often likened to the powerful force of Wind, manifesting itself through the wondrous facets of nature. However, mortals can only glimpse a fraction of this omnipotence, leading Orkanan to possess distinct animalistic qualities.

To draw nearer to Vind's divine essence, the followers of Orkanan engage in acts of creation, seeking to mimic a portion of their deity's omnipotence. From intricate sculptures to soul-stirring music, the creative arts become a sacred conduit for the faithful to connect with Vind. But the quest for divine proximity extends beyond artistic expression; even in the realms of science and manufacturing, Orkanans aspire to channel Vind's power, seeking enlightenment in their endeavors.

When the Orkanans come together in worship, they gather in grand temple complexes, forming large congregations immersed in spiritual communion. The worship ceremonies take on a mesmerizing rhythm, as synchronized movements to fast drum beats and a symphony of instrumental and vocal chants transport the congregation into a collective trance. In this heightened state of connection, the faithful feel intimately in touch with Vind, experiencing a profound sense of transcendence and unity with their omnipotent god.

Sadarisnism

Main article: Sadarisnism

Sadarisnism is an ancient and long-lived polytheistic faith with direct traces to the beliefs of the ancient Sinan Civilization. The faith once in its history dominated the vast majority of the lands surrounding the Ovestan Ocean and the Stolvic Tzerakan lands. Sadarisnism's central tenant is that the cyclical rhythms of nature, life, and death are directly influenced by the pantheon of gods that resides in the "Raquarrim", an overworld beyond the perception of mortals and the abode of the gods and souls.

Sadarisnism holds that there are thirteen deities that influence and rule over existence. Twelve deities of the complete whole, also known as the Qazirum. These deities represent the cycles and aspects of human life and nature. Sadaris is the thirteenth deity and the transcendental outsider beyond creation, the creator of the universe who has always been and will always be and the Weaver of the soul threads.

In Sadarisnist cosmology, the spiritual overworld and the mortal realm (Thaltar) are separated and immiscible. Only the gods can observe and influence the mortal realm; mortals have no influence but through prayer and their souls to the spiritual realm. Souls exist in the spiritual realm and are tenuously linked to the mortal world by threads weaved by Sadaris. On the death of a mortal, their thread is cut and examined by the goddess Farkhas, and if a person has lived a worthy and righteous life, their thread is tied to a worthy body, and their soul can live on. If a thread is judged to have grown putrid with sin and blasphemy, the god Azqir will burn it, and the soul will wither away into oblivion.

Prayer and acts of faith, such as attending temples, lighting candles and visiting oracle shrines, are central to the worship of the gods and living a worthy life. Acts of asceticism and ascetic life are also worthy pursuits to correct grave sins or to dedicate oneself to the mysteries of the gods.

Sadarisnism is far from a unified and monolithic faith; there are numerous denominations with different doctrines on how to live a worthy life and on ascetic and penance practices.

Shuocianism

Main article: Shuocianism

Shuocianism is an ancient pantheist religion that dominates the majority of western Davai; the central core concept of the religion is that all aspects of nature, humanity, thought, and reality are governed by a myriad of "Futsu" which can be understood as essences or spirits. These spirits inhabit inanimate objects, thoughts and memories, light, darkness and anything that can be observed, felt or sensed otherwise.

All Futsu are interconnected in a grand swarm like those of flocks of birds, shoals of fish or swarms of bees. Their mutual interactions through their individual will, needs, and temperament lead to grand effects in nature and society. For example, storms may happen when Futsu of the rain drops, the wind, the trees, the swaying, lighting, and clouds become offended and agitated, their combined effects forming a tempest.

In this faith, there are no gods or omnipotent beings as in some other faiths. Instead, the myriad of Futsu forms an undulating and foaming fabric of reality that imparts force, purpose and will to all actions and occurrences in nature.

The Futsu must be appeased, and their favour can be sought through gifts and offerings in their various shrines. Any believer may create a shrine to a Futsu they believe exists even if they have never been identified before. As such, the number of known Futsu is incredibly numerous and often dependent on specific geographical areas and cultural contexts.

Shuocianism is highly dependent on local priests, temples, and shrines, as the faith has no organised hierarchy and is regulated by literary masterpieces that have had a profound impact on the faith's theology. The faith has a high variability of practice, artistic expression and theological focus from region to region and nation to nation. Mendicant travelling priests and ascetics are another key way the faith maintains united and shared beliefs and concepts across large geographical areas.

Minor Faiths And Cults

Cult of the Inner Light

Main article: Cult of the Inner Light

The Cult of the Inner Light blends Akchacknism's cosmic vision, Khudati folklore, and Dlroch'veldr's teachings to promote harmony between celestial and terrestrial realms. Light symbolizes creation's essence, emanating from the cosmic union. Humanity, at the junction of these realms, participates in creation through love and creativity. Intermediary beings guide seekers toward enlightenment. Practices like meditation lead to alignment with cosmic forces, fostering mastery over base desires and empathy with existence.

The religion is a new age belief founded by a Wolgos prophet, who took the Khudati name of Alinyoun taquu, living in the Raian archipielago in the years after the Second Wolgos Trek, founding mixed communities of human and Wolgos who lived in harmony as never seen before. The cult has been accused of either being a new form of Wolggos manipulation of human communities or to have been infiltrated by Hergom as a tool of expanding their influence.

Dead And Progenitor Religions

Fidomnes

Main article: Fidomnes

Fidomnes, or "faith of all", was the faith of the Cadrai Empire with Isanos (Cadrai name for Sindar) as its transcendental god. The faith derived from the pantheon of Sindar and has evolved over thousands of years to incorporate the cosmology and gods of the Medio Sea and the many barbarian cultures that the empire absorbed. The faith was pluralist and tolerant of the many foreign gods it regularly absorbed into its cult.

Pantheon of Sindaris

Main article: Pantheon of Sindaris

The Pantheon of Sindaris was a loose association of gods under the stewardship of a creator transcendental deity called Sindar, Fenar, Ishan or Sikan, depending on the culture where the pantheon took hold. The pantheon originated in the primordial Sinan Civilization and spread throughout the Ovestan trade and cultural continuum as far as Anaria Minor, Tzeraka and Northern and Eastern Tharna. The cults around the pantheon varied, and some gods were absent from certain cultures. The practices were enculturated with local practices and pre-pantheon beliefs. This loose collection of gods and mythologies was the direct ancestor of Sadarisnism, Naskel and, to a significant extent Izha and Orkanan.