Difference between revisions of "Religions"

From Asmythe
m
(12 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
==History==
==Introduction==
The perception of religion in Asmythe has changed over the ages. There are many creatures of immense power who we mortals could, and often have, worshiped as deities.
Religions in Asmythe are not abstract as they are on Earth, but physical beings with demonstrable power, Elder Dragons, in eternal slumber whose dreams create reality. Asmythe also has real beings, Ilthura and elementals, of immense power that appear to be gods.


===The First Era===
Religious practice in Asmythe is based on the power of self and the development of physical and mental discipline.  
In the first era the races of Asmythe worshiped Ilthids as gods and the Ilthids worshiped the dragons. This live of reverence saturated society; there were no priests or clerics because the gods were ever-present in the lives and minds of the people of Asmythe.


===The Second Era===
Each of the Elder Dragons is associated with a set of emotions and manifest in the world through these emotions. Dragon Priests claim to gain power from the Elder Dragons when they experience these emotions.  
In the second era the Ilthids disappeared and the races of the world gave worship directly to the dragons. In this age temples were created through which the dragon priests became the conduit between the people and the dragons they revered.


===The Third Era===
The Elder Dragon manifestations are ethereal and shapeless; they have no physical form or ego of their own. Yet through the thoughts and actions of the Dragon Priests they have acquired physical appearances. These physical metaphors vary as greatly as the Elder Dragons themselves; some are human or humanoid, some are animal, some are elemental, and most are a combination of each. The priests don't agree if these manifestations are facets of the Elder Dragons themselves, or apparitions created by the minds of the priest attempting to understand the ineffable.
Although the dragon priests persisted through the third era their influence waned; the dragon no longer gave power or guidance to their people. In the third era the monotheistic religion of the human empire, The Priests of Sol, gained some popularity but was tempered by the savagery of the goblins and their ancestral gods.


===The Current Era===
Although Elder Dragons are universal they tend to attract disciples of a particular race, nation, of disposition. The Elder Dragons themselves aren't particular about race or nation but the races and nations are particular about their Elder Dragons. Each nation usually gives patronage to one of the six families of Dragon, the "cosmos". These cosmos are, in turn, aligned against each other.
The current era began when the true gods revealed themselves to Asmythe. Worship of the true gods of Asmythe has all but eradicated any other worship, not by decree or destiny but because none can deny the true power of the true gods.
 
==The Gods==
Gods are a manifestation of the Forge, given shape by emotion. Priests of the gods gain power when people feel the emotions that the gods embody; clerics and disciples of the gods are devoted to instilling those feelings and emotions in others.
 
The gods are ethereal and shapeless; they have no physical form or ego of their own but have acquired such by the thoughts and actions of their worshipers. These physical metaphors vary as greatly as the gods themselves; some are human or humanoid, some are animal, some are elemental, and most are a combination of each.
 
Although gods are universal they tend to attract disciples of a particular race, nation, of disposition. The gods themselves aren't particular about race or nation but the races and nations are particular about their gods. Each nation usually gives patronage to one of the six families of god, the "cosmos". These cosmos are, in turn, aligned against each other.
 
Note: What most fantasy role-playing games call deities would be considered eternals in Asmythe. The gods of Asmythe are for more primal and abstract.
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Deity!!Alignment!!Influence
|-
|Acedia||NN||''Apathy'',Boredom,Depression,Indifference
|-
|Ankou||CN||''Despair'',Anguish,Dread
|-
|Arwenna||LG||''Awe'',Wonder
|-
|Erida||CE||''Hatred'',Loathing,Rage,Fear
|-
|Eros||CG||''Passion'',Arousal,Desire,Lust
|-
|G'Kar||LN||''Disappointment'',Annoyance,Frustration
|-
|Hotei||NG||''Happiness'',Contentment,Gratitude,Satisfaction
|-
|Hybris||LN||''Boldness'',Fearlessness,Pride
|-
|Irae||LE||''Contempt'',Disgust,Pity
|-
|Laetitia||CG||''Joy'',Ecstasy,Euphoria,Pleasure
|-
|Lyssa||CN||''Panic'',Anxiety,Hysteria,Worry
|-
|Malu||LE||''Shame'',Regret,Remorse,Embarrassment
|-
|Nedolya||NE||''Sadness'',Sorrow,Suffering
|-
|Penthos||NE||''Grief'',Guilt,Misery
|-
|Rus'Ker||CE||''Terror'',Shock,Surprise,Horror
|-
|Sekhmet||NE||''Anger'',Angst,Hostility
|-
|Sirona||LG||''Love'',Affection,Hope
|-
|Vor||NG||''Curiosity'',Interest,Excitement
|-
|Zelos||NN||''Envy'',Jealousy,Shyness,Loneliness
|-
|}


==Cosmos==
==Cosmos==
The six families of gods, the Cosmos, are aligned in three oppositions. Gods and clerics of each cosmos are eternally fighting against the gods and clerics of the opposed cosmos. Only Acedia is neutral.
The six families of Elder Dragons, the Cosmos, are aligned in three oppositions. Elder Dragons and clerics of each cosmos are eternally in conflict with the Elder Dragons and clerics of the opposed cosmos. Only Acedia is neutral.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 115: Line 59:


===Health Cosmos===
===Health Cosmos===
The gods of the health cosmos are aligned to promote the health, welfare, and propagation of life.
Characters following this cosmos promote health, welfare, and propagation of life.


===Pain Cosmos===
===Pain Cosmos===
The gods of pain kill and destroy.
Characters following this cosmos inflict pain, kill, and destroy life.


===Selfless Cosmos===
===Selfless Cosmos===
The gods of selflessness are those of nature and learning.
Characters following this cosmos put nature and the happiness of others above their own. They help all people, even those they don't agree with and expect no reward for their actions. Followers of the selfless cosmos are often teachers, public servants, and such.


===Selfish Cosmos===
===Selfish Cosmos===
The goal of the selfish cosmos is personal gain and attainment, often at the expense of others.
Characters following this cosmos strive to become the best person they can, the richest, smartest, strongest, and most powerful. They will gladly help others, when the reward outweighs the effort.


===Fate Cosmos===
===Fate Cosmos===
The gods of fate believe in the togetherness of the universe, and that individuals have but a small part to play in the whole.
Characters following this cosmos believe in the one-ness of the universe, and that individuals have but a small part to play in the whole. There are no coincidences and nothing is random. Followers of the fate cosmos "go with the flow" and will actively support and encourage the natural flow of the world. "A river should not be stopped, but if a rock blocks the path then fate has chosen for it to change direction."


===Fanatic Cosmos===
===Fanatic Cosmos===
Fanatics are dedicated to a single purpose at the expense of all else and, usually, the prosecution of those not aligned to the purpose. The specific purpose varies greatly by god and cleric but is always something "greater" than the clerics themselves.
Characters following this cosmos are dedicated to a single purpose at the expense of all else and, usually, the prosecution of those not aligned to the purpose. The specific purpose will vary greatly by but is always something "greater" than the clerics themselves.  


==Descriptions==
==Elder Dragons==
The driving purpose of each god is to instill specific feelings and emotions in people. The gods gain power from these emotions and use that power to infuse their clerics with supernatural abilities.
The elder dragons are each infinitely powerful and also have a tendency toward specific aspects of thought and influence.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Dragon!!Alignment!!Influence!!Color
|-
|Acedia||NN||''Apathy'',Boredom,Depression,Indifference||Gray
|-
|Ankou||CN||''Despair'',Anguish,Dread||Teal
|-
|Arwenna||LG||''Awe'',Wonder||White
|-
|Erida||CE||''Hatred'',Loathing,Rage,Fear||Red
|-
|Eros||CG||''Passion'',Arousal,Desire,Lust||Pink
|-
|G'Kar||LN||''Disappointment'',Annoyance,Frustration||Lime
|-
|Hotei||NG||''Happiness'',Contentment,Gratitude,Satisfaction||Green
|-
|Hybris||LN||''Boldness'',Fearlessness,Pride||Orange
|-
|Irae||LE||''Contempt'',Disgust,Pity||Brown
|-
|Laetitia||CG||''Joy'',Ecstasy,Euphoria,Pleasure||Yellow
|-
|Lyssa||CN||''Panic'',Anxiety,Hysteria,Worry||Violet
|-
|Malu||LE||''Shame'',Regret,Remorse,Embarrassment|Tan
|-
|Nedolya||NE||''Sadness'',Sorrow,Suffering||Blue
|-
|Penthos||NE||''Grief'',Guilt,Misery||Purple
|-
|Rus'Ker||CE||''Terror'',Shock,Surprise,Horror||Black
|-
|Sekhmet||NE||''Anger'',Angst,Hostility||Red
|-
|Sirona||LG||''Love'',Affection,Hope||Yellow
|-
|Vor||NG||''Curiosity'',Interest,Excitement||Silver
|-
|Zelos||NN||''Envy'',Jealousy,Shyness,Loneliness||Green
|-
|}


===Acedia===
===Acedia===
NN -- ''Apathy'',Boredom,Depression,Indifference
''Apathy'',Boredom,Depression,Indifference


Avatar
True Neutral,


Symbol
Symbol
Line 145: Line 131:
===Ankou===
===Ankou===
CN -- ''Despair'',Anguish,Dread
CN -- ''Despair'',Anguish,Dread
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 154: Line 138:


Arwenna represents the manifestation of magic and the Forge and a connection to the other realms. She is the highest and most pure realization of knowledge and magical prowess.
Arwenna represents the manifestation of magic and the Forge and a connection to the other realms. She is the highest and most pure realization of knowledge and magical prowess.
Avatar -- Arwenna takes the form of a glowing orb of warm light that pierces all shadows and stirs the air with a pleasant spring breeze. This manifestation has no physical form but can be felt with all senses.


Symbol -- Arwenna's symbol is a twelve-point star-burst in gold and silver.
Symbol -- Arwenna's symbol is a twelve-point star-burst in gold and silver.


===Erida===
===Erida===
CE -- ''Hatred'',Loathing,Rage,Fear
''Hatred'',Loathing,Rage,Fear
 
Avatar


Symbol
Chaotic Evil, Black, Darkness


===Eros===
===Eros===
CG -- ''Passion'',Arousal,Desire,Lust
CG -- ''Passion'',Arousal,Desire,Lust
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 175: Line 153:
===G'Kar===
===G'Kar===
LN -- ''Disappointment'',Annoyance,Frustration
LN -- ''Disappointment'',Annoyance,Frustration
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 182: Line 158:
===Hotei===
===Hotei===
NG -- ''Happiness'',Contentment,Gratitude,Satisfaction
NG -- ''Happiness'',Contentment,Gratitude,Satisfaction
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 189: Line 163:
===Hybris===
===Hybris===
LN -- ''Boldness'',Fearlessness,Pride
LN -- ''Boldness'',Fearlessness,Pride
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol


===Irae===
===Irae===
LE -- ''Contempt'',Disgust,Pity
''Contempt'',Disgust,Pity


Avatar
Lawful Evil, Blue, Lihtning


Symbol
Symbol
Line 203: Line 175:
===Laetitia===
===Laetitia===
CG -- ''Joy'',Ecstasy,Euphoria,Pleasure
CG -- ''Joy'',Ecstasy,Euphoria,Pleasure
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 210: Line 180:
===Lyssa===
===Lyssa===
CN -- ''Panic'',Anxiety,Hysteria,Worry
CN -- ''Panic'',Anxiety,Hysteria,Worry
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 217: Line 185:
===Malu===
===Malu===
LE -- ''Shame'',Regret,Remorse,Embarrassment
LE -- ''Shame'',Regret,Remorse,Embarrassment
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 224: Line 190:
===Nedolya===
===Nedolya===
NE -- ''Sadness'',Sorrow,Suffering
NE -- ''Sadness'',Sorrow,Suffering
Avatar -- A frail old hag who lurks in the shadows.


Symbol --  
Symbol --  
Line 231: Line 195:
===Penthos===
===Penthos===
NE -- ''Grief'',Guilt,Loneliness,Misery
NE -- ''Grief'',Guilt,Loneliness,Misery
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 240: Line 202:


Rus'Ker is often associated with death and dying, especially in a gruesome and unexpected way. Disciples of Rus'Ker also defile the dead and more than any other priests make use of undead minions.
Rus'Ker is often associated with death and dying, especially in a gruesome and unexpected way. Disciples of Rus'Ker also defile the dead and more than any other priests make use of undead minions.
Avatar -- Rus'Ker takes the form of a hulking skinless golem of bone and muscle. His appearance is horrifying to see with broken bones and torn flesh formed in unnatural ways. He moves supernaturally fast and can change his shape to resemble any creature or person, especially somebody familiar.


Symbol -- Rus'Ker's followers identify themselves with the image of a cracked skull painted red on a black background, the eyes are starbursts of pure white.
Symbol -- Rus'Ker's followers identify themselves with the image of a cracked skull painted red on a black background, the eyes are starbursts of pure white.
Line 247: Line 207:
===Sekhmet===
===Sekhmet===
NE -- ''Anger'',Angst,Hostility
NE -- ''Anger'',Angst,Hostility
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 254: Line 212:
===Sirona===
===Sirona===
LG -- ''Love'',Affection,Hope
LG -- ''Love'',Affection,Hope
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 261: Line 217:
===Vor===
===Vor===
NG -- ''Curiosity'',Interest,Excitement
NG -- ''Curiosity'',Interest,Excitement
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol
Line 268: Line 222:
===Zelos===
===Zelos===
NN -- ''Envy'',Jealousy,Shyness
NN -- ''Envy'',Jealousy,Shyness
Avatar


Symbol
Symbol


==Eternals==
==Elementals==
See also: [[Almanac#Cosmology|Cosmology]]
See also: [[Almanac#Cosmology|Cosmology]]


All things spring from the Forge and all things have within them an ember of life. In some things this ember burns more strongly. Eternals are creatures whose ember is very strong. Eternals are the oldest and strongest creatures of the Forge; they are creatures of immensely powerful magic and can often travel freely between the plans. Eternals are beings like Demons, Devils, Angels, Divines, Elementals, Fey, and Dragons who, although very powerful, usually can not bestow powers directly to their followers. Eternals empower their followers by teaching them how to access arcane and divine powers that already existed; in the rare case that an eternal can "lend" a power directly to a follower the power may be taken back or lost at the will of the eternal.
An elemental is any create from any plane other than Asmythe. Usually Dragon Priests don't have the power to summon elementals, except from some conceptual planes. But since most elementals are sentient they can be affected by dragon magic.
 
Not all creatures from other realms are eternals; just as not all creatures of Asmythe are dragon or fey so too does each realm have it's own ecosystem with only the strongest worthy of the title "eternal".
 
===Native Eternals===
Dragons and Fey are native to the realm of Asmythe.
 
===Celestials===
Eternals of the "upper" conceptual realms, the celestials are angels and other beings of light and goodness.
 
===Abyssals===
Abyssals are eternals of the "lower" conceptual realms; demons and other beings of darkness and evil.
 
===Elementals===
All other eternals are collectively called "elementals" even when they are not strictly creatures of water, fire, shadow, tapioca, etc. The realms are infinite and the creatures of the realms doubly so.

Revision as of 23:57, 13 November 2021

Introduction

Religions in Asmythe are not abstract as they are on Earth, but physical beings with demonstrable power, Elder Dragons, in eternal slumber whose dreams create reality. Asmythe also has real beings, Ilthura and elementals, of immense power that appear to be gods.

Religious practice in Asmythe is based on the power of self and the development of physical and mental discipline.

Each of the Elder Dragons is associated with a set of emotions and manifest in the world through these emotions. Dragon Priests claim to gain power from the Elder Dragons when they experience these emotions.

The Elder Dragon manifestations are ethereal and shapeless; they have no physical form or ego of their own. Yet through the thoughts and actions of the Dragon Priests they have acquired physical appearances. These physical metaphors vary as greatly as the Elder Dragons themselves; some are human or humanoid, some are animal, some are elemental, and most are a combination of each. The priests don't agree if these manifestations are facets of the Elder Dragons themselves, or apparitions created by the minds of the priest attempting to understand the ineffable.

Although Elder Dragons are universal they tend to attract disciples of a particular race, nation, of disposition. The Elder Dragons themselves aren't particular about race or nation but the races and nations are particular about their Elder Dragons. Each nation usually gives patronage to one of the six families of Dragon, the "cosmos". These cosmos are, in turn, aligned against each other.

Cosmos

The six families of Elder Dragons, the Cosmos, are aligned in three oppositions. Elder Dragons and clerics of each cosmos are eternally in conflict with the Elder Dragons and clerics of the opposed cosmos. Only Acedia is neutral.

Health vs. Pain
Health Cosmos Pain Cosmos
  • Eros
  • Hotei
  • Laetitia
  • Nedolya
  • Penthos
  • Rus'Ker
Selfless vs. Selfish
Selfless Cosmos Selfish Cosmos
  • Arwenna
  • Vor
  • Sirona
  • Malu
  • Zelos
  • Irae
Fate vs. Fanatic
Fate Cosmos Fanatic Cosmos
  • G'Kar
  • Ankou
  • Lyssa
  • Sekhmet
  • Erida
  • Hybris

Health Cosmos

Characters following this cosmos promote health, welfare, and propagation of life.

Pain Cosmos

Characters following this cosmos inflict pain, kill, and destroy life.

Selfless Cosmos

Characters following this cosmos put nature and the happiness of others above their own. They help all people, even those they don't agree with and expect no reward for their actions. Followers of the selfless cosmos are often teachers, public servants, and such.

Selfish Cosmos

Characters following this cosmos strive to become the best person they can, the richest, smartest, strongest, and most powerful. They will gladly help others, when the reward outweighs the effort.

Fate Cosmos

Characters following this cosmos believe in the one-ness of the universe, and that individuals have but a small part to play in the whole. There are no coincidences and nothing is random. Followers of the fate cosmos "go with the flow" and will actively support and encourage the natural flow of the world. "A river should not be stopped, but if a rock blocks the path then fate has chosen for it to change direction."

Fanatic Cosmos

Characters following this cosmos are dedicated to a single purpose at the expense of all else and, usually, the prosecution of those not aligned to the purpose. The specific purpose will vary greatly by but is always something "greater" than the clerics themselves.

Elder Dragons

The elder dragons are each infinitely powerful and also have a tendency toward specific aspects of thought and influence.

Dragon Alignment Influence Color
Acedia NN Apathy,Boredom,Depression,Indifference Gray
Ankou CN Despair,Anguish,Dread Teal
Arwenna LG Awe,Wonder White
Erida CE Hatred,Loathing,Rage,Fear Red
Eros CG Passion,Arousal,Desire,Lust Pink
G'Kar LN Disappointment,Annoyance,Frustration Lime
Hotei NG Happiness,Contentment,Gratitude,Satisfaction Green
Hybris LN Boldness,Fearlessness,Pride Orange
Irae LE Contempt,Disgust,Pity Brown
Laetitia CG Joy,Ecstasy,Euphoria,Pleasure Yellow
Lyssa CN Panic,Anxiety,Hysteria,Worry Violet
Malu LE Tan
Nedolya NE Sadness,Sorrow,Suffering Blue
Penthos NE Grief,Guilt,Misery Purple
Rus'Ker CE Terror,Shock,Surprise,Horror Black
Sekhmet NE Anger,Angst,Hostility Red
Sirona LG Love,Affection,Hope Yellow
Vor NG Curiosity,Interest,Excitement Silver
Zelos NN Envy,Jealousy,Shyness,Loneliness Green

Acedia

Apathy,Boredom,Depression,Indifference

True Neutral,

Symbol

Ankou

CN -- Despair,Anguish,Dread

Symbol

Arwenna

LG -- Awe,Wonder

Arwenna represents the manifestation of magic and the Forge and a connection to the other realms. She is the highest and most pure realization of knowledge and magical prowess.

Symbol -- Arwenna's symbol is a twelve-point star-burst in gold and silver.

Erida

Hatred,Loathing,Rage,Fear

Chaotic Evil, Black, Darkness

Eros

CG -- Passion,Arousal,Desire,Lust

Symbol

G'Kar

LN -- Disappointment,Annoyance,Frustration

Symbol

Hotei

NG -- Happiness,Contentment,Gratitude,Satisfaction

Symbol

Hybris

LN -- Boldness,Fearlessness,Pride

Symbol

Irae

Contempt,Disgust,Pity

Lawful Evil, Blue, Lihtning

Symbol

Laetitia

CG -- Joy,Ecstasy,Euphoria,Pleasure

Symbol

Lyssa

CN -- Panic,Anxiety,Hysteria,Worry

Symbol

Malu

LE -- Shame,Regret,Remorse,Embarrassment

Symbol

Nedolya

NE -- Sadness,Sorrow,Suffering

Symbol --

Penthos

NE -- Grief,Guilt,Loneliness,Misery

Symbol

Rus'Ker

CE -- Terror,Shock,Surprise,Horror

Rus'Ker is often associated with death and dying, especially in a gruesome and unexpected way. Disciples of Rus'Ker also defile the dead and more than any other priests make use of undead minions.

Symbol -- Rus'Ker's followers identify themselves with the image of a cracked skull painted red on a black background, the eyes are starbursts of pure white.

Sekhmet

NE -- Anger,Angst,Hostility

Symbol

Sirona

LG -- Love,Affection,Hope

Symbol

Vor

NG -- Curiosity,Interest,Excitement

Symbol

Zelos

NN -- Envy,Jealousy,Shyness

Symbol

Elementals

See also: Cosmology

An elemental is any create from any plane other than Asmythe. Usually Dragon Priests don't have the power to summon elementals, except from some conceptual planes. But since most elementals are sentient they can be affected by dragon magic.

Retrieved from "https://www.asmythe.com/wiki/index.php?title=Religions&oldid=524"