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7/18/2007 10:59 AM
 
Religion  Modified By Jeremy (Skah)  on 12/28/2007 11:28:59 AM

I have been putting a great deal of effort into the religions that are forming in my world.  I'm going to post some of the major religions.  This is not player information yet, as most have not been introduced to the Western Empire. 

I am looking for feedback.  Do the religions make sense?  What could I improve?  What else do you want to know? Are their any of them that might interest your character?

Thanks in advance!

 
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7/18/2007 11:01 AM
 

--Danica--

Danicans believes that everyone is equal and that no one person is born better than another. Everyone strives toward the common good of all. People who have more should donate more to the church which redistributes the wealth to those in need.  Wealth is not tolerated as it does not serve the greater good.    

The Danicans lifestyle is one of constant sacrifice and service to the "greater good" of mankind in which individual rights and accomplishments are viewed as selfishness and evil. Danicans teaches that mankind is inherently evil and the only way to overcome their evil nature is by constant charitable and good works designed to help their fellow man in service of Danica.

Only those ordained by Danica can rise above the common man, but only for the common good.  It is imperative that such individuals live their lives only to serve the masses.  These individuals are the enforcers of the laws of Danica on Gaia.

Magic is highly frowned upon and those who possess such unfair advantages must not use it.  Having magic is a trial of one's faith, and not using it is praiseworthy.  Those who succumb to the temptation of magic and cannot be redeemed are put to death.  A world without magic would be a much better place for all.

 
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7/18/2007 11:01 AM
 

--Carthas--

Carthas believes in the preservation and balance of nature.  He teaches that all forms of nature have their place and should be preserved to live within that place.  Any attempts to destroy nature, or some part of it, should be opposed.  Mankind must learn to live in harmony with nature.  Balance, in all things, must be maintained.

Carthas appears to be more detached than the other deities, allowing his worshippers more freedom and his church less structure.  As such, the church is divided into Druidic Orders that vary greatly from location to location.

Most prefer a more simple life, living in harmony with nature, but a few can be found close to civilization.  Cities which are built around nature, or are inviting to nature are much more likely to house Druids. 

 
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7/18/2007 11:01 AM
 

--Omni--

The followers of Omni believe in three strict tenants: Strength, Honor, and Justice.  Each of these beliefs are weighted equally and a true believer strives for all three.  The tenant of Strength is the vaguest one.  Some take it to mean physical prowess and others take it to mean determination and grit.  One tends to lead to the other, and many believe that it means both.

Maintaining ones honor is of the upmost importance.  Only through living an honorable life can one hope to become all that he has the potential to in this world and the ones after.  A person's honor is a measure of the goodness of their soul.

Omni also promotes justice, which in many cases, also promotes war.  His priests are powerful combatants that are feared as well as loved.

Priests of Omni are required to sacrifice all personal desires for the betterment of the world.  They are required to devote most of their time to the work.  The church offers them some form of payment for their services, but they are never going to be well off.  Priest of Omni are often found working with local guards to help bring criminals to justice.  Even when the guard has given up, a priest will continue to look for answers. 

Priests wear white, gray, or black tabards or robes with the red fist of Omni clearly visible on the front or back.  Many live in the chapel that they work.  Others live as close to the chapel as they can.  High ranking priests are generally sent to open new areas of the church.

Worshipers are required to live the three tenants to the best of their ability.  Mistakes are not tolerated and are punished harshly.  Backing down from the cause of justice is a nearly unforgivable sin.  Mercy is a weakness that if allowed, will give the weak what they have not earned. 

Worship services are held twice a week, and the worshiper is expected to attend at least one.  If they are unable to attend, for some reason, then they must spend the hour praying and contemplating the will of Omni.  Churches are simple, but comfortable.  Each adorned with the red fist of Omni.

Prayer to Omni is required morning at night.  There are two methods to this.  The most common method is to pray when first getting up in the morning and then right before going to sleep at night.  The more orthodox method is praying at sunrise and sunset.

Certain forms of magic are highly favored and others are despised.  Magic used to get the truth, and bring justice are praised.  Those that deceive are forbidden. Magic must never be used to break one of the three tenants.  Those who possess magic are held to a higher standard, since they have been given more.

EDIT: added 6 paragraphs

 
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7/18/2007 11:02 AM
 

--Ethenos--

The overriding principle that is taught by Ethenos is to eliminate the suffering of mankind.  It is of the utmost importance.  However, if there must be suffering, it is better for an enlightened man to suffer.  If an enlightened man dies of his suffering, then it is all the better for him, as he will quickly return to Ethenos and be well rewarded.  If an unenlightened man dies of his suffering, he is loses everything and will be miserable in the world to come.

Priests of Ethenos are exceptional healers.  They take the wound from the person upon themselves and then heal their own wounds.  However, they have no ability to heal a wound on another person without first taking it upon themselves.  Because of this, priests of Ethenos all quickly develop an incredible tolerance for pain and injury.

In their attempts to heal the world of suffering, priests of Ethenos can be most easily found in some of the worst possible conditions, helping the oppressed, the diseased, and the poor.  In these dredges of society, they help to rebuild lives and get people back on the path to happiness.

Believers of Ethenos are always looking to comfort those in need, uplift the oppressed, and heal those in pain.  Many believers will seek to endure any pain if it will lessen the pain of another. 

Those seeking to cause intentional suffering to another are exempt from the right not to suffer themselves.  Sometimes the only way to stop the suffering is to eliminate those who cause such suffering.  The path to the least suffering should be taken.  Killing, however, is always a last resort and is only encouraged in very rare occasions.

EDIT: reworded the first paragraph

 
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