Divinitas Concordia
The national religion of the Atraelian Empire, this polytheistic dogma reigns supreme in Atraeleon. It is exclusively practiced all throughout the empire and is deeply integrated into the culture and daily life of its citizens.
The religion teaches that the deities, collectively known as the Divinitas, are responsible for creating and maintaining the world. Each deity has a specific domain or aspect of life that they preside over, and they are often worshiped and prayed to for guidance, protection, and blessings in their respective areas. Each deity has a structured hierarchy of priests and priestesses, who serve as intermediaries between the common people and the deities themselves. These clergy perform various religious ceremonies, including offerings and sacrifices, and provide guidance and counsel to the Atraelian people.
The Three Tenets of the Divinitas dictate the lives of everyone in Atrealeon. The first demands the respect of the people towards the gods and their chosen. This is most often interpreted as fealty to the Emperor of Atraeleon and his court. The second demands a life in harmony with one another and the land they steward. Threats to harmony or the sanctity of the land are dealt with swiftly and with prejudice. The final tenet demands honor for the dead, interpreted as requiring The Passage to be performed for any citizen who perishes.
Failure to observe the tenets of the Divinitas or engaging in heresy will invoke the wrath of the Imperial Inquisitors. These often merciless individuals stamp out any blasphemers or nonbelievers foolish enough to expose themselves.
Mythology & Lore
According to Atraelian mythology, Atraea created the world and all its creatures by singing a powerful song that brought everything into being. She is said to have imbued the world with her own essence, infusing it with the light and warmth of the sun. Atraea is also credited with creating the first intelligent beings, whom she taught to hunt and build, and whom she watches over to this day. Pharasma was one of the first beings to join Atraea in the creation of the world, creating the many rivers that crisscross the land, especially the River of Souls. She is said to be responsible for guiding the souls of the dead to their final resting place, and for overseeing the cycle of birth, life, and death. She is often considered the most revered of the pantheon besides Atraea herself. Desna was one of the first beings to join Atraea in the creation of the world. She is said to have created the oceans, stars, and constellations, and to be responsible for guiding travelers and adventurers on their journeys. Desna is also credited with the ability to enter people's dreams, and her priests and followers are often sought out for their divinatory powers. Eira was one of the first beings to join Atraea in the creation of the world. She is said to have been responsible for creating elves, bringing magic into the world, and teaching the citizens how to use it. Eira is also credited with creating the first forests and teaching Atraelians some of the ways of the natural world, including how to forage and farm. Kael was one of the first beings to join Atraea in the creation of the world. He is said to have been responsible for shaping the land and creating the mountains, cliffs, and canyons that make up the world. Kael is also credited with teaching humans the art of war and strategy, and is said to have fought alongside them in many great battles against dark forces and monstrous creatures. Feralia is said to have created both the jungles and deserts of Atraeleon, imbuing them with her trickery and cunning to make them both lucrative and dangerous. She is said to have created the Tabaxi in her own image, teaching them to prosper in her domains where most would fail. Moradin is believed to have crafted the first dwarves from the raw materials of the earth, imbuing them with his own strength and resilience. In the beginning, he helped Atraea by creating the many caves and aquifers that sustain the land above. He is also credited with creating many of the wonders of the dwarven world, including great works of engineering and architecture.
Tenets of Faith
I. Respect the Gods and their chosen.
II. Live in harmony with one another and the land.
III. Honor the fallen, always.
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