The Seven Faiths

The Seven Faiths is the name of the major religion in Pyeonic culture as well as the most spread around Frasfu. It's a polytheistic religion, based on seven deities, each of which is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient in their own individual domains. The Seven Avatars are believed to be the mortal representatives of these deities.
According to the Seven Faiths, all people are born with a soul that is divided into seven parts corresponding to the seven divine domains one of which is more powerful than the rest. It's each individual's duty to figure out what's the dominant one (called Devotion) in their case and pursue a life that fulfills it. Those who pursue their Devotion will have a place next to a deity, where they'll spend their afterlife among friends and family.

Cosmology and faith

The Seven Faiths don't talk about the origins of the world: when the seven gods appeared, the world was already there, and the religion doesn't explain where they came from. As far as they are concerned, the world has always existed and the gods decided to descend on Frasfu from the Above to share their power with the world.
The seven gods are siblings who used to have the same kind of power. However, with the creation of the seven peoples, they each became tied to a single aspect of their divinity.
While this religion doesn't contemplate intrinsic planes, it establishes a separate plane. The Above is said to be the home of the gods and where some people go after their body dies. Death restricts access to the Above so that only those who have fulfilled their Devotion can enter. The soul of anyone who didn't fulfill their purpose dies together with the body.

And the seven siblings were divided in their creation thereafter. Civilization forged the jongyan, fair and resilient, and Life formed the libellon closest to the Above. The mtani flourished from Nature's hands, and Knowledge cultivated the beihon. From War came the brave falid, Agriculture devised the caring sadamir, and Creation infused the csillun with its light.

I wonder if there is any truth to the Above. Clearly, dead souls don't go anywhere, but could a parallel plane like this exist? After analyzing the true nature of the gods and seeing the level of devotion for this religion, it doesn't seem too far-fetched. I will definitely investigate this further in my next visit.

— From Min-aniara Laita's travel journal

Structure

The Seven Avatars of the Council of Gods are the leaders of the Seven Faiths. They each lead their own House of Light (for example, the House of Knowledge, the House of War, etc.), which serve both as temples and political institutions. Each House is managed by a high priest, in command of the full hierarchy of their House.
All Houses have a Grand Temple in Hawong and most cities where the Seven Faiths are the major religion have a temple for each God too. Smaller settlements or cities away from Pyeonic influence will often have a single temple instead of seven.
Hierarchy is not identical for each House, as they have different needs. For example, the House of War needs a larger chain of command, while the hierarchy of the House of Culture is far simpler. But in general terms, each House has six levels of command, from highest to lowest: the Avatar, the High Priest, Archdeacons, Deacons, Priests, and Acolytes. Organizations like monasteries fall outside this chain of command and usually depend directly on an Archdeacon.

Rituals

The Choice of Devotion

One of the most important rituals in the Seven Faiths is the Choice of Devotion. At some point during a person's youth (ideally before they are 20), they have to go to a temple and declare what they will devote their life to. For example, if they want to be a soldier they will go to the House of War, while a carpenter will turn to the House of Creation. This is done in a ritual presided by the highest-ranking priest of that temple.
If someone decides to change their Devotion later in life, they will need to atone for their misjudgment. It's not considered a sin, but it's an indication that they weren't being true to the gods. Not choosing a Devotion before turning 20 years old is considered a high offense against the gods. This particular offense is usually punished by forced servitude to a House, often as an acolyte.

Other rituals

People usually dedicate their prayers to the god of their devotion, but in certain circumstances they might choose another one instead. In times of conflict, for example, the House of War becomes very crowded. These are some of the important celebrations in the Seven Faiths:

Day of Revelation

1st of Yeonong

The first day of the year is dedicated to the commemoration of the day when the gods were first revealed through the Seven Avatars. It's one of the few times of the year when the Seven can be seen publicly outside the Inner City. Each Avatar goes to their House, where they receive prayers and offerings.

Coming of the Light

Summer Solstice

It's said that when the gods forget the people they created, an eternal night will arrive. The summer solstice is a reminder that they're still watching from the Above. People give presents to each other (usually related to their Devotion) and attend generous public feasts where everyone is welcome.

Day of Remembrance

15th of Amedanong

This is a sad and introspective day to remember the betrayal of the Faithful Knights. Most people fast during the whole day and engage in other atonement activities. Some choose to walk all day without shoes or on their knees, while others simply spend the day praying at their House of choice.

Week of the Faithful

Last week of Jusunong

This is the last day of the year, and it's used as a prelude to the Day of Revelation. There are several traditions to remember what life was like before the gods. In the most popular ones, children dress in monster costumes and prank people on the street without fear of recognition and reprisal.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Parent Organization

Council of Gods

Permeated Organizations

• Theocracy of Nampyeon