Gathers-Under-One

The religion that makes your inner voice shut up (by giving it lots of tasty, intellectual treats).

The Al'Orphic Alliance religion of Gathers-Under-One is the only of the four in eastern Turan to consist of precisely one god. Though the faithful observance of 'One' has declined substantially as the Alliance became more secular, a contingent of Al'Orphics continue to practice and preach the rites. The broader Alliance is thankful for this group's continued efforts to preserve their history, but the individual responsibility to maintain the dogma is diminished among the general populace.

'One'

Gathers-Under-One by SK Kage (via MidJourney)

Aemark translations of the Al'Orphic language rarely express the full meaning of words or phrases and is a point of consternation for linguists. The written form of a proper Al'Orphic noun is a combination of other words, but the spoken version is entirely different. 'One' is no exception. When written, it is identical to the number one with a single under-stroke to delineate a proper noun. When spoken, it bears closer resemblance to the Al'Orphic word for the warmth of the sun.
No physical descriptions of 'One' exist because Gathers-Under-One states they have no material form. 'One' exists in all places at all times and is manifest in the thoughts of Al'Orphics, similar to the attributions Aemark gives their conscience. In fact, foreign scholars debate whether 'One' qualifies as a god at all. Regardless, the satisfaction and adherence to this inner voice is interpreted as dedication to the faith. The natural tendency of Al'Orphics is towards order and structure, which leads to a set of formal, organized traditions.
Gathers-Under-One does not originate from any individual or group. Its origins relate to a linguistic trend to describe the contentment in making things 'just so.' (Technically, it is a poor translation of 'ciutzo.') It was only when the word itself was embedded in Al'Orphic culture that a council was formed to discuss the formalization of rituals to best achieve the state of 'One.' In so doing, the religion 'Gathers-Under-One' was established and dispersed throughout the Alliance.
Today, Al'Orphics do not believe 'One' is a deity and is instead an intellectual quirk demanding an orderly existence. While other races have similar desires, it is more pronounced in Al'Orphics and further entrenched by their cultural upbringing. Most of the practices established by Gathers-Under-One are observed as tradition with scant religious overtones.

Traditions and Rituals

The full list of identified customs detailed in the official texts are too extensive to enumerate here, but they pervade every aspect of Al'Orphic life. These include greetings between individuals (with differences for levels of familiarity and seniority), methods of cooking (to ensure both health and flavor), layout and design of buildings and homes (with variations depending on purpose), and how to maintain gardens and vegetation.
Al'Orphics adhere to the majority of these rites except those proven scientifically antithetical to progress or well-being, which derives from a lack of knowledge among ancestors and the momentum of society. Remarkably, despite the strongly held traditions, when a ritual is shown detrimental, Al'Orphics quickly change to a superior alternative. The exceptions, called 'monks,' are those who truly believe in 'One' and preserve the old ways.
Monks restrict themselves to religious sites and live a life of quiet enjoyment and as an attraction of sorts. Secular Al'Orphics visit temples to experience their history as a living museum and participate in collaborative demonstrations of prior rituals to contrast the feeling of 'One' to the current practice. Monks hope that these displays convert more to the archaic version of the religion. Even so, they refuse to force or coerce individuals to reform.
Those who do not observe the customs, modern or historic, are shunned by the broader community. While not openly hostile, Al'Orphics quietly ignore these outcasts and provide the minimal level of service their traditions demand. Non-Al'Orphic visitors are given leeway in their observance of tradition. However, the longer a non-Al'Orphic resides in the Alliance, the greater the expectation they hew to the rituals. Long-term residents may end up ostracized as a result. Some who felt welcomed by the community and chose to relocate regret the decision and attempt to return to their nation of origin.

The First-Monks

We of the First-Monks, living in sanctuary in First Among the Last, would welcome your presence at our bi-annual Walk-With-Care, Hands-of-Water ritual. Please enjoy the quiet observance of the old traditions.
This is by far the kindest and least intrusive ad I've ever seen. I like these monks.

Faith and Religion

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