The Cults of the Six Sages
The Six Sages preach a wholly different worldview than that of the Metallicists, Chromaticists, and the Chroniclers. The Sages themselves are six magicborn beastfolk who claim to be immortal scions of truth. One could call them gods, though they do not label themselves as such as they claim only greater wisdom than mortal men, not omnipotence or omniscience. Still they collectively teach that the stories of Primus, the Primordials, and most importantly the Elder Dragons are fundamentally untrue, a complex series of propaganda pieces meant to keep the dragons in power indefinitely. The Sages claim that the world is fundamentally eternal and immutable. The actions of the living upon its surface are like constructions of sand upon a beach, eventually the tides of time will wash away all evidence of their existence, but the sand and surf themselves endure forever. They say the dragon lords utilize their immense power to appear as gods to the weaker races, but they are flesh and blood just the same as any other living creature, and should be treated as such.
They are not, however, devoid of worship altogether. Though they reject the dogma that the moon goddess, Stellara, created beastfolk in the likeness of men and elves, they do still worship the moon after a fashion. The sages look to the moon as an emblem of the eternal order of the cosmos, its phases always in tune with the seasons and progression of time. According to their messaging the sun, moon, and stars are all evidence of the enduring nature of the universe, with the moon's easily observable patterns making the most apt symbol. To an outsider this notion of "moon worship" might understandably be confused with other traditions like the Stellaran Knights, but associating the two would be inaccurate. Stellarans believe the moon is a sentient goddess, and carry out deeds according to her will. Sage Cultists only look to the moon as a symbol of their worldview, with their prayers being symbolic gestures of respect to the world at large, rather than direct pleas for aid from a supernatural deity. Still it is perhaps humerous that according to some Stellaran traditions, the moon maiden did in fact create the beastfolk and views these cultists as her misguided but never the less well meaning children.
Mythology & Lore
According to the sages life arose naturally, without the interference of any godly power. The similarities in physical traits as well as cultures demonstrates common descent, and both creatures and peoples grow and adapt to their surroundings. A religion which denies any sort of deity is certainly a departure from the norm, but there does seem to be some internal logic to their claims. They also still recognize the influences powerful entities have had on shaping the world. Dragon curses meld and form sentient creatures to their whims, powerful mages combine nature’s creations into new beasts, and wicked necromancers raise those death has already claimed. But while it would be easy to discount these happenings as unnatural, the sages disagree. They explain that the dragons and wizards wielding the magic and the creatures being ensorceled are naturally occurring, as is the magic itself, so any product therein must also be of nature. They liken it to an animal losing its life to a predator, it might feel like a premature death but it is as much a part of nature as any other.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Cult of the Six Sages is understandably most popular within the beastfolk tribes, as it gives them a collective sense of unity in spite of the long distances between them. But it is still very much a fringe religion for fringe peoples. In the lands of the dragon blessings, as well as Nixalia’s Frozen Climbs, it is tolerated so long as practitioners keep their beliefs and rituals quiet and out of the public eye. This may in part be because the sages who reside in these lands view their dragon overlords with a great deal of respect, even if they deny their godhoods. Benevolent rulers are preferable to evil or vindictive ones, regardless of their true origins.
In the lands of the other curses the cult does not fare so well. The sages label their rulers as tyrants and pretenders, and as a result open practice is banned. Anyone found to be spreading the word of the sages or even being in possession of their writings can be severely punished and often simply put to death.
Sects
While the core message of the Sages is fundamentally the same, they are preaching to different groups in different situations, and thus the details and manner in which the message is conveyed varies somewhat.
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
Beast Cults
Demonym
Sageists, Beast Cultists, Antithiests
Related Traditions
Notable Members
Related Species
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