Ghynzuan Pagans

The pagans of Ghynzua are a people who became part of the empire during their time of expansion and wars against the Northern Clans. Most pagans still live in Pagan Hills and many stay true to the lifestyle and culture of their ancestors.

— Excerpt from A Guide to Central Ghynzua

Pagans vs. the Empire

Through the many centuries since the annexation of Pagan Hills the pagans have been allowed to practice their own religion and rituals. They set themselves apart from the rest of Ghynzua in this way since their religion is nothing like Amanism. Instead of worshipping Ama and her daughters the pagans worship their own deities. From the Spirits of the Hills to the twin moons of Ealdwyll. The matriarchal believes of the empire are also less present here in a way. And they are allowed to stay that way as long as no laws are broken.

Pagans vs. matriarchy

Since ancient times the pagans saw men and woman as equals. Although the matriarchal believes of the empire did seep into their culture after their annexation men still have a say in daily matters as they did in the past. In fact, although the pagan council as a part of the larger political organ of Ghynzua is made up of woman only, men are always present during their meetings in Thurhyll. The various villages dotted throughout the hills are ruled by a matriarch however. This was not always the case before the annexation. But since the Pagan Council must be all females from various area's in the Pagan Hills the position of village elder soon became a female position only.

Religion

Paganism as it is called in Ghynzua encompasses a deep love for nature. In this regard paganism has some similarities to amanism which teaches a deep respect for all living beings. There the similarities stop however. Paganists are much more in touch with the natural world around them than amanists.

Daily Rites

Paying respect to the Spirits of the Hills is a daily ritual for the pagans. It involves a sacrifice of incense at the local altar, and reciting the ancient hymns of their ancestors. This way they cleanse their soul of any impurities so that the Spirits of the Hills will accept them as their own.

Twin Moon rites

The two moons of Ealdwyll are very important to the pagan beliefs. They keep a close eye on the cycles of the moons and how they relate to one another. Village matriarch play a key role in these rituals and perform them on behalf of their people.

Other Rites

Pagans have their own ways of celebrating important steps in a persons life. This includes rituals revolving around birth and name-giving, coming of age, marriage and death.

Pagan Cuisine

In most parts of Ghyzua it is not very common to consume animals. The coastal area's do use fish and seafood in their meals, but further inland people often live on a mostly plant based diet. Pagans are the exception to this rule. The hills teem with wildlife and this has always been an important part of their meals.

Related Locations

• Pagan Hills
• Thurhyll

Religion
Paganism

Political Structure
Village: matriarch
Empire: pagan council

Green trees on mountains by Eberhard Grossgasteiger

Respect for nature

Pagans have lived in harmony with their environment for thousands of years. They build their homes with the greatest respect for the land they settle on. Rarely do they cut down a tree or remove shrubs. Dry stone walls are very common. Roofs are build with grass growing on them which provides good insulation. Most villages have a protective wall surrounding them to keep predators and in particular Okaawi out. Much of the pagan knowledge has been handed down from generation to generation. This includes the creation of traditional medicine, surviving in the wilderness, and the legends and myths of their culture.