Giejadei

The Giejadei are a radical cult that believes that the Thunstrada were god-like beings who should be revered and worshipped so that they may one day return and walk among the living again. Simultaneously, the Giejadei also believe that the Thunstrada are evidence that extreme dedication to magical ideals and works can result in one taking on the mantle of near godhood.    While many consider the Giejadei to be an offshoot sect of Temple of Al'luun, these two groups actually have different theological beliefs, bases, and historical constructions. Where the Temple of Al'luun considers the Thunstrada to be the first to walk the path of magical enlightenment and study in a meaningful way, the Giejadei have no consideration for study beyond the means of achieving godhood. The Temple of Al'luun has worked hard to differentiate themselves from the Giejadei (when required), including formally stating (in their charters and scriptures) that the Thunstrada should not be deified but rather emulated and that any acts to use magic to harm others "without suitable cause" are condemned. The Temple of Al'luun has also been known to target and try to cast out or have arrested any Giejadei that they learn of who is anywhere near any of their holy sites or temples.   Due to their fanatical belief that developing magical abilities requires using destructive magic for destructive purposes, and that all magic should be leveraged to gain power over the natural world, the Giejadei are illegal in several nations and cities including Daendar, Konard, Phesunlay, and Brist. While the Giejadei are not formally banned in Endref, any merchant trading with the Giejadei cannot have their trading records verified or recorded by the Ledgery, and any public works projects proposed that could benefit the Giejadei (even incidentally) must be personally approved by the Fiala.    Though few Giejadei care about these rules of law, Giejadei members tend not to publicize their faith and fewer still congregate on a regular basis. Within Endref, there is one established Giejadei Sanctuary (as they are known) located in the swamps that exist between the Copper Road and the Kukul settlements. Though the Giejadei are known to harry and harass the Kukul, the books of the Giejadei include mention of the Kukul as a people that the Thunstrada spoke to and visited, and therefore the Giejadei largely believe that they should not work against the Kukul in a meaningful way.    Identifying a Giejadei can be difficult, depending on how secretive the follower is. Though there are formal robes that most Giejadei wear when practising their magic (modelled off the travelling clothes of the Thunstrada as noted in historical texts), these vestments are often kept well hidden. Likewise, shires to the Giejadei are also often masked through adding additional items to the shrine while not in use. There are two key identifiers for all Giejadei, however: a shrine to the Thunstrada maintained by a Giejadei will feature a specific arcane symbol that shows a spiral overlaying a bow-sided triangle and all Giejadei (true practitioners who have ever visited a Sanctuary anyway) also have the same symbol burned into their upper palette (an extremely painful procedure that reminds them of what they are trying to achieve). Most Giejadei pass out during the procedure (which is conducted with a hot curved rod and a mirror, as well as blocks to keep the mouth open), and passing out is actually considered to be proper as the mind is said to depart to a realm where the Thunstrada can speak to the Giejadei and teach them how to overcome the powers of nature.
Type
Religious, Cult

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