Ruinism

When the world nears its end, the Angels take those worthy to Celyr, where eternal bliss and ascension awaits them. Until then, we follow their guidance.

— A cleric of Ruinism

Ruinism is a church based on the teachings of a deity called Rom and his messengers, called Angaels or Angels. It is one of the largest religions in the world and has its central seat in Celyrion. Ruinists believe that one day the world will go to ruin and that Rom and the Angaels will save their followers by bringing them to Celyr, a separate world where eternal bliss awaits them.

Key beliefs

Inevitable ruin

The central aspect of Ruinism is the belief that the current world will one day be destroyed or ruined. In order to save humanity, Rom and the Angaels need to gain enough power in the world through their following. This will allow them to save their followers once the inevitable ruin of the world will come.

The teachings of Rom

The teachings of Rom and his Angaels are central in Ruinism. These teachings are usually communicated to humans through visions and prophecies received by selected followers of the faith. By following his teachings, Ruinists show their worship while simultaneously strengthening Rom’s influence on the world.

Spreading of Ruinism

In order to save as much of the world as possible when the inevitable ruin comes, Rom needs as much influence and followers as possible. Spreading Ruinism through the teachings of Rom is thus essential for the survival of humanity as such.

Hierarchy

Ruinism is a generally hierarchical faith. At the top, Rom rules as an almighty greater God, followed by his major messengers, called Archangaels who are also considered Gods of their own. Below the Archangaels, several Angaels serve as the most common messenger with the followers of Ruinism.

Rom, the Almighty

Rom is the highest deity and authority in Ruinism. While his origins are unclear, his motivations are undisputed according to Ruinists: save the humanity from the inevitable ruin. Unlike many other deities, Rom almost never interacts directly with his followers. Instead he communicates to them through his Angels and Archangaels.

Archangael

Four archangael, each a God in their own accord, serve Rom as his messengers and highest authorities on the desires and directions of the greater God. Some ancient texts refer to a fifth archangael, though their existence is officially denied by Ruinist institutions and mentions of the fifth archangael are treated as heresy.
Even though Archangael are the main leaders and organizers of Ruinims, they only very rarely interact with the world. Instead they give orders to Angels and act as overseers, only interfering when it is warranted. Only very few humans ever had direct contact with Archangaels. Receiving visions from an Archangael is a great honor only granted to very few individuals over the course of centuries.

Elnorimas, the Judge

Archangael in charge of guiding the people of the world towards the will of Rom. Elnorimas is the main archaengel responsible for the correct following of Ruinism and is seen as the highest authority and voice when interpreting the visions and prophecies of Rom.

Caibas, the Leader

Archangael usually occupied with general oversight and organizing of the institutions of Ruinism. Caibas structures the faith and appoints the highest ranking officials in Ruinism.

Levaistas, the Guide

Archangael in charge of spreading Ruinism and gaining new followers. When the inevitable ruin comes, Lavaistas will be the one guiding the masses to Celyr.

Tephacoles, the Guard

Archangael in charge of organizing the protection of Ruinism, Celyrion and the promised world Celyr itself. Tephacoles welcomes all who are deemed worthy to enter the promised world, while slaying those that are deemed unfaithful.

Angael

Angael, or Angels are the main beings responsible for the communication and fulfillment of orders of Rom and his Archangael. They are in direct contact to the highest institutions of Ruinism. Even though Angels are not considered Gods under Ruinism, they are capable of ascending and descending in the same manner as a God would.

History and origins

Ruinism started to emerge after the first contact of the Angaels with the people of the world. When this first contact was established is unclear and not further elaborated on by the Angels, even when asked. Nonetheless, much speculation and research exists on the origins and first visions of the Angels granted to humans.
Regardless of the exact date and location of the origin of Ruinism, the first greater main following of the church was established in Xion. Celyrion (literally: small Celyr) became its first major stronghold and remains strictly Ruinist to this day. Unsurprisingly, this is also where the main seat of the church was placed.

It is unclear when the Angels first contacted humans and deemed us worthy to be saved from ruin. The first official historical record attributed to an Angel of Ruinism dates from the 6th century DC. But even before that, legends and myths about Angels existed, even though their historical accuracy cannot be verified. It is certain, however, that Ruinism predates Jerebaism.

— Kolerkios Demapakartos (Cleric of Ruinism), “Origins of Ruinism” in Teachings of the Angels, Vespera (Celyrion), 952 RC, p. 83.

Main deity: Rom
Main seat: Vespera (Celyrion)

Ruinism

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Jerebaism

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