Vaunu (Religion)

The dominant religion on Viniktaria that holds deceased members of The Monarchy as divine gods/goddesses, while focusing on overarching themes of peace, prosperity, and self-love.

Summary

Vaunu is the majority religion on Viniktaria, with 78% of the general population, and 95% of the Viniktarian population labeling themselves as Vaunuan. This religion emphasizes peace, appreciation of the world around you, prosperity, love, and lack of judgement and revenge—although exclusions apply. Overall, freedom to learn and think is a repetitive theme among the faith, as well as solving one's issues by action rather than hoping they will disappear. By outsiders, Vaunu has been labeled as a religion surrounded in the practices of "self-care".
Vaunu is a polytheistic religion, with the gods/goddesses being deceased members of The Monarchy, stemming back to The Vinuktian-Viniktarian War. Vaunu was not established however until the death of Sylvani Eyouma Milano xi Eveiliria, the first Quailaria and first member of The Monarchy who established The Viniktarian Empire after the Vinuktians were defeated in the aforementioned conflict. Because of how successfully she brought up the empire, and how peaceful and loving her reign was, the people of Viniktaria considered Sylvani to be a hidden goddess in disguise, and created the relgion of Vaunu to both honor and continue to pray and connect with her after her passing. Because of her believed divinity, every member of the xi Eveiliria family is considered to be a divine entity—even those who marry into the family, although they must prove their worth.
The birthplace of Vaunu is established as being the Viniktarian Capitol of Thair, although the religion is widespread throughout the planet, and in pockets of the galaxy. Despite being the capitol, the percentage of Vaunuan followers here is only 89%, mostly due to the Capitol being a hotspot for many different cultures and species, such as the Borkens and Terrarrorians.

Rules and Recommendations

While Vaunu does emphasize freedom, there are some guidelines in following the religion and living in everyday life, however these can either be bent, ignored, or have a loop-hole for certain situations. Here are some notable examples:

• A Vaunuan must define one main divinity to worship, but they may take time to decide which one they connect with the most. Sometimes, this takes centuries. However, for those who have a pull between many different divinities, there are exceptions that allow one to favor multiple—but they must be treated equally. Once a Vaunuan has chosen a divinity, they cannot undo their choice. However, there is a grace period of 10 Viniktarian Years.

• When choosing one of the divine, a Vaunuan will look for any pull (whether that be physical, emotional, or mental) towards any certain god or goddess. Sometimes a divinity is chosen based on the similarities between the believer, and the god or goddess. Other times, the divinity is chosen simply because the Vaunuan is fond of them. Some events in a followers life—such as intense heartbreak, loosing a child or family member, participating in war, or choosing a certain career—can determine the divinity they align themselves with.

• It is recommended to build a shrine dedicated to the divinity of your choice, but the shrine can be as complex or simple as the Vaunuan likes. A shrine can be a literal shrine as large as an estate, or a small grouping of items in a pile. The size of the shrine does not dictate the believer's luck or favor to a certain god/goddess like some may believe—instead, the actions of the Vaunuan determine their luck.

• Mainly, food and liquids, monetary offerings, and items specific to the god/goddess are placed within a shrine. However, once the food spoils, the liquid dries up, or the Vaunuan is in need of some extra cash during hard times, the items may be removed from the shrine. This idea follows the belief of "Xah io aeik xin iv", which loosely translates into the popular Earthen saying, "What's mine is yours"; in essence, if a Vaunuan is willing to part with something in order to assist a divine entity, then they deserve the same amount of assistance in return.

• Violence in any shape or form is not recommended, however, there are many loopholes past this. Participating in war is seen as acceptable (and ultimately admirable to some gods/goddesses), and protecting yourself and others out of defense is considered honorable. However, the law QK-28 comes to mind—a law that basically permits dueling as long as two parties agree by contract. While it is considered avoidable and a diminishing act of character in Vaunu, it is believed that the divine will understand, as they too had their quarrels.

• Vaunuan believe that they will be rewarded in luck if they choose to solve their conflicts through peaceful means, rather than violent ones.

• A Vaunuan must always respect the will of others—this includes the will of their parents, offspring, siblings, distant family, friends, superiors, lovers, etc. However, a Vaunuan can disagree with the will of another person and act against it, as long as they can provide a concrete reason for doing so. All in all, this rule establishes confidence and understanding, while allowing the faithful to work on problem-solving skills.

• Followers are encouraged to embrace education throughout their life in many different ways, in order to understand the world around them.

• Vaunu specifically forbids mistreatment of others solely based on their differences.

Primary Gods and Goddesses

In order of their reign, here are the primary gods and goddesses that the Vaunuan people may choose to worship. These are classified by the Viniktarians who were born directly into the xi Eveiliria bloodline, and do not include those that married into the family.

Sylvani Eyouma Milano xi Eveiliria

Goddess of War

The first leader/Quailaria of Viniktaria, and ultimately the guiding force behind Viniktarians gaining conquest and freedom over Viniktaria. One of the most popular Goddesses to worship, her title is often misleading to those who do not understand the faith. Despite being the Goddess of War, she is seen as one of the wisest entities, focused on restraint and perseverance. Instead of starting conflicts, she believed in finishing them in order to protect her people and those she loved. Sylvani is most popular among members of the Viniktarian Military, especially Wenway, due to her won conflicts and prosperity through a war-torn era of history.

Rouma Eyouma Kxourani xi Eveilira

Goddess of Stability

The 2nd Quailaria, and daughter of Sylvani, Rouma is known for guiding Vaunuans through hard times of stress and despair. Out of all the divinities, she is the most popular one that many Vaunuans will modify their chosen divine for. The reason: events like the loss of a loved one, losing a job, or experiencing a traumatic event will force many Vaunuans to seek out a sense of stability in their own chaotic lives. As the Goddess of stability, Rouma is known to symbolize inner peace, self-care, and acceptance among oneself and others. During her life, she was a guiding force in ensuring that her mother's progress wasn't all for naught, in that she established many systems that the Viniktarian government still uses to this day, such as the Xiev Xousen. Her reign was known for improving the young Viniktarian Empire, and for establishing the stepping stones necessary to become a juggernaut of existence.

Erkuto Kxourani Eouwen xi Eveiliria

God of Wrath

The first Quailarian by bloodline, and the son of Rouma, Erkuto is known for guiding vengeful Vaunuans towards their goals. He represents a stubborn nature, ambitious lifestyle, and winner takes all attitude. While unpopular by most Vaunuan standards, considering that the religion gravitates towards a peaceful non-confrontational mindset, many brash and bold Vaunuans will choose Erkuto as their divinity of worship. In his life, Erkuto was known for implementing strict laws in order to calm the increasing crime rate. While historians argue as to which ones were actually effective, overall Erkuto is seen as a crucial stepping stone towards Viniktaria transitioning into a super power of the galaxy.

Younokautaa Kxourani Seilveilyun xi Eveilira

God of The Sky

The second Quailarian, and son of Erkuto, Younokautaa is influential to Vaunuan innovators and inventors. While labeled the God of The Sky, he is infamous for his strides in Viniktarian technology, which include aircraft. This vital step towards an advanced civilization made it so that major cities could be built hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from one another, and overall increased the population and prosperity of the Empire. Besides innovation and the realm of the above, Younokautaa is known to represent self worth, faith in one's abilities, and success.

Souraun Youdin Erko xi Eveiliria

God of Prosperity

The third Quailarian, and first-born sun of Younokautaa, Souraun is the first Quailarian born with a sibling: an uncommon feat for the time period, as having more than one child was risky with lack of advanced medicine. As the God of Prospertiy, Souraun represents a similar tide of success just as his father does, but specifically geared towards a resolute and final realization towards achieving one's goals, and experiencing a high standard of living. He is popular among the upper class, and is often worshiped alongside his great-grandmother, Rouna, as a combination of Stability and Prosperity. He was known for bringing a higher standard of living for the Viniktarian people, through the implementation of clever architecture, infrastructure, education, technology, and wealth.

Nakataroikk Xousine Erko xi Eveiliria

God of Architecture

The fourth Quailarian, and son of Souraun, Nakataroikk is often seen as an extension of Souraun himself, as the two are commonly worshiped hand in hand. Nakataroikk is infamous for continuing his father's prosperous legacy, but focusing on his own implementation of a beautiful society through architecture. While one of the most forgettable divinities due to little of note happening history-wise during his reign (seeing as it was almost boringly peaceful), he is commonly worshiped by innovators of the era.

Diverouskk Eyouma Kakta xi Eveiliria

God of Chaos

The fifth Quailarian, and son of Nakataroikk, Diverouskk is seen as a very controversial figure in Vaunuan lore and Viniktarian history in general. He is infamous for changing the nation's direction from that of self-improvement, towards the conquering of other nations. In doing so, he sparked many wars and conflicts with nearby planets and races; while seen as a victorious leader at the time, many historians now condemn his actions, being as they have forever labeled Viniktarian kind as a race hell-bent on ruling the galaxy, when this just isn't true. While many would love to rip the title of God from Diverouskk, most agree that the good nature of Vaunu cannot exist without any sort of chaotic force. That being said, it would be a lie to assume that most don't judge those who choose to pray to Diverouskk. All in all, Diverouskk represents a chaotic lifestyle, and impulsive behavior with no rules.

Jeil Kakta Veisktuka xi Eveiliria

God of Conflict

The sixth Quailarian, and son of Diverouskk, Jeil is just as controversial as his father due in part to his continuation of conquering the galaxy. While Diverouskk may have started wars, Jeil finished them, and in doing so helped gather much of the present-day territory for the Viniktarian Empire. Jeil represents ambition, a strive to finish what one has started, and seeing through one's worries to the end. He is popularly paired with Diverouskk, but also with his grandson Yatiq, God of Conquest.

Jokunei Kakta Movvemeuno xi Eveiliria

Goddess of Balance

The third Quailaria, and ninth leader of the Viniktarian Empire, Jokunei is the daughter and eldest child of Jeil. Jokunei is infamous for bringing balance to the nation, while also implementing increasing pressure to accept all conquered peoples into Viniktarian society, rather than discriminating against them. This is surprising, thanks to her father and grandfather's beliefs of conquering all, but legend tells that Jokunei herself worshiped her great-great-great-great-great-grandmother Rouma, the Goddess of Stability, which would explain her belief in peaceful tactics. Jokunei represents inner peace, respect for others, and a desire to improve one's life through self improvement rather than blaming others. She is a popular choice among intense Inner Core trainees, being as she was rumored to be one of the most powerful Viniktarians to ever live.

Yatiq Kakta Ko xi Eveiliria

God of Conquest

The eighth Quailarian, and son of Jokunei, Yatiq is known for his dissent of his mother's legacy through turning back to the old ways of conquest, as brought on by his grandfather and great-grandfather. His reign is not as considerably known as those previously mentioned, but he was the most successful of the three in terms of races conquered and assimilated into the Viniktarian Empire. He only resurfaced into popularity during the reign of the 13th Leader of the Viniktarian Empire, Quailarian Ankorra, due to Ankorra personally choosing Yatiq as his personal God. Yatiq represents not only a successful conquest, but also that of a career, and a resolute mindset.

Rogunvua Yatiq Skene xi Eveiliria

God of Death

Rogunvua is the ninth Quailarian, and son of Yatiq. His legacy is particularly famous, being that he lived during a time of famine for his people and disease, which was uncommon up until this point. While he was able to restore order to the Viniktarian Empire, he did not completely escape all suffering: 8/9 of his children died in childbirth, which quickly became a bad omen for the Quailarian. His connotation with death and disease quickly marked him as the God of Death after his passing, which coincidentally came early (he lived for roughly 26,000 Earth years). Rogunvua represents untimely ends, resolution, disease and the sick, as well as painful healing. Those that often find themselves enraped in misfortune often turn to Rogunvua for assistance.

Keilkosaan Kakitan Rene xi Eveiliria

God of Intelligence

The only surviving son of Rogunvua, Keilkosaan is the tenth Quailarian known for bringing about an increase in technology and prosperous times for his people. He implemented a standard education system for all, making sure that those other than the wealthy could allow their children to go to school. He is popular among scholars and educators, and is credited with helping create the Elekeairkii Federation. Keilkosaan represents knowledge, the desire to create, and understanding.

Ankorra Yatiq Amu xi Eveiliria

God of Love

One of the most popular Gods due to his recent passing a good 300+ Earthen years before present day, Ankorra is the eldest son of Keilkosaan, and one of the most beloved Quailarians. He was known for both increasing the Viniktarian Empire's domain, and improving the lives of all of his people, including those who were non-Viniktarian. While originally seeming to be the God of Strategy, due to his incredible war tactics, Ankorra was dubbed the God of Love due to his fairytale-esque romance with Quailaria Shei Mei, the Goddess of Fertility. Their love was admired by all Viniktarians, especially those that practiced Vaunu. Ankorra represents romance, strategy, undying love, and loyalty.

Structure

Unlike other religions, Vaunu does not have a hierarchy of titles like pope, bishop, priest, rabbi, etc. Instead, Vaunu is simply followed in private by those who practice the religion. Terms and rules are established within "Xiev Evoudon xi Vaunu", an instructional book filled with tales of divinities, and proper rules of the faith. This book is free to the public, so that no certain company benefits from its production.

Public Agenda

Vaunu is a religion created to bring structure, tranquility, and peace to those who seek it. It's a way for Viniktarians to feel connected to a divine entity that will protect and watch over them and their family during their lifetime. It is also another way for the Vaunuan population to feel closer to their Inner Core.

Assets

Because the religion is spread out among the people who have personal, individual shrines, the religion itself does not hold anything to its name. In fact, creating wealthy temples of worship for a certain Quailarian/Quailaria/Quailar/Quaila for public use is considered treason-like within Vaunu, as the religion focuses on personal worship, rather than glorification shared by the masses.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Alternative Names

The Religion of Viniktaria

Demonym

Vaunuan

Parent Organization

The Viniktarian Empire

Location

Thair, Viniktaria