Ikuma

"May the Ways of the Ancients forever guide us"

Ikuma is the dominant religion of the Felvithar people, especially within the province of Norrim. With its roots dating back to The Age of Divinity, Ikuma is considered one of the oldest surviving faiths on Iskara. While most Felvithar practice this faith the minority Snow Elf populations outside of Norrim, however, follow different faiths or reject deities all together. The faith itself has changed much since its inception but its roots remain and it is seen as one of the more progressive faiths. Given the Snow Elves preference and aversion to most conflict it isn't uncommon for new and growing practices to be adopted by the faith as a whole, that is of course if these new ideas are not heretical or would create strife among the people.

Mythology & Lore

Felvithar believe that together Artio and Felwin discovered Iskara, alone in a vast void. The planet raged in violent fire. It screamed in pain to the bondmates and so they soothed it with their icy touch. But the world was not as tameable as they believed. Much of the world rejected the boreal vision they had in store for it so the pair carved out a holy place of harsh winters and soothing snows. But the pair grew lonely, longing for something more to give them purpose. They waited and watched as mortal kind began to spring from the energies of the world. They guarded and hid the land they had called holy and would allow only those worthy of their guidance and love to find it. As the ancient Elves fled their homeland a group stumbled upon the fabled lands. They had endured many hardships but persisted and gained the attention of Felwin and Artio. In time the pair would grow fond of these hardy Elves and you make their presence known. The Elves welcomed their new divines and from then on became the Snow Elves.

Divine Origins

Little is known of the faith prior to the Age of Strife, but from what records have survived it is known that Felwin and Artio stood at the apex of their pantheon and they guided the early Snow Elves. The faith made a massive resurgence after the Age of Ruin, when the mortals of Iskara were just truly beginning to rebuild. Given the state of the world many flocked to the prophet of Felwin and Artio, Kora Sinnota. Many would seek the voice of the divine but many rejected her, believing the gods had abandoned them. As Kora’s following, the Ikumani, continued to grow so too did the Aratak, those that have forsaken the old gods. Tensions began to rise between these two groups which erupted into a religious civil war. For decades these forces would clash, with city-states and warlords joining either side or attempting to stay neutral. Decades would pass before the war ended with the Battle of Timek, the center of Aratak power. And whether out of fear of persecution, the threat of the Avar, or general indifference many of the Aratak converted to Ikuma. Those that stuck with the ideals of the Aratak migrated south. After the war many saw Kora as chosen by the divine, that through her guidance the Felvithar could earn their gods’ favor once more. Following this war most, if not all, Felvithar within Norrim were considered Ikumani. In the coming centuries the influence of Ikuma would wax and wane but it would nevertheless become synonymous with Felvithar society and culture. These events were also pivotal in shaping the caste system.

Cosmological Views

The Felvithar are aware of the three primary realms, Illyium, Aetherius, and The Void. Illyium, or the Realm Materium, is the realm of mortals, Aetherius is the realm of the Divines, and The Void, its true name lost to time, contains the Ventara. They are also somewhat familiar with The Veil, the barrier between the realms. The Felvithar believe if the world is to end it will end in frost. A great unending winter will consume Illyium and breach The Veil consuming all realms. This apocalypse is known as Akarvinter and is said to begin when a three-year long winter strangles the north of Teldara.

Tenets of Faith

Respect one's Gods, community, family, and self
Respect the natural world and all it provides
Find purpose in one's caste
Bring honor to our people and our Gods
Place humility above petty ambitions
Provide what you can to those in need
Forsake the corruption of the Void

Worship

On the first day of the week the Felvithar will meet in their local temple to pray, this lasts roughly an hour. Many also say a small prayer to seek guidance in their work/caste. At birth a Felvithar undergoes a simple ritual blessing. A Telok will gather snow and a drop of blood from each parent, they will mix all three and lightly brush it across the newborn’s forehead with one finger. This is believed to welcome the newborn, bind its soul to its mortal body, and connect it with the world and their divines.

Priesthood

The highest ranking Tolek, the Grand Sinno holds the most power. They serve to guide the Felvithar in all things faithful and as the religious advisor to the Nuva. While the Nuva has final saw in their authority, the Grand Sinno can hold great sway and is deeply respected. Arch Sinno The Arch Sinno are high-ranking Telok that serve as advisors to the members of the Nuvian Council. As such they lead the religious aspects of the Kota assigned to their respective Nuvian Councilor. Sinno The Sinno are the elders of the Telok and primarily serve to guide Felvithar faith as a whole. They also have the responsibility of selecting both the Arch Sinno and Grand Sinno. Kiva Kiva organize and lead collections of Iqalu; they serve a more administrative role. When they do perform more mundane tasks those that partake are honored. Iqalu Iqalu are the heads of local temples and lead their communities in prayers, rituals, and oversee ceremonies in which they are required. Akiva Akiva are also considered monks but with much more responsibility. Usually they serve as teachers, mentors, and respectable members of the faith. Ammi The Ammi are the monks and novices of the Telok and are usually young Felvithar of the Telok caste who are beginning to transition into adulthood. Ikumani Followers of the Way of the Ancient are general worshippers and hold very little power. Most Felvithar fall within this rank.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Centuries ago when the gods guided the mortals of Iskara, priests held the most power but as the god’s influence waned so too did the influence of the most faithful. After the gods vanished the power of the Telok fluctuated but currently they hold a relatively respectable position within the castes. They hold authority over most things religious but the ultimate say in legal action lies upon the Nuva.

Sects

The Rakor are a special branch of the Telok caste. The most devout from the Renek caste are carefully selected to become an apprentice within this order. The main goal of this secretive group is to discover, infiltrate, and eradicate any signs, worshippers, or cults of the Void with extreme prejudice.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Leader Title

Grand Sinno

Parent Organization

Felvithar of Norrim

Permeated Organizations