Anevia
Anevia
Overview
Anevia is the most common religion among the Niranni, being the majority faith in most regions of the Niranni bar the extreme fringes of the Niranni world such as Lausland and Gentarien. It is primarily divided into Kirrentai Anevia, Sehajahi, Valkim, and Ansivi, with Ansivi being a version of the faith that is less strict and is not governed by the Kirrentai.History
Ingharan Age
In the Ingharan age, the predecessor faith to Anevia was born. It rose out of cults in the marshes of the Gendur (Aasari) river that venerated a court of gods based on previous shamanic and animistic deities in addition to animistic spirits and ancestor spirits. The faith was persecuted by the Daiilin Ketsing that sought to bring forth Isen as the primary god before its overthrow by religious rebels. In this time. the followers of the faith fled to the area around Soranna'cii before being unbanned by the following dynasties who practiced religious pluralism. In this age many of the great prophets were born and created the holy texts of the faith along with the reforms to centralize control in a system of temples that didn't contradict each other as well as creating a list of gods and virtues with each god.Due to the initial exile, different Anevia schools of thought rose in Anosfae , Soranna, Ithellen, and the Uzhili. These schools would coexist and support each other through trade, building up infrastructure and temples along the Soramari region.
Imperial Age
Under Aremi, the faith expanded and absorbed many of the cults of the Gendur valley, destroying many that would not submit. In this age the faith solidified under the first Kirrentai that regulated the religion. The religion in this time would spread all over the continent and begin to adopt elements of other faiths and merge with them. Anevia became the state faith of the Ilsairi Ketsing (Soranni Empire) and spread in every which way from Korthai to the lands that would become Essukur.Post-Imperial Age
With the shattering, the faith lost legitimacy and Anevia began to face a period of decline, although some devout followers remained in Korthai and Anosfae. The faith began to return when Siddemin tried to establish a state, one which fell apart into Immestrai and Ischurrai, but exploded among the lower classes when Selkai Genturin brought about his reforms and revolution. The faith would face a massive resurgence in the 1300s when Atshara declared that a second Kirrentai was to be formed following his conquest of Soranna. This second Kirrentai was more strict than the first and persecuted followers of faiths deemed harmful to society such as the animal cults that practiced lycanthropy.Basic Beliefs and Practices
Most Basic Beliefs
Deities
Anevia is a series of beliefs that in its simplest form reveres local animistic spirits, a pantheon of divine spirits known as the Court of Heaven, and ancestors spirits all the while denouncing demonic spirits and darker forces. The head of the Court is typically Anetos, Fameis, or a combination of the two known as Anmarus; although there exists a head of the court, this is only the mainline interpretation, and other ideas have risen up over time. Often, states will have primary deities besides the main ones such as the worship of Adomar being a state deity of the Rulagi princedoms.Nature and Balance
Anevia has a reverence for the world and its inhabitants, the philosophy is that one ought to be seeking to live among nature rather than overpower it. Nature is to be used though, in moderation; moderation is a great tenet of the Anevia faith, which believes that the bemuddling of the world is one of the primary sources of pollution.Purities and Impurities
Purities and Impurities are tied to balance in the world, being one of the key elements of Anevia.Blood and Water
It is believed among the Niranni that certain elements are impure. The most common example of this is blood, and to shed blood is to drain the life force of a being. Due to this reason, any act of doing so must be met with purification. Water is said to be cleansing of blood, however only when it is flowing. Stagnant water is associated with death and spirits, with an easy comparison being that of the clean rivers against the murky swamps.Other Purities
As for pure resources, it is said that salt is able to purify; the idea of the purity of salt is possibly due to its natural antibacterial properties. Running water, like mentioned previously, is also seen as incredibly pure. Other purities vary but can include anything from fire to the wind.Other Impurities
Other impurities vary but include anything from excrement to smoke.Sites of Worship
Household Shrines
Worship itself is believed to take many forms among the adherents of Anevia. Each Anevia household would have a shrine to ones ancestors, which are prayed to most frequently and left a portion of every meal as a way to give thanks.Local Shrines
Shrines exist in every village and neighborhood that act as a way to offer thanks and prayers to local deities that share the world with mortals.Temples
Temples exist in cities or in the countryside as places dedicated to deities or famed spirits or people, these places are where priests inhabit and conduct duties of worship and invite local inhabitants to perform ceremonies outside in the courtyard or in a room set aside for it.Monasteries
Monasteries exist as a way to store knowledge and teach others about the ways of the world, often having temples within them.State of the World
The Anevia standard doctrine dictates that the world is in a state of progressive change, and will develop further as time goes on, only for everything to be remade in a new era by the worldstorm. The Niranni believe that this existence is the first one with true civilization, but that other ones existed prior and were remade.Morals of the Faith
The morals of Anevia were largely shaped by the late Ingharan cultural revolution period in which the main school of thoughts of the southern dynasties were based on the postulates, a set of thought said to be given from heaven to encourage a better world.The Golden Postulates
The golden postulates were a simple set of rules taught to all youths, first brought about in the Ingharan age. They are as follows:1. The heavenly court is to be worshipped, for they are the ones who brought order to chaos.
2. To shed blood of the innocents is a highest blasphemy and is impure.
3. Act not against kindness and justice in the world.
4. Live a life free of impurity, be it excess or bemuddlement.
5. To treat another is akin to treating yourself, act with dignity and honor to others.
The Silver Postulates
The ways of honor, known as the Silver Postulates, are the ideas of the lesser gods of the cohort and are as follows:1. Creation is the greatest of gifts, it should not be forsaken (Mustofias)
2. Mortal life is not eternal, it should be treasured. (Seciida)
3. To find the right path in life, be true to yourself. (Hikares)
4. Change is inevitable - in your powers is to only delay it. (Atrim)
5. Love people around you, so they may learn to love. (Kisamia)
6. Courage is a virtue, but fear is what keeps you alive, fear and respect the world. (Nayustas)
7. Cruelty destroys the self, embrace empathy (Senarik)
8. Fate is in your hands, luck is in the hands of the world, seize the day. (Tezufeus)
9. Charity is the only way to fight greed, give to the unfortunate. (Adomar)
10. Truly strong people are those of strong minds, nurture your soul. (Anmarim)
11. Harmony is the world's desired state, maintain balance in the world. (Haierma)
12. Inside everyone are seeds for being a good person, help others sprout (Alsaiyu)
13. Justice is merciless, for noble and peasant are equal to the law and heaven. (Sogeren)
14. You have to strive for and share knowledge, as knowledge defeats ignorance. (Esageus)
15. Use your talents for the good of everyone, not to weave webs of lies. (Isara)
16. There are things in the world yet unexplainable, seek to know the world and respect its mysteries. (Tereizen)
17. Protect people close to you with all your might, for goodness begets goodness. (Sermeas)
18. The darkest storms are followed by the clearest of days, do not give up hope for the better. (Kaimira)
Deities
Anetos and Fameis as Rulers
These two are usually depicted as the rulers of the entire universe, which is shown as a Kingdom of sorts with them as the Imperial sovereigns.| Name | Alternate Names | Symbol | Main Trait/Ideal | Notes and Lore | Anetos | Nas'anutara | Creation, Life | The greatest spirit, known most prominently as the one who gave life to many of the world's beasts and forms. He is said to have given power to the Ilsairi clan and gave light to the sun. He was shattered during the great spirit war. |
| Fameis | Famae | Partnership, Women, Marriage | The wife of Anetos, who is known for giving the light of the night sky to the mortal realm along with the help of her maidens among the stars. | |
| Okhara | Change, War | Aspect of Anetos. The emotional side which happens to deal with mortals the most. | ||
| Emaisha | Emaistir | Stability | Aspect of Anetos. A perfectionist side which seeks to destroy those which don't fit it’s perfect ideal. | |
The Great Courtly Spirits
The Great Courtly Spirits is the name used to refer to the set of spirits that reside within the palace of Anetos alongside the rulers. These Gods are the ones considered mainstream, and are worshipped by most.| Name | Alternate Names | Symbol | Main Trait/Ideal | Notes and Lore |
| Adomar | Adomaar, Domari, Adomuun | Work, Wealth, The Forge, Craftsmanship | Also known as Domari, or Adomuun, this spirit is best known for his commitment to contracts and work. He is the patron of workers and merchants alike. Merger of Adomuun and Domari | |
| Merumi | Kindness, Community, Happiness | Merumi is associated with kindness and community, as well as love. It is said that young lovers and village elders often pay respects to the deity. This deity is said to bring happiness to the community. | ||
| Îkar | Îkaris | Journey, Travel, Boundaries | Îkares is the spirit of travel and boundaries. A sort of psychopomp of the Niranni, as it is said he first showed the fallen Niranni the path to the court of Anetos. He is often worshipped by merchants and other nomads. Merger of Aglanaia and Hikares. | |
| Alsairi | Aruse, Alsaiyu | Fertility, Harvest, Food | Also known by Arose or Alsaiu, this spirit is the one of fertility and the harvest. They are often cited at feasts and festivals for the bounty. Merger of Turheniia and Arose. | |
| Isara | Isaris | Stars, Navigation, The Heavens, Art | The great spirit that is accredited with painting many new stars into the sky so that the Niranni may see light. As daytime came, she painted the clouds and the many vistas of the continent. | |
| Kisamia | Amia, Imyllia | Poetry, Love, Expression | Also known as Amias, a spirit of storms, wind, and poetry. Theyre known best by writers. Merger of Amias and Aemyllia. | |
| Kaimira | Marsiss | Seas, Flow | An adrognyous spirit associated with the calm sea, sometimes depicted as a dragon or giant serpent. Worshipped by fisherman and Sailors most often. From Marses. | |
| Atri | Adu, Atrim | Passion, Willpower, War, Magma | A spirit associated with fire and the like. He is most often worshipped by those pursuing their dreams and wishing for good health. From Arkhes. Also known as Adu or Atrim. | |
| Mustofias | Muztai | Form, Stability | A spirit much often associated with the stones and the earth. Mustofias is said to have carved much of the stones of the earth into great hills and deep caves, assisting Anetos in creation. | |
| Sermeas | Protection, Order, Valor, Frost | Spirit of knightly virtue. He is depicted most commonly as a shielded warrior and worshipped by knights and guards. He is often associated with frost as a powerful frost wielder able to use its power to protect. | ||
| Seciida | Setiida | Time, Life, Change | Setiida is the spirit most often associated with the passing of time. It is said they taught man how to keep track of time, and when to farm. Theyre often worshipped by farmers due to the planting seasons. On the other hand, historians learn their lessons with the study of the past and so they revere the seer. | |
| Nayustas | Najustas | Mystery, Obscurity | The deity of the darkness, one associated with lost arts and secrets. They are said to hold great power and knowledge like their sibling; however, their knowledge is often the side which is where knowledge becomes a burden. | |
| Esageus | Wisdom, Science, Nuance | Sibling of Nayustas, they are associated with learning and wisdom, a patron of many universities and inventors. He is more the practical application of wisdom, while Zae’issen is more theoretical. | ||
| Tezufeus | Tesefa, Tezurr, Tesefus | Fate, Chance, The Future | Associated with chance, worshipped by most people commonly, a solid path through life is greatly helped with good luck. | |
| Anmara | Anmari, Anmarim | Soul, Mind, Animals | Worshipped by pregnant women and monks, a god associated with the soul and the mind. In addition to this, they are worshipped by hunters due to their association with nature. Their other names include Anmari and Anmarim. | |
| Haierme, | Haierma, Ashel, Ajelon | Peace, Serenity | A spirit associated with peace and serenity, said to be one of the weaker spirits but an idealistic one. | |
| Sogeren | Judgement, Virtue | Sogeren is a god associated with knights due to their role in embodying virtue and carrying out judgement as members of the law. | ||
| Senarik | War, Strength | Senarik is said to be a god that is associated with war and strength, they are often worshipped by generals and warriors. | ||
| Tereizen | Magic, Wonder | Worshipped by mystics and mages, associated with divine powers and shamanism. Said to give visions and bestow magical gifts. | ||
| Mylla | Love. Compassion | A friend of Adomaar, representative of love. She is a maiden of Fameis, and is known to help relationships blossom in the mortal realm. | ||
Moral Great Spirits
This refers to spirits that live in the realm of Anetos and are morally good or neutral. These spirits are ones tolerated by the Kirrentai and society at large.| Name | Alternate Names | Symbol | Main Trait/Ideal | Notes and Lore |
| Izen | Storm, Wrath, Power | Izen is not said to be an evil god, nor is he excluded from the cohort. Like many spirits, he is one of the Niranni spirits that are said to be in the same family as the court of Anetos. He simply chose not to be a member of the palace and great heavenly city, rather his own temple on an island that is warmed by magma. In honor of this visage, he has his own temple in the far northern sea, although the island is inhabited by only a few hundred villagers. | ||
| Najan | Fear, Pain | Najan, or Najiri, is the god of fear and pain. It is said that he is not an evil god but seeks to teach mortals what is good for them. | ||
| Faitral | Faru | Luck, Gambling, Fortune | Faitral is a god of luck, who often disputes with Esageus but is friends with Tezufeus. They are possibly related to Merumi. | |
| Sainal | Revenge, Justice | Sainal is the god of revenge but takes a rather aggressive approach to the topic unlike their lawful sibling counterpart of Sogeren. | ||
| Zesur | Cunning | Zesur is a smart and cunning god that resides in the heavenly realm outside the court, he is said to be a jokester and is quite agile. He is a renowned strategist from the god wars. | ||
| Îstuva | Music | Androgynous child of Kisamia, said to have brought Music to the world from the poetry of their father. | ||
| Argis | Archery, The Hunt | Born from the strings of Kisamia and brother of Îstuva, they are said to have inherited the ability to pluck strings greatly. From here, they became an expert archer. | ||
| Ebis | Pleasure, Temptation | Child of Merumi, she is known to tempt others with offers of fun. | ||
| Vîcis | Alcohol, Parties, Festivities, Games | Child of Alsairi and Merumi and sibling to Ebis, this god is one of intoxication and parties. | ||
| Hilalu | Home, Hearth, Cooking | Child of Alsairi and Adomaar, this child is one that brought crafting to food and created the concept of meals for all to enjoy. | ||
| Dolma | Good Wealth, Business | Dolma is the child of Adomaar, said to be a god who loves the accumulation of valuables through legitimate means, but also values the spending of them. | ||
| Kivante | Savi, Kisavan | Wind, Breath, Sky | Kivante is the god of winds and skies, often said to be a child of Anetos and Fameis. He is responsible for maintaining fair weather, but must rest a few times a year (during the storm seasons) | |
| Mindis | Mindur | Society, State, and Discussion | Mindis is the god of societal functions, it is said that she handles much of the development of bureaucracy in the heavenly kingdom and inspires those on the mortal plane. | |
| Haira | Medicine, Health, Nature’s Order | Haira is the god of medicine and health, it is said that she helps man and god alike fight the corruption and maintain the natural order of life. | ||
| Zae’issen | Philosophy and Ponderance, Theoretical Science | Son of Anetos and Fameis and tutored by Esageus, he is the god of ponderance and wisdom. He is known to occasionally join the court but prefers to work on his own. | ||
| Ekorio | Koryo | Ingenuity and Invention | Son of Zae’issen, he is known to live with his father in a fortress designed to house knowledge. Here he tinkers away and tries to create new things, one of which was the first water-based clock given to the Niranni. | |
| Anyun | Birth, Parenthood, Aging | Daughter of Anetos and Fameis, appears often in a state of innocence and youth. | ||
| Saan | Longevity, Rebirth | The god of mortal lives, tasked to ensure that spirits do not stay too long in the mortal realm. It is said that he helps reshape the souls of the dead back so that they may recognize themselves. | ||
| Miszali | Contentment and Joy | She is the god of joy, often depicted as a plump woman with a laugh. It is said she is related to Merumi, perhaps being her twin. | ||
Immoral Great Spirits
This refers to great spirits that remain outside the court of Anetos and his influence; these figures are not worshipped, and are typically less good. These spirits sometimes have their own realms entirely instead of living within the realm of Anetos.| Name | Main Trait/Ideal | Notes and Lore |
| Sanri | Envy, Corruption, Darkness | Sanri is an evil spirit who is not worshipped except by abyss mystics. Born at the death of Zandrai. |
| Nerem | Sleep, Death | The God of Dark Souls, rules the Sarrinrei. Birthed from Kizan, she is one who claims his mantle as eternity due to the idea that all returns to nothing. |
| Iobra | Violence, Bloodshed | Iobra is one of the more powerful spirits, that has no home and encourages death and struggle. They were one of the first gods, birthed from Kizan. |
| Arzim | Rough Seas, The Great Ocean | Brother of Kisamia, said to be a god that has dominion over the waters far from land meanwhile his brother has those close to land. It is said that Arzim is not as good natured as his brother, and seeks to encroach upon him. |
| Sevala | Greed, Envy, Hoarding | Sevala or Sevla is the twin sister of Dolma, the difference being their morality. Sevla is about stealing wealth and hoarding it, which does not contribute to society. |
The Primordial Spirits
| Name | Main Trait/Ideal | Notes and Lore |
| Irosar | Chaos, Abyss, Void | Irosar is a theorized deity that is said to have existed before the age of the gods |
| Insul | Eternity, Stability, and Tranquility. | The First True Spirit, with a name roughly meaning the Bright First. |
| Kizan | Chaos, Rebirth, and Creation. | The Second True Spirit, with a name roughly meaning the Dark Second. |
Other Spirits
| Name | Main Trait/Ideal | Notes and Lore |
| Zandrai | Darkness, Death | Zandrai was a great spirit who was slain at the hands of Anetos, causing many new gods to be born from him. He was born from Kizan, being one of the strongest gods to have been born besides Anetos himself. |
Ascended Mortals - Saints and Demigods
| Name | Symbol | Meaning | Notes and Lore |
| Usorring | Royalty, Unity | A demigod who founded the first unified state of the Niranni in the Gendur Valley. He was an Ingharan during the ancient ages. | |
| Aremi | Power, Divinity | The first declared Saint, one who founded the first Sorannan Empire through conquest. It is said he was a demigod, as the blood of Anetos surged through him. | |
| Marrhus | Knowledge, Wisdom | A prominent writer during the days of the Sorannan Empire, known to have written down much about the various Niranni groups as well as the first records on Niranni religious practice. It is his works that would become the basis of the faith’s record-keeping practices. He was so wise and a master of the arts; it was due to his wisdom, that he was able to outsmart a god and steal their powers. | |
| Gentuar | Mysticism, Freedom | An Imaski Saint among the Niranni of the North, said to have defended his people against the encroaching Soranni Empire. He represents strength and is loved by the people of the north. It is said that a shaman helped him ascend on top of a mountain overlooking lake Lura. | |
| Atshara | Esotericism, Faith, Duty | Founder of the Ischurrai Kingdom, he and his son Ditrai marched south and retook the city of Sora’eanna from the blightspawn and created the new Kirrentai. It is said that he rode a great dragon and was an exceptionally powerful mage before his death at the hands of an ogre in his sleep. | |
| Mirri | Love, Honor | An Ischurri saint said to have lost her lover during the great blight, she picked up the sword of her lover and led survivors to rally at Mt. Gendumar. She began the fight and fought back against the horde until the Ischurrai Prince and several Sorrani dukes came to finish off the horde from behind. After her death, the Suran Aroriae Umbra (Order of Seekers of Purity, Auroran Order) was founded in her name. | |
| Eimi | Ingenuity, Science | A Kassei Saint known for his ideas and creations. It is said that he created some of the greatest inventions of the world, such as the hypocaust system, the piston, orrery, crossbow, compound pulley, and much more. It is said that he was an avatar of the god of wisdom, he was known to have magical prowess that could be used to power his inventions even if many have been lost. | |
| Imaxis (or Imakksus) | Righteousness, Warriorship | A Serrenese Saint known for his prowess in battle against the first blight. He is said to have defeated their army and killed the dragon at its head. | |
| Anne Ishen | Healer, Motherhood | An Anesari Saint known for her healing throughout the Niranni world. She provided help to those after the battle of Sirovae, in days before the Sorannan Empire. She is one of the most prominent figures in Anosfae. | |
| Silhdere (or Silhdan) | Art, Beauty | An Anesari Artist and Engineer, known for creating many artistic works and buildings such as the Akhamne Palace. He is a model for artists all around. | |
| Sirimas (or Dirhim) | Freedom, Strength | A Laus Saint known for protecting his people against the invading Essukuri, idealized by warriors. | |
Dreamers
Overview
The Anieri, or dreamers, are an order of some of the most powerful monks on Nirann who were able to master control over their mortal soul and use it to reach into the spirit world. They believe themselves as tasked with obtaining divine knowledge for the mortals of the world, as well as maintaining balance wherever they can. The first dreamers arose in the Ingharan age, as Nemask himself began a monastery in old city of Siiwun, gaining the power of foresight as his appearance changed and he grew to have four eyes and two more arms, his face ever covered by a mask as he entered a state of sleep so that he could bring news of the spirit world to the mortal word, making a deal with the god of fate so that their souls would be remade anew if they would seek knowledge to destroy the witherance. Thus, the order of dreamers was founded.Dreamers in sleep are between the mortal and spirit worlds, remaining unaging. They sit at their respective monasteries/temples in a state of unending meditation. While their bodies remain there, the minds of the dreamers enter the spirit world where they study and bring forth great knowledge. The aforementioned Great Dreamers are those gods who have received the blessing of the spirit world and are the most attuned individuals to that world. They, however, must battle the corruption of Sanri that tries to steal their souls, which becomes impossible to resist when their mortal bodies are seized by the witherance.
There have been nine great dreamers and eighteen lesser ones throughout history, although the order do have dozens of people in them. The order has a few temples with the most renowned being the ruins of Aunahi (Highwatch) temple in Siiwun, Ilassan (Holyvigil) temple in Sammbaiha, Sicuiss (Lullingstone) south of Sejemri, Aarem (Heart's Peak) on the isle of Tesa, and Sagadra (Sandsedge) on the border of Orazhan and the Arkhai.
Chart of Dreamers
| Name | Status | Number | Notes and Lore |
| Nemask | Corrupted, Soul Salvaged | The First Dreamer | Name: Torpor |
| Inimvis | Corrupted, Soul Unknown | The Second Dreamer | Name: Illusion, Facade |
| Vizal | Corrupted, Soul Salvaged | The Third Dreamer | Name: Destiny |
| Zirint | Corrupted, Soul Destroyed, Reincarnated | The Fourth Dreamer | Name: Obscurity |
| Sibennan | Corrupted, Soul Salvaged | The Fifth Dreamer | Name: Boundless |
| Varsinn | Corrupted, Soul Salvaged | The Sixth Dreamer | Name: Truth |
| Assar | Corrupted, Soul Destroyed, Reincarnated | The Seventh Dreamer | Name: Vigil |
| Okha | Corrupted, Soul Destroyed, Reincarnated | The Eighth Dreamer | Name: Chaos |
| Iljan | Corrupted, Soul Destroyed, Reincarnated | The Ninth Dreamer | Name: Reverence |
Realms and Places
| Name | Meaning | Notes and Lore |
| Hemnerei | Home Realm | The Mortal Realm, where Humans reside and nations rise and fall by the day. |
| Anmarien, Anmarei | Soul Realm | The realm of where the gods reside, it is said to exist among the stars and is incredibly tranquil. This was before the Immerum began to encroach on it, and as such the wars among heaven began and are ongoing. |
| Ilusiren | Tranquil Realm | The place within the Anmarei that the court of Anetos resides. Under siege by the forces of the Immerien. |
| Immerien | Eternal Realm | The realm outside the Hemnerei, said to be a darkness of which some spirits make their home. Most prominently is Zirra, an Evil spirit as old as Anetos. It is said this land has been slowly growing towards the Ilusiren. |
| Iberei (Ignerei) | Magma Realm | A land said to be among the underground of the Hemnerei, as well as penetrating the Anmarien. It is most prominently seen underneath volcanoes, and other features. It is said to be home to angry spirits. Contrary to the name, much of it is cold and dark. |
| Aptrazem | Void Realms | The land that exists beyond the stars and by the heavenly realms. It is unexplored but is host to vast energies, and possibly other dimensions as well. |
| Sirummive | Space Between | Similar to the Aptrazem but is the space between realms beyond the stars. It is neither void nor creation. |
| Emasserei | Otherworld | The Emasserei, or otherworld, is a place theorized to exist by select mage and scholar circles. This is due to several things such as the Aniereima (Dreaming), and historical events. The dreaming is in reference to a phenomenon that takes place around certain holy sites, where an asleep mage experiences visions of another realm not unlike the Ilsuren. It is said that time is fractured in this place as people could live entire lifetimes in their sleep before waking up just hours later. This place is known to host a variety of ruins in the Solerii style and the place is full of unknown magical seals and wards. Exactly what it is is unknown, but some theorize it to be a product of Sora'eanna or the Ilsuren due to the shattering. Others believe it could be a place that has to do with the history of the Niranni people. |
Other Information and Legends
The Vorresil
In Niranni lore the Vorresîl, Tsetrasil, Sundassil, or Tsessil is a great tree planted over the worldstorm using the leftover bodies of Insul and Kizan to stop it from growing further. Insul was the roots and Kizan the leaves. It is said that this tree wraps around the world storm and absorbs much of its energy. This energy is more refined than the raw energy that escapes its roots. It is said that a mage who can access its roots would become ever more powerful, and that some ancient and holy trees are rooted in this great tree. The actual location of the tree is highly debated, with some believing it to be in the Anmarum, and others believing it to be outside of it. The tree is often depicted as a huge willow at the center of the anmarum, filtering out the creation of new spirits to maintain the harmonious balance of energies.Creation and Rebirth
The Niranni believe that the realms of the universe were in the beginning nothing, in a place known as the Great Abyss (Imperial: Ek'saniss). Throughout this period, energies would begin to appear and eventually this would coalesce into a great chaotic storm in the center of the universe. This spinning weaved together many energies, and the energies swirled to create a single primordial being known as Insul. Insul stood at the center absorbing energies and began to attempt to calm the storm. At the edge, the second being was created, this being Kizan. Kizan sought to keep the storm going as to continue the aspect of creation.The two spirits would battle over the fate of the universe for many years until their energies were spent and the situation remained unchanged. Kizan and Insul both fell victim to the storm’s power and died. From them, a variety of new spirits arose and many more split from these new spirits. Of these, some of the few who inherited power from both of them were Anetos (Imperial: Anutara), another was Fameis (Imperial: Famae).
“And so the Anutara, then known as Iffama (Imperial: Adrift Dream), met the Maiden Famae, then known as Sosanemas (Imperial: Sublime Torpor). It was love at first sight and the two brought each other to an embrace. Here they would perform a dance for what seemed like an eternity together. Over time, their presence would grow into a light that shone throughout the void. Among the spirits they became known as the Ottari (Imperial: Dancers).“
The bodies of Insul and Kizan would fade into the void, where the great storm began to rage once more and it churned out a great deity from the remnants of the two gods. This god was the ever-powerful Zanndrai, lord of the void and Darkness. Zanndrai began his reign over the realms, devouring those who he could catch.
Zanndrai was drawn to a light in the void that shone brighter than the rest, it was close to the worldstorm and so he thought to consume it. There he saw the dancers in their trance, he went to devour them in one fell swoop but was easily dodged by the rhythm of the two. Together they defended themselves by creating weapons together, a spear and a bow. Anetos would draw from the void a great spear named Ottasun, or the Dance of Creation, Fameis would draw a bow called Ammerjis, or the Form of Love. They had learned creation from the dance of the Worldstorm, a feat unheard of. Together they fought the lord of hunger to a standstill, where they would continue for a long time until most of the spirits had come to watch. Eventually, Zanndrai would knock Fameis out of the fight with a swift hit that caused her to begin to fade and fall apart.
Anetos wept and drew forth his blade, dancing, dodging, and drawing his way across the void with immense speed to create a great net that entangled Zanndrai. With this opportunity, Anetos took all his strength and raised Ottasun in the air and cut deep into Zanndrai, exposing the center of his being. He begged and pleaded the name of Fameis for one final arrow. Fameis used the last of her energy to expel the arrow that killed Zanndrai.
Anetos gathered what pure souls he could from the death of Zanndrai and used it to save Fameis, but she still was weak; seeing her weakness, Anetos merged beings with Fameis and became the creator Amaris (Imperial: Dream Fragment). The two were joined by the rest of the spirits in the realm, who celebrated the defeat of the great devouring serpent. Anetos looked towards the worldstorm with Fameis, and they struck it both with their weapons. This allowed the two to consume a piece of the storm and the rest of the energy to be expelled in a great tidal wave across the universe. This wave of energy flowed across the sea of the void and caused refined energy to pool in certain areas. Anetos took Ottasun and used it to carve away land from the celestial sea, the first true realm. Other gods saw this example and would go on to make their own realms.
Anetos had gained immense power, enough to rival the aspects of both his predecessors; he was no longer a simple dancer. He was proclaimed Lord of the Universe by many spirits and gained a following. This following created the palace of Sosannumia (Imperial: Mino'dai'sosan, the Sublime Palace). From the arrows of the maiden, vegetation and trees had taken root. From the arrow at the world storm that had slain Zanndrai, the two nurtured the great tree that would become the Vorrasil.
With this, the new generation of spirits was said to create many places within the void, and these spirits would even diverge from each other to create the second wave of beings. Some of these spirits came to Anetos and asked for a new realm where the weak spirits could live. These spirits were taken to the edge of the worldstorms remains, where Anetos gathered energy and began another dance with Fameis. Using Ottasun, Anetos would dredge up energy and the ruins of past realms from the first wave that was sent out from the worldstorm. He would carve it into the first continent of Nieden using his dagger Miskai. Fameis would take her bow and shoot the first spirits and plants onto the plane using comets. These beings would lose their immortality at the cost of being mostly safe from outsiders. The two did not want the world to be dark like the spirit world, and so Anetos put his hands together against his abdomen and created the first divine light from within himself and brought it up as the sun. Fameis held her hands to her bosom and created two weaker lights for the night, the Moons. After this, the spirits who asked for the world were given a form by all the gods which was a human. They were shot down to the mortal plane. Anetos loved the mortals, and saw how gods were giving parts of themselves to give these creatures more sentience; he did so as well. Anetos took Miskai and cut off a piece of his heart and gave it to those who would become the Niranni. With the sun and moon, the mortal world now had a way to keep track of time; time was important when you had the lifespan of a weak spirit but not for the gods. Anetos saw a need to keep track of time, and so he asked the spirits. So that the gods may learn time as well, a minor spirit named Nerum volunteered to keep track of the rotations of a new moon above the tree of the worldstorm. After this, they spirits would retire to their palace and allow the other gods to contribute to the mortal world.
As time went on, the spirits found the lights of the mortal plane to be wondrous and begged the pair for more in their own worlds. Anetos stood up from the celestial throne, grabbed Ottasun, and ventured out. He saw how energies were coalescing in certain areas like they had been for the realms. He gathered the spirits and proclaimed how they should bring light to the void with a river. The other gods, even lords of the other realms, agreed. They saw how Zanndrai had carved great channels into the realm as he slithered. The spirits began to cut a great river into the void to connect the existing channels so that all the energy would flow into them, and here the first stars would begin to form in the river. The gods were happy that there was now a source of light, which was named the great river of Argosara (Shining River) or Nassara (Celestial River). This river could be seen in the sky of the mortal realm as a great band of forming stars. The god Kinnteha (Essukuri: Elshafar), god of one of the more prosperous realms called Irjanu spoke up and said “But this channel is only here, what of placing something above us to grant light as well?” All agreed, but they did not know how. Another god named Margai (Estheli: Batya) said “I will bring the reflection of the river to our own sky.” The god was armed with a rod named Sarsij (The Star Hook) and began to cast the reflection of stars up using his hook. Soon enough the reflection of the great celestial river could be seen in the heavens.
Margai grew tired, and rested at the shore while the gods were amazed at the spectacle unfolding before them. Fameis was getting tired of feeding her new child Anyun, and so went to pass the baby to her nurse and friend Isara. As some milk spilled into the river, Margai had an idea. He said “If milk sustains the spirit, why couldn’t it be used to form the reflection of the stars?” Isara picked up the spilled milk using her comb, which she had transformed into a brush. Margai then launched her into the sky where she hung onto the hook and painted a great streak above the river in an arc before falling down. She landed safely as she was pulled down by Margai; the two would repeat this for many days as their goals completion grew closer and closer. Spirits of all sorts would try to help such as Isharza (Orijame Isara even used her own energy to paint the last of the stars in the middle. When they were finished, the celestial river’s reflection had been painted all around them as little beacons of light made from celestial energies. The color of the stars varies among the skies of the heavens, but it is thought to be related to which god placed them and the method used.
“It is believed that the universe simply was in the beginning, dominated by a great storm. It was ended by our Ancestor, who put an end to the chaos. Near all of them went off to create their own realms, Fameis and Anetos worked together and created the Ilusiren and Anmarei first, to be their home. Following this they created the patrons and spirits who they had helped create the world of the Hemnerei, and populated it with many creatures and the like. Over time they saw it needed something more, and so they created their last addition to the world, the Niranni.” - Iakshe of Illoreanna [1344 ASC]
"And when Anetos created the world he did not do it alone, one has to merely look up at the night sky to see her work. She who painted the stars..." - Master Suulmai of Iderra [1582 ASC]
Variants of the Faith
Shamanism
In the rural tribes, among those who listen to no feudal lord, the old ways still reign supreme. Adorned in paints like their feudal kin, they appear as they have for millenia. Shamans draped in hide, linen, and fur with bone and antler accessories. These shamans play a key role to the tribe, advising the chieftains in matters and performing great magical feats. It is said that Niranni shamans are chosen from only the best with potential to cultivate their ability into unmatched prowess.Ansivi
Ansivi is a group of faiths that diverged from Soranni Anevia and are popular in the Inghar Valley, south Ischurrai, and Alsivai. The Ansivi groups believe largely in ancestor worship as the highest form of worship, and that the gods are merely the farthest back ancestors of all mortals.Sehajahi
Sehajahi or Sehajari is the Anesari version of Anevia, based primarily on the beliefs of the Mizhtrali, ancient Anesari, and first Kirrentai. Sehajahi has a wide variety of local gods not found elsewhere in the Anevian lands.Valkim
Valkim, or Valknen is the Ischurri variant of Anevia, practiced in more rural regions of the country. Valknen is characterized by the sacrosanct view of nature as the purest form of the world, that the natural world directly reflects that of the spirit world or is indeed an extension of the spirit world.Creation
It believes that Nassin (Anetos) was firstborn of the world, and that Namin (Fameis) was secondborn. That they inhabited a treacherous void that swirled as a storm, birthing a great sea. They bided until the first other beings were created, most notably a giant named Nor, who raged from the moment he was born from the storm. Nor waged battle against Nassin and Namin, who defeated the giant and created the world from its body, giving way for the other spirits to spread into the world. They stirred the sea to create mankind and the animals, with Niranni originating as the parts of Nassin and Namin that were washed off when they cleansed themselves after the slaying of Nor.Pharenes
Pharenes, meaning the folk path, is the name of Anevia in Ithellen. It is polytheistic largely, although in the south and east the faith has declined in favor of monotheistic Anevia.Creation
The people of Ithellen believe in the Odagenos, the birth from water. They believe that the original beings stirred in the primordial sea, and that gods originated from the primordial sea. From the primordial sea, the gods conflicted and lived their lives until eventually the goddess of love Marae entered into the sea, and as she exited the first mortals were formed from the water that fell from her onto the lands. The first animals sprung out and populated all the lands, while the first humans were yet to be created. The god of craftsmenship Safaros shaped the ideal life form from clay as a way to express the glory of the gods in mortal form, using asking the goddess of love to birth the souls of these beings. The meeting of Safaros and Marae created the first mortals this way, with the leftover souls being thrown back into the sea, where it met the first beings that Safaros was working on, and thus nymphs and sirens were born. As gods died and fell into the sea through conflict with each other, other beings were birthed as the sea gave form to things like demons and spirits. This version of creation is most often believed by a few who live on the southern coast of the Ithellenoi lands, with it falling out of favor by many after being refined during the imperial period and merging with the Soranni version of beliefs.Kirrentai Anevia (Suranvia)
Kirrentai Anevia is the most common version of Anevia, being found in Soranna, Korthai, and Ischurrai. It is the reformed version of the Anevia faith brought about by the second Kirrentai and is primarily the basis for this article.The Kirrentai
See Full Article for More Info. The Kirrentai is the organization in which the official Anevia religion is administered. It originates in the first priest class from the stonespire mountains, before moving to the city of Soranna following the ascension of Aremi Izara Kessiar. From here Soranna has been considered a holy city and the temple worked to favor the power of the Ilsairi. However in times of strife and when the Ilsairi have vanished, the clergy has grown its own sentiment for governing and has created its own temple state at several points in history. Eventually the Ischurri Ilsairi would reign in the clergy once more and bring stability back to the religion. Monks on the other hand have been largely isolated from the clergy, claiming that the clergy is full of snobs who impose their will on the Niranni people. The Monks often became independent in their fortress monasteries, while others reigned in by states. Those reigned in often contribute warriors to campaigns and support their states.
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