Niranni Religion

Religions

Ansivi and Anevia

Ansivi (The Ancient Way) was the original religion of the Niranni. The Niranni in the ancient times were said to worship a variety of spirits and held a way of life focused on balance. This religion was less fanatical and pushed for the balance of the Niranni and spirits, along with the destruction of those who would seek to upset this balance. It remains common throughout regions like Alsivai and among Monks, however it has fallen out of favor due to the creation of Anevia. Anevia is a faith that supports the centralization of religion and codification of practice.

Veriisma

Veriisma (The Cult of the Wolf ) is a religion that was founded following the collapse of the first empire. It was known to be practiced by barbaric groups of Nieranni that loved to trade and raid. They were protective of hounds of all sorts, and even saw Lycanthropy as a blessing as opposed to the standard view of it being a curse.

Vilsisma

Vilsisma (Cult of the World) is an original shamanistic faith of the Niranni, it is said that over many years it was centralized into first Ansivi, which evolved into Anevia. It survives among the conservative tribes home to the hills, as well as among the tribal kingdoms in northern Nieden. Vilsisma followers often believe in a prophecy, where the great one will come. The great one is said to be an individual who will cast out the darkness of the world, usurping the ruling chaos, and purifying it. Over the years it has become incredibly rare, being overtaken by other forms of Niranni folk religion. Zanvia Zanvia (Dark Way) is the name given to abyss worship, it is said that these individuals are often revering the corruption and blights brought forth by it. They are said to hold Zirra or Sanri in highest regard as the chief god, set to overthrow the life-giver and empower mortals. Sanri is seen as the great equalizer, and destroyer of the castes of heaven. The Zanviari are some of the worst opponents of the Kirrentai, as they have infiltrated important kingdoms and institutions. Powerful among them have been able to harness abyss magic, a forbidden type. It is for this region that the Zanvia are at constant war with the Kirrentai.

Sîhlisma

Sîhlvia (The Way of the Grove) is the worship of the forest and nature. It is a highly shamanistic faith related to Vilsisma, but differs in the deities and practices. This religion is found primarily among the eastern Ukori. Among the Sîhlismaerii (Grove Cultists), the primary deity is the Ek’saihei or Ek’sairia (The Great Shaman). It is said that the Great Shaman was once a man who ascended to godhood following a life of trials and tribulations. He learned all of the magical arts and lived in harmony with nature until being called to defend it from the corrupted, who ventured into his realm. His great skill with the Sîhlkessirn and magical prowess allowed an easy victory against the horde, of which he burned the bodies to release their spirits. It is said that all the forest would come to bow to him, and he would be their king and protector. Soon after, he would master spirit magic and become a great spirit. Ek’sairia is thought to teach appreciation for nature and the love of the natural realm. Ek’sairia is said to help control floods and other disasters to minimize damage when he can. This benevolent figure hopes that his followers will love and protect the world like he can and defend it from the defilers. Besides Ek’sairia there are of course the minor spirits, but these are seen as more creatures rather than supernatural holy beings.

Ilhjisi

Ilhjisi (Eternal Teaching) is a faith centered on the wisdom of the Sianphrs (enlightened teachers). Ilhjisi entails diverse systems of thought, marked by a range of shared concepts that discuss theology and mythology. Ilhjisi is distinguished from other faiths in its region by its worship of Imsura, a single, eternal, omnipresent god. Imsura is viewed as greater energy in the cosmos; some academics believe Imsura and magic are the same thing and that every other deity was corrupted by the 5 Ijhans (demons), which corrupted both mortals and gods with the vices of lust, pride, attachment, ego, and rage. However, many Ilhjisi think that some gods, like Anetos or one of the Sarithra, are still adherents to Imsura's wisdom. The Ithjar articulates the core beliefs of Ilhjisi, which include faith and meditation in the name of the creator, divine unity and equality, self-service, justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct in household life. Ilhjisi originated and evolved during periods of religious persecution. It originated with the first Sianphr, Tsen Irasaj, who arrived during the shattering. Sianphr Tsen Irasaj is claimed to have traveled extensively across Nieden, teaching people about Imsura, who lives in all of his creations and represents eternal truth. He proposed a distinct spiritual, social, and political platform centered on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue. Ilhjisi originated and evolved during periods of religious persecution. It originated with the first Sianphr, Tsen Irasaj, who arrived during the shattering. Sianphr Tsen Irasaj is claimed to have traveled extensively across Nieden, teaching people about Imsura, who lives in all of his creations and represents eternal truth. He proposed a distinct spiritual, social, and political platform centered on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue. When the quarreling Sajwen and Kirrentai followers tugged at the sheet covering his body, they found instead a heap of flowers and so Tsen Irasaj's simple faith would, in course of time, flower into a religion.