Tathism
Tathism is an organized monolatric religion found mostly among the desert elves and giant races. It recognizes Tathos as the only god worthy of worship and regards all other gods, infernal, celestial, and otherwise, no particular way at all. They have three books primary to their practice, namely the Book of Rites, Book of Philosophy, and Book of Traditions. It was founded by the Oracle of the West.
Tenets of Faith
The Sanctity of Life
All life is considered sacred and the taking of life is the gravest sin of all. Being servants of the god of life and death, Tathists see the taking of life as a grave transgression against Tathos. However, this does not usually translate to pacifism. Rather, things like raids, offensive warfare, capital punishment, and so on, are strictly forbidden. Fighting in defense of life and property though is permitted as it would be more likely than not to save lives.
Asceticism
The pursuit of luxury and wealth is considered sinful in Tathism. As such, many practitioners, especially the devout and clerical classes dress in very simple clothes, sometimes even devoting themselves to lives of poverty and celibacy. Some Tathists forbid the practice of celibacy. They reason the god of life would not approve of limiting reproduction.
Aniconism
Tathism shuns the use of images either in faithful matters or temporal affairs. Artistic depictions of non-living things, sometimes animals as well, is permitted. According to tradition, Tathos found the use of images to be a gross imitation of creation and forbade it. In times of particular fervor, Tathists have been known to go on riots where idols are smashed and opulent temples are razed.
Priesthood
Clerics of Tathism (distinct from priests of Tathos in other traditions) are known simply as priests and clerics. They are voted into position by local faithful from among the learned men and women who have studied the sacred texts. Once elected, they are appointed until death. They cannot appoint heirs or successors, ascension is always through community election. In appearance, the men often have long beards and wear white, they are to study the texts. The women wear red and are often scribes, some can study as well.
Sects
Aplites
Named after the founder, Aplite the Peaceful, the Aplite sect regards absolutely all violence as prohibited including self-defense. It is deemed heretical by mainstream Tathists who mostly disavow sectarianism altogether.
Sibites
Also named after its founder, the Prophet Sibi, the Sibites believe Tathos is equivalent to ultimate reality itself and is simply one name of it. While mainstream Tathism affirms the existence of other gods, Sibites believe all other gods are false, non-existent. Otherwise, they may be seen as reflections of Tathos' power. They see non-Tathist groups as unforgivable heathens. This group was previously seen as heretical though, after the Council of Moontyr, it was regarded as an accepted school of thought.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Tathist, Tathite
Deities
Related Ethnicities