Shonism
Shonism is the sect of the greater religion that follows the ideals of Shone Volar, treating them as their primary deity. Followers of this religion are known as Shonites. They revere the Returned as the voices of their god, and put them in place as the head of their government and religion.
Culture
In order to keep a Returned alive, many followers of Shonism decide to willingly volunteer their Birthright Spirits. Even people without a necromantic Birthright Spirit may volunteer to give theirs away to the Returned, though followers of other religions often see this as an abomination. In exchange for the sacrifice, the individual is given compensation, typically around 5,000 platinum pieces.
The Returned are also expected to perform auguries by reviewing works of art sent by citizens, and their priests record their dreams, words, and acts at all times to search for prophetic glimpses.
Mythology & Lore
Shonites believe that a being who has passed the gate between life and death and returned of their own will is granted a glimpse of the true realm of the Gods. In this realm, they believe that the soul of the Returned is changed and given knowledge and skill similar to that of each of the Eight: strength from Zagnaraz, beauty from Tishka, prophecy from Gribanati, health from Aris Teo, and cunning from Smajreki. It is then the mixture of of a new form granted by Daulesa, and the pull to the mortal plane of Agni Skan that allows them this new form. And Shone Volar is believed to be the one to directly oversee this process.
Tenets of Faith
- All who use the services of the unliving to make their lives easier should in turn spend their death in service to the living. As if to confirm this, anyone with a necromantic Birthright Spirit will become an undead within 48 hours of dying. To prevent rotting undead from wandering the land terrorizing all they come across, the body goes through a process of Preservation that will instead have them become lifeless.
Worship
One of the most important beliefs of Shonism is that the dead are returned to work the land for the living. All people with a Necromancy Birthright Spirit return as undead within 48 hours of death. To preserve them, they are turned to unliving during the process of Preservation of the Undead. This keeps their bodies strong and prevents rot and decay from desecrating the person's corpse.
In order to keep a Returned alive, many followers of Shonism decide to willingly volunteer their Birthright Spirits. In exchange for their sacrifice, the individual is given compensation.
Priesthood
The highest ranking individuals in the Shonism religion, other than their god, are the The Returned. Shonites revere them as individuals chosen to return from the dead in order to represent the wishes of their god and rule their people.
Following these are the High Priests, the various individuals who act as representatives for each of the 8 returned in places beyond the capitol. Each of the major cities of Nugelasau has a high priest to represent and speak for their Returned.
After the High Priests are the Lower Priests, more commonly just referred to as Priests. These are the individuals who follow the ideals of their god without belonging to the followers any specific Returned. They are the ones who most often perform the ritual for Preservation of the Undead.
Type
Religious, Sect
Demonym
Shonites
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Divines
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
