Carintheanism
Everyone has there own beliefs, their own thoughts and theories. Those that share the same, or similar beliefs tend to band together, either because they find comfort in others with similar beliefs, or because they desire others to believe as they do. Where groups like these grow large enough they become religions, and there are many religions that spread across the nations of Terra. Some worship gods, others worship books or idols. Only one religion is dominant in Mekharia, that of the Followers of Carinthe. This thread will cover all that there is to know about the Carinthean religion, from its origins to it's rituals and scriptures.
Structure
Like most religions, Carintheanism has adapted to the modern world in many ways. Beyond Mekharian territories though, it has been almost completely wiped out. The reason for the success of Carintheanism within Mekharia has been largely due to its national protection. Mekharian Law allows citizens the freedom to choose their own religion, but continues to ensure Carinthean dominance by banning the construction of religious buildings such as churches and mosques. The followers of Carinthe have never held any desire for such buildings, which are the focal point of other religions. There are of course a number of Carinthean religious sites that are popular with the more devout followers of Carinthe, such as Jester Island, Serena's Palace in Hesterville, and the crater where Carinthe's Message was found in Oraqk.
In the modern era however, the Carinthean religion has slipped into the background of daily life and goes almost unnoticed. Carinthean icons have lost much of their importance, and the monasteries have all but disappeared, engulfed by the towns and cities that were built around them. The only really overt signs of Carinthean existence that can still be found in Mekharian culture today are the festivals and traditions, which have remained strongly prominent, even if their true meanings have been forgotten.
Mythology & Lore
The story of Carinthe, her sister Katherine and their sordid history began in Gryneria, passed down by her followers from one generation to the next. The Grynerian population soon came to worship Carinthe, her descendants and all they had done for Gryneria, elevating Carinthe to the status of a Goddess. The people held festivals and began various traditions which have continued, adapted and modernized ever since.
As the ancient Grynerian Empire grew, Carintheanism spread with it, reaching the far extremities of the Empire. But the rise of the Latian Empire occupied much of those lands, and the Latians with their own God, hunted and killed the followers of Carinthe in their thousands. Still there were some who maintained hope, and their perseverance was rewarded in the 1st Century BC, when Carinthe sent a message to Terra. The message was said to have lit the night sky so brightly that all followers of Carinthe could see it. Carinthe's message was spread across the Latian Empire in the form of the Winternalia Tale, which was performed with poetry, music and dance for any who cared to watch. It would take another five hundred years for the last remnants of the Latian Empire to be vanquished, but the message gave hope to those who wanted to believe in Carinthe. New kingdoms rose from the ashes of the Latian Empire, such as Bovingtonia, Ancasta and Tryanny, and by this time the majority of their citizens had reclaimed their Carinthean heritage, but nowhere stronger than in Gryneria.
In this era, when kingdoms fought each other for every scrap of land, the Carinthean Religion reached the pinnacle of its strength. People devoted their entire lives to Carinthe, and built monastic communes for the most devout. These communities created their own army for protection. While Kingdoms battled across unseen borders, the Paladins of Carinthe knew no boundaries, often aiding monasteries on all sides of a conflict. Those that resided within the communes were well educated, accustomed keeping records of everything and maintaining a wide range of historical references. The legends of Carinthe were written down over and over again, often with certain elements embellished upon and others left out entirely. Eventually this led the Carinthean people into a new era of exploration and discovery which would place them on a course into the modern age.
The spread of Carintheanism beyond the old borders of the Ancient Grynerian Empire proved difficult however, despite many attempts. Paladins were sent out in all directions, but few succeeded and even less returned. In the west the old Latian God remained dominant, controlling the population with promises of paradise in the afterlife for those who followed, and eternal torment and torture for those who did not. In places such as Teslavania and the Infinite Empire, Carinthe became regarded as an evil temptress, and was widely resisted. In the East, a new religion had risen in Brightonburg known as Catholicism, who were driven entirely by wealth and greed, worshiping precious metals as much as they did their own God. To the north, the Sea of Steel remained impenetrable, leading only to frozen wastelands that did not inspire, so it was only to the South that the spread of Carintheanism was able to gain any foothold.
Divine Origins
Considered as one of the oldest Religions on Terra, Carintheanism is considered a pagan religion that originated around the 14th Century BC (Before Carinthe's Message). The basis upon which the religion has grown is the legendary life and disappearance of Carinthe, a mystical woman who was said to have traveled to Terra from another world through a gateway.
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