Quintessism

Of Spirits and Man

Quintessism is a pantheistic, broad religion and general suite of mystic beliefs that are common to the Realm. It is by far the most common system of belief in the Realm and due to it's flexible form, has many derivatives and forms, and can be found in all regions.

Quintessism is built upon the belief that the Material Plane is a magic focal point in which the elemental planes and other planes intersect with, and that spirits are as natural a part of the world and environment as other mortal entities, while still respecting their origins from the other planes.

Mythology & Lore

Creation

Quintessism’s creation myth combines ancient myths and legends, focusing on the primordial gates and their role in connecting the Realm to other planes. According to this faith, the gates have profoundly shaped the material realm, both in the past and present.

In the earliest times, four elemental gates—Water, Fire, Earth, and Air—dominated the void that would become the Realm. Through an enigmatic process called "the Coring," matter from these elements began to merge. Theological interpretations often describe the planet's core as a pure mana center, attracting elemental forces that fueled this creation.

Earth mana formed the planet’s mantle and crust. The Water Gate unleashed torrents that filled the land, forming oceans and permeating the environment with liquid water. Fire and Air energized the terrain, establishing thermal and fluid dynamics and stabilizing the atmosphere.

Later, new gates appeared, further shaping the world. The Magma Gate created landforms and reshaped continents, while the Clay Gate is believed to have sparked the emergence of life. The Ice and Lightning Gates introduced diverse climates and terrain, completing the transformation into the vibrant, interconnected Realm we know today.

The Binding

Quintessism is credited with revealing that the Gates we see today are bound in place by some unknown force. While opinions differ on who originally performed this act, it was Quintessist scholars and priests who first documented and studied the Gaterunes and the Gates' effects on the terrain.

Their findings sparked widespread discussion, with many papers and writings suggesting that the Gates may not have always been in their current positions—and perhaps, they might not have existed at all in the distant past.

A Mana Conflux

Quintessism teaches that the Material Realm is not only shaped by various elements but is inherently predisposed to them on a fundamental level. Followers of this faith widely believe that the Realm possesses unknown mechanisms, yet to be fully understood, that make it uniquely capable of connecting with other planes. Moreover, these mechanisms allow the Realm to accommodate all forms of mana generated by those planes.

Divine Origins

It is hard to trace back a specific time of creation for Quintessism. For as long as time has been recorded people have interacted both positivley and negativley with spirits, and thus ideals and paradgims about the relations between mortal and spirit have always been on the table. As such, many figure that the true origins of Quintessism might stem from back even before the Gap.

Tenets of Faith

The tenets, beliefs, and practices of Quintessism vary widely across the Realm, often differing from person to person. However, a core principle of the faith is a general respect for spirits. This respect does not necessarily imply reverence or friendship but rather an acknowledgment and acceptance of the differences in form and mindset that come with coexisting with these beings.

Quintessism emphasizes the contrasts and connections between mortals and spirits, affirming that the material realm is equally suitable as a home for both, despite their differing origins. The material plane is viewed as a grand meeting ground for all realms, belonging not to any one group but to those who can coexist harmoniously within it.

Worship

Quintessism does not require worship. Instead, it is a flexible and self-defined belief system rooted more in metaphysical concepts and methodologies than in physical rituals or acts of reverence. However, this hasn’t stopped some communities from creating their own practices. In these communities, it’s common to find idols, charms, and trinkets inspired by popular folk spirits. These items are often displayed in homes, incorporated into jewelry or clothing, or crafted into statues and architectural features.

Type

Religious, Other

Contributors: Foxhound99