The Watcher

On Nemani, the worship of Volti, known to the Nemanoi as The Watcher, is the cornerstone of their spiritual and cultural identity. The faith is deeply tied to the celestial presence of the Watcher’s Eye Gate, the nebula that dominates their skies. Nemanoi believe that Volti resides within the Gate, observing their actions from his celestial throne and guiding them through unseen wisdom.

Core Beliefs

At the heart of the Watcher’s faith is a devotion to honesty, integrity, and fairness. Nemanoi teachings hold that The Watcher sees all, rewarding those who live virtuous lives while bringing misfortune to those who act with deceit or dishonor. This belief permeates every aspect of their society, from business dealings to personal relationships. The Watcher’s divine justice is seen not as vengeful but as corrective—a way to realign individuals with the moral order of the universe.

Rituals and Practices

• Pledges of Truth: Before major decisions or transactions, Nemanoi often offer a pledge to The Watcher, asking for his blessing and committing to honesty in their actions.
• Offerings at Shrines: Shrines to The Watcher can be found across Nemani, from bustling marketplaces to quiet forests. Offerings typically include symbolic items like polished stones (representing clarity and transparency) or woven threads (symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life).
• The Day of Reflection: A holy day observed annually, where Nemanoi pause their daily activities to reflect on their actions over the past year. Communities gather to share stories of integrity and learn from the mistakes of others, reaffirming their commitment to The Watcher’s ideals.

The Watcher’s Eye Gate

The Watcher’s Eye Gate is central to the religion, seen as the literal and spiritual bridge between Volti’s realm and the mortal world. The swirling lights of the nebula are believed to reflect The Watcher’s attention, with unusual phenomena (like a sudden brightening) interpreted as divine signs. Pilgrimages to places with clear views of the Gate are considered acts of devotion, and Nemanoi astronomers are often revered as spiritual guides, interpreting the Gate’s activity.

Impact on Society

The Watcher’s faith fosters a society deeply rooted in fairness and accountability. Cheating or dishonesty is met not only with social condemnation but also with the fear of divine punishment—business failures, personal misfortune, or other hardships attributed to The Watcher’s disapproval. Conversely, those who embody the faith’s virtues often find themselves celebrated and trusted as leaders within their communities.

The Return of the Watcher

When Elendril arrives on Nemani, the Nemanoi’s faith is thrown into turmoil. His striking resemblance to their depictions of The Watcher initially leads many to believe that Volti has returned to walk among them. However, Elendril insists at every opportunity that he is not Volti but merely a humble ship captain of the same species.

This revelation sends shockwaves through Nemanoi society. For centuries, their culture and values had been built upon unwavering devotion to The Watcher. As Elendril’s words spread, many—including Adric—begin to question the validity of their faith. A significant portion of the population abandons their devotion to Volti altogether, seeking new forms of spiritual guidance or rejecting religion entirely.

The consequences are disastrous. Without the unifying principles of honesty and integrity rooted in their devotion to The Watcher, Nemanoi culture begins to fracture. Trust erodes, business practices falter, and the moral framework that once guided their society starts to unravel. What had been a harmonious and tightly knit people is left divided, struggling to find their footing in the absence of the god who had shaped their identity for generations.

Divines

• Adric