Ravka
Ravka is the state religion of Kezig, but also has a sizeable number of followers in Ghazeen and Trece Isla. It is a nature-based religion that is the result of syncretism between the Followers of the Seven Divine and a native religion of pre-Kezig. Other religions (and even those who aren't religious) often view Ravkans negatively. However, Ravka is not "evil;" rather, it is misunderstood.
Ravkans consider the Defiled, a "corrupted" version of the Seven Divine, as members of their sacred pantheon. Ravkans do not "worship" the Defiled in the same way Followers worship the Seven Divine; instead, the Defiled are guides in this life and reminders of better ways to live.
1. The Destroyer/the Creator: A bigender being that is both the Destroyer and the Creator; this being represents how the processes are simply different sides of the same coin, and one cannot occur without the other.
2. The Corrupted: An agender being that represents the negative aspects of oneself.
3. The Chaos: An agender being (although most often depicted as a male) that represents that chaotic nature of the world.
4. The Beast: Often depicted as an animal, the Beast is actually an agender being capable of shapeshifting.
5. The Tyrant: Almost always depicted as a male, the Tyrant represents the idea that absolute power corrupts, and that one should be warned of that in their everyday life.
6. The Cursed: Often depicted as an animal (but sometimes as a child), the Cursed is a reminder of the cruelty of the world.
7. The Witch: Often depicted as a bigender being, the Witch represents the importance of witchcraft.
The Defiled
Main article: The DefiledRavkans consider the Defiled, a "corrupted" version of the Seven Divine, as members of their sacred pantheon. Ravkans do not "worship" the Defiled in the same way Followers worship the Seven Divine; instead, the Defiled are guides in this life and reminders of better ways to live.
1. The Destroyer/the Creator: A bigender being that is both the Destroyer and the Creator; this being represents how the processes are simply different sides of the same coin, and one cannot occur without the other.
2. The Corrupted: An agender being that represents the negative aspects of oneself.
3. The Chaos: An agender being (although most often depicted as a male) that represents that chaotic nature of the world.
4. The Beast: Often depicted as an animal, the Beast is actually an agender being capable of shapeshifting.
5. The Tyrant: Almost always depicted as a male, the Tyrant represents the idea that absolute power corrupts, and that one should be warned of that in their everyday life.
6. The Cursed: Often depicted as an animal (but sometimes as a child), the Cursed is a reminder of the cruelty of the world.
7. The Witch: Often depicted as a bigender being, the Witch represents the importance of witchcraft.
Mythology & Lore
There are several different mythological stories that are important to Ravkans. (To be updated)
Cosmology
Ravkans believe that the Creator created the world, and eventually, the Destoryer will destroy the world. Ultimately, everyone will return to nature.Eschatology
The afterlife for Ravkans is a paradise that is attainable when a person reaches a full understanding (the full understanding is not something a person knows if they've reached in this life).Divine Origins
The origin of Ravka is a bit esoteric, but it's generally agreed that followers of a native religion of pre-Kezig combined it with aspects of Followers of the Seven Divine, probably to escape religious persecution. Ravka has grown in popularity ever since its first mention in 1767.
Ravka became Kezig's state religion in the 2820s. Although other Thenians think differently, there is no punishment for not following Ravka in Kezig, although many Kezens would think it odd.
Tenets of Faith
Ravka believes in five fundamental things:
1). We all come from nature and will return to nature.
2). All beings have inherent value.
3). A person is fallible, but so are the Defiled. As such, the Defiled are merely guides, and not wholly divine.
4). Violation of another's rights is abhorent; do as you will, but do not harm others.
1). We all come from nature and will return to nature.
2). All beings have inherent value.
3). A person is fallible, but so are the Defiled. As such, the Defiled are merely guides, and not wholly divine.
4). Violation of another's rights is abhorent; do as you will, but do not harm others.
Ethics
Ravkans are not concerned with the idea of sins or pious acts; because humans are recognized as fallible (as are the Defiled), Ravkans are not expected to be without faults. If Ravkans commit an offense, it's expected that they will do what they can to rectify the situation.
Because Ravkans believe that all beings have inherent value, almost all practicing Ravkans are vegetarians.
Worship
Ravkans can certainly attend services, but much of Ravka is a personal religion. Many Ravkans set up shrines and altars; although these are not to the Defiled, they are for the Defiled and are intended as thanks for their guidance. Most shrine and altar practices involve the burning of spices or plants; as such, fire is considered sacred to Ravkans.
Most Ravkans worship in covens; these are small groups that typically engage in practices on a smaller scale than official services. Official services are held every day at the Dark Temple in Skruj Drae, and Ravkans are welcomed to join as they can. Services have a prescribed routine, but much of it constitutes discussion amongst members about their struggles in life and how best to deal with said struggles. As such, services tend to be small in number.
Hexenight: Hexenight is celebrated one a year.
Initiation Rite: The Initiation Rite occurs at age 16.
Practices
Under construction.Hexenight: Hexenight is celebrated one a year.
Initiation Rite: The Initiation Rite occurs at age 16.
Priesthood
Main article: Excori
The leaders of Ravka are the Most Sacred and Most Profane; these two figures are the ultimate power in the religion, as they are said to receive divine guidance from the Defiled. The priesthood of Ravka is multi-leveled and not separated by gender or age, but rather by experience. The priesthood in Ravka is called the Excori. The laity is expected to be very involved, especially in Kezig, where it is the state religion.
The leaders of Ravka are the Most Sacred and Most Profane; these two figures are the ultimate power in the religion, as they are said to receive divine guidance from the Defiled. The priesthood of Ravka is multi-leveled and not separated by gender or age, but rather by experience. The priesthood in Ravka is called the Excori. The laity is expected to be very involved, especially in Kezig, where it is the state religion.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Because Ravka is the state religion of Kezig, it has massive political infleunce there; however, it does not anywhere else in Thenia.
Founding Date
Approximately 1767
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Ravkan
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Location
Related Traditions
Related Professions
Controlled Territories
Related Items
Related Species
Related Myths
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