Zantine Akhenism

Zantine Akhenism is a form of Akhenism practiced among the Zantine people. With the fall of Zantium, the religion now has fewer than 6,000,000 adherents.
== History ==
Zantium was originally a colony established around 1900 BYZ by the Old Exekian Empire, although their rule was always tentative rather than absolute. The Exekians permitted the mostly human population to govern themselves, provided they paid tribute to the Empire and guarded it from the human "barbarians" to the west. The Exekians feared these barbarians, who practiced magic/witchcraft and had very different customs and values. Therefore, the Exekians created the paladins, a specialized rank of knight trained to destroy magic and fight off those who used it.
Shortly after the fall of the Old Exekian Empire began in Year Zero and the founding of the nation of Apicarta, a Zantine slave named Peredur became the first king of Zantium after leading his people in a similar uprising against the Exekians. The ruling family of Zantium could be traced back to Peredur himself.
The Zantines continued to practice their own unique form of Akhenism which differed significantly from the Apicartan Temple. They did not demonize the Exekians, nor did they hold them in special regard - this was done out of necessity, as the traditions and rituals of the paladins required the cooperation of the Exekians.
== Beliefs ==
Zantine teachings differ from other Akhenist sects through their vilification of magic. Culturally, Zantium has a long history of persecuting magicians, with several members of their society who were found to possess supernatural abilities being either put to death or banished. The practice of divination using tarot cards and other forms of "witchcraft" are strictly forbidden, with harsh penalties.
The Zantines even developed a special order of knights, the paladins, to deal with militant magic users. These knights were trained in the use and keeping of special weapons constructed from a "divine metal", physical combat as well as spiritual warfare, and exorcisms. The blessing of a paladin was said to be even more powerful than that of a priest.
Category:Religions