Holistic Lux

= Holistic Lux =
== Origins and The Faith ==
The origins of Holistic Lux come from the Ardatian Caliphate itself being a trade hub where various cultures and religions are squished together, and the interconnectivity of it all with the predominance of the Luxite Faith caused them over time to be squished and melded together.
The tipping point occurred when corrupt city leaders forced all worship of all gods into one section of the city; the people figured why not combine all the faiths into one. This had an interesting side effect in that practitioners of Holistic Lux can practice their faith almost anywhere, with temples to their gods being plentiful worldwide.
=== The Eternal Goal ===
The eternal goal is to keep the Ever-Burning flame lit within Luxios via acts of good and selflessness. Even Dark Gods support this goal as the closer people get to the light, the longer their shadows become. All, Light and Dark, will be destroyed if the flame is extinguished.
=== The Ardatian Tarot ===
Each of the thirteen major Gods and seven principal saints of Holistic Lux, along with being ascribed to an astral sign, is also given a card in the Ardatian Deck of Fates, also known as the Ardatian Tarot, and is used to tell fortunes and is used in conjunction with Traditional Mesa Nomad Astrology to receive prophecy based on the astral signs.
=== Holistic Lux & Mesa Astrology ===
13 Gods ascribed to 13 constellations, two appearing within each age of the Zentivaric Calendar and one constellation always within the night sky ascribed to Zbocele Zenitaz himself, always continuing his journey through the night sky as the God of Travellers.
== The 13 Gods of Holistic Lux ==
=== Lux ===
The Goddess of Day, Light and embodiment of the sun. She values honesty, justice, and compassion, and rewards those who display these qualities. She also expects her followers to obey her commands and respect her authority. She does not tolerate evil, corruption, or deception, and punishes those who offend her with fire or blindness. Lux is a radiant and majestic goddess, who inspires awe and admiration in those who behold her.
=== Tenebris ===
The God of Darkness, Tenebris, is the embodiment of the Night. He is not evil but works in Shadow to complete his lofty and mysterious goals. He works in the shadows, pursuing his own agenda, often unknown to mortals. He values intelligence, ambition, and independence, and rewards those who display these qualities. He also expects his followers to obey his will and respect his power. He does not tolerate weakness, ignorance, or interference, and punishes those who offend him with fear or madness. Tenebris, a mysterious and formidable god, challenges Lux, the goddess of light, in a conflict known as the Eternal Conflict.
=== Ardat Lili ===
The Dark All-Mother, a goddess of Fertility and Nature in the harsh desert landscape, may be perceived as odd, but she is revered in an environment where all sentient beings are just another cog in nature's machine. She is a goddess with a dark aspect and a hatred for Lux as she believes Lux is responsible for the Death of her beloved Astar Mor, whose remains are now known as the Nether or Underworld. Whether or not this is actually true has stumped scholars for millennia. She loves all living things as her children.
=== Pburadi ===
A Dark god of Death and Warfare and the Twin counterpart to Cutu. Pburadi is known to be more compassionate and rational than most other gods. He helps those who seek his guidance on their journeys, whether pilgrims seeking salvation or adventurers seeking glory. He values courage, loyalty, and wisdom and rewards those who display these qualities. However, he also expects his followers to obey his commands and respect his authority. He does not tolerate betrayal, cowardice, or foolishness and punishes those who offend him with harsh trials or even death. Pburadi is a complex and mysterious god who often acts in ways that are hard to understand for mortals. He is both a protector and a destroyer, a friend and an enemy, a savior and a judge.
=== Segra ===
Segra is the goddess of chaos and disorder. She escaped from a prison in Jagdas, a realm that was destroyed by her actions. She took over the role of Entropy, the original goddess of chaos after she was defeated by Athaz the Traveler. She causes havoc and disruption in the mortal plains, often clashing with the other gods and their followers. She was defeated by the Rat King, a mysterious entity that rules over the Ratfolk of the Ratikhan and Rattican in the Crownands of Ashai. She is still revered by some as a necessary force, as chaos is the opposite and complement of order. She has no allegiance to light or dark, as chaos can stem from both. Segra is a dangerous and unpredictable goddess, who thrives on change and conflict.
=== Réaltaí ===
Réaltaí is the god of starlight and the sky. He originated from the Asitir Faith, a religion that worships the stars and the moon. He was adopted by the Desert Nomads of the Mesa sands, who love the stars and the stories they tell. He works withZbocele Zenitaz, the god of stories and travelers, to create the constellations that depict the legends of the world. He is a god and a master of magic, who can manipulate the forces of the cosmos. He does not usually meddle in the affairs of mortals or engage in combat, but he is not to be underestimated.
=== Cutu ===
A Goddess of Wind and Solace and the Twin Counterpart to Pburadi. Unlike her brother, who is benevolent and wise. She demands that those who embark on any voyage or quest, whether by sea or by land, offer her prayers and sacrifices to appease her wrath. She controls the winds that can either aid or hinder the travelers, and she can grant them solace in times of hardship or despair. She also patronizes poetry and music and bestows gifts to those who can charm her with their words and melodies. She values beauty, creativity, and passion, and rewards those who display these qualities. However, she also expects her followers to obey her whims and respect her power. She does not tolerate defiance, dullness, or ingratitude and punishes those who offend her with fierce storms or even death. Cutu is a volatile and unpredictable goddess who often acts in ways that are hard to please or predict for mortals. She is both a temptress and a tormentor, a lover and a foe, a muse and a curse.
=== Nea ===
A Goddess of Rivers and Seas. Although the Mesa lacks in Rivers, the Sea Trade is especially important. Originally a Goddess of the Sea in the Asitir faith, much like her brother Réaltaí, she became adopted and revered by the port cities within Ummarnu, which all traded with Ardat. As a rather kind and benevolent goddess, she can be fickle in her plans, such as ocean currents and schools of Salmon, and thus often gets into disagreements with Cutu, which has the tendency to raise storms of epic proportions. She is an extremely powerful goddess who is rumored to be the mother of legendary sea beasts known as the Abyssals: Megadoalon, a Shark rumored to be hidden beneath the Great White Isles, Levithan a Sea Dragon of Plagosi legend that was slain by a legendary woman Samurai and their battle destroyed the landmass that is not the many islands of the Shattered Seas, The One-Eyed Squid a Eldritch being worshiped in Eldham their twin brother the Kraken is worshiped similarly in Sorgleste.
=== Zbocele Zenitaz ===
The God of Travelers. He is a curious and adventurous god, who explores the different realms of the 12 divine deities every year. He does this at the request of Lux and Tenebris, the gods of light and darkness, who want him to monitor the balance of order and chaos in the world. He walks with a blood-red staff that has the constellations engraved on it, which he uses to access the ethereal highways. These are the hidden paths that connect the various domains of the gods, such as the sky, the sea, the underworld, and the forest. He is a peaceful and friendly god, who avoids violence and conflict as much as possible. He only resorts to fighting when there is a serious threat to the world or his followers. He values exploration, discovery, and harmony, and rewards those who display these qualities. 
It is said that he has a eartly aspect in Athaz The Traveller, with them as their Earthly son. This is questionable as even Athaz does not know his own origins.
=== Modsognir ===
Modsognir is the god of earth, metal, stone, and mining. He is a cheerful and generous god, who watches over those who work in the mines of the Mesa. He blesses them with strength, endurance, and skill, and protects them from the dangers of the underground. He rewards them with rich ores and precious gems, which they can use to craft weapons, armor, and jewelry. Modsognir is a master craftsman and takes pride in his creations, his most famed is a Massive Broadsword known as the Drakkentusk, with a handle of shimmering Dragon Ivory, the blade shimmering black made in the Karteki style with glowing white runes. He is especially fond of dwarves, who share his passion for mining and metalwork. He is a loyal and friendly god who enjoys feasting and drinking with his followers in his Underground Grand Hall known as Barakor Talla Mòr, which moves every week, so his followers continue to mine to see the rumored grand feasting hall for themselves.
=== The Twin Dragons ===
The Twin Dragons of the Velande in Syltor are also respected within the region. Considered Twin Gods in One and thus worshiped together, the Twin Dragons Sen and Lyn are known to be ancient and wise beyond measure. They administer a process known as the Vision Quest to awaken Arcane abilities, also known as Magic within Youth. They are the Gods respected as the Gods of Magic and are believed to reside within an adjacent realm known as The Vale. The Twin Dragons are Highly revered by most Magic Practitioners and other Gods. This school of thought is far different from the Lûnatwan Faith as they hold other deities and understandings, besides simply the Twin Dragons, like the beliefs of the Mesa Peoples.
The Vale, Known as the Celestial Realm to the Mesa peoples, is entered as what is known as a Vision Quest, which is critical to unlocking one latent Arcane abilities based upon the separate Paths of Soul known by the same name within the Lûnatwa Religion. The differences lie in the trials, as it is believed that each soul already corresponds to an Element upon birth, and to unlock their own magic, they must undergo the respective vision quest. These Vision Quests' elements also go beyond what is typical for the Lûnatwa Faith. Elements such as Lightning, The Arcane, Blood, Ice, Ash, Beast Shamanism, and others undiscovered are found by Magic practitioners who undergo a Vision Quest beyond the Lûnatwan Air, Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, Astra, Void, Soul, Light, and Dark.
=== Xoalcoatl (Astar Mor) ===
A God of The Nether itself from the Cardinalism Faith. Known throughout Ummarnu as a god who loves to play tricks but is also extremely helpful. He created a method for mortals to travel through his domain to help his lover Ardat Lili's children traverse the world much faster than on foot or by sea. His body itself is the Nether, and although it is rumored that the goddess Lux rendered him into such a state, he claims to bear no grudge against her or her followers. He provides challenges and Gifts to those who travel through his remains in an extremely hostile environment, such as magnificent treasures, gold, and Bone Steeds known as Xoalcotle, whose highly skilled rider must be defeated before the steed can be taken itself as a reward for skillful warriors. The ore known as netherite can be found here and is said to be his long-petrified muscles.
=== Faxemus ===
The Faxemite God of Justice, hailing from Altenequia in what was known as the Archduchy of Azuria, is known within the Mesa as an Arbiter or Judge of Souls. He decides which realms souls go to when they leave the mortal realms. He judges not based on Chaos or Order but rather a butterfly effect of the deeds done in a soul's time on the mortal planes. He is a highly rational God and can see all possible outcomes of events. However, although mighty, he admits some things will always occur.(Subnote: In the Traditional religion of Faxemus Angelae, it is stated that Lux is a male angel of Faxemus. This is exceptionally incorrect as Lux has not only appeared as a humanoid female but also predates the creation of Faxemus by over 5000 years. Nations such as Sylvania hail Lux incorrectly as a result. This is not the only misconception, as Afton is another god added to the Faxemite pantheon incorrectly)
== Saints of Holistic Lux ==
Unlike other Variants of Lux, the Holistic Lux faith holds several individuals in high regard based on their accomplishments towards the people of the Mesa and assisting the world at large to sustain the Ever-Burning Flame.
=== Saint Peter: Saint of Sunlight ===
Saint Peter is the most famous of all the Saints with Saint Emelyn a close second. He was one of Lux's Chosen Few and, as a result, often spoke with her when the world was in crisis.
Instructed by Lux herself, he saved the Eternal Flame by sacrificing relics of the long past to help guide ancient lost souls to the Afterlife. He also stopped the Great Flood of Rathnir at her behest by traveling across the world to sacrifice various treasures. Upon his return, Lux places a massive block of stone upon a hill and instructs Saint Peter to carve her likeness into it so it can never be perverted.
When Luxios itself was robbed, Saint Peter stood at its defense; however, it was critically injured, several acolytes were killed, and the Sword of the Sun was stolen, which began the First Relic War. Using skill in battle, guile, wit, and trickery, the First Relic War was won with him being a Hero.
Many other tales of the Heroism of Saint Peter are too long to be listed here and thus are listed here
He is the Saint of Sunlight, Laughter, and Reliquaries.
=== Saint Emelyn: Saint of the Sable Sword ===
Saint Emelyn was the 4th Grand Priestess of Lux. A well-known reader and collector of books and scriptures, she advocated for literacy in a majority oral-based culture to preserve and distribute the faith and stories of the Mesa widely. She also had an immense love of Architecture and standardized the Temple structure of all Luxite Temples into what we see today.
During the Segra Crisis, she sought out Zbocele Zenitaz, the God of Travelers, who instructed her to forge a replica of the famous Achemkog, Restorer of Order, to fool Segra into revealing her true nature as a Chaos Goddess. In the process of the creation of the sword, she was ambushed and killed. She died in the arms of Saint Peter.
She is the Saint of Literature, Sacrifice, and Craftworks.
=== Saint Azriel: The Heretic, The Necromancer ===
The Deserts of Ummarnu, far before Solisios, used to be ruled by 13 Shahs in 13 Tribes whose descendants still inhabit the region. The religion of Lux linked all. Azriel, along with being a High Priest of Lux, was also one of these Shahs of Eld. Until an arcane plague swept through the Lands, killing a majority of the populace of Ummarnu, including his close friends, and the other 12 Shahs. During this period, he begged and pleaded with the Gods Lux and Tenebris, but it is assumed that they and the other Lords were too locked in another battle within the Eternal Conflict brought about by the plague to answer. Azriel's Fall to Necromancy came from his unchecked curiosity and thirst for forbidden knowledge. So he forsook his vows and revived his friends in a crude mockery of life using magics of void and soul in a transgression against even the God of Darkness Tenebris and his Lord of Death Pburadi themselves. This betrayal marked a significant loss to the Lux Priesthood. Using his newfound necromantic powers, Azriel summoned the Shahs of old from their eternal rest, intending to use them as pawns in his scheme to forcefully convert all of Ummarnu and the entire Western World to Lux and undead. This catastrophic event, later known as The Great Loss, plunged Ummarnu into crisis.
Azriel is Considered the Peak of Heresy in All variations of the Luxite Faith. He is revered by few for his deeds before his fall. He is the Saint of the Heretic and the Undead.
=== The Beastt In Black: Saint of Heroes ===
The Beastt In Black was the Hero who defeated Azriel with the assistance of the God of Death Pburadi. He is a successor of the one of the 13 Shah's. Pburadi gifted him a suit of unique Netherite Armor known as the Suit of Thorns, which would sustain him and keep him alive no matter the cost to his body. He entered the Tomb of The Ancients with the Massive Broadsword of Modsognir and began a necromantic slaughter that lasted 13 days and 13 nights before Azriel was finally defeated and sealed away. After this battle of legend, he was blessed by Tenebris with immortality as his ward of Destruction, pledging to defend the lands of Ummarnu for eternity. He now rules the plateau city of Parabas.
He is the Saint of Heroes, Honorable Deaths, and Resilience 
=== Saint Velipix: Saint of Starlight ===
Saint Velipix traversed the world, spreading the word of Lux across Eldham to all who would hear it after the fall of Luxendef at the hands of Chaos Cultists. He wandered to the far eastern edges of the world across Eldham and Rathnir. A known writer, he would actively distribute the works of Saint Emelyn utilizing the Luxite Codex. During several uprisings on the Eldhamite continent of Katsura he defending the Luxite presense across the continent and ultimately helped topple a insane military leader and heretic who claimed to do all manners of evil at the command of Lux herself.
He was also known for assisting the downtrodden and defending them with blade, shield, and holy magic, with the masses awarding him the moniker of Starlight Knight.
He is the Saint of Freedom, Justice, and Missionaries.
=== Saint Nico Luon: Saint of Dawns ===
Before arriving on the Continent of Ummarnu, Saint Nico was a Sparwood Baker living in Moonburg. Despite these humble beginnings, she became nobility of Rohel and a famed member of the Gertek Tribes. She traveled the world as a famed Warrior Priestess. During this time, she traveled to Solisios to stay with her father. After feeling ever so homesick of Sparwood, she returned to Moonburg but was immediately forced to marry Barend Kramer and pressed to marry her best friend, Hanako. At that moment, Nico discovered the love she did possess for Hanako and brought her to Luxantia on a date and marriage proposal.
Saint Nico partook in the Second Relic War and became a full Priestess to Lux by the request of Saint Emelyn, and soon after performed a miracle from a sacrifice of a steed to Lux. The horse, accepted into Lux’s hand, descended upon the ground to meet Nico one last time and departed into the heavens to the goddess after he left a great boon. Saint Nico was cast out of her homeland when the Cult of Caligo swept the land, and she had to escape religious persecution. 
Eons later, she would become High Priestess of Lux during a period in which Politics and Religion were embroiled in conflict within Ummarnu she brought peace to the various factions with various checks and balances. She strived to ignite passion of Lux within the Mesa as often as she could and desired to recognize various Gods and bring them into the Luxite fold.
She is the Saint of True Love, Peace, and Religious Freedom, and all those who hail from Sparwood
=== Saint Natin Pidgeones: The Otherworldly Saint ===
Saint Natin led the cities Luxendef and Luxengrad in the far Eastern lands of Eldham and worked extremely hard to develop and defend these lands selected by Lux herself. The lands were subject to many blessings and extremely wild natural phenomena. 
Originally a Wanderer and a mistaken criminal bandit by the Kingdom of Uldarash Saint Natin, he was a young man who did not know his origins. Raised as an Undead by Tenebris himself, seeing potential in him, Lux blessed him with Immortality and blessed him in such a fashion that he would not be seen as undead any longer. After recieving revelation from Lux herself, he sounded the alarms that Segra was coming and Luxengrad was promptly assaulted by the Dark Forces. After fighting them off, he ran hard, long, and fast across the world to Luxios itself to warn of the threat to Saint Peter himself. This took such a strain on his otherworldly body that he fell ill afterward and could not return home. He perished in Luxios after a stroke ceased all functions within his brain.
He is the Saint of Perseverance and Messengers.
=== Saint Cyprus: Saint of Copper Skies ===
Not originally from the Mesa but rather the tropical Islands to the far south, Saint Cyprus came to the aid of the Mesa's various peoples numerous times. Such as during times of famine, he would bring tropical fruits and vegetables from his homelands at no cost to the people of the Mesa. Known for his hot-headed attitude, he would arrive with small militias to exterminate bandits who arrived within the lands and were harassing natives.
He is the Saint of Generosity and Tenacity.
Category:Traveler's Era