The Illuminated

The Illuminated are known through Sheng as philosophers and researchers with a code and teaching based around the idea of fate. They're funded by the Imperial Kingdom and have provided aid and financing to numerous groups over the years that share their beliefs. The religion was formed by the Kitsunes, after they were blessed in the conclusion of Twenty-Nine Nights, One Dawn, where Jiuweihu bestowed a fox's wit at the cost of physical strength, so that the gathered humans could break the runic seals on her prison. The founding Kitsunes went on to develop intricate means of predicting future events and weather patterns, such as the Jiu-Calender. They studied the skies, particularly the behavior of the stars and what that meant, establishing a form of astrology within the continent.
The Kitsunes concluded that destiny is a driving force within the realms of Eternia, but not set in stone, and a personal relationship with the sun is fundamental for a good, productive life, as the rays of light influence every aspect, and it's a conscious, sentient being. Each action can either positively or negatively affect a person's karma, their fortune. 
The heads of the three founding Kitsune families wrote the scriptures: Feiyan Guo, Buwei Fa, and Yuan Lu. Many within Jianghu believe that it fell in prominence with the rise of the Fourfold Path as the descendants of the founders had grown shrewd and lazy, spoiled by their privileges
== Summary of the teachings ==
* Kitsunes are blessed by the sun deity Jiuweihu, and are an exceptional people that should be protected, though they're not incapable of ignorance or maliciousness. A Kitsune lives a life of good luck, making them leaders of choice. Sometimes a Kitsune is born with nine tails, very rarely more than once in a generation, and The Illuminated believe that they're bringers of great fortune. They usually become a priestess for the order.
* Social philosophy to living a prosperous life. Marriage is between a man and a woman, and their families should be of equal standing to encourage good breeding. Sex before marriage or a lustful nature is considered sinful and against the practices of the Luminated. It's a parent's duty to pass on morale teachings and their experiences, ensuring that their children surpass them and build upon progress. Much of the Continent of Sheng's social norms are built around the teachings of the Kitsune philosophers.
* All research approved by the Illuminated Council is considered scripture, and its housed in the Library Dawn. Only the Illuminated are permitted to read from the scrolls in the upper chambers, which are said to contain knowledge on everything from the secrets to eternal beauty to knowledge on Azrael's whereabouts. The temple is located in the Capital of Jianghu, Quanzhou, and heavily guarded.
* Several rituals are specified, primarily based around connecting with the sun. Once a follower is ready, they undergo a pilgrimage to Kunlun Mountain and carry out the 'Ritual of Rays', where they attempt to channel the light through their essence, to harmonize with the daylight and be protected by it. Those that do so successfully, that have lived a morally sound life and performed the ritual with skill, become an Illuminated. A soft, subtle glow always radiates around them, barely visible, and they're able to feel the guiding hand of destiny as a hidden sense.
* The Universe was formed by an Archangel, called Kraus Eternia, respectively referred to as "The Creator", who lived in a world ruled by a tyrannical God where free will was reserved for only the seven Archangels. The intention of the Archangel was to give all creatures free will and the ability to shape their destiny.
=== Culture ===
* Priests and priestesses of The Illuminated handle funeral rites for those that can afford it. In private, the corpse is gently washed in warm holy water, and then wrapped tightly in three layers of perfurmed silk. The eyelids are painted gold and the body is set on a bed of rocks, presented outside at exactly sunrise rather than indoors, with friends and family gathering around in a circle. The priest will then sing a "Song of Passing", a gentle, pleasant song of their own design, while they cast spirit magic to commune with the spirit of the deceased. While rare, the spirit of the deceased will sometimes appear for a few moments before departing to the next world. This funeral rite is believed to make the person's journey through the spirit world easier.
* During weddings a red string is tied around the newly married wrists, connecting them, to symbolize their fates now being entwined in this life and the next, which they wear for the feast to follow. At the end the priest will carefully remove their hands from it, but not break the knot. It's bad luck if the string is untied before the priest can do so.
=== Morality ===
* What are good moral teachings, under the views of the Illuminated? Beyond societal norms, it is simply acting for the better of your fellow man, placing the well beings of others first and foremost. To be kind, respectful, and understanding of all who share Eternia is expected of those who follow in Jiuweihu’s light. Even those of opposing or contradicting faiths.
Thus the Three Virtues: Kindness, Respect, and Understanding.
* Kindness, a simple and sometimes difficult gift to offer to some. It is expected of the Illuminated to treat all men and women kindly, the only exception being threats against oneself or others. An Illuminated is not expected to offer an olive branch to a rampaging Azraelite as they slaughter orphans, but they are expected to remain calm and compassionate in the face of a rude child.
* Respect is often earned, but to assume your fellow man deserves it is saintliness. Even should it not be returned in fold, an Illuminated is expected to treat all with utmost respect. Only those who harm or misguide others are to be exempt from this. It is okay to be wrong, but one must be wary of those who preach falsehoods--they are to be shown the proper path. Be it rebellious teenagers or worshippers of false religions, it is the Illuminated’s task to guide the way.
* Understanding is expected of all of those of the Illuminated. To comprehend why a man acts as he does, why the sun rises and sets, and numerous other questions of life. More importantly, it is to think in the shoes of your fellow man. To stop and ask oneself why they follow the path they do. Even murderers, rapists, and worshippers of Azrael have their reasons. They can be saved, and to understand where their path began is the first step to guiding them to a brighter future.
=== Family ===
* One of the most important things on one’s path is family. Without it there would be no path, as it’d have never began. For new paths to form, one must forge them anew, intertwining one’s fate with another to form a new destiny. It is by this process that life may continue. It is for this reason that it is urged that love is to be between a man and a woman. 
* It is also encouraged that relationships be only between those of equal standing, lest they cause undue stress to their respective families by tarnishing their name. It is not unforgivable to marry above or below one’s standing if love is truly there, but both parties must successfully complete the Ritual of Rays to ensure Jiuweihu approves of the lovers to be. 
* To forgo family is frowned upon, but there is nothing forcing an Illuminated to settle down with another if it is not what they desire, as some paths run parallel to all others, for better or worse.
== Rituals ==
==== The Ritual of Light ====
* For the Ritual of Light, followers are expected to meditate in the center of a small pond, built specifically for that purpose (or simply near a body of water if that isn’t possible), from high noon until dusk on a summer day. This is to help one grow familiar with the sun’s radiance. For this reason, followers are also expected to wear only what they must--both due to the heat and the fact it would defeat the purpose if their skin was entirely shielded from the divining light of the sun.
* Short breaks to remain hydrated are allowed, and the rites are to be supervised by at least one Illuminated to ensure the safety and proper execution of the ritual.
* In truth, the ritual is fairly simplistic, though by drowning out all distractions but the light of Jiuweihu, one can more easily learn the process of becoming one with it, the ultimate goal of the final ritual they must perform.
==== The Ritual of Aversion ====
* The second ritual revolves around learning to steel oneself against temptation. It is otherwise similar to the Ritual of Light, though revealing clothing isn’t entirely necessary for the Ritual of Aversion. Instead, the crux of the ritual is that the follower will be instructed to fast for at least a day prior.
* During the ritual the follower will be presented with a warm meal, varying depending on their individual taste. The Illuminated carrying out the ritual is tasked with gathering this information beforehand, though with the prerequisite of fasting, it’s often not an issue as to whether they’ll like the food or not.
* The follower is not to eat the meal, instead they are to meditate as if it isn’t even there for the duration of the ritual. There are variations of the ritual to make it easier for the follower to fall to temptation in order to emphasize their ability to resist it, such as the overseeing Illuminated actively cooking nearby, or waving the food directly in front of their face.
* How difficult the ritual is made is up to the Illuminated in question, though it is heavily suggested to spare no quarter given its purpose. 
* Several sects of Luminism have branched off over their interpretation of this ritual, due to the varying methods chosen to enact it. Torture, seduction, and various other threats gave way for smaller branches due to disagreement with such extremes by the Illuminated, yet the willingness of those shunned to continue to follow in Jiuweihu’s light in their own way.
==== The Ritual of Rays ====
* The final ritual--the one all Luminates practice and toil for in order to complete successfully. Making pilgrimage to the place Jiuweihu was once bound to and now currently resides: Kunlun Mountain. The presence of the Divine Spirit herself makes attunement to the light trivial for one with the expertise and know-how--something the Luminates have hopefully acquired beforehand.
* Luminates are not required to trek to the peak itself for the task--given the exotic wildlife present, and the transition into the spirit realm found further along in it, it is ill advised to travel further than necessary. Typically expeditions pause at the divide between the spirit and material realm, where her divine light is strongest without being completely overwhelmed by it.
* It is here where future Illuminated to be are silently judged, as they attempt to harmonize with the light of the sun, Jiuweihu glimpses into their deeds thus far. By opening themselves to her light, any lingering sin is revealed--should a follower prove devoid of any such taint, her blessing is granted freely, providing themselves with the subtle guiding hand of Jiuweihu’s light.
* Should a follower successfully attune to the light, yet prove morally unworthy, they will be shunned by the light. This is often marked by temporary blindness and dulling of the eyes, resulting in a more permanent grey color until the light accepts them once more, accomplished by performing the ritual successfully.
* If the follower cannot attune to the light whatsoever, nothing happens. If a Luminate cannot accomplish this much, they will likely be sent back to perform the Ritual of Light once more before attempting the Ritual of Rays again.
The Ritual of Vassalization
* To induct a foreigner into Sheng society and citizenship, a member of the faith may sometimes go a step further. The person undergoing the ritual will fall to both knees and bow their head, and the Luminate will raise their hand up to the sun, and then in-front of the person. They'll recite something along the lines of the following, but a Luminate is free to change it as they see fit: "Your body, mind, and spirit are cleansed under Her light. Despite the sins of yesterday, tomorrow is always a new beginning, a fresh dawn. From this point on, you're a member of Sheng, a treasured child of Juiweihu. Rise, and swear the following..."
* They'll outline the list of terms, such as following the laws and fighting for the Emperor when called upon, and the foreigner will then swear to uphold them. 
* It's not uncommon for a foreigner to feel overwhelmed during the ritual, when the light of the sun and its healing effects are focused down on them. This has proven to be an effective method of conversion, though it varies.
A successful harmonization with Jiuweihu’s light marks a Luminate as an Illuminated, a properly inducted member of the faith. Using their blessing, they are expected to help others into the light pass down her teachings in exchange for the Divine Spirit’s guidance.
== History ==
The past of the Illuminated is archived amidst the countless records maintained in Library Dawn, where all research is considered scripture: holy texts written for the betterment of future generations. To forget the past is to repeat history’s mistakes, and the Illuminated know this better than most.
Founded shortly after the freeing of Jiuweihu in 155 AC by the three men turned Kitsune: Feiyan Guo, Buwei Fa, and Yuan Lu. Kunlun Mountain was declared sacred ground in light of the bloody, divine battle fought on its steps and its new status as Jiuweihu’s home. The founding Kitsunes went on to form the scriptures that consisted of the core of Luminism.
======
=== The First Nine-tailed ===
In 160 AC, the first nine-tailed Kitsune was born to an otherwise unnotable family, by the name of Kun Lam. Believed to be a blessing from the Divine Spirit, she was raised as a devout priestess of the Illuminated, which thankfully the nine-tails took well to. Her unique birthright drew attention from the higher houses and helped bolster interest in the faith.
The rise of the Lam family through Kun’s birth and life alone gave rise to the idea that such a birth marked good fortune, on top of its clear status as a special gift from Jiuweihu. Some Kitsune families practice such devotion even to this day in hopes of receiving such a blessing of fortune.
Kun Lam died of natural causes in 241 AC, having lived an extraordinarily long life for the time. Her body was interred with the saviors of Jiuweihu at the base of Kunlun Mountain. To this day, a shrine honoring those who sacrificed themselves to free the Divine Spirit, and the founders and most devout of her faith, lies there. It is the first stop for those seeking to partake in the Ritual of Rays before they ascend the mountain.
== Diverging Sects ==
Over the thousand years of the Illuminated faith, several sects formed over disputes on how best to observe the Divine Spirit’s will. Some more extreme than others, though in this day and age, given even as the Illuminated itself wavers in popularity, few if any of these sects remain. Known only by what few records remain of them in the Library Dawn.
To this day, only two of such sects remain scattered throughout Sheng. Exiled from Jianghu where the Illuminated reign supreme.
=== The Daughters of Jiuweihu ===
Originally founded by the second Nine-tailed Kitsune, Sakurako Lu, in the year 250 AC, shortly following The Emperor’s solidification of his grasp on Sheng. Formed in the face of the belitting of the female devotees of the Illuminated, whose roles were oft placed below those of their male counterparts. Its ranks originally formed solely of Kitsune woman who sought to emphasize equality between all people, regardless of sex
The more outspoken, spiteful wives were kept in check by the reigning Mistress, Sakurako Lu, in order to maintain their public image. The Virtues of the Illuminated were to be upheld even in the face of discrimination. The Daughters purpose eventually being to provide shelter and peaceful places to worship for the ‘troubled daughters of the divine’.
Following the first Mistress’ death in 324 AC, the spiral into what the Daughters are today would begin. The second reigning Mistress, Satomi Lu, third daughter of the first Mistress, was far more loose in their control of her followers. Uncondoned acts of aggression toward men, innocent and guilty alike, and conflicting ideals, led to the Daughters being exiled from Jianghu.
Since then, the Daughters relocated to Xuantong under the guise of establishing a further out branch of the Illuminated under their name. It was then that current reigning Mistress, Satomi Lu, began to reform the Daughters. All but the Ritual of Light was altered in how the Daughters performed them, given their lack of access to Kunlun Mountain
The Daughters are taught to tempt men (and woman) to guide them onto the path of light, whilst resisting outside temptations themselves. It is for this reason that the Daughters eventually came to include more than women, though it is uncommon for men to stick around long unless they truly believe them to be merely another branch of the Illuminated.
In place of Kunlun Mountain, the Daughters utilize the lands bordering the volcanic lands of Diyu. It is said they are still able to receive the Divine Spirit’s blessing by making pilgrimage to the highest point still within Xuantong’s borders. It is at this place where a shrine honoring past Mistress’ of the Daughters is placed, and where the second Mistress, Satomi Lu, was ultimately buried following her death in 387 AC.
=== The Sun’s Legion ===
Formed in the year 161 AC by the Kitsune Chao Guo, not long after the liberation of Jiuweihu and Kunlun Mountain. In the face of the Illuminated’s preaching for unity and understanding regardless of ideological disputes, Chao was swift to decry ‘such cowardly teachings’. Calling for ‘brave warriors of the sun’ to stand by him to protect the faith of Jiuweihu from outside influence such as the Azraelites.
Against arguments that Jiuweihu blessed her people with wit over brawn, Chao is said to have countered with ‘a true warrior does not win his battles on strength alone, for even the strongest of men must have the wit to entrap weaker foes in combat’. His belief that the blessing of the Sun God did not damn the faithful of the Illuminated to scholars and scholars alone was the driving force behind the formation of the Sun’s Legion.
Garnering support through fear mongering regarding the ‘threats that loomed over the seas’ and Azrael himself, many were quick to enlist, even those not originally faithful to Jiuweihu.
While the Sun’s Legion still observed the the Three Virtues, they made it clear they were to be ignored in the face of ‘true evil’, and that some things could be resolved through only one thing: battle. Chao made certain to be clear that such means were reserved for only the greatest of threats to Jiuweihu and her people.
Upon threat of being absorbed into the Fourfold Path, The Sun’s Legion left Jianghu for Herizu in 260 AC to continue preaching a more militaristic view of Jiuweihu’s faith.
Their takes on the rituals vary heavily. The Ritual of Light being a contest between two fledgling Luminates over whom can stand in the light of day the longest without faltering. If both remain standing and conscious upon nightfall, they both pass. The Ritual of Aversion often involves lashing and cold water being dumped on the Luminate to attempt to break their concentration.
The induction of a Luminate of the Sun’s Legion is no more than a knighting from the current reigning Commander of the Sun’s Legion. This is believed to grant the same blessings as those who make pilgrimage to Kunlun Mountain if done in good faith once one has bested both prior rituals.
=== The Scions of the Morning's Light ===
The Scions of the Morning’s Light was founded in 1461 by Suha Nylla with the permission of the Agarthan Pheonix Vhing-Zhuhen, received during her Ritual of Rays, the first and only recorded Ritual of Rays to officially take place on Agartha.
The Scions originate from adherence and embodiment of the three Virtues of Luminism. Understanding is seen as the mightiest Virtue, as it is a pathway to Respect and Kindness, making either easier. Understanding should always, constantly be sought after and pursued doggedly. Forming a connection with another, and trying to understand why they do something is extremely important. Forming a deeper connection and understanding with the world is likewise important. Kindness and Respect are important, but one should take care to understand that it’s not the place of the Illuminated to force another to change. True change comes from within. All one can do to help is to be a supportive, compassionate, and respectful hand to another, constantly and consistently.
Those that seek to join the Scions of the Morning's Light as a scholar or associate are under no obligation to actively worship the Nine-Tailed Goddess, however, an open mind, natural curiosity and an understanding of Luminism would certainly aid investigations and studies. 
Emphasizing Understanding, the Scions seek to understand more about Agartha and the people that live upon it, and to erode preconceived notions that dwell within us due to this lack of understanding. To this end, the Scions seek to study and explore different cultures and institutions upon this land. The three virtues, Kindness, Respect, and Understanding, are not to be discarded when they become inconvenient, just because one has a disagreement with or dislike of another, does not forfeit their right to the three virtues. 
This focus on the virtues is something akin to a revitalization movement within the Agarthan Illuminated, as Suha believes that the ideology of the Sun’s Legion is far too prevalent within the minds of the Illuminated present, and with it, there is an over-focus on war-like ideals and a disconnect with the original purpose and mission of the Illuminated as scholars, healers and sages working on behalf of the people. The Sun’s Legion bear a belief that allows for the Virtues to be overruled on behalf of fighting against a ‘greater evil’, but Suha contests the existence of such a thing, as it’s often a label utilized to justify the persecution of unknown others and commit crimes with a clear conscience. 
In addition to the zealous, violent ideals of the Sun’s Legion, it may be seen that the Illuminated upon Agartha have been tainted with decadence and an insularness due to the ideals of the Daughters of Jiuweihu that have seeped in over time. This has formed a sort of balance between a lack of attempting to disseminate the beliefs of Luminism in favor of resisting (and indulging) in temptations, and lashing out violently at threats to the status quo. Suha believes that this cannot continue.
The Scions of the Morning’s Light are led by a High Priestess (or Priest), appointed by the current one, or if that is impossible, a vote among members within its ranks, with fully ordained priests or priestesses as candidates. The current High Priestess of the Scions is Suha Nylla. Under this leader, there are the ranks of priests, then luminates and scholars having an equal standing, and associates working to assist without obligations to do so.
The organization itself places an emphasis on studies and investigations of Agarthan happenings, accumulating and attempting to use knowledge for the betterment of Agarthans as a whole. This mission is tempered with a lack of presumptiveness over what exactly this ‘betterment’ refers to, the search for a way to assist an important pursuit.
The Scions would likely have went unheard of for the foreseeable future if not for the return of a warrior and priest of the Sun’s Legion by the name of Lin Ru to Sheng. Lin, under the request of Suha quietly sought to spread information regarding her beliefs out of love and respect to those within and without the Illuminated who have an interested ear and a desire to learn about Agartha.
The Scions also have miscellaneous doctrinal differences then the main branch of the Illuminated, such as not barring Occultists from entry into the organization, nor people of any race or upbringing. This would be an impediment to Understanding, and ignorance is the true enemy. The Occult is seen as something dangerous, but it’s the responsibility of others to be there for the Occultist, assisting them in not being overwhelmed by the pain and suffering such a power inflicts on oneself, coupled with helping the Occultist understand and master their talents, and not let them rule over the Occultist themselves.
Additionally, Kitsunes are not seen as any greater than any other people, and no lesser. They don’t deserve to be leaders by birthright, and it doesn’t necessarily mean their life is that of good luck. Sachiko Xiu, a nine-tails sent to Agartha, is an example of this, abandoning her own beliefs due to the loss of a loved one. Adherents are free to make their own choices and follow them to where they lead, Jiuweihu’s fates are malleable for a reason, they allow people the freedom to forge their own path and learn from their own missteps, growing as individuals as they do so.
==== Differences in Ritual Within the Scions ====
===== Ritual of Aversion =====
The Scions ritual of Aversion involves steeling oneself against the temptation of settling into unproven, strongly held beliefs. Beliefs mean little unless their challenged and examined. Finding something one opposes or dislikes, and forming an understanding with it or finding a person one disagrees with or hates, and learn about them and why they are the way they are, is the core means of this variation of the Ritual of Aversion. It is told within the Scions that those who gird themselves in ignorance can easily fall into self-righteous absolutism or blind hatred. This ritual seeks to connect the idea that the temptation of settling with beliefs that foster ignorance is delusion and an effective way to blind oneself. The ritual is seen as akin to opening one’s eyes to a revealing light, a light that illustrates more of the world around us then what we would see if we chose to blind ourselves.
===== Ritual of Rays =====
The Ritual of Rays may be conducted upon Agartha. Agartha is a border of the Spirit World and real world, and as such, joining with Jiuweihu’s light is possible here. Suha is the first priestess recorded to do so officially and functions as proof of the possibility of undertaking such a ritual so far from Mount Kunlun.
==== The Arcane as seen by the Scions ====
Suha developed the usage of Order magic indirectly under the Valmasian Krausite Kaschei. Order magic is a type of Arcane art, with Chaos as that of the other side of the coin. Suha, once these powers were developed by her, sought to grow to a deeper understanding with both sides of the Arcane. To this end, she studied the writings of The White Testament, written by the Demon Archon Tragedy, master practitioner of Chaos, as well as The Path, written by the Elsyrean Caprise Greceran and wielder of Order. Aside from the study of writings, Suha makes it an active pursuit of hers to meet with and speak to practitioners of the Arcane or those affiliated to it, in an attempt to form an understanding with them. Along with her ideals, her knowledge on the Arcane and a warning about both sides of the dangers of it are attempting to be disseminated on Sheng.
===== Order =====
Order magic is about synchronizing with the world, utilizing the concept of selflessness as your guide to do such. The Elsyrean Path, outlined by Elsyreans who made their appearance upon Agartha, refers to this magic as “The Light”, but painting it as such is an oversimplification. Order does not necessarily mean that it is utterly benevolent and kind. Order magi are still individuals, they still can err and they still can make mistakes and act selfishly. It is the process of working to adhere to this idea of selflessness that allows this magic to work — to represent something greater than yourself, and work for the sake of others. It can be dangerous due to the level of moral superiority it can give, paired with self-righteousness. One can believe that they represent the world itself, that all of what they do is just and correct. Attunement with the Lifestream falls under Order, the ability to lean upon this generally Krausite concept of ethereal mana — a flow of souls that mends wounds, breaks curses, and protects the wielder. Virtue magic likewise falls under Order, concepts similar to Sins that the wielder synchronizes with in order to gain power.
===== Chaos =====
Chaos magic is about using one’s will to alter the world, utilizing the concept of selfishness as the guide to do this. This magic is outlined in The White Testament, a publication written by an Agarthan Demon Archon, Tragedy, who is a practitioner of this type of magic. The dangers of Chaos magic that stems from the base of selfishness are quite obviously much less nebulous then the dangers of Order magic, a desire to put oneself before others, to harm for the sake of the self and the self alone. However, just as no Order magi is the embodiment of selflessness, no Chaos magi has been seen to be the embodiment of selfishness. Furthermore, the desire to serve oneself is human, it’s not something aberrant and foreign, and Tragedy’s own text tells of those who have none other than themselves, who don’t have the luxury of selflessness being easy users of Chaos. All society produces people like this, especially that of Sheng’s stratified society. With that being said, however, the Arcane is different from other magic, as instead of feeling an emotion and expressing it as magic, the Arcane requires oneself to submit and deepen the concepts attached to the self, which means that to be a more powerful Chaos magi, one needs to be more self-serving, which can be worrisome. Sin magic falls under Chaos, power derived from individual concepts and the acting out of these ideals, lending power to the individual who wields those concepts. Xomac Tepin, for example, was the Sin of Pride, powerful, and unable to be wounded. Necromancy falls under Chaos, the Azrael given technique for bringing the dead back to life. Riftmancy falls under Chaos, the rumored ability to travel vast distances instantaneously.
Regardless of Chaos or Order, the ability of Telekinesis follows both bases of power. It is the ability to manipulate the world without using one’s own mana. The world itself is utilized to allow for these manipulations.Category:Sheng
Category:Religion