Twin Dragon

The '''Twin Dragon''' belief (Old Almadoric: '''Lûnatwa''') is a religion that may or may not originate from the Aurlûnor Velande with its actual origins being unclear, becoming the official religion and philosophy of the country. The core philosophical nature of the Twin Dragon is of universal order, harmony, and certain senses of legalism. The ideal stems from the concept that everything follows a certain natural order, and such natural order is to be obeyed; else, it will lead to catastrophic results, which reflects negativity among it's peers. The two most holiest cities in the faith is Lhûmar and Sachómar. 
== History ==
"As the God-Empress of her realm here, anyone in the Aurlûnor Velande must adhere to the Vale Mandate and of Twin Dragon. Else they face severe retribution, for attempting to throw the mortal realm of Celeia out of balance, while in the presence of the Celestial Matron." - Jack Stoneworks.
It is unclear where Twin Dragon truly originated. According to scriptures that has been written, Twin Dragon apparently is far older than it is believed to be. Although Rathnir historians conclude that Twin Dragon is over 900 years old, scriptures usually date the faith back even further to over 14 billion years, years before the formation of the world that Celeia (the world) resides in. There is no estimate on who was the original founder of the faith, or who truly wrote the scriptures that are piled in the libraries of the temples, as even some scriptures are in unknown languages not belonging to the world, or not seen on either Rathnir, Eldham or Jagdas.
A prophecy supposedly first appeared in mentions of an old Almadorian Chronicle known, spread around by a woman simply known as Vinimanis. According to records, she was a former priestess of the Almadorian Pantheon of the Goddess, Galariel, who would one day, see Galariel in her dreams, as what would become known as the Celestial Matron, in her true form, and would hear "Prepare.". These strange wordings, lead to believe that soon, the ongoing warring states period would end through a divine leadership, and would see an end to the hundreds of years of chaos that fell out from the Kingdom of Almador, eventually restoring it into a balanced state.
Upon descendance of Sareariel as the Celestial Matron, mentions of Sen and Lyn, as well as many other beings from her ascendency were mentioned, including meditation, as well as the systems of harmony, the Vale Mandate, the cultivation of ones soul, and the various elements of the universe. Philosophers in the Velande such as Gu Yong, an Aurlûnoren Human, would largely attribute this credit the successes of Sareariel's campaigns to the warlord states of the former Kingdom of Almador, using her supposed new found powers of divinity for benevolence. In one instance, a minor state known as Vallor, suffered from a terrible famine that struck their countryside. Their King, Hu Yuan, would ignore the pleas of his people, and would feed himself the entire stocks, locked up in his palace. Sareariel would use her magic to miraculously heal the crops, and they would grow ridiculously fast, and extremely healthy. As a result, the people would hail her as the Celestial Matron, and would see Hu Yuan deposed, easily conquering the region without a fight. There was also an instance in recent times where a tree-destroying cult known as the Kellerists, burnt down most of the forests in the Aurlûnor Velande, causing famine and hunger throughout Nir Province. Sareariel would use a special magic known as the "Divine Rift" to transform the swamp into a jungle, resulting in the sky becoming much clearer, and the surrounding region becoming more fertile for farming large quantities of rice.
== Belief and Philosophy ==
=== Creation Myth ===
The creation of the universe is one of the most mysterious things that even the Sages question. No one knows where the beings of the Vale, the beings of the plane, even managed to become, existing. The stream of light across the Vale, is the first thing that was ever created. There is a rumored source that is simply known as "The Vale's Center", in which, the path is said to diverge in all directions, rather than going a simple line. It is improbable to truly visit The Vale's Center, but it is said to hold the answer to life, the universe, time, and everything that has ever existed. 
Upon the creation of the Vale, two beings would emerge, the King of Darkness, Momag, and the Queen of Light, Lothra. These two would go on to create the realms of Moumaganon, the realm of Darkness, and Laoturanis. Following their creation, the Plane Sculptors would be born, beings which adore creativity, and wanted to make their own worlds. These sculptors would however, fall inlove with their creations so much, they would dissolve their bodies. With each dissolution of their bodies, many streams from their remnants would flow through the Vale, creating Vale Streams, which would create many beings, and what people come to known as the "Five Mortal Elements" of Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal.
Unfortunately, this creation would come at a cost. As stability continued, the balance begun to drift, starting to cause people to succumb to some kind of strange taint, which would turn them into what we known as "Wraiths", beings that seek to interrupt the course of balance. As a result, the realms of Light and Dark sent their top generals, Astaera and Huayin to begin a harmonization campaign to stop the spread of inharmony. Though, a simple directive would turn into a rather dangerous situation. Both would start to stray away from their goal, and became corrupted by the inharmony, going rogue with their more extreme sides of Order and Chaos awakening.
As a result of this, the Guardian Dragons were created, two for each stream of the Vale in order to protect it. This is where the core religious name, "Twin Dragon" comes from, as two Dragons always fly overhead in the night sky around the Sun and Moon, to ensure the realms keep moving. Eventually, the Guardian Dragons would notice that they themselves would not be enough, and thus, created the Celestial Matrons, which became known as the Plane Mothers, sent to create an Empire out of the varying warring factions in order and in hopes, that they will bring forth an ideal known as the "Vale Mandate", which promotes true balance for all life, else may the universe fall into inharmony, and out of natural order.However, the "Ideal Stream", known as the Celeian Stream was created. With it, the realms of Naicador, Talandor and Celeia would be created. Unfortunately, Naicador would be completely destroyed by Huayin during her tirades of the Harmonization Campaign. Due to it being an elven origin, the many texts of Twin Dragon usually believe that the Celestial Elves (Lhûren in many of these texts) are descendants of starlight, and dragon scales, created from the Guardian Dragons of the Celeian Stream, Sen and Lyn, being the first on the planes of Celeia before any other being. Modern Twin Dragon texts do mention humans as being the second youngest race, created as a way to counteract the elves to ensure that they do not make the same mistake as the other beings of the Vale did, and become wraiths. Later, many other beings would be born as well. The superiority complex of the Lhûren would however, became overtly ambitious, and would carve out a massive kingdom known as Almador. It would later split into varying factions, until one day, a beam of light would appear. The Celestial Matron, revealed to be a warlord by the name of Sareariel Lelya-Earcala, appeared and ceased the warring factions, unifying the Lhûren under her divine care, and from there, the Aurlûnor Velande would be founded. And with hopes of the Dragons, that her empire will bring forth a Global Vale Mandate.
=== Principles ===
The key principles and teachings of Twin Dragon, is that all life, light and dark, even those that are deem "Good and Evil", have a purpose, and must be respected. To achieve true balance, one must reject the concept that Light means Right, and Dark means Wrong, and that all beings, even divinities themselves, are imperfect, and that true perfection can never exist, for it would make a being unbalanced. The teachings that every being has their advantages and flaws, is the pathway to true balance, and the one who understands these values, understands reason, and logic.
Each person has a soul, that takes a journey known as the "Path of the Soul", which is the pathway to become a true immortal, being able to live forever should they so choose to. The cycle of a soul always involves itself going through a different lifetime. Newer practitioners do not understand that their body is merely a shell that contains their soul, but with their shell, can become something greater with it. While they do not retain memories of their past life upon beginning the journey, as time progresses in their meditation, and they keep on the path, they will eventually become immortal. By their choice, they may either ascend, leaving their shells of the mortal world behind to discover if their soul is of Light or Dark, or they may remain on the mortal plane for an infinite amount of time, and learn everything their plane has to offer, both old and new. Should the soul achieve true balance, the need for such forms are unneeded, for they may take shape of anything in the mortal world if they so choose, or start the cycle anew.
The Five Elements of Fire, Water, Earth, Metal and Wood of the Mortal World, also play an important part in the daily life and cycles of the many beings of the planes that they inhabit. Each being is born with a specific element, and must learn how to resist and overcome the cycle, how to balance the elements, so that one may feel empowered with the way of the mortal realm. Once a spirit transcends to the Vale, they will come to understand five new elements, Astral, Void, Soul, Light and Dark, which are also known as the "Vale Elements". Once an individual understands the elements, their grasp and knowledge of both the Mortal Realm and the Vale starts to become more clearer, as their mind is blocked less by cloudiness, and more so on reason, and truth.
== Traditions ==
=== Holidays ===
The Twin Dragon religion partakes in an important ritual known as Dragon Day, which happens every June 20th and December 21st. This is a celebration of both dragons respectively. Dragon Day in June is celebrated with sun cakes, which are made out of peaches, with many things associated with warmth, gloom and the greatness of summer, while Dragon Day in December is celebrated with cool, soothing and calming themes of winter. Moon cakes are served, and many foods that are resembling winter.
Matron Day, in which the very day the Celestial Matron of Celeia descended is also celebrated. This day usually is quite grand, as many temples put up purple banners in her resemblance, and depicts arts to her, as well as the various loyal worshipers of the faith. Heroes, sages, and the like are depicted in statues. Some minor, some major. In addition, the Velereth gives away parts of her personal belongings to the common folk as well as food as a symbol of benevolence, and balance.
A major holiday is the New Years celebration, in which every 12th of February, a new year is declared, and is a massive celebration. All over, flying lanterns and varying other semblances of festivities are seen. Performances are seen in various forms, such as levitation, fire-breathing, or other forms of talents that always seem to bring something new to the table.
Every thousand years, an extra day is added to the cycle known as the "Thousand Year Day". This day adds an extra 32nd day to Núlanawe, which is often celebrated as a milestone of the world as a whole. In most cases, this year is important, as it is signified as the day where the Divines visit the mortal plane, and meet their many followers. 
===Prayer ===
Despite there being lecturns in Twin Dragon temples, seroms are not preformed, and are usually placed around the temple with information regarding on how to properly pray to a divine, what to offer, what to say during a prayer, or how to meditate properly. Prayers are quiet, and are meant to be said in their mind, not through their lips, as a genuine offer for various things. Prayers are accompanied with insence burning, and flowers that vary depending on what divine is being prayed to. Offerings usually vary, as each divine has a different thing that they prefer according to what they are formed as, the temple is themed as and what their enviorment appears to be depicted. 
For instance, offerings to the Guardian Dragons usually consists of food, most likely due to the Sun being made of energy, and the moon turning the waves. The Celestial Matron is often offered jewels, gold, silver and various trinkets relating to wealth, due to the fact that the Celestial Matron is seen as the divine protector and essentially, empress of the plane. The Sages are offered paper, quills, ink and books and scrolls either filled or empty, due to their attributes to knowledge and wisdom. The Queen of Light is often offered warm items and food due to her affiliation with light. The King of Dark is often offered cold items and food due to his affiliation with dark.
When praying, a worshipper will slowly go on their knees and kowtow three or five times, not too fast, and not too hard, and lift themselves up. They would then, move their hand over their chest, and drag their fingers across the top of their torso until moving it as far as possible for ten seconds, before doing the same with the other, moving it in a similar manner. Their arms would proceed to raise and then to the bottom, before standing, and bowing the head,
===Marriage===
A Twin Dragon Marriage is usually celebrated depending on ranks of society. The lower class marriages are usually cheaply celebrated with a few instruments, claps, and throwing of flowers, as well as some dances. Within the middle class it depends on where you look, with some of them being more grander than others, and are usually celebrated at a shrine of one of the gods that they are dedicating the wedding to, or an auspicious spot. Upper classes are usually more private, with their celebrations having much better access to entertainers and instruments, while the Imperial family shows it all off on the streets, going to the Temple of the Divines, and then out toward an auspicious location, which would be converted into a beautiful marriage platform, and a statue dedicated to the Gods of their choosing as their witness.
The wedding consists of vows between the two partners, in which they place a flower of a different color in each others heads, and exchange a jade ring (depending on how rich the person is). Sometimes it's a bit more with flower crowns and such. The two must then bow to their respective God, and when the Priest or Priestess officially unionizes them, they may kiss, or whatever equivalent.
Polygamy is allowed in the Twin Dragon religion, and it is often practiced by upper classes. Polygamy is actually encouraged by the faith, namely due to the fact that at one point, before Twin Dragon became a global faith, Celestial Elves of Aurlûnor struggled with fertility rates. Overtime, however, the population of the nation tripled, but the encouragement was never dropped.
For example, in the Lelya-Earcala Dynasty, the Imperial Harem is known as the Dragon Harem, and all future husbands or wives are called Dragon Husbands or Dragon Wives. The type of male or female that is married into this harem are of a varying range, some being lowly peasants the Velereth found attractive, or upper nobles that are usually married into the harem for stronger relations. Should the partner be of a foreign family, or have ranks of nobility in that country, an arrangement is made, and is agreed upon.
It is required that every noble household have a person of the opposite sex as their first spouse, who would be treated as the primary consort of their family. These first marriages are not considered apart of the harem, and are the ones who sit next to them, and have more of a voice and say of what to do in the life of the family. As for the Velereth, she does not have to abide by this law, however, it is seen as going with the Will of the Vale, which is to have a male partner as a primary.
===Death===
The Twin Dragon belief used to bury their dead alongside their souls to make sure that they move on to the afterlife, but this practice would be discontinued following the Red Canal Incident, due to the possibility of necromancy being used by wraiths to create armies and have them march upon the varying cities of the world. Nowadays, Twin Dragon practitioners cremate remains as well as releasing souls out in their most desired areas where they would like to be presumably burred. Very few Twin Dragon practitioners still continue the practice of burial.
During the week of which a loved one dies, all participants wear white clothes, and continue to wear white until the period of mourning ends as a sign of respect to the dead. The urn of which the loved one was cremated in, and later released, is kept by the loved one who scattered the ashes. Breaking the urn intentionally, is usually considered a sign of misfortune and bad luck, but accidental breaking of the urn is usually forgiven by the deceased.
Death is usually not seen as the end to a Twin Dragon practitioner, as one can re-incarnate to continue their meditation into becoming immortal. Often, several life times are taken to achieve the process of living forever, and have a choice to return to the mortal world with a new shell, or to remain in the Vale. However, one will not remember their memories of who they knew in that lifetime until achieving immortality fully.
=== Gender ===
In a similar fashion to the elements of the Twin Dragon faith, there are the five genders of the Mortal Realm, and the five genders of The Vale. The five genders of the mortal realm are identified as the following: Nanhanu, Nuinya, Nauhaya, Nuainnu, and Nuinyne. Nanhanu and Nuinya are often identified as male and female, being the most common of the genders. Nauhaya are described as men who take on a feminine appearance and dress in women clothing, while Nuainnu are women who take on a masculine appearance and dress in male clothing. Nuinyne are described as those who are not identied as either of the four, and are often mixed whenever it comes to clothing, appearance and that sort.
Vale genders however, are completely different. The five genders of the Vale are: Cixiongyanu, Shangennuya, Ux'onin, Hei'resh and !Xauvan. Cixiongyanu are those who have a very much feminine appearance, but sport both Nanhanu and Nuinya parts. While those in the mortal world may be born with such parts and not have them function, those born in the Vale are far more often born with all of their parts functioning normally. Shangennuyas are the same as Cixiongyanus, but with a masculine appearance. The remainder Vale genders are currently unclear, as Ux'onin, Hei'resh and !Xauvan have not been fully deciphered in texts (let alone translated from Celestialic to Old Almadoric) about them, or had been witnessed up close. 
Cixiongyanus and Shangennuyas are revered as sacred, and often find themselves as nobility or high in the temple ranks, giving them distinct advantages. Those who are said to be one of these two, are said to have a better connection to the Vale, and to meditation in itself. Killing a Cixiongyanu or Shangennuya is seen as a heretical act, and is often punishable by death in Twin Dragon countries. 
== Path of the Soul ==
It is believed that if one is to become a immortal master, one must journey through the Path of the Soul, which can range from being extremely simple to life threatening. Each stage of enlightenment is built up by a different trial, which tests the user's ability to control how their soul can handle the elements in a particular way. This process is something one learns when they are extremely young, with guidance given to them by a Priest, where they help them through completing said trials. Advanced training can be done through different trainers throughout the world, some being further than others.
The Initiate is where everyone starts their journey. They are usually tasked with helping around temples, study the Lothric and Momagic Language, and their knowledge in the basics of the elements of the mortal world, as well as the dragons that govern the mortal planes. When they are ready, they move on to become an adept, in which they begin their spiritual journey.
The Adept is the next stage of the path, in which the person is sent on a task to retrieve a special object that is known as a "Trial Token", but it is hidden in a particular location according to the person's element day. For example, a person who is born on the Earth element, will have to journey to a high area such as a hill, or if a person is born on the Water Element, will have to dive into a lake or a pond to find it. The Trial Token is a simple slide puzzle, where if unlocked, the token will shoot magical energy into the head of a person, and gain knowledge on how to use more powerful elemental spells, as well as sagely wisdom from a master. The token is then return to the master, and is destroyed.
Following passing the first trials, the user is ready to begin their road to Enlightenment. There are multiple paths that must be followed, as if it were a straight line, until a fork in the road leads them down a certain path before reaching the stage of immortality. Each of these paths co-responds to the elements of the world, and it requires one to step out of their own element in order to pass the trial. These trials ultimately depend on which element day they are born on, and will follow a particular path, but in the opposite direction. Each of these paths co-responds to a different discipline. With the exception of light which requires one to not have anything including clothing, the trials requires one to have only a particular set of robes, which they must craft themselves, and for them to be worn at all times. These robes specifically made from a special silk that only grows in a grove near Tamaka next to Mount Nantian, gathers Qi from each trial that they partake in. For the Trial of Fire, the body instead gathers it, which it imbues into the robes.
Paths
Element	Co-responds to	Description
Fire 	Harmony 	To understand harmony, one must experience it. In the trial of Harmony, a person must discard their clothing and possessions, and enter into a forest, where they will be given a special spell to listen to things in nature, while a peaceful tone plays. The objective is balance the sounds within yourself to harmonize the blood flow, and walk in a particular path. The body receives the harmonic feel, while exerting inharmony, which can include toxicity, worry and grief. One must also learn how to use a particular music piece, particularly, a stringed instrument, a woodwind or drums, where they will play a particular tune that will be in sync with the feel of the forest. If one succeeds, and the person hears everything in sync with whatever they do, they pass the trial.
Water 	Isolation 	Isolation can sometimes be thought to be a symbol of negativity, but there is times where isolation is what one must go through, if they are to be more powerful. In this trial of Isolation, one must go to a secluded location. However, it must be near a lake, a river or the sea. This body of water acts as the life force of the individual's feelings of creativity, planning, strategic values, thoughts, ideas and dreams. When one meditates these thoughts, they come to reality through the diligence of one's mind. For the sake of the trial, one must think of an idea they had for so long, and proceed to make it from scratch. Through the influence of the Water element, the piece is made, and passes the trial when it becomes reality.
Earth 	Principle 	There are many principles in the world, some are more complicated to understand than others, but each thing has a purpose. In this trial, one who goes on the path of principle, they must meditate to find out their purpose in the world, and find out the true meaning of it. This may be a rather difficult trial to pass, as it may involve going to high places to find the pinnacle of what they are looking for, often climbing surfaces to find a special message made for them. Once they reached this area, they are to come face to face with what they were made to do, and overcome the doubts they had about their purpose. Only then, they may pass this trial of mental endurance.
Wood 	Patience 	Patience is the key virtue that keeps one's mind at ease. Impatience is a common natural thing, and it is not wrong to believe in such, but if one is to be immortal, they must understand that once they become such, they do not need to worry about time anymore. In this trial, the Path of Patience requires a person to follow their respective master, and to sit down on a log, and wait for a particular amount of time, sometimes up to five days. Meditating the surrounding will provide them the nutrients they need in order to survive by absorption through sucking the very energies of plants and animals themselves, through an out of body experience, which they may use to hunt with. Once the master returns, they are sent out of the forest, and can tell if one has been patient or not, which they will pass the trial if they shown signs of peace within their minds.
Metal 	Perseverance 	If one is to survive in the world alone, one must have perseverance. Bravery and determination is needed in order to see the many vile things in the world disappear for good. The power that is within individuals, is the primary way of defending ones self, or offending the enemy. In this trial, one is given a cultivation weapon that fits more in line with their personality rather than their personal weapon of choice, as one must step outside of their comfort zone in order to master scarcity. Their robes are changed to harden or soften depending on their personality rather than their own personal armor of choice. They will be required to face spiritual beasts that will be enough for them to take down. Should they endure through the roughness of using their weapons, and their armor, they pass the trial.
When one passes these trials, one unlocks the path of the Coalescence where the elements join within from the robes, and into the overall body. This process will proceed to kill the person. In death however, the elements that killed the person, cycles around the body, which takes them to a place known as Valasen or the Vale. The joining of the spirit and the husk will proceed to come together, reviving the person from their death state. This process may take several weeks, or may not happen at all, with the shell decaying as the spirit approaches. This stage is said to be the most dangerous path of the Enlightenment, but is achievable.
Once the trial has been passed, one may begin the stages of the Transcendent where they begin their true journey into becoming an immortal. At this point, their lifespan has been extended by over 300 or so years, and is immune to disease, but still susceptible to other causes.
The Path of Duality is the hardest of the trials before achieving the finale. Within this trial, one must split their soul, and travel throughout the other planes, enduring the trials of either King Momag or Queen Lothra, in which, the two sides will rejoin, to achieve a Harmonious Balance.
The final Path of the Soul is unknown to mortals, as it is spoken in a language that is incomprehensible and harmful to regular mortals, even in texts. One can translate it properly if they themselves resolved the Path of Duality. 
==Astronomy ==
The Twin Dragon faith believes that all planets and solar systems are interconnected to a greater milky substance known as "streams", which believes the solar systems all fall down under a greater part of the Vale Stream, which is seen as a giant path of light. The pathway and stream itself is directionless, and it's actually not known where the stream begins and ends, but many believe that it's similar to a branch of a tree. While the sun and moon seemingly exist, the stars are seemingly all pointing in a direction where the stream starts, even if's shining on the opposite side of the world. 
Each world is known as a "Plane", which is basically a planet, but is a dimension of sorts that contains everything that existed. 
=== The Vale ===
The Vale is the primary plane beyond the others, in which spirits go to when they die or simply had not yet found a world to be born in yet. When one is in this realm, the laws of nature or physics do not behave normally, causing things such as a light-year length dragon or an extremely small creature to exist. Strange plants, vibrant colors, some of which do not exist in the realm of mortals would see, and other sorts, exist. It is often described as a peaceful place, and is considered the most balanced plane in existence. It is home to the Vale Stream, a seemingly-endless and indestructible beam of pure light, which connects every single realm together, coming from a yet-to-be discovered unknown source.
=== The Senlyn Stream ===
====Naicador====
Naicador or Paxia is seen as a large asteroid belt that surrounds Sen, or the Sun, and was said to have been a world at one point, before Huayin, destroyed it, and the world becoming tainted by disharmony. It was said to have been a world that was quite agrarian, with many peaceful peoples who had little desire for war, and conquest, but this is merely romanticized, as little is known about the actual civilizations that may or may of not existed here. There is no known documentation that was given to the Twin Dragon Grand Temple about the varying cultures of Naicador, as it was assumed to have been destroyed during Huayin's tirades. Meteorites that had struck Celeia however, provided some old Paxian lore, with even old blades coming from this world.
====Talandor====
Talandor, Cinder or the Modded World is a world which is similar to Celeia, with it’s many factions. There is a Celestial Matron on this world, but she is said to be quite hidden and secluded. This world is largely unknown to the people of Celeia, and is said to be ruled by an entity named Yraxin. Whether or not the entity is a demi-god or a child of one of the Dragons, it is for certain that one can view the world from a telescope. It is currently the only known world known to Celeia that shines like a blue-green marble much like Celeia.
==== Celeia ====
Celeia or the Blue Marble Plane is the primary realm of which all mortals of Rathnir, Eldham and Jagdas reside. As it is the most populated, many refer to it as the "Home Plane". Interestingly enough, the divines appear to be extremely active on this world, with even the Wraiths taking a particular interest in this world. Celeia is regarded as the most ideal of the three to host a plethora amount of possibilities. Beings such as Elves, Humans and various other beings exist on the world, with many warring and peaceful factions, as well as different religious views that are either harmonious or inharmonious, creating a massive rift between the practitioners of Twin Dragon and other peoples.
=== The Planes of Light and Dark ===
=====Laoturanis=====
Laoturanis exists as the realm of light, where everything positive and peaceful resides, with a small center of darkness that exists as a form of balance that maintains the realm's balance.
Laoturanis is known to be a cold, yet pleasant feeling place, with radiant beauty that is described as so beautiful, it could drive a practitioner who just begun meditating mad from overzealous Order. However, this is a mere myth, as even the most unenlightened can visit this realm and exit it without any issues arising, but this is likely stemming from once a person enters, they do not wish to return home due to the peace, serenity and tranquility that surrounds the place. Laoturanis is home to over a thousand palaces, each with river streams that lead to a central source which is known as the "Gleaming Lake". In the center, is the main city known as Y'istcx (Y-st-eckh) or Peach Citadel, which is home to Queen Lothra. If one is to leave the thousand palaces, they would eventually enter "The Great Forest", which is a woodland of game and wild animals, which would be a hunters dream. Once exiting, they would find themselves in the "Endless Meadows", a huge grassland that would eventually lead to the center of the world, which is where the piece of Moumaganon resides. A portal is said to be encased inside of the fortress, and is guarded by Momaganites. A Momaganite settlement known as "Ast'x" is located outside of the fortress, and is a meeting point for both Queen Lothra and King Momag to see eachother, though neither can touch eachother, as an unstoppable barrier blocks the two. In contrast to Moumaganon, and to be expected, Laoturanis is strict with many of their laws, and it appears to be an extremely orderly, being firmly unified under Queen Lothra, with all dukes, Kings and Emperors of the realm seemingly unwaveringly loyal to her, with fighting rarely, if not, ever, breaking out.
=====Moumaganon=====
Moumaganon is where everything negative and chaotic resides, with a small center of lightness that exists as a form of balance to maintain the realm's own balance as well.
Moumaganon is a hot, volcanic, uncomfortable feeling place, though oddly, not burning or tormenting despite the smell of fear, torment and death surrounds the place. The place is known to have many volcanos, spirals of obsidian architecture, much like a Lava Elf settlement, but above ground. If one is to step into Moumaganon, it is said that you would go mad in the matter of minutes from the walings of screams and torture. Though, much like Laoturanis, Moumaganon can be left and entered as pleased, and can even be toured without feeling any of the after-effects depending on the person. Moumaganon has many lava pools, and lava rivers, and much life that would be expected here should be dead. However, this is not the case, as Crimson Trees, and Warped Trees appear to prosper here, seemingly growing from strange funguses. The realm is said to have varying funguses that grows into these trees, each of different color, and providing food. In contrast to Laoturanis, and to be expected, Moumaganon is a war-torn place, full of varying factions fighting eachother for power in a never-ending struggle for supremacy, The varying factions and kingdoms seemingly shift every month, with the title of "Emperor of Moumaganon" also being more of a reward to the most powerful faction, which treats war as more of a game, rather than an actual need to survive. Though this would seemingly be for sport, as the Central Domain, ruled by King Momag himself from his seat of the citadel of "Kor'kavax", acts as a neutral zone for disputes, diplomacy, duels and various other things (sometimes unorthodox and considered degenerate to an outsider's perspective). When time comes to fight a greater enemy, the warlords and generals unite together in a force lead under King Momag with upmost loyalty, but once peace comes back, the usual cycle beings a new.
Should one head into the center of the realm, they will discover a huge circular trench, and across from it, is a pleasant, green fortified monastery, owned by Laoturanis, with a portal to Laoturanis present, and a meeting zone at the Lothranan Village of "Min'op", though neither can touch eachother, as an unstoppable barrier blocks the two.
=== Unknown or other Vale Stream Planes ===
==== Salandor ====
Salandor or the Unknown World is a theorized plane that exists between Celeia and the end of the local stream. It is said to also be a blue marble much like Celeia and Talandor, but it is unknown and unclear where it's exactly located. Some have speculated that it could be in a nearby stream, or completely far off. The only details mentioned about it, is that it features rather beautiful terrain, and is seen as an ideal place for civilizations to thrive in, mostly mountain and cave civilizations.
==Deities and Divine Figures ==
The Twin Dragon faith is full of strange, introquite figures that seemingly appear to be completely tied to either the world of Celeia or the entire universe itself. Various texts appear to revere some of these figures as gods, highlighting more important ones such as the Guardian Dragons and the Celestial Matron as higher beings, while some go more indepth, immortalizing or romanticizing figures that are mentioned by a large group of people, or worshipped as gods, achieving immortality at some point.
Despite their gender assignments by mortality, and what they view, all Vale Beings are infact, genderless, and may change into any gender they wish without any trouble. However, every single being has their own preference on how they appear, and may just appear as such, ignoring the fact that they actually lack gender as a concept.
===Deities===
====The Guardian Dragons====
The Guardian Dragons or the Twin Dragons, are dragons that often are paired together with the stream in which all beings live within. Each Vale Stream is known to have two Guardian Dragons, with different colors that represent them, and are the ones who secure the stream from all dangers that may enter the stream. In the Celeian Stream, the Dragons are known as Sen (or Aur) and Lyn (or Isil). Sen is portrayed as a Sun Dragon with the color red, and Lyn is often portrayed as a Moon Dragon with the color blue. Since the star is seen as yellow from Celeia, the mortal planes often portray Sen as yellow on clothes and patterns, which is why yellow, red and blue are seen as colors of luxury, and are often expensive and worn by the middle class or above.
The Dragons are said to meet in a sort of a court known as the Court of Dragons, which only the Celestial Matron can communicate with. This "Court of Dragons", is communicated through a special orb known as the Flaming Pearl, which glows a rather strange color. The Court of Dragons is a group of dragons of different worlds that meet together everytime they are called upon, to discuss and give advice. The Flaming Pearl is seen as the only direct way to get their attention, without having to do any sort of sacrifices. They are taken to a different realm, which appears to be a pocket of the Vale, to discuss such matters.
Although Sen and Lyn are portrayed as male and female, some arts portray both as either female or male, depending on which sect of the faith it is, or even both.
==== The Celestial Matron====
The Celestial Matron or the Matron, is a being that is portrayed as a female figure that is said to be similar to a “Plane Mother” or sorts. Celestial Matrons are born from the Guardian Dragons as beings, which almost exclusively appears to be Lhûren, that were originally sent to harmonize the world, and to ensure that balance is bought forward through a particular balance. However, as time went on, most Matrons would establish their own empires, to use for their own benefits, with few becoming ambitious, often forgetting their own true goals, or warping it in a more imperialistic way to further their own ambitions, or even some that would believe that joining mortal games such as bringing factions together into one, was the way to bring balance. 
The Celestial Matron is usually chosen, if said person is worthy to being the Celestial Matron, often combining into a body that she may find interest in, which can be at random. Once they merge, the person becomes one, and adopts both the memories and identity, completely merging both lives together, creating new memories that was from the Matron herself, and achieving immortality. Matrons are at first unaware at what happened, since the first thirty seconds of their new lives, they do not remember, but many usually see a shining flash of light, with clouds that would appear out of seeming nowhere, until descending in their respective capitals that would hold a significant influence for what the matron had in mind of what there is to come. Following these seconds, her eyes would open, and assume her new identity as the Celestial Matron, in which the legitimacy begins. The Matrons remember however, one directive, and that is to bring forth the Vale Mandate, which is to achieve true balance in the world that they had descended in, within one life time. No matter what methods may or may not be used, to achieve it, is ingrained in their minds to do so.
The Celestial Matron is portrayed as a hermaphrodite, meaning she has both male and female body party, which is portrayed even in art. The Hermaphrodite part of the Matron symbolizes duality of both the male and female gender, and is sometimes, the matron is seen as the goddess of all living beings.
==== The Sages====
The Vale is home to the Sages, which are said to be the greatest minds in the universe. They were created from the very minds of the creators of the Vale, and had since devoted their life into serving regular people knowledge of the greater universe, and answer whatever questions that may corner them. The Sages play a vital part namely in Libraries or Academies, as they are said to possess the bodies of the hosts of Librarians, Scholars or Teachers to help teach people the ways and mandates of the Twin Dragon religion. They are not regularly worshiped, as they do not wish for any offerings, but rather, wish to teach valuable lessons to those who make mistakes. But even the Sages know that they make mistakes, and sometimes, their words are incorrect and inaccurate, and they will often refresh themselves as such. They are said to never get angry, and are often quite patient, even with the most ridiculous of questions. They are genderless, though many statues depict them as older female or male elves depending on what city.
====Queen Lothra and King Momag====
These two figures are the Queen of Laoturanis and the King of Moumaganon, and for their namesakes, is what the realms are named after. Queen Lothra is the aspect of Light, while King Momag is the aspect of Dark. During the early years of the Vale's existence, the two were lovers. But due to their not being able to connect with one another, they could not be together. They would however, come to an agreement, that every hundred years, they would flip a coin, and if the coin was flipped to their favor, they were allowed to perform one aspect of their respective counterpart, which could be either catastrophe or a blessing. This does not only affect the world, but it affects people as well, for one can be born as a hero of the times, and make their country prosper, or a be born as a vicious tyrant, or incompetent ruler, and cause the collapse of their empire or nation. This is to help create balance, to ensure no one gains too much power.
Despite their apparent affiliations, King Momag is seen as a rather fair ruler toward his people with a relaxed way of ruler-ship, while Queen Lothra is more strict and authoritarian, with punishments usually being extreme if they disturb the light.
====The Elemental Spirits ====
On Celeia there exists five elemental spirits, each being a different animal, that constantly shifts every single year: The Falcon, the Turtle, the Serpent, the Fox, and the Pig. In addition, there are five additional elemental spirits that are exclusively of Vale Elements: the Phoenix, the Dragon, the Qivar, the Nalas and the Xasara. Each of these spirits exist around the temple to protect it from dangers and keep it in consistency with the environment. All temples in every city have the same spirit as the city it is dedicated to, with the exception of Lhûmar which is protected by all the spirits. These spirits do not require worship, nor do they require offerings, as the spirits themselves, are said to be the ones nurturing the world, and require no thanks, nor any sort of gratitude, as they are doing it from the grace of their heart due to their love for mortal kind, and it's interest in development. These spirits are never portrayed as malevolent, and are only aggressive if one provokes it through vandalization of a temple, or something under their protection.
Every person who is born in a certain year, is dedicated to a different spirit. Since 0 of the Calendar, the elements started at their default positions of Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, Wood, Astral, Void, Soul, Light and Dark, but in the year 4, they would shift forward by one. The year 930, in which the server begun in the Twin Dragon calendar, was the year of Light.
===Divine Figures===
=== Sareariel Lelya-Earcala ===
Sareariel Lelya-Earcala was born in the year 246BCA to a rather humble origin. She would later partake during the turmotulous years of the later Warring Period of the Almadorians, where she would see her rise to power by the year 118BCA, and start to consolidate her rule. By the year 0CA, Sareariel would ascend to become the Celestial Matron of Celeia and reigned as the ruler of her new empire known as the Aurlûnor Velande. For over 900 years, she would lead the country through varying ups and downs, with her eventually abdicating at the dawn of the Red Sun Campaign. She would form the Temple Territories, and stray away from the empire she had formed herself. She would die after drinking a special elixir that made her mortal, and shedded out of her mortal shell. No one knows what happened to her soul, but many said she didn't truly die, should the doctrines be believed. Anming Meili would take her place as Celestial Matron of Celeia, although Sareariel is honored as a divine, as being the first Celestial Matron of Celeia. 
==== Huayin, the 74th Demon Warlord====
The 74th Demon Warlord of Moumaganon, Huayin, is a being who is portrayed as the being of pure chaos, and was at one point, King Momag's most trusted diplomat and skilled negotiator which saw multiple treaties between the Realm of Light and Dark never going to war. She is often referred to by many names, one popular one being Entropy, whom she shares an extremely similar appearance to, and is often mistaken that she is actually the same person. However, unlike Entropy, Huayin acts more like a scheming, manipulative, and far more crueler person who seeks to etch her own power to bring Chaos to the entire universe rather than out of boredom, and is described to be the opposite of Entropy personality wise, who acts more or less berating, and seductive, rather than childish and teenager-like.
Huayin's first mention was in the "Journal of Paxia", a collection of burnt pages which speak of a "horned woman" who tempted a warlord to become something even further than what they had, and caused chaos in the peaceful world. As the bloodshed went, Huayin would proceed to use them to destroy the world of Paxia. Many believed this was her first time that she caused enough chaos to destroy an entire world. Huayin would also have multiple encounters with the current Celestial Matron, Sareariel Lelya-Earcala, with two times, being seduced by her, resulting in her bedding her, as seen in the book "Huayin's Temptations", and is said to be responsible for the Red Rains in October of 940ACA, as she is reported to have been seen by Sareariel on multiple occassions.
Huayin's misportrayal of Entropy has caused many that she was slain by Athaz the Traveler or simply known as "The Traveler". Nori and then Dragon Regent, Sel Leyla-Earcala would witness the final battle against the supposed Huayin in a dimension known as "The End". Since then, whatever was seen of Huayin, was thought to have been some kind of strange illusion left over from her essence that was spread throughout, and many believe that she is actually dead, other than Sareariel, who believes shes very much alive. Unbeknownst to them, Entropy and Huayin are infact, two different entities. However, Entropy did made a seemingly quiet alliance with Huayin to "troll" Sareariel just for fun. Huayin however, would take this "troll" too far, by using it to actually terrify Sareariel during the Blood Rains, since she believed this would be a delightful time to bring chaos and discord to the denizens of Lhûmar that year.
====Astraea, the 264th Light Crusader ====
The 264th Light Crusader of Laoturanis, Astraea, was at one point one of the Queen of Light, Lothra's most valued crusaders. The blade of the Light Crusader, is said to have cut through even the toughest metal, and was said to slay deities themselves, infused with the power of Lothra herself. Despite her number, Astraea was the left hand of Lothra, and would be sent out on the most dangerous expeditions to ensure security of the Realm of Light, and to assist the Realm of Dark when Harmonization campaigns were called upon. However, as Astraea and Huayin, who were both on a Harmonization Campaign together, they were corrupt by the Wraiths, and Astraea would stray from her goal of protection, into creating an endless crusade against Chaos, hype increasing her Orderly side by over an infinite value, causing her to go mad, and start slaying any sort of "evil" that she could find. Her end goal is to eventually stop time itself, which is the ultimate source of Chaos, and bring forth an absolute grip of Order to the Vale, and all of existance.
Presently, it is not known where Astraea is, but it is said that she is very much likely present on Celeia, portraying herself as a potentially powerful deity and inflicting minds to go forth on a quest to bring Order in her name. This being she may be the voice of, is likely Solaris of the Soleannen Faith, as according to Sareariel in her interactions with Hazel McSpiegel, the voice is influencing her to do these various things in his name, which is very much a Asterea thing to do, so that together, they may bring true Order to the world. Out of all the beings, Astraea is not well understood, as unlike Huayin, she does not try to make herself known, preferring to use others as her own way to communicate.
== The Vale Mandate==
With all faiths, there is always an end, including the end of discord, the end of inharmony, and the eventual end of the Wraiths. The Celestial Matron's purpose is to achieve something known as the Vale Mandate, where absolute balance is achieved, and both light and dark, chaos and order, are perfectly balanced together into a utopic universe, in which duality is the norm, and beings live in a peace. It is said, that once the Vale Mandate is in order, the Celestial Matron ascends to the highest form, one that is even higher than immortality, the Dragons themselves, and the universe, becoming a dragon herself, and becomes the universe itself, to ensure that never again, the universe becomes unbalanced, and an an usual permanent peace is established.
However, the Vale Mandate is not truly understood, as it is a goal that no one has ever truly achieved. Some theologians argue that the Vale Mandate is only used to strengthen the legitimacy of the Celestial Matron, and that it only applies to her empire, and hers alone, and completely disregards the outside world. Most Matrons however, would seem to have their own points of view. Sareariel for instance, views the Vale Mandate as a binding code of law, which every being must follow. But unlike most other codes of law, the Vale Mandate is not in written word, but through a universal telepathic form of remembrance, directly linking from the Celestial Matron's mind, and permanently implanted in all beings, which explains the existence of different faiths such as Soleannen or Lux, and the fact that beings such as Entropy or Athaz exist.
==Calendar==
The Twin Dragon Calendar runs on a 12 month cycle with 30-31 days in each month. In comparison to the Rathniric Calendar, which uses a total of 365 days, the Twin Dragon calendar runs on 367-368, with the second month acting as any other month with the normal 30-31 days, rather than the unique 28-29 days. As such, every calendar day is ahead two days of the regular calendar. It is adapted from the old Almadoric Calendar which follows a similar pattern. Every thousand year, there is an extra 32nd day added to the month of Núlanawe, which is seen as an important day, and is celebrated in many countries that are Twin Dragon. It also may record an extra 33rd day every 10,000 years on the month of Pikuavis. 
There are three eras: Before Celestial Awakening or BCA, Celestial Awakening or CA or Year 0 and after Celestial Awakening or ACA. Before Celestial Awakening dates before the Celestial Matron of Celeia descended from the Vale. Celestial Awakening was the first year in which the Celestial Matron roamed the world, and is marked with a huge religious celebration. After Celestial Awakening is during the years of the Celestial Matron, and after her descent, changing the world forever.
The calendar is officially used in the Aurlûnor Velande, the Dominion of Ashura, the Huitca Federation and Alda.
Calendar Months
Month 	Rathnir Calendar Equivelant
Núlanawe 	Janurary
Maureawe 	Feburary
Vinimas 	March
Sanyacis 	April
Yun 	May
Heicane 	June
Huwaras 	July
Tardalan 	August
Harvayas 	September
Nauctoras	October
Luyander 	November
Pikuavis 	December
Days of the Week
Day 	Rathnir Calendar Equivelant
Senae 	Sunday
Lynae 	Monday
Elberethae	Tuesday
Almeae 	Wendsday
Aiseae 	Thursday
Lothraniae	Friday
Momaganae 	Saturday
Sarearieae	Special day for only the Thousand Year Day.
Also known as Matronae. Does not exist
in Rathniri Calendar.
==The Grand Temple==
The Grand Temple is the political and institutional side of the Twin Dragon faith. The Grand Temple functions to maintain and function temples, shrines and monasteries throughout Rathnir, Eldham and Jagdas. The Grand Temple acts as an independent entity from it's primary host, the Aurlûnor Velande. The head of the Temple is the Celestial Matron, who oversees everything.
===Orders of the Temple===
Prior to the year 943, multiple orders existed in the Twin Dragon religion to help keep harmony in the world, and pledges to whichever deity they prefer to enforce balance in the world should need be
===Guojiang Harmonizers===
The Guojiang Harmonizers were a religious order based in Syltör that waws made around the religion of Twin Dragon. They had sworn to serve the Celestial Matron, that acted under the laws mandated both by the Grand Temple, the Twin Dragon governing body, and their own. They acted out of their Fortress-Monasteries, of which there is currently only one of, Astrakane. They believed of the need of balance between light and darkness, and between Chaos and Order. For now, they strived to bring order to the world, as they see it is dipping dangerously into chaos. The Guojiang Harmonizers also dedicated themselves in the pursuit of honor, as they believe honor is a balance between Chaos and Order.
The Harmonizers and the groups themselves was dissolved in 943 by the Velereth, Sareariel Lelya-Earcala due to her statement that all harmonizing orders are to be dissolved, and each keeper of these orders had their oaths relieved. She also stated that the orders were becoming "too much like Soleannen" and was drifting away from their original goals, as well as being weaponized for foreign governments to use.
==Sects==
Multiple sects of Twin Dragon exists throughout the world of Celeia, with many having different ideals, but seemingly link to the main Aurlûnoren branch of it.
===Heartlander Sect===
The Heartlander sect is known at the more theocratic sect of Twin Dragon. Although following the principles of the faith, it is believed that the Celestial Matron rules through divine right, and therefore, her authority should never be disrespected, else may they face their divine wrath. 
=== Gaian Sect===
Practiced by the environmentalist tribe known as The Gaians, their sect focuses more on the philosophy side of Twin Dragon. Promoting harmony through the restoration of the world to its natural state. Instead of the varying rituals practiced by other sects, they honor the gods by performing community service and cleaning up pollution. They are often alienated by The Grand Temple for having respect for goddesses from other religions like Rakau, Ardat-Lili and Sylene
==== Nuns ====
Especially dedicated female members of this sect often become nuns, living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, only breaking these vows unless its to save lives.
===Blue Phoenix===
The Blue Phoenixians
==Heresies==
=== The Vale Mandate===
The Vale Mandate was an Andornic heresy of Twin Dragon that is primarily in existance in a secluded located in the North of Andorn. Formed by Salos Kanik, he believes that the Celestial Matron is a despot, and believes that since she rules over a country, she does not care about the rest of Celeia. As a result, he believes it is up to the mortals of the Mortal Plane to be the ones who saves Celeia from inharmony, and even believes the Celestial Matron herself to be the key source of the wraiths. This small cult would later come into blows with the Harmonizers, though, Salos Kanik would get away with being innocent, and uninvolved. To this day, the cult remains small, and unknown, rather quiet as well.
Category:Religions
Category:Aurlûnor
Category:Ideologies
Category:Traveler's Era