Masoism

Masosism is the following of the goddess Masos, who represents luck, prosperity, and the earth. Masosism once had more followers than it now does, but the Western Crusades ravaged the lands of its followers, scattering them across Rathnir. With their holy lands now lost, many of the Elder Sages fled, with many claiming they left this plain of existence entirely to achieve enlightenment. Now, only fledgling sages wander the lands with the few remaining scriptures of Masos' words. The sage of Rathnir, a monk by the name of Dracky, goes to towns to collect stories and gifts in exchange for prayers of good fortune to Masos. Followers of Masosism appease their goddess by praying at sunrise to bless the new day and sundown to pray for another.
=== History ===
==== Early History ====
The origin and early history of the religion is completely unknown to the contemporary followers of Masos. With the faith being largely disorganized and abandoned, they're only left with the stories of the few surviving sages. From what current scholars can gather, the faith appears to have originated in western Rathnir. Likely originating in Uldarash during its inception and spreading across the world through their diaspora. 
==== Sørligste (Post-Diaspora) ====
The largest concentration of Masosists resides in northern Sørligste, mainly in the towns of Norvos and Windcliff. All of the new followers were converted by wandering sages, so many don't have a historical attachment to ancient Masosism. However, newly-established priests of the faith are attempting to reestablish the faith by creating new scripture and canon. 
==== Masosist Renaissance ====
With a dedicated following in Sørligste, Masosism has seen a rebirth in Rathnir. Two new temples in her name are planned to be constructed in multiple towns in the nations of Serevos and Ato. The new customs and rituals added by the new chief sages of the faith could differentiate it from the ancient beliefs when the faith was created, so for the sake of clarity many historians refer to these new followers as "Neo-Masosists," with their beliefs being referred to as "Neo-Masosism."
=== Rituals and Customs ===
==== Symbology ====
The main symbols of Masosism are the sword, the rose, and the color red. As a goddess of luck, Masos became popular amongst soldiers. Before battle, soldiers will usually smear the blood of an animal on their shields and say a prayer to Masos. In many depictions of Masos, she is seen holding a sword in one hand and a rose in the other. As a goddess of prosperity, Masos rules over all things that grow from the earth, whether it be trees, wheat, or animals. This is all represented by the rose, which are seen at holy sites dedicated to Masos. It's a common belief among Masosists that roses represent the blood of all living things that are killed, such as soldiers or slain animals. 
==== Daily Prayer ====
The oldest and most universal belief in Masosism is to pray at sunrise and sunset. Masosists can usually be seen early in the morning sitting in contemplative prayer in sacred groves or temples dedicated to Masos, returning to those places at sunset.
==== Sacred Groves ====
While most Neo-Masosists pray in temples, the oldest documented sites of Masosist rituals are usually hidden groves in the forest or open fields where many flowers grow. This allows followers of Masos to pray anywhere in Rathnir, as long as vegetation is present. 
=== Other Interpretations ===
Masosism saw success in Sørligste largely because of the religious tolerance in the area. The nations of Norvos, now Serevos, and Ato are religiously tolerant, thus allowing the wandering sages to spread the word of their goddess. The faith was so well-received that the state religion of Ato, known as the Ato Pantheon, adopted an analogue to Masos in their religion, known as Cariteace. 
Category:Religions
Category:Traveler's Era