Pōntism

== Introduction ==
Pōntism is a religion based on the guardian Pōns . The one who guards the balance of everything, he is the one who gave existence meaning. Without the existence of right and wrong, life and death, good and bad being connected with each other there is no meaning to survive and therefore no meaning to exist. 
The people of Pōntism devote their life towards Pōns and the true balance that is necessary for life to exist. They strive to open themselves for true balance in their life.
== History ==
=== Enlightenment of the Trifecta ===
when the world collapsed in front of all, some took it as a signal of doom or the end of times in their time of need the great Pōns provided shelter to all that believed in balance. among them who came by his side and listened to his wisdom were the trifecta and their 9 followers. the wisdom that Pōns gave them on the day of enlightenment has been the core of Pōntism ever since
=== Expansion ===
the Messengers of Pōns the trifecta approached the Great King of the Kingdom of Audal, Head of the Fujilad-Arraki Dynasty and on the historical day of his majesty conversion a great festival was held by the trifecta and their followers this marked the initial rise of the Might religion of Pōntism 
== Doctrines of Pōntism ==
=== Summary of Pōntism ===
Pōns' Journey and Revelation:
Pōns observed human strife, sought guidance from Sapientia, and later declared the importance of balance, becoming the guardian of realms.
Conflict with Cārdon:
Pōns confronted his chaotic twin brother, banishing him to protect the bridge from corruption.
Dilemma with Castitara:
Pōns sought Cārdon's help to allow his mother, Castitara, to pass the bridge but faced a moral dilemma.
Discipulus' Test:
Pōns tested his apprentice Discipulus by having him converse with Cārdon, revealing the nature of true balance.
Judgment at the Bridge:
Pōns explained to Soror that balance is crucial for passing the bridge, even for individuals of great goodness.
Lesson on True Greatness:
Pōns emphasized to Soror that true greatness involves the balance within the soul, transcending the bridge. The narrative explores Pōns' challenges in maintaining balance, the complexities of guiding humanity, and the significance of individual soul balance for spiritual transcendence.
=== Pōns' Journey and Revelation: ===
All living beings are born. They all have to survive, live with each other and at the end they die. This has been like this for ages in all worlds and in all realms. 
In one of those worlds two creatures where born. It was somewhere in the realms of what we call gods. The names of those two creatures are Pōns and Cardon.  Brothers who looked a lot like each other. 
They cared about each other and did everything together. But one day changed everything about their relationship. That one day they came across death. 
A field full of death and suffering on the other side of a giant void. All different than him and almost unrecognizable as they have been tortured for ages. Pōns who saw it first cried. “what is this cruel thing I’m seeing?” he screamed “why does this exist?”.  Cardon who stood next to him did not have the same feelings as Pōns. He felt curious and found it magnificent that this was possible on the other side. “You know, brother” Cardon said while Pōns was crying “I think I want to go there”. 
“Why Cardon, that place is not like this? It looks nothing like something we should go to.” Said Pōns while holding his tears of sorrow. 
Cardon who’s soul became corrupted became angry with Pōns’ sympathy for the creatures of the other side. “Maybe you shouldn’t be so naïve and caring so you could finally understand the beauty of there side” Cardon screamed. 
Pōns went away, hurt by his brothers words he went looking for answer of why this cruel place exists and if he can do anything about it. 
His brother on the other hand, wanting to go to the other side, started building a bridge. To see what is on the other side while getting more and more corrupted by the chaos. 
This was the end of their normal lives, but the start of the very essence of life itself.
=== Discipulus' Test: ===
In an age long past, before Pōns ascended to his role as the guardian of the bridge, he descended to the mortal realm to witness firsthand the intricacies of human existence. As he traversed the world, he observed the relentless cycle of death and destruction that humanity seemed to inflict uPōn itself. Perplexed and troubled, Pōns sought counsel from the great goddess of wisdom, Sapientia.
Approaching the divine presence of Sapientia, Pōns implored, "Goddess, I have journeyed across the mortal realm and witnessed the confusion that plagues humankind. They are architects of their own demise. What is the cause of this everlasting strife?" Sapientia, in her profound wisdom, replied, "It is the insatiable desire for more that drives them, Pōns. They should embrace the path of inaction and allow the world to unfold naturally." "But Sapientia" Pōns retorted frustrated, "humans cannot live in idleness. Is there no other way to guide them towards harmony?" Discontent with Sapientia's counsel, Pōns withdrew from the divine presence and disappeared for years, studying the nature of existence and the conundrum he faced. In his solitude, he pondered the complexities of life, seeking a solution that would bring balance to the human race. When Pōns reappeared, he addressed all of mankind with a revelation born from years of introspection. "You need not do nothing, for such a life is unsustainable for mortals. Instead," he declared, "embrace balance. For every act of evil, let there be an act of kindness, and for every virtuous deed, acknowledge the potential for imperfection." In that moment, Pōns became the embodiment of balance he will guide the human race between good and bad. His divine announcement sought to intertwine the threads of light and shadow, forging a path of balance. But the way for the balance to come to exist has yet to be created.
=== Conflict with Cārdon: ===
Cārdon, the enigmatic god of chaos, and twin brother of Pōns, forged a bridge that spanned realms and worlds. This bridge, a manifestation of the balance in all the realms, held the very fabric of existence together. However, its nature was unstable, morphing in reflection of its wielder's essence, a symbol of balance that could easily become a conduit for peril.
Pōns sensed the ominous chaos resonating through the realms, an unsettling disturbance heralding his brother's chaotic influence. Torn between familial love and the duty to safeguard the world's harmony, Pōns grappled with a decision that would define the fate of all realms.
Approaching Cārdon, the air thickened with tension, and the once-sturdy bridge warped and shifted, mirroring the chaos within the god of chaos. Pōns, bearing the weight of resPōnsibility, confronted Cārdon, his eyes reflecting a blend of sorrow and determination.
"Leave this realm," Pōns declared, his voice echoing with divine authority, "or face the consequences."
Cārdon, embodying chaos, smirked defiantly. "Do you truly believe you can hurt me, dear brother? Step aside and witness the beauty of unbridled chaos."
Fueled by resolve born from his divine essence, Pōns attacked. The battle waged on, neither side gaining a clear advantage. Pōns, stronger and more skilled, clashed with Cārdon's chaotic fury. Days and nights blurred as they danced on the precipice of destruction.
In a fleeting moment of triumph, Pōns banished his brother to the void. Tears streamed down his face as he vowed to protect the sacred bridge from further corruption, regardless of the cost.
As the dust settled, Pōns stood alone, a sentinel against encroaching chaos. With a heavy heart and unwavering determination, he pledged to defend the bridge. Embracing the grand duty now resting upon his shoulders, he became the guardian of the balance of the realms, a solitary force against the chaos that forever sought to unravel the fabric of existence.
=== Dilemma with Castitara: ===
The only time Pōns found himself define the delicate balance of the realms and the bridge. was when Castitara the benevolent goddess of good and purity and Pōns mother, stood at the precipice of death. However, an insurmountable obstacle presented itself: the bridge, that is a being of balance, would never let her pass as there is nothing but godness and purity in her soul.
In a moment of desperation, Pōns knew there was but one deity capable of disrupting the cosmic balance his brother, Cārdon, the unpredictable god of chaos. With determination, Pōns descended into the void where Cārdon was trapped.
As his brother caught sight of him, he lashed out, questioning, "Are you here to watch me in my time of misery?" "No, brother. I need your help," Pōns replied. Cārdon, with a cynical laugh, retorted, "Help? Why would I want that?" Pōns, maintaining his calm demeanor, explained, "It is not for me; it's for Mother."
Cārdon, still skeptical, stopped laughing. "Sorry, brother. This place can do strange things to a man. I would have to refuse helping her, as you are not doing it for her; you are doing it for your own ego."
Pōns, without losing his composure, replied, "It is for my ego, as everything is. You can do good even if it's also for yourself. If not, what could you do?" With those words, he left, leaving the void and his brother behind.
Despite the initial resistance, Cārdon's demeanor softened. "You know brother you are the god of balance you can’t go against what you from nature are, but if it’s truly for our mother I agree to help" he said. 
Returning to Castitara with a plan to help her pass the bridge, Pōns found his mother on the verge of death. However, as he detailed his strategy, her expression morphed into one of disapproval. Puzzled, Pōns questioned her “why do you look so dislike my idea”.
Castitara proposed they converse over a meal, as she always said, “Everything is better when you bring food into the mix.” During their meal, the goddess expressed reservations about Pōns' unilateral decision. She emphasized the importance of duty and the need for consent, reminding him that his desire to help is not as crucial as duty above all.
With a heavy heart, Pōns grasped the gravity of his oversight. Tears streamed down his face as his mother, in her final words, imparted the wisdom that duty and genuine concern must walk hand in hand. In that poignant moment, as her soul departed, Pōns understood the profound mistake he had made, realizing that true balance could only be achieved through selflessness and an earnest attempt to help all, as there is no
=== Judgment at the Bridge: ===
The first apprentice Pōns selected to teach the essence of true balance was Discipulus. Although intelligent, Discipulus carried an air of arrogance as Pōns began instructing him. Despite his somewhat haughty demeanor, Discipulus showed great promise. Still, Pōns had some doubts about his apprentice.
As a final test, Pōns took him to meet his brother, Cārdon, who he had trapped in the void.
During their descent, Discipulus inquired, "Where are we going, master?". This was his first time he saw something different than what he had seen. Yet, Pōns remained silent until they reached the deepest part where they could go. The layer where Pōns trapped his brother. UPōn meeting him, Discipulus leaped forward, ready to engage with Cārdon. However, Pōns intervened, explaining that the true test was for Discipulus to converse with his brother. Discipulus who was confused of why accepted and went to converse with Cārdon.
As they conversed, Cārdon's words gradually irritated Discipulus more and more. Upon concluding their discussion, Discipulus couldn't contain his frustration and directed his anger towards Pōns, questioning why he allowed Cārdon to live, considering chaos as the antithesis of balance.
Pōns sighed, "When I speak of balance, I use the term loosely. There isn't a precise word for what I do, as true balance necessitates the presence of chaos as well." 
As they ascended, Pōns continued to expound on the intricate nature of balance in their realm. After this Discipulus had been denied of becoming his decibel. This was the last time Discipulus saw the god Pōns in his life. 
After that Discipulus still wanted to know what Pōns meant with true balance, but because of his arrogancy he never learned what it was.
=== Lesson on True Greatness: ===
Pōns, the god who guards the bridge. Every departing soul must face the divine judgment at the crossing, for the bridge symbolizes the pathway and balance of the world.
Upon the passing of the Merciful King of Bonum, renowned for his unparalleled goodness, his soul approached Pōns, expecting swift passage. However, to the surprise of the king's sister, Soror, who accompanied him, Pōns halted his advance at once.
"Why, Pōns?" she cried, "Was my brother not among the greatest and most ethical humans? Why was he not granted passage?"
Pōns, in his timeless wisdom, asked Soror to join him for a walk. As they strolled, he began to speak.
"Imagine a world with no darkness, a realm without even a concept of evil," Pōns began. "In such a world, the very essence of 'good' loses its meaning. For good to exist, there must be evil, a balance. The natural order of the world is delicately poised, and without balance, it would collapse upon itself."
He continued, "Your brother, the King of Bonum, was indeed one of the most beloved individuals of humankind. His kindness touched many lives, and yet, he lacked the balance required to transcend the bridge. In the broader scope of existence, balance stands out as not only crucial but perhaps the singularly most important aspect."
Pōns explained that while the king's goodness was admirable, the absence of balance in his soul rendered him incomplete in the eyes of the bridge. Only those whose essence resonated with the balance of the universe could pass the bridge.
As they neared the end of their stroll, Pōns imparted a final thought, "Soror, remember that true greatness lies not only in generosity but in the delicate dance of harmony between opposing forces. It is the balance within the soul that allows it to transcend and pass the bridge."
Enlightened by Pōns's wisdom, Soror understood that the bridge was not merely a physical crossing but a metaphysical journey, demanding balance in every soul that seeks passage.
== Structure and Ranking ==
hierarchy
Sr no.	Rank 	Responsibilities 	Requirements
1 	Trifecta of Pōntiflex 	cosmic harmony, and transcendental leadership, forging the path to the ultimate enlightenment. 	
2 	High Pōntiff/Pōntiffess	Divine interpreters, conduits of the Bridge God's will, charting the course for Pōntisum's journey toward profound enlightenment. 	
3 	Bridge Keepers 	Silent sentinels, guardians of the sacred rituals, ensuring the sanctity of our spiritual space. 	
4 	Pinnacle Seers: 	Masters of spiritual discourse, they illuminate the path and steer the community with a celestial touch. 	
5 	Transept Acolytes 	Devoted disciples, seekers of wisdom, not only deepening their understanding but also lending a helping hand in the vibrant tapestry of community activities.	
6 	Bridge Initiates 	Embark upon the sacred journey, delving into the foundational principles that weave the fabric of our enlightenment. 	
Unranked Roles
Role 	Responsiblities 		
Deorsumrec	Bring balance to their Nation and themselves 		
Scriniarii	Deliver the history of the religion to the masses		
 	 		
Category:Religions
Category:Traveler's Era