Enguntith

Enguntith is a northern faith, a descendant of Ytauzi that is popular primarily in the Ming lands of the former Evyni Empire, and the far northwestern country of Sharhi. Combining the dualistic, balanced ideals of Ytauzi with the idea of a deity from southern faiths, as well as the idea of the righteous path from Maninism, it was founded by the priest Essril in the waning years of the Evyni Empire (roughly 510 SR). The Xieni princess Ashar met Essril and brought him into the empire, where he converted the Thorsrdyn Isathmaeyr just before the Empire's fall. Though the new conquerors, the Karapeshai Exatai, had little liking for the new faith, it became wildly popular among the Ming, the Xieni, and the Sharhi. It was subsequently driven out of its original Einan heartland by the Karapeshai Redeemer Taexi in a massive and brutal persecution that became known as the Sheaving of the Wheat. 
== Doctrine ==
Essril's new religion held that the world is the dominion of a great god, Yleth. In Enguntith, other gods are recognized as beings of some spiritual power (nalmor), but Yleth is far and away the most powerful; all that transpires in the world is according to his design. As the supreme being of the cosmos, Yleth is the master equally of Runn and Rhidtath (see: Ytauzi), and he maintains the balance between them, treading a narrow path that allows things to not only be created but also destroyed -- this is what allows the world to exist.
The Enguntithar aim to emulate his path, following in the ideal of maintaining a balance between the two faiths. With a significant deity, unlike in Ytauzi, Enguntith encourages a great deal of prayer and supplication in day to day life.
== Organization ==
Though the religious organization in the Evyni Empire collapsed mere years after its foundation, it would inform future practice of the faith to a great extent.
Essril, as a favorite of Queen Ashar, was given a powerful position in court by the side of the Thorsrdyn -- the age-old position of quem (which might roughly translate to "vizier"). All other religions -- including Ytauzi -- were banned and persecuted, and their religious temples appropriated by the new Enguntith elite. Essril was given authority over the religious administration, which was divided into districts that each contained a number of temples.
The fall of the Empire forced a radical shift in the operation of the temples. As Enguntith would be persecuted in the future Exatai, temples here were largely underground, secretive ventures. However, Essril himself had managed to flee to the Sharhi kingdom, where he reestablished his authority. with the blessing of the Sharhi chieftain, Essril raised temples in each of the trade posts and cities of the rapidly urbanizing kingdom. Rumor had it he was helped by some of the old religious elite, who had fled with him to Sharhi.
Category:Religions
Category:Evyni