Shej-vosej Faith

Shej-vosej, meaning "To love to sing" in Najer, is a sect of the Lost Gods faith practiced primarily in the city of Hadu'Jira and its surrounding lands. The faith primarily revolves around Shevarro, the lost god of Fertility, love, and poetry, along with some other things. The people within this faith have a deep understanding of love and mysticism, and herb lore. They also highly revere other gods within the Lost Gods pantheon, and even outside of it, such as Afton at times.
== Mythology ==
=== Shevarro ===
Shevarro was discovered in 115 AB when a man by the name of Dernavos Asdrubal-faj niv Bacri had found a very old and ancient chest burried in the sand. When Dernavos opened the chest, out came the knowledge and wisdom of Shevarro. His main symbol is the Jalev tree, although he is represented also by love, roses, potatoes, bees, and emeralds.
The god Shevarro, as Dernavos read about from these ancient articles, was the god of love, fertillity, poetry, music, attraction, and art. He is the son of Duyani, and is the patron god of Hadu'Jira. Shevarro is often praised in the bedroom, as he is sometimes very scandalous, and has a festival for him known as the Festival of Emerald Roses.
Shevarro aids those who seek happiness and light, and aids those who lack fertility.
=== Duyani ===
Duyani was discovered in 64 AB when a mysterious plant grew from the ground bearing Najer writing in Kigea'jad. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. Her symbol is sunflowers, specifically the desert dandelion, which is a type of sunflower. This dandelion is an important symbol for many Najer that connects the various gods together, and is the national flower of the Emirate of Najer.
This god has many associations, including plantlife, creation, and beauty. Flowers in particular symbolize expressions of aesthetic, color, and passion. These connections tie the Najer love of life to their deep respect for nature. Duyani is commonly venerated at festivals, celebrations, and other lively events.
Duyani aids those who lack willpower or inspiration, as well as those who love nature.
=== Koshaf ===
Koshaf was among the group of gods discovered by the cracking of the ancient Najer script. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. Although the least-understood god, his symbol is the quill pen (or feathers in general).
This god is associated with prediction, foresight, knowledge, and innovation. The sky can foretell many natural phenomenon, and holds the keys to many secrets. While the sand represents remembering what was, the sky represents finding something new.
Koshaf aids those who lack knowledge.
=== Mayassioh ===
Mayassioh is a very ancient and mysterious god. It was worshiped by the ancient Noxnorrian people as they migrated north, following the north star, Afton. They are strongly associated with the Noxist deity Baldemar. It is thought that they constructed an underground cavern for the purpose of worshiping this god, then passed the tradition onto the Najer, who built temple Tala'ii and the surrounding structures. The symbol of Mayassioh is a bowl, used to burn incense and to scry.
This god is associated with dreams, visions, and the night. It is said to protect all those who sleep, and brings dreams to everyone, regardless of their faith. On rare occasions, visions can also be bestowed by Mayassioh, which are often vague and easily misinterpreted.
Mayassioh aids those that need rest and those that something revealed.
=== Shestri ===
Shestri is one of the most debated upon deities in the lost gods pantheon. The Vosejeru believe that Shestri is the goddess of malice, discord, and evil. She leaves destruction in her path, and this is with intent. She is seen as the chaotic partner to Shevarro, despite Shevarro being a deity of light, they are a chaotic duo. With both being associated with purple, and both having close ties to destruction, it is natural that they be fixed together like this.
Shestri is associated with most things evil, and many people try their best to avoid her, hoping to see the light, Shevarro, between the two.
Shestri corrupts those that associate with her, and bring death upon all.
=== Blossoming of Hadu'Jira ===
One day, when Dernavos was wandering about Phinos, trying to resettle the ancient ruins, he discovered an ancient chest burried within the sand. Upon the lid of this chest, was a powerful and even more ancient emerald encrested within. When Dernavos had opened the chest, out poored all of Shevarro's wisdom and knowledge. Out came his magic, inwhich allowed the old dusty and sandy ruins of Phinos to turn into a tropical and emerald island, that Dernavos would name Hadu'Jira, meaning "Emerald Isle." Out came grass of an emerald hue, flowers over the island's rolling hills, especially roses, and the most important one, the Jalev Tree. The Jalev tree was an ancient and forgotten tree that was most dear to Shevarro. It had a reddish wood, and leaves of an emerald hue, and bright pink flowers blossomed in bunches on this tree.
== Beliefs ==
=== Core Beliefs ===
The creation story of Shej-vosej closely mirrors the creation story of the Mae-Ahso faith. The followers of Shej-vosej value light, love, and nature above all else, believing that it is the most belevolent force, and is the reason for why they value anything at all. As such, Shevarro and his mother Duyani are highly revered in this faith. Despite this, the Vosejeru also revere the skies and a more mystical side of nature. The Vosejeru also highly revere Mayassioh, and Koshaf, believing that they are the most knowing above all. The Vosejeru are also one of the more persistent faiths of the Lost Gods, and unlike many within the Lost Gods religion, the Vosejeru are not afraid to preach, although they will never force.
=== Chaos ===
Shevarro and Shestri are seen as a chaotic duo. Shevarro is seen as an agent of chaos, as he brings chaos wherever he goes, although this is without intent, and he always tries his best to help the situation, rather than harm it. This is opposite of Shestri, as Shestri seeks to destroy with intent, and constantly is bringing darkness and evil to the world, with Shevarro trying to undo it.
The subject of Shevarro and Shestri is a debatable topic between the Vosejeru, and many believe that Shevarro and Shestri are two halfs to the same deity, and this deity may be that of Ajvudah or Kleoz'Amaros, or perhaps a deity unknown. Other Vosejeru believe that Shevarro is the deity of light, and Shestri of darkness, and they are at a constant battle. They believe that it is their mission to aid Shevarro in his fight against the undead, and thus being seen as soldiers of light. 
The latter is seen as the more popular opinion amongst the Vosejeru, but still a debate remains. Either way a Vosejeru roles, purple is seen as the color of chaos, and chaos is not always bad. The Vosejeru all believe that chaos is a necessary element for harmony, and without it, nothing would be. No love in the world, no spite, no nature, and no natural disasters. Without chaos within the world, the world would be seen as a boring plain, with merely existing being the only thing you may be able to do.
=== Hilij Ahjen Spirit ===
The Vosejeru believe that the river dividing Hadu'Jira from the mainland is controlled by the Hilij Ahjen Spirit, meaning "Seductive RIver Spirit." Hilij Ahjen is the son of Shevarro. The Hilij Ahjen Spirit is revered, and feared. The Hilij Ahjen Spirit is a very rogue spirit, and is one of the more powerful spirits in the Lost Gods pantheon. The Vosejeru believe that if you look into the Hilij Ahjen's eyes, he will seduce you, and make you do whatever he wants you to do, and this is not just the case for mortals, many other spirits and powerful entities also fall to his snare. Due to this, many Vosejeru pray to him as a vengeful spirit, and hope that he will carry out revenge on your foes, but the Vosejeru believe you must be careful, as he may just seek to harm you instead. Despite these flaws, the Hilij Ahjen Spirit does provide the Hadu Region with large fertile lands, so the Vosejeru pray to him aswell for his blessings.
=== Bash Menaj Spirit ===
The Vosejeru believe that the Northern Star as most know it, is a spirit that serves Koshaf and Mayassioh. This spirit is the most knowing spirit out of all the spirits, and it is believed that he is the messenger of the gods, and that he will appear in your dreams if the gods should like to tell you something and are too lazy to do it themselves. He is often viewed as a symbol of knowledge and magic.
=== Visions ===
As Mayassioh and Koshaf are heavily revered in the Shej-vosej faith, it is common for the Vosejeru to obtain visions from these deities, aswell as from Shevarro. These visions are often obtained in sleep, as it is when you are closest to Mayassioh and his plans. What people learn from these visions are unknown, and it is believed that the closer you are to said god, the more visions you shall obtain. Usually these visions are subject to one's own life, and will tell of the future. Despite this, there are an infinite kind of visions you may obtain, and Koshaf or Mayassioh could see fit to show you the past, and it should be up to you to decipher the meaning.
=== Initiation ===
In order to join the Shej-vosej faith, you must proceed to follow a ritual inwhich Shevarro shall accept you. You will need to have a priest of the shej-vosej in order to commence the ritual, and you will need to be surrounded by a circle of purple candles, filled with emeralds. Once you've created the circle, the priest will read from an ancient shej-vosej script, and tell you which words to say. You will repeat after the priest, and once all words are said, the priest will hold a special dagger, and you will both have to slice the palm of your right hand, and drip it onto a Hadu'Jira emerald. (Should be found in the circle.) 
=== Pledges ===
Those of the Shej-vosej faith, believe that you can pledge yourself to one specific deity, and you will be granted their blessing. Some on rare occassions have received multiple blessings from different gods, although this is extremely rare. When pledging to a god, you will have to go through a ritual that should fit their district of divinity, and sometimes, a god shall reject you. If you are accepted, the gods will sometimes make their will known, and some of those who are pledged may glow infact, based on the main color of the deity. If somebody is pledged to multiple gods they will almost always be glowing, along with this, you will probably receive a blessing or two. The following gods are the most popular gods to pledge to within the Shej-Vosej faith, but there are other gods that you may be able to pledge to, such as Menkauhour, Ajvudah, Gafa, or maybe even Shestri....
==== Shevarro Pledge ====
Shevarro is one of the few deities with multiple different pledges. Shevarro has one pledge for that of the daily life and for artisans, and then Shevarro has another pledge, one to combat that of Shestri and her hordes.
===== Shevarro Pledge - Artisan =====
The way to pledge yourself to Shevarro is rather simple, and he is one of the most belevolent and trusting gods within this sect of the religion. In order to pledge yourself, you must arrange a circle of pink candles around yourself, and then you must kneel once all candles are lit. After saying the words, "Vo aleoj lak leh Haduverjah." whilst burning rose incense. Shevarro often blesses his pledgers with good luck and a talent for art.
===== Shevarro Pledge - Light =====
In order to pledge yourself as a soldier of Shevarro and for light, you must enter a sacred building to Shevarro, such as the Temple of Shevarro, or the Emerald Palace. Once you've entered a sacred building of Shevarro, you are to surround yourself in two circles of candles, with the inner circle being made of white candles, and the outer circle being made of purple ones. After you've lit all the candles, and placed yourself directly in the middle, you must hold an emerald blade. Once you're holding an emerald blade, you must present it to a Shev'Dolos (Priest of Shevarro) and the Shev'Dolos shall say these Najer words: "Shevarro hadaj tut hadu'T'for, jik laraj tu kah jut maeh'Fasag."
==== Duyani Pledge ====
In order to pledge yourself to Duyani, you must plant a circle of sunflowers in midday, once this has been completed, you must speak the words, "Vo aleoj lak leh Yezaf'Verjah." Duyani often blesses her pledgers with good harvests, and protection from dangerous animals.
==== Koshaf Pledge ====
Koshaf is the most reluctant god to approve of followers, as he is very wise, and only chooses the wisest of his followers to accept. In order to pledge to him, you must be floating on the sea on a ship during night time. Then you must proceed to go to the highest point of the ship, and to light a silver candle in the direction of Bash Menaj. Once these are completed, you must speak the words, "Vo aleoj lak leh Keesh'Verjah." with a holy text in your hand. Koshaf often blesses his pledgers with immense wisdom.
==== Mayassioh Pledge ====
It is unknown how to pledge yourself to Mayassioh, as he is the most mysterious entity we know of. Some believe that you pledge to him by sleeping in the highest tower with an open roof at night, some believe he just chooses who pledges to him and not, and some believe that there is no pledge for him. Despite this, many account becoming pledged to him, and gaining abilities such as not having to sleep, or may have visions whenever they please. All anybody knows is that Mayassioh is mysterious, and his pledge is the most powerful pledge of the Four.
==== Pledge Denial ====
If you are trying to pledge yourself to one of the Four, then there is a chance that you will be denied, depending on who you are pledging to, the chances could be increased or decreased. It is believed that you are more likely to be accepted by a god that is similar to you, and shares your philosophy, and visa versa. If you are denied, then you shall be struck by a thunderstorm, and the god's will shall be made known. Although it is very unlikely that you should be killed by a denial, the god's are lenient, although there are a few cases of people dying due to denials.
== Worship ==
The Vosejeru heavily revere Shevarro and his related deities, and as such carry out a plethora of worship. They believe that if Shevarro and his related deities are content, that they will bring mercy to Hadu'Jira, and allow the island to continue to flourish.
=== Emerald Worship ===
One of the categories for worshipping Shevarro is by means of using emeralds, which is one of Shevarro's symbols.
It is thought that if you place an emerald within a Jalev tree, that Shevarro will grant a blessing and his protection. The surrounding area around the Jalev tree will be protected, and none to minimal harm shall come to the area.
Vosejeru believe that if you place an Emerald on a hearth, bed, or anywhere that might serve as an important location, that Shevarro will bless the room it is located in, and allow for happiness and love to blossom there.
=== Bee Blessings ===
It is believed that if honey is served at ever Vosejeru meal, that Shevarro shall be there to bless the food, and seek to make sure your food is not poisoned.
=== Sunflower Pots ===
It is believed that if you plant Sunflowers within your gardens, that Duyani will defend your garden from rabbits and other animals that might seek to eat and harm your plants without your approval.
=== River Rose Petals ===
A way to seek approval from Shevarro and his son the Hilij Ahjen Spirit, is to grab a basket of rose petals, and have a picnic along the bank of the Hilij Ahjen, and to spend quality time, this could be reading, spending time with your family, eating fruits, or other methods of enjoyment. Once the picnic is complete, you must sprinkle the rose petals onto the river, and say the words, "Awabadaj, seluej, kiwej, lohaj, shej."
=== Potato Planting ===
As potatoes are the most sacred food to Shevarro, it is common for the Vosejeru to plant potatoes in their gardens. They believe that if there are potatoes in your home, Shevarro will protect you from the Hilij Ahjen's seduction.
=== Reading ===
Simply by reading shall you gain the approval of Koshaf, as he is all knowing, and loves when wisdom is spread.
=== Praise ===
One of the most common and easiest way to worship is simply by praying in a Lost Gods temple or an area that has a link to the Lost Gods. Many times you may just speak to the gods and praise them, such as saying, "Tabah aj Shevarro, leh verjah niv val shev." Meaning, "All be Shevarro, the deity of greater love."
==== List of Common Praises: ====
* "Tabah aj Shevarro, leh verjah niv valol shev." - "All be Shevarro, the deity of greater love." (Ƃɨӄɨ ɨћ Tиʟʒɨʌө, aʟ ʒʟʌћɨ yɍʒ ʒɨaөa tиʟʒ.)
* "Anahanaj Koshaf kasejit leh shafan jik men." - "Forever Koshaf will rule the skies and knowledge." (Ɨyɨиɨyɨћ Ӿөtиɨe ӿɨtʟћɍƀ aʟи tиɨeɨy ћɍӿ uʟy.)
* "Anahanaj Shevarro kasejit leh shev niv reneiin." - "Forever Shevarro will rule the love of humans." (Ɨyɨиɨyɨћ Tиʟʒɨʌө ӿɨtʟћɍƀ aʟи tиʟʒ yɍʒ ʌʟy ʌʟyʟгy.)
* "Duyani jazelijoja von tan sa votu aj hazi." - "Duyani shall bless our fields if we are lucky." (Ҕoгɨyɍ ћɨnʟaɍћөћɨ ʒөy ƀɨy tɨ ʒөƀo ɨћ иɨnɍ.)
* "Votu aj hazi sa Koshaf jazelijit von ed ju jeradh." - "We are lucky if Koshaf will bless us with his existence." (Ʒөƀo ɨћ иɨnɍ tɨ Ӿөtиɨe ћɨnʟaɍћɍƀ ʒөy ʟҕ ћo ћʟʌɨҕ.)
* "Tabah aj Mayassioh, leh verjah niv val pekmen suweya." - "All be Mayassioh, the deity of greater unknown art." (Ƃɨӄɨ ɨћ Uɨгɨtɍөи, aʟи ʒʟʌћɨ yɍʒ ʒɨa đʟӿuʟy toŧʟгɨ.)
=== Shej-vosej Magic ===
After receiving the blessing of said god, if the god has willed it, you shall be able to proceed in Shej-vosej magic. This shall allow you to complete a plethora of things, with each god granting different aspects of magic. Only a select few people can actually use Shej-vosej magic after pledging themself, the rate is typically 1 / 50, and the rate for somebody to have powerful magic would be 1 / 10 of those who were lucky enough to even be granted the powers.
==== Shevarro Magic ====
Shevarro is a very mystical god, and if you receive a good enough blessing, you shall be linked to his ancient powers. The wise members of the Shej-vosej faith that have been granted his magical blessing are often blessed with life magic and love magic. The extent of the abilities granted are unknown, but some of the common cases of this magic being used would be to speed the life of plants, heal somebody, and turn somebody lustful. Along with this, with life comes death, and the blessed of Shevarro are also granted such magic, although it is an extremely advanced form of the magic, and is extremely rare. About 1 / 100 of those blessed with Shevarro's magic are able to preform death magic.
==== Mayassioh Magic ====
Those blessed with the magic of Mayassioh, you will be granted that of visions, and the power to not have to sleep. Along with these blessings, you will be able to harness the might of silver to your side, meaning that those with Mayassioh's magic, should they wield a silver blade, the blade shall gleam in the moonlight, and shall become twice as sharp. This also applies to other weapons such as arrows, spears, halberds, axes, ect. Being blessed with Mayassioh's is a very good gift, and you will also be able to speak to the spirits at will.
==== Koshaf Magic ====
The vosejeru to be blessed with Koshaf shall be very smart, and able to predict things before they happen, without the use of visions. They will also be granted similar powers to that of Mayassioh's magic, and will be granted the ability to spout wings in some instances, and allowed to use said wings to fly. Although, this bit of Koshaf magic is very difficult to learn and even more so to master.
==== Duyani Magic ====
Duyani is the goddess of plants and flora, it's understandable that her magic is not very powerful, but you will be granted the ability to grow plants very quickly, and you shall be granted a limited bit of life magic, nowhere near to the extent of Shevarro's life magic. Duyani's magic will not be able to deal in light, and Duyani's magic will not be able to deal in death, unlike Shevarro's.
== Priesthood ==
Understandably, every faith needs priests to help run the faith and to help spread the word of the faith. The vosejeru also have this, and the said priests within the Shej-vosej faith are known as a 'Shev'Dolos.' These specific vosejeru have all pledged to a deity of their choosing, and are all very proud to be apart of the Shej-vosej faith, and have studied many books within the faith. These vosejeru have passed a test to ascend to a higher place and to help serve Shevarro with greater effort.
=== Priesthood Test ===
There is a required test in order to become a Shev'Dolos, and this entails the following:
* Being able to name every reveered god within the faith.
* Knowing the domain of said deity.
* Understanding the contents of majority of Shej-vosej scripts.
* Understanding the baseline value of what the Vosejeru stand for.
* Being pledged to atleast one deity.
* Having a basic knowledge of the Najer language.
* Having a basic knowledge of the Hadu'Gemak dialect.
* Being able to decipher Najer scripts with relative ease. 
* Having knowledge of majority of Shej-vosej items/artifacts. I.E. The blade of Brotherhood.
Once a Vosejeru has met all the given requirements, they shall present themselves to a Shev'Dolos, and the Shev'Dolos shall give the participant a book that has been written in Najer about the Shej-vosej faith, and the participant shall have to decipher it. Once they've completed this, they shall be asked a variety of questions to prove that they understand the Shej-vosej faith. Once fully completed, they shall be presented with a Hadu'Jira emerald that has been blessed by a Shev'Dolos, and that shall be embued specifically to the participant / new Shev'Dolos. This emerald kind've serves as a "Badge of Priesthood." Kind've like your driver's license or somethin.
Category:Najer
Category:Traveler's Era