Eshosism

The polytheistic religion of Eshosism is based on the god Sotrám, who is regarded as the creator of the sun and earth. Sotrám is worshipped for his never-ending carrying of the sun. Worshippers perform rituals as a defense against the lesser gods that are thought to haunt Sotrám and bring about disease and death.
Those who follow this religion are commonly known as the Eshosi.
== History ==
=== Origin ===
Long ago, inhabitants of a distant chain of islands had a vibrant culture and a unique perspective on the world. Since there were no livestock on the islands, people depended on crops for survival, leading to a deep respect for the sun. As the population grew and frequent natural disasters destroyed infrastructure, famine and illness became widespread. In response, people began performing rituals to rid of these threats, feeling a need to protect the world along with the blessings they had received. 
=== Arrival into Abexilas ===
After enduring immense suffering, the people began seeking an escape, unaware of the existence of additional land. They constructed seaworthy boats for long-distance travel and set out into uncharted waters. These courageous travelers discovered a new land, which they found was Abexilas. Upon their arrival, they introduced their religion and culture to this unexplored territory.
== Beliefs ==
=== Creation ===
The gods lived in an endless abyss with no existence. Sotrám, the most powerful deity, decided to create the sun and the earth in order to bring forth beings that could live in joy forever and appreciate his magnificence and grandeur. In his image, he created humanity and placed them in his paradise. Along with humanity, he created Sháse, the carrier of the moon. Sotrám then took on the monumental task of carrying the sun across the sky for eternity, bidding farewell to darkness and bringing light to the world. However, the other gods, consumed by envy, bitterness, and confusion, transformed into malevolent entities set on bringing suffering to all living beings on Earth. Sotrám, unable to protect humanity from his brethren, tasked humanity to resist the malevolent beings and to assist him in maintaining his once perfect sanctuary.
=== Afterlife ===
After his brethren betrayed him, a second world was created. This world is completely engulfed by his presence as it rests on his shoulders, protecting it from evil. It contains endless fields of golden wheat, serene shimmering lakes, and majestic forests teeming with life. This place was the original design of Sotrám before the malevolent forces corrupted the realm. Here, all misdeeds are forgiven and discarded, as people who acted wrongly did so due to the influence of the Wogár. However, if a person happened to not be purified upon death, he would refrain from letting his light guide them to his sanctuary, as he cannot let the Wogár enter his pure world. The soul would end up returning to earth to be reincarnated.
== Deities ==
Followers of Eshosism believe in four deities, with the most prominent one being Sotrám. Here is a short summary of what they are: 
==== Sotrám ====
Sotrám: the god of life, the sun, and earth. Sotrám is the strongest, and wisest of the gods. He created all that exists to have beings who thrive and revel in the magnificence of his spectacle and unwavering commitment. 
==== Sháse ====
Sháse: The god of the moon. Sotrám created Sháse to ensure that even in the absence of the sun, there would still be light to guide and protect humanity.
=== Dso Wogár (Meaning: "The Jealous" in Tárhi) ===
==== Dáke ====
Dáke: The god of death, is one of the Wogár and is considered the strongest among them. When Sotrám decided to bring life into the world, Dáke tried to end Sotrám's creation by casting himself upon all living things. However, due to Sotrám's power, Dáke couldn't take all life at once. Instead, his power had to seep into life over time, resulting in an individual's life growing weaker over time. 
==== Aratsa ====
Aratsa: The god of disease, is one of the Wogár. He is known for being the most sly. In an attempt to help Dáke, Aratsa crept his way into the bodies of the living, causing suffering to Sotrám's creation and quickening Dáke's power. 
==== Dásilo ====
Dásilo: The god of disasters, is one of the Wogár. Dásilo is the most barbaric. When Dásilo discovered Sotrám's actions, he didn't just cast himself upon life; he cast himself upon the world, attempting to destroy anything and everything Sotrám created.
== Structure and Hierarchy ==
=== Prmásor ===
The Prmásror of Keltom, the chosen religious leader appointed by humanity, plays a crucial role in guiding humanity towards the belief of Eshosism. It holds the highest religious authority, and possesses deep knowledge of the faith and holds the final decision-making power in all matters concerning the religion.
=== Káminad ===
A Káminad is the leader of a temple and holds a position higher than the Deshár. They are responsible for initiating and conducting temple rituals and festivals, declaring and punishing heretics, and have the same abilities as the lower-ranking religious figures. To become a Káminad, one must be directly promoted by the Prmásror, be active, and have mastered everything related to the religion.
=== Deshár ===
A Deshár holds a higher position than a Detol. They have the authority to promote followers to a Detol, assist in temple rituals, and reside within the temple. It is also common for a Deshár to lead missionary parties. To become a Deshár, mastery of the Oshi lo Sotrám and active participation in rituals and teachings are required.
=== Detol ===
A Detol is someone who understands and practices the beliefs of Eshosism well enough to teach others the Oshi lo Sotrám, and to carry out ongoing missionary work. To become a Detol, you must participate in the practices and adhere to the Oshi lo Sotrám to the best of your ability.
== Writings ==
=== (Meaning: “Sotrám’s Will” in Tárhi) ===
The followers of Eshosism believe that Sotrám intended humanity to behave in a certain way. However, due to the Wogár, humanity didn’t fit his design. Because of this, the followers attempted to behave the way Sotrám wanted, leading to the creation of the Oshi lo Sotrám.
=== (Meaning: “Book of prayer” in Tárhi) ===
The followers of Eshosism believe that in order to perform their rituals and practices, they need to recite certain passages from the Dáme lo tsey.
== Rites and Practices ==
==== Purification ====
Upon death, it is necessary to cleanse the soul of the Wogár by repeating the appropriate incantation for each step of the process. The process begins by cremating the body, then washing any remaining bones, and finally burying them. By performing these steps, the soul avoids reincarnation and is guaranteed a place in the afterlife.
==== Conversion ====
Conversion to Eshosism is determined when you begin worship and wholeheartedly believe that Sotrám is the one true God worthy of worship.
==== Missionaries and Preaching ====
Adherents of Eshosism are recognized for their dedication to spreading their beliefs and carrying out missionary work. This stems from the belief that if worship and prayer were to cease, the world would be plunged into eternal darkness and chaos would reign supreme.
==== Punishment ====
Adherents of Eshosism can face punishment for acting improperly according to the Oshi lo Sotrám. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the wrongdoing, especially whether it is a series of minor offenses or a single major transgression. A punishment is determined by a Deshár or higher authority. Punishments can range from suspension of a religious position to being the victim of a temple execution.
=== Worship and Prayer ===
In this religion, there are two general categories of worship: non-temple and temple rituals. Non-temple rituals are usually considered less powerful and are primarily used on a personal level to rid individuals of the Wogár. They are typically conducted with the use of a shrine. Temple worship, on the other hand, is much grander. It is used to protect Sotrám from the Wogár by conducting massive ceremonies and attempting to rid the Wogár from the world. The temple can also perform rituals for material gains, but these are very rarely used because believers think that Sotrám has given humanity enough.
==== Non-Temple ====
Rid of Dáke: In order to rid of Dáke, it is common to burn references of death, such as flesh and bones on a shrine, while incanting the appropriate ritual from the Dáme lo tsey.
Rid of Aratsa: In order to rid of Aratsa, you should immerse yourself in a body of water, preferably from a shrine or temple, while incanting the appropriate ritual from the Dáme lo tsey.
Rid of Dásilo: In order to rid of Dásilo, it is common to place a single red candle on a fence post beside the area you are protecting. It is also common to place more red candles throughout the area. When the placement is complete; incant the appropriate ritual from the Dáme lo tsey.
==== Temple ====
Rid of dso Wogár: to rid of the Wogár, the temple leaders perform the appropriate ritual from the Dáme lo tsey, and then proceed to burn all representations of the Wogár. At this time, temple executions would begin. 
Praise Sotrám: In order to praise Sotrám, the temple leaders perform the proper ritual from the Dáme lo tsey. They then distribute gold and diamonds among the spectators, symbolizing Sotrám’s generosity to humanity. 
Category:Abexilas
Category:Lore