The Divine Realms

The Divine Realms is both the name and subject matter of the faith commonly found within Noscura, and the traditional nomadic peoples of Novaruk. The faith is centered around ten 'Divine Realms' which act as supernatural planes inhabited by Gods, otherworldly sources of divine power, and thematic devices for the faith. With so many items seemingly existing as representations of multiple Realms, a simple explanation can be that a Realm encompasses anything that constructs the image of the Realm.

Divine Realms are separated into two categories. The four 'prime' realms and the six 'adjacent' realms. Teachers of the faith use a tetrahedral polygon as a tool to aid in understanding the Divine Realms and their relation to each other. A tetrahedral polygon can be often be found in the form of an amulet around the necks of clerics and priests. The symbol is sometimes attributed as a symbol of the faith, but it has no traditional meaning outside of being a reference tool.

### Prime Realms

The four Prime Realms are thought to be the foundations of the world, as well as the human psyche. The six Adjacent Realms are each taught as a 'bridge' between the four Prime Realms, containing elements of each Prime Realm in a combination to create a new idea or theme. The dogma of the Divine Realms faith is centered around the concept that each of the Realms is less a literal representation and more a thematic representation.

#### Light

Literally, the Realm of Light can and does often find representation in things that cast light, such as flame. In addition, the Realm of Light is often regarded as a realm of substance. This realm governs over all that is real.

#### Dark

Dark is often thought of as the opposite of Light, and in many ways it is. Where Light can represent the things that are, Dark is often used to represent the absence of reality. Dark represents void. Often, acts deemed evil, are attributed as aspects of the Realm of Dark, however many priests would caution against this assumption.

#### Earth

The Realm of Earth is, in the literal sense, a theme encompassing the physical world inhabited by all peoples. The sand, rocks, and dirt all find a home in the Realm of Dirt, as well as water and ice. Anything that has a reachable, physical presence is encompassed in this Realm. In addition to the more literal subjects, Earth also has heavy thematic ties to the concept of familiarity, as well as things that can be found or realized.

#### Sky

The sky above is represented in the Realm of Sky, as well as clouds and other heavenly objects. Where the Earth realm is solidified familiarity, the Realm of Sky is defined by things that are abstract. The sky is a representation of things that are beyond our touch, but perceivable all the same.

### Adjacent Realms

Where Prime Realms are the cornerstones, Adjacent Realms are the walls that come together to create structure for the faith. Each Adjacent Realm exists as a connection between Prime Realms, and take the two concepts together to represent something new.

#### Life

The Realm of Life is the connection between Light and Earth. It's implication is that where the ideal and underattended meats what is real, we have life. The Realm also governs all kinds of plants and other living things that are grown over time.

#### Death

The Realm of Death is the connection between Dark and Earth. This Realm governs over everywhere where life has ended. The connection between Dark and Earth is that this Realm exists where things that are familiar transition into a state of unknown, and of fear.

#### Shadow

The Realm of Shadow is the connection between Light and Dark. As a shadow can not exist without both light and dark, this realm can not exist with out the Dark or Light Realms. This realm is that of unknown, and of fear. This realm represents the balance between what could, and could not be.

#### Beast

The Realm of Beast is the connection between Earth and Sky. It is the Realm most attributed to all the living beasts of the lands and seas and the skies. The thematic implications are of what is familiar, such as humanity, is joined with what is alien. This is often where people attribute the differences between man and beast.

#### Sun

The Realm of Sun is the connection between Light and Sky. This realm represents things that are real, but far from our understanding; such as the sun and stars above. In addition to the ethereal themes, Sun is also used to represent things that are constant, and predictable.

#### Storm

The Realm of Storm is the connection between Dark and Sky. This realm represents chaos, and dread. The desert windstorms were a feared part of life for the inhabitants of the Novaruk, desert, and a clouded sky that blotted away the sun or stars was an omen of impending destruction. The chaos of the storm is also a large portion of the theming of the Storm Realm.

## Inhabitants of the Divine Realms

The faith of the Divine Realms dictates that the Divine Realms are more than simple themes to observe in the world, but also a place beyond the reaches of our reality, inhabited by both Gods and Ascendants.

### Gods

Within each and all of the Divine Realms, exists a multitude of Gods. Many stories surrounding Gods portrays them as representations of a concept or idea, usually aligning within one or more of the Divine Realms. Some are direct, such as a God representing stone. Some are more abstract, such as a God representing manipulation. And some are a multitude of ideas, such as a God representing the soft winds on a clear day. A God with any theme is typically aligned with a Divine Realm, but many align with multiple Realms. Something to note is that Gods do not represent a 'true' version of their idea, or object; but instead represent a mortal interpretation of said concept.

In the aforementioned God representing soft winds, literal interpretations would place this God within the realm of Sky, but the comforting nature of the wind would also likely place them within Sun as well. Many stories of Gods tell of how their ideas can be misinterpreted as being a member of one Divine Realm, only to later reveal a hidden motivation or action that uncovers a secondary alignment. There are also many stories of Gods changing alignments through actions taken.

Within the Realms, the faith dictates that Gods are in a constant struggle against each other for greater control and influence. The methods in which they do so, are experienced in the physical world. Gods can not act against each other, and so instead influence mortals to act in their stead. Many stories involving Gods and mortals depict mortal, either willing or unwitting participants, act for the Gods. Often to the detriment of said mortal.

### Ascendants

An Ascendant, is a mortal being that harnesses the power of the Divine Realms. Most commonly, this is using a God as a conduit. Tales of mortals agreeing to act in a Gods stead in exchange for magical powers are very common. Less common, is a mortal who has the ability to harness the power of a Divine Realm directly.

All Ascendants, at the time of their death, ascend to become an inhabitant of the Divine Realms. The distinction between a God, and someone who has ascended is not clear cut, however a rough distinction is typically made on whether or not the subject is involved in mortal affairs. Not all inhabitants of the Divine Realms are Gods, but all who connect with the physical realm, are Gods.

## Worship

Most of the sects within the faith of the Divine Realms does not call upon its followers to make acts of worship or sacrifice. Instead, the doctrine call upon followers to observe the world around them, and to use the teachings of the faith to survive. Cults do exist, predominantly surrounding the Divine Realms themselves, which are seen as a keeper of the world, despite their lack of sentience. Most members of the faith do not worship the Gods or Ascendants of the Divine Realms, as many tales regard them as manipulative schemers.

### Devotees

In recent years, state sanctioned chapters of worshipers have gained popularity with the increase in stability in Noscura. These worshipers are known as Devotees. Some Devotees are known for obtaining mastery over some elemental magics through their faith, however they pale in comparison to those harnessed by an ascendant.

### Cults

Cults of worship for Gods is heavily taboo. Most people see worshipers of a God as a potential threat to stability, as they may be an agent of a Gods manipulation. There are still groups who participate in such worship secretly. Many hope to obtain gifts in exchange for deals with the Gods.

## Criticism for the Divine Realms faith

Critics of the faith often point to the common appearance of circular logic when attempting to define or interpret the Divine Realms.