Religions

## Adamaric Religions

Adamaric religions are a group of religions sharing a common origin from the prophet Adamar, extensively referred to in the Path of the Cycles, Corinite and Ravelian tenants. Adamar was a legendary religious, military and political figure of the first century, who conquered much of East Ardenica and established the First Empire of Adamar. Together these religions represent the majority of humans on Al'ard, though can differ widely on their core beliefs and accepted history of the prophet Adamar.

### Corinite

The Corinite Church is the largest Adamaric denomination, accounting for approximately 29.2% of the population of Al'ard. It is organized around a strict church hierarchy and religious pantheon, with the sun god Corin and the primary god of veneration. The Corinite faithful believe Adamar to have been the first prophet of Corin, and divinely guided by the Corinite pantheon. Accounts of Adamar's Corinite faith and divine guidance are attested to in the Illuminated Codex, the primary holy book of the Corinite and Ravelian faiths, written by St. Cleon, a close advisor and apostle of Adamar.

### Ravelian

The Ravelian faith began as a reformation of the Corinite Church in 1584, when the Corinite Advocate, Ioseph Caliban and three other Corinite Prelates advocated allowing newly discovered Revacholian and Azulian deities into the Corinite pantheon. This resulted in the execution of Isoeph Caliban for heresy, and a deep schism within the Church. Most Ravelians acknowledge Corin as a powerful and important deity, but do not treat him with the same authority as Corinite faithful. Ravelians also generally do not hold a firm pantheon, and accept that the number and diversity of gods is flexible. Ravelians represent approximately 20% of the population of Al'ard. There is no centralized Ravelian church, though many Ravelian countries have their own state churches, often prioritizing a particular deity or sub-faction of the pantheon. Ravelians still follow the Illuminated Codex as their primary holy book, in addition to the Epistles, an important series of religious canon written by Iospeh Caliban and early Ravelian leaders.

### Path of the Cycles

Unlike the Corinite or Ravelian faiths, which accept the Illuminated Codex's testament of Adamar as the first prophet of the Corinite pantheon, the followers of the Path of the Cycles believe that St. Cleon instead misappropriated Admar's own divinity and accomplishments for his personal agenda in creating a church for his own personal power. The Path of the Cycles instead follow a specific set of philosophical principles passed down from Adamar and subsequent Emperors who they believe to be divine beings in and of themselves, who have ascended to an Imperial pantheon upon their deaths. An estimated 17.3% of the population of Al'ard follow some form of the Path of the Cycles, primarily located in East Ardenica and Amar.

## Akaska-Dravus

Akaska-Dravus is a large religious order native to Azul, encompassing a number of folk traditions, and shared religious pantheons, sharing the enlightened founder, The Akaska, Dravida Yatri a religious prophet native to Azul around 900BCE. Many regions throughout Azul embrace different styles and practices, but generally share a understanding of the cosmic order of the universe. This includes a multi-dimensional view of the universe in which the cosmos of Al'ard is only one of many different planes of reality. There are eight dominant religious traditions in Akaska-Dravus, corresponding with specific roles and philosophies in society. These eight traditions correspond to the eight journeys Yatri was said to have undertaken during his pilgrimage around the Sea of Azul.

1. Ananya Sages (Ananya-Dhyani):
	* Animal: Wise Owl
	* Month: January (Maakara)
	* Role: The Ananya Sages are dedicated scholars and teachers, imparting wisdom to the next generation. They run schools and academies to spread knowledge.
	* Traits: Intellectual, patient, wise.
2. Udara Guardians (Udara-Palak):
	* Animal: Brave Lion
	* Month: February (Kumbha)
	* Role: The Udara Guardians protect communities from external threats and maintain law and order.
	* Traits: Courageous, strong-willed, and disciplined.
3. Amarantha Dreamweavers (Amarantha-Sapnavid):
	* Animal: Compassionate Elephant
	* Month: March (Meena)
	* Role: Amarantha Dreamweavers are skilled healers who interpret dreams to provide guidance and solace to those in need.
	* Traits: Empathetic, intuitive, compassionate.
4. Nebula Artisans (Nebula-Karigar):
	* Animal: Innovative Peacock
	* Month: April (Mesh)
	* Role: Nebula Artisans are master craftsmen who create intricate artworks and technologies that inspire wonder and harmony in society.
	* Traits: Creative, meticulous, innovative.
5. Prithvi Shamans (Prithvi-Mantrik):
	* Animal: Grounded Bison
	* Month: May (Vrishabha)
	* Role: Prithvi Shamans connect with the elements and perform rituals to maintain environmental balance.
	* Traits: Grounded, nurturing, in tune with nature.
6. Astral Navigators (Akasha-Yatri):
	* Animal: Visionary Hawk
	* Month: June (Mithuna)
	* Role: Astral Navigators explore the depths of the mind through meditation and astral projection, offering insights into personal growth.
	* Traits: Reflective, introspective, visionary.
7. Kala Archivists (Kala-Dharak):
	* Animal: Patient Tortoise
	* Month: July (Karka)
	* Role: Kala Archivists meticulously record and preserve the cultural history and knowledge of their society, ensuring that ancient traditions are passed down.
	* Traits: Detail-oriented, patient, and guardians of heritage.
8. Swar Shapers (Swar-Kalpanik):
	* Animal: Expressive Nightingale
	* Month: August (Simha)
	* Role: Swar Shapers harness the power of music and sound to evoke emotions and promote harmony in society.
	* Traits: Artistic, expressive, and emotionally attuned.
9. Atma Alchemists (Atma-Siddhantik):
	* Animal: Empathic Dolphin
	* Month: September (Kanya)
	* Role: Atma Alchemists help individuals purify their inner selves and offer emotional healing and support.
	* Traits: Empathic, nurturing, and introspective.
10. Nomadic Ethereals (Vagabond-Ashtitva):
	* Animal: Adventurous Cheetah
	* Month: October (Tula)
	* Role: Nomadic Ethereals embrace a simple lifestyle, traveling to spread wisdom and foster connections between communities.
	* Traits: Adventurous, free-spirited, and adaptable.
11. Diplomatic Envoys (Vivad-Dut):
	* Animal: Shrewd Fox
	* Month: November (Vrishchika)
	* Role: Diplomatic Envoys are skilled negotiators and diplomats who navigate complex political landscapes, forging alliances and promoting peace.
	* Traits: Shrewd, diplomatic, and strategic.
12. Ethereal Visionaries (Antariksha-Drishti):
	* Animal: Mystical Panther
	* Month: December (Dhanu)
	* Role: Ethereal Visionaries seek spiritual insight and offer guidance on the mysteries of the cosmos.
	* Traits: Intuitive, contemplative, and mystical.