Writyephy

Writyephy is a relatively new religion, with no god, split from Wruitism. Writyephy is a strongly bureaucratic system based on knowledge. Variously described as tradition, a philosophy, a religion, a humanistic or rationalistic religion, a way of governing, or simply a way of life, Writyephy developed from what was later called the Hundred Schools of Wruitism from the teachings of the Ymrafael philosopher Llywelyn the First. This search for knowledge pushes the people strongly for proselytizing. They view magic as an extension of that knowledge, but the act is not divine, instead the knowledge used or gained is. They view the destruction of any knowledge as a sin.

Writyephy manages its followers into a caste system based on privileges granted through "self evident" understanding of the different races.

The head of Writyephy is the Emperor of Ecoqunia, so the state and the religion are strongly tied together, with the religious symbol being the same as the seal of the empire.

## The Three Classics

Llywelyn the First is the author of The Three Classics, three texts that sought to layout principles for governing the early Ymrafael kingdoms of Udin. Since the kingdoms have united, these text have taken on increased importance and form the backbone of the Writyephy system.

The Book of Seasons shows a metaphysical vision which combines divinatory art with numerological technique and ethical insight; philosophy of change sees the cosmos as interaction between the seven energies gwynt, twf, nhymestl, gwyres, tarth, troelli, and arienf; the universe is a system of cyclic change that can only be interacted with through understanding.

The Book of Notes is the earliest anthology of Ymrafael poems and songs. It shows the poetic vision in the belief that poetry and music convey knowledge in a format that brings together common human feelings and the seven energies of the universe.

The Book of History of speeches of major figures and records of events in ancient times embodies the political vision and addresses the kingly way in terms of the ethical foundation for humane government. The documents show the sagacity, filial piety, and work ethic of Myrddyn, Arthur, and Ergyriad. They established a political culture which was based on responsibility and trust. Their virtue formed a covenant of social harmony which did not depend on punishment or coercion.

## The Seasonal Energies

### **Gwynt**

The Energy of the Wind Season, characterized by the transfer of knowledge. Gwynt is the energy invoked when teaching. This energy is the most popular among those who wish to spread knowledge among new learners. The first philosphers of Writyephy are said to have been governed by Gwynt. Being governed by the energy of Gwynt is said to mean a person is concerned with bringing knowledge to others, they feel as though they need no transfer to themselves, and seek little in the way of strengthening their own knowledge.

### **Twf**

The Energy of the Growth Season, characterized by the formation of knowledge. Twf is the energy invoked in the early stages of things, but also when a paradigm has shifted. This energy is the most popular among new converts and those just beginning their public live within Ecoqunia. Being governed by the energy of Twf is said to mean a person is always learning new things, they enjoy discovery, and are often outspoken about these things.

### **Nhymestl**

The Energy of the Storm Season, characterized by using knowledge as power. Nhymestl is the energy invoked in conlfict. Nhymestl is the power of the truth. This energy is popular among those who use knowledge to reveal and destroy. Paladins and tyrants alike are associated with Nhymestl. Being governed by the energy of Nhymestl is said to mean a person seeks to use knowledge, whether that is for good or evil.

### **Gwyres**

The Energy of the Heat Season, characterized by the strengthening of knowledge. Gwyres is the energy invoked at the height of things. Gwyres is both strength and stagnation. This energy is popular among those who wish things to stay the same. Their mantra is "don't fix something that isn't broken." Being governed by the energy of Gwyres is said to mean a person is happy with the state of things, they strengthen their good aspects, and can be blind to the bad.

### **Tarth**

The Energy of the Mist Season by the obfuscation of knowledge. Tarth is the energy invoked when secrecy is necessary. Tarth is lying. This energy is popular among the oppressed and spies. Tarth is both against knowledge and secrets in favor of knowledge. Being governed by the energy of Tarth is said to mean a person is one who must hide for their safety, they can be protecting themselves or others, or even be nefarious.

### **Troelli**

The Energy of the Vitiate Season, characterized by the re-imagining of knowledge. Troelli is the energy invoked at the downturn of things. Troelli is the questioning or twisting of knowledge. This energy is popular among rebels and independents who see things differently than others. Being governed by the energy of Troelli is said to mean a person is one who questions things, they can be a devil's advocate, and seek change for change's sake.

### **Arien**

The Energy of the Frost Season, characterized by the destruction of false knowledge. Arien is the energy invoked at the end of things. Arien is both the end and the beginning. This energy is only most popular for those who see things as broken or as if something new must come about. Being governed by the energy of Arien is said to mean a person believes the current state of affairs is broken, or they have a vision of something completely new.

## The Seven Arts

The seven arts, or the Ideals of the Seasoned Man, are seven skills that were expected of the higher class to portray that they were accomplished in their studies. Each art is thought to correspond to one of the seasons.

### **Glór**

The Ymrafael word for the musical arts, this is the art connected with the Gwynt Season. The nature of music results in the artist breaking down information and working together with others. Great bureaucrats are expected to know how to play music.

### **Saothar**

The Ymrafael word for the visual arts, this is the art connected with the Twf Season. The nature of painting or drawing results in the artists being patient and meticulous. Great investors are expected to know how to paint or draw.

### **Troidcloiche**

The Ymrafael word for the traditional, chess-like game, this is the art connected with the Nhymstl Season. The nature of the game results in the winner utilizing knowledge and strategy. Great tacticians and politicians are expected to know how to play Stones.

### **Réalteolaíocht**

The Ymrafael word for astronomy, this is the art connected with the Gwyres season. The nature of astronomy requires dedicated mapping and attention to detail. Great mages are expected to know astronomy.

### **Comhdháil**

The Ymrafael word for the traditional, council card game, this is the art connected with the Tarth Season. The nature of this game results in the winner manipulating knowledge and intrigue. Great politicians and bureaucrats are expected to know how to play Crowns.

### **Uimhir**

The Ymrafael word for mathematics, this is the art connected with the Troelli Season. Mathematics requires logical study and deep understanding. Scholars of the highest degree are expected to know mathematics.

### **Dornálaíocht**

The Ymrafael word for martial arts, this is the art connected with the Arien Season. It is, notably, the only violent art. This is by design. As a scholar in Ecoqunia is expected to never be fully disconnected from the violent reality of the world. Great warriors are expected to know how to fight.

## Caste System

Writyephy organizes the different races into a caste system, and the rules behind this influence what it means to be a good Teifling or a virtuous elf.

* Teiflings are the "People of the Oath," and a righteous Teifling is one who is bound by oath. Teiflings have the exclusive divine right to take the oath of office, and that empowers the Teifling race to control the imperial government.
* Humans are the "People of the Wish," and virtuous Human is one who wishes for more, but accepts submission. Humans have the right to petition within the framework of Writyephy. This translates to humans serving a clerical function both religiously and within the state of the imperial government. This caste has come to be called the right hand of Ecoqunia, both derisively and complimentary.
* Elves are the "People of the Word," so high-class elves are expected to be learned. Elves are the only race legally permitted to practice magic. This has caused a class divide, where non-magical elves live in extreme poverty as fruit pickers, while elves versed in magic enjoy a high class lifestyle.
* Halfling are the "People of the Memory." They are expected to memorize the oral traditions of Writyephy and perform various sacred rites. This has translated into halflings serving the other races as butlers and handmaidens, while performing the houses' sacred duties.
* Aasimar are the "People of the Will." Religion and law see Aasimar as brutes who are only good in war. They are given the right to bear arms within the walled cities of Ecoqunia. After being used by the elves and humans to fight their battles for them, it's no wonder that the Aasimar have rebelled from the empire three times since their assimilation. This has brought some to question the right of arms the Aasimar hold, but to take it away would result in a larger war than allowing them to hold them would.
* Dwarves used to be a slave race, but after the collapse of their mountainous mining complex, they claimed their freedom and independence from the empire. Most Ecoqunian Dwarves do not follow the practices of Writyephy and instead have their own system of belief heavily influenced by Ilegonity and Cykato. They have been offered to rejoin the empire as freemen, but only if they forsake their traditional religion and become the "People of the Form."
* Genasi are the "People of the Past." While this is not a part of the caste system in the traditional sense, effectively it is. The Genasi are given the right to continue practicing Wruitism, only because of its place as an ancestor to Writyephy, and the Genasi as its progenitor. Genasi are given a hands off approach to governance, mostly out of previous difficulty governing them, and thus they tend to continue to their nomadic shepherd lifestyles under Writyephy.