The Church of Efera

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The Church of Efera, led by Aymen (ign: CampFireTails), is a minority religion that has found acceptance in the nation of Praskova. Although the Eferi population is currently small, their beliefs remain steadfast. Central to the Church's doctrine is the veneration of Enchantments, Experience, and Research, considering experience to be the essence of life itself. The symbol of the Experience Orb represents this core belief.

### Founded on

Date unknown for first church. Third Church Founded, year 1

### Present in

Praskova

Historically, the Eferi faith is believed to have originated from nomadic communities in the North East, known for their involvement in wool production, papermaking, and farming. The religion's foundational beliefs were established by the first Prophet, Karta, whose teachings were then passed on to Tuns. Karta's birth and death were associated with a coastal city near the mythical Sea of Freda. Tuns, the second Prophet, further developed the faith, emphasizing the importance of enchanted items and their connection to the soul. The use of beds became widespread during this period. Iberi, the leader of the first following, played a significant role in the foundation of the belief system, while Ura, the last of the four prophets, wrote the first surviving texts and established burial traditions for those who joined Efera. The Church also recognizes Non as the founder and saint of the Second Church, which adopted the Purple Rose Banner as its symbol and introduced the tradition of seeking 32 Enchanted Golden Apples. The Eferi faith encompasses additional beliefs, including the understanding that the Nether corrupts experience, the separation of the End from Efera, and the condemnation of undead creatures as cursed beings destined to burn under sunlight.

## Ancient History

The previous history of the Eferi Faith suggests its origins in the North East among nomadic peoples. These communities were primarily engaged in the production of wool, paper, and farming, which likely influenced their religious practices. While information regarding their history is scarce, it is evident that the Eferi Doctrine holds significant importance within the faith. The existence of numerous copies of the Doctrine indicates its widespread dissemination and preservation among the Eferi community.

The Eferi people's connection to the production of wool, paper, and farming suggests a close tie between their daily lives and their religious beliefs. These common products may have held symbolic value or played a role in rituals and traditions within the Eferi Faith. While further details about the historical development of the faith are limited, the prominence of the Doctrine and its association with the North East and these industries suggests a strong cultural and religious connection for the Eferi people.

## Recent History

The Church of Efera is currently led by Aymen (ign: CampFireTails), a former Human Shepard who settled in Praskova. Notably, Praskova is the only nation that has fully embraced Eferis as a minority religion, allowing them to settle and practice their beliefs without restriction. While the Eferi population is not extensive, they have consistently sought to expand their reach and have not imposed any mandatory pilgrimages. Despite the relatively small number of followers, the core beliefs of the religion remain steadfast. The Church reveres Enchantments, Experience, and Research, with a strong emphasis on the significance of experience as a fundamental aspect of life itself, integral to the essence of being alive.

The leadership of Aymen and the acceptance of the Eferi faith in Praskova have provided a platform for the Church to thrive. The respect for Enchantments, Experience, and Research is at the heart of their religious doctrine, highlighting the belief that experience is not only a central element of Efera but also the defining factor that brings something to life. Although the current Eferi population may be limited, their dedication to their beliefs remains unwavering, fueling their desire to expand their reach beyond Praskova. With Aymen at the helm, the Church of Efera continues to preserve and uphold its core principles in their pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and understanding.

## Doctrine & Folklore History

The Eferi faith has a rich history rooted in the teachings of its prophets. Karta, the first Prophet, held beliefs aligned with Efera, although not officially affiliated with the Church. Many of the fundamental doctrines were established by Karta and passed on to Tuns. Legends speak of Karta being born and dying in a coastal city adjacent to the mythical Sea of Freda, the nature of which remains elusive. Karta's teachings emphasized respect for beds/furnaces, worship of respawning, and an understanding of Experience. According to tales, Karta's demise resulted from an encounter with the primal wither, which led to the destruction of both the City of Freda and the First Church.

Tuns, the second Prophet, was raised by Karta, although they were not blood-related but possibly distant relatives. Tuns suffered from a severe illness and eventually sacrificed themselves at the Sea of Freda. Reborn, Tuns founded the first Eferi following alongside Iberi. It was during Tuns' leadership that the respect for enchanted items and their connection to the soul was implemented, and the widespread use of beds was established. The conclusion of Tuns' following was marked by the cutting of their tongue, a significant event symbolizing the end of their spiritual journey.

Iberi, the leader of the first following, played an instrumental role in the foundation of the Eferi belief system. Unfortunately, there are limited records of Iberi's writings since Ura, another important figure in Eferi history, did not have personal encounters with Iberi. Ura, the last of the four prophets, wrote the surviving texts that were not destroyed and established burial traditions for those who chose to join the Eferi faith. Ura also took care of Tuns during their final years, signifying a close bond between the prophets.

The second book of Efera's sacred texts, known for narrating the establishment of the First and Second Church, highlights the figure of Non as the founder and saint of the Second Church. Notably, the Second Church adopted a Purple Rose Banner as its symbol and initiated the tradition of searching for 32 Enchanted Golden Apples. This book serves as a testament to the significant milestones and figures that shaped the development of the Eferi faith.

## Beliefs & Rituals

Aside from the previously mentioned beliefs, there are additional tenets within the Eferi faith. One significant aspect is the emphasis on learning about the Overworld and its inhabitants. Eferis believe that the Nether has corrupted the concept of experience, and therefore, long-term residence in the Nether is not permitted. The End, on the other hand, is considered distinct and separate from Efera. While there exists a connection between Efera and celestial bodies, the exact nature and extent of this connection remain unknown. While the Eferi faith is mostly monotheistic, it allows for the recognition of other gods as long as their worship does not contradict the core beliefs of Efera.

Within the Eferi belief system, undead beings hold a particularly condemned status compared to other hostile creatures, contrary to the beliefs of the undead cult. Eferis consider the undead to be cursed, and as a consequence, they are fated to burn under the daylight. This condemnation reflects the significance placed on the sanctity of life and the inherent aversion toward undead entities within the Eferi faith. These additional beliefs expand the multifaceted nature of the Eferi religion, encompassing various realms, celestial bodies, and the moral distinctions between different entities encountered in their spiritual journey.

## Recent Changes

The church has officially decided to accept the Goddess of Celestials and the God of Storms into the pantheon. However it's recommended you do not worship them in full, but do give there respect. The Goddess of Celestials probably doesn't like us much, but if you get her on your good side, you might become a bishop immediately.