Rabium

**Rabium** is the primary religion of the Lepus species as well as the Montiac Empire. As the existence of Humanity and Habitats largely disproves creation by a deity, Rabium is unique in that it does not have a creation myth. Instead, Rabium states that a pantheon of gods control the flow of the world, but all species simply came from natural evolution. Although followers do pray to these gods, most are often depicted as being both uncaring and indifferent to their followers. Many followers simply don't pray however, believing that fate is out of their control.

Rabium does not have an afterlife, but rather several different planes of existence, and it's instead believed that death will almost certainly be ones end. Only those who either go through a lifetime of effort or accomplish a great task may ascend to these planes. Because of the great deal of effort required, it's rare to see individuals attempt to reach these other planes, and those that do are usually extremely devoted followers.

The Rabium pantheon originally consisted of 9 gods, of which only Aquila was said to take notice in lesser beings. Appius Salvian, founder of the Montiac Empire, is one of the only Lepus who is believed to have ascended, and the only one who is said to have become one of the gods. Aquila and Appius are the only gods with a gender, she and he respectively, with the others being referred to as it.

Rabium has no proper set of beliefs, and most simply allow fate to guide them through life.

## Pantheon

### Appius

Appius, originally Appius Salvian, was a Lepus commander and statesman, as well as founder of the Montiac Empire. For this gargantuan accomplishment, Appius is said to have ascended to god hood. He is the god of the Lepus, and is believed to watch heavily over his species. Along with Aquila, he is commonly worshipped across the Empire. Appius is often depicted with a laurel wreath and a sword, symbolizing his military and statesman achievements, while statues and temples dedicated to him will portray him in victorious poses, and they serve as places for military gatherings.

### Aquila

Aquila, sometimes referred to as *The Mother* is the God of Life. She is said to have created everything, other gods included, and resides in the 6th plane. Aquila is believed to guide every soul into the mortal plane. Along with Appius, she is commonly worshipped across the Empire. Temples dedicated to her are well known for their beautiful gardens and intricate fountains, reflecting the diversity of life. Those that prey to her believe they can gain guidance and wisdom in matters of birth, life, and death.

### Calla

Calla is the God of War. It resides in the 4th plane, where it keeps the souls, but not consciousness, of those killed in war. Although not necessarily evil all wars are believed to be, in some form or another, its doing. Those that worship it are veterans or soldiers in the military, and often engage in ritualistic but not fatal combat with each other. They consider it a way to honor the god and ensure victory in future battles. It's commonly depicted as an unfathomably dark orb, which is believed to hold the souls of fallen warriors granted a place in Calla's eternal army.

### Cappadox

Cappadox, God of dreams, is the god of the 5th plane, also known as the plane of dreams. Here it oversees and sometimes interferes in the dreams of mortal beings. It is usually depicted as a slender claw, which it uses to interfere with dreams. Priests dedicated to it are called Dreamweavers. They attempt to interpret dreams and offer guidance to those seeking insight from the god.

### Prygar

Prygar is the god of the underworld. Although primarily inhabiting the 1st plane, Prygar is said to commonly venture to the 2nd plane to collect dead souls. It and Calla are commonly stated to be enemies, fighting over fallen souls on battlefields. Prygar is depicted as the wind felt when alone, and its whispers are said to foretell the imminent arrival of death. Prygar is commonly prayed to by burrow dwellers in the province of Constantia, who believe failure to do so will result in their burrow collapsing into the underworld.

### Rhemarus

Rhemarus is the god of nature, and is said to have heavily assisted in the creation of the 2nd plane. It is commonly prayed to by hunters and farmers. Followers of the god hold festivals to honor the cycles of nature at the start of each season. Rhemarus is depicted as a deep rooted tree, and is the basis of the Pugiones crest. It's unknown if Rhemarus is still alive and, if it is, what plane it resides in.

### Satron

Satron is the god of the ocean, and is said to dwell in its depths. The souls of those who die at sea are forever kept by it, though its unclear where and why. It is indifferent to mortals, but often interferes in their sailing and naval battles by the use of harsh waves. It is depicted as a gigantic serpent. Sailors often make offerings to Satron before embarking on sea voyages, seeking safe passage and protection from storms.

### Sunius

Sunius is the god of the sun, and is said to be in an eternal battle with Tirifum over day and night. Sunius's eternal battle with Tirifum is celebrated during solar eclipses, believed to be moments when the god gains the upper hand. It is depicted as a being residing within the sun, crawling into it after nearly slaying Tirifum thousands of years ago. At the start and end of summer, sun festivals are held in honor of Sunius, where people gather to bask in its warmth and light.

### Thellan

Thellan is the god of destiny, and shapes every persons life from the moment they are born. It resides in the 6th plane with Aquila and Appius, and has no known form. Temples dedicated to Thellan often have intricate tapestries depicting the interconnected destinies of all living beings.

### Tirifum

Tirifum is the god of the moon and night. It is said to be in an eternal battle with Sunius over day and night. In Rabium lore, Tirifum was nearly slain by Sunius thousands of years ago, but survived by crafting its body into the moon. Nighttime rituals are performed to seek guidance from Tirifum, especially during moments of uncertainty or darkness.

## Planes of existence

Numerous planes of existence exist within the Rabium religion, and their makeup and order often depends on where one is in. That being said, the general accepted order goes as follows:

1. The 1st plane, commonly known as the underworld. The underworld is home to Prygar and all souls he has trapped, and is said to be no larger than a small building.
2. The 2nd plane is home to Narus and all living things on the planet. Satron is the only god who resides here.
3. The 3rd plane is the Legan, which holds all observable objects in the sky. Sunius and Tirifum reside here. It is studied by astronomers who believe the positioning of stars and planets can reveal glimpses of the gods' intentions.
4. The 4th plane has no name, and is the realm of Calla. It's depicted as a barren battlefield made up of the souls of fallen soldiers.
5. The 5th plane is known as the plane of dreams. All mortal minds are transported here during sleep.
6. The 6th and highest plane is known as the celestial plane. It is home to Appius, Aquila, and Thellan, as well as any other souls who have ascended. The celestial plane is considered the source of divine power and the center of existence itself, and mortals believe that their souls can ascend to this plane through virtuous deeds or divine intervention.