Lariansim

Larianism is the dominant religion in Anima. It is the belief in and worship of Lar. Those who believe in Lar are called Larians. It originated on the continent of Senex around year zero. Over the years since its creation, Larianism has undergone multiple transformations and schisms. These are the largest branches of Larianism:

## Orthodox Larianism

Orthodox Larianism is the original branch of the Church of Lar. It was the first religion to emerge after the Ascent. Prior to year zero, the Libridei worshiped and followed Lar as one would a fact of existence. Lar was present throughout Anima and conversed openly with their children. Lar's involvement in wide society significantly decreased following the Ascent, leaving the Yshta alone for the first time, urging them to form a Church of their own.

Originally, the Yshta rejected Lar's love and resolved to follow false gods of the nature around them. They built temples and idols dedicated to the creations of Lar in Lar's stead. Saddened by this development, Lar intervened and sent a prophet to do their works. A Libridei by the name of Avelar was sent from Elisium down to the fledgling settlement of Eden. The Tizel desert was a harsh and unforgiving land for the Yshta who were forced to live there. Avelar made food sprout from the sand, and the people were fed. It was the further works, teachings, and the eventual death of Avelar that worked to shape the early Larian Church. In the early days, the worship of Lar had spread to the majority of Anima. The Fall of Lucius, the first Nephilim, would bring about a thousand years of darkness for the Yshta and the Larians among them who kept true to their faith, despite it being outlawed.

### Creation Story

Orthodox Larianism holds the truth that before Lar, there was the Spark of Divinity and nothing more. After countless eons, a Tether of Being manifested and collided with the Spark of Divinity, giving consciousness to the first being, Lar. Lar brought light into the dark universe and created Anima, Lunaria, and Solaria. They stirred the land of Anima, breaking Iris up into four distinct continents. Such was Lar's love for life that they created the Libridei from the clouds of Anima, and gave them the gift of consciousness, extending themselves through their children. The Libridei enjoyed life in their perfect world, but toiled to work it. Lar rewarded their faith by anchoring themselves to the OVUM, and letting the Libridei share in its power - the Vis. Together, Lar and their now empowered children went on to create the animals and lands of Anima, perfecting it and settling it completely. All was well until the First Tragedy occurred, the first war in history. Lar's heart broke at the sight of their children killing themselves and using the Vis to do so. They commenced the Ascent, raising the great city of Elisium into the air and locking it in place, 30 thousand feet above ground. The Libridei still on the ground stopped their war and went to fly back to their creator, but their wings turned to ash, their markings faded, and their Vis vanished. Thus, the Ystha were born, punished by their God. They must work and worship their way back to their Lord.

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. The followers of Orthodox Larianism believe that Lar is the supreme being in all of creation. All life came from them, and only in death can they return to them. Lar is believed absent, lost in mourning, and only the prayers of the faithful may reach them. Lar is seen as a benevolent parent who is distraught due to the misbehavior of their children, who they miss very much.
2. Avelar is seen as Lar's most righteous. He was the only Libridei ever to be slain by mortals. He was Lar's prophet and a messiah to the Yshta who they killed in arrogance. The Ystha mourn his death and await his return as he is prophesized to be reborn and to lead all of Anima back to where Lar resides, to finally reunite with their creator and establish the Second Peace.
3. Lucius is despised by Larians for his role in their dark history. The Orthodox, while still resenting him, mostly feel pity for a creature that rejected Lar's love. His fall symbolizes the dangers of pride and ambition.

### Ending Story

Orthodox Larians believe the world will come to an end once Avelar returns. The prophesy states that a Yshta will follow the Path of Lar and recapture their connection to Lar, the same as the Libridei hold. They will become Avelar reborn and will help every soul to ascend to Lar, finally reuniting them with their lost children.

### Afterlife

Orthodox Larianism holds that once a corporeal form gives way to damage or age, the soul ascends and reunites with Lar, forming a Stella in the sky, the miniature lights only visible during the night. The better the life lived, the brighter the Stella, and the closer they are to Lar. Once Avelar returns, however, the night sky will go dark and the Stella will return to Lar. Those who live bad lives do not turn into Stella, but become Specters; spirits of the dead who roam the Evanescence and may choose to live as Animals until they die again. Many Specters may inhabit the same body, but they will fuse into one upon death, eventually becoming stronger and gaining the ability to inhabit more powerful forms like Beasts, and Lesser Subters. If they die while conscious, and they have lived a good life, the cycle of reanimation will cease and they will become a Stella.

### Holidays

* The Day of Lar
* Avelarion
* The Twelve

### Practices

* The Jugum (baptism ceremony)
* The Exulto (coming of age - 18)
* Eggs are forbidden
* Attending Mass is obligatory on Lareis
* All Larians are encouraged to do the Vea once in their life
* Funerals are simple burials
* Marriages are between two, with both families as witnesses

### Clergy Structure

The Orthodox Larian Church has no official religious head. Instead, the faithful are led by local priests known as the Laro. They operate from Larian Temples and dedicate themselves to teaching the tenets of Larianism to the populace. The Laro may hold no secular office, or rule any land. Their oath is for life, and they serve Lar wherever they may go, spreading their word. Orthodox Larianism preaches tolerance of other Larian faiths and sects, firm in the belief that they are right, so no work must be put in to prove their claims - the truth of Lar is axiomatic. While the Laro are the most learned people when it comes to the Lore of Lar, regular followers are considered just as capable of spreading the Good Word. As such, the role of the Clergy is simply to uphold and spread knowledge. In orthodoxy both men and women may join the clergy and become Laro, and they are allowed to marry.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men and women are equal
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Forbidden
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Fully accepted
* **Same-sex relationships:** Shunned
* **Adultery:** Criminalized
* **Deviancy:** Shunned
* **Magic:** Accepted

## Ecumenical Larianism

Ecumenical Larianism came into being during the Schism of 1094 after it separated as a religion from the main branch of Larianism due to their pacifistic philosophy during the Dark Age. While both Ecumenicals and Orthodox were persecuted, the Lucian authorities were much more lenient towards the Orthodox, whereas they cracked down hard on the Ecumenicals since they were fervently anti-establishment.

### Creation Story

Their creation story is identical to the Orthodox.

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. For the Ecumenical followers of Lar, Lar is the sole King of their Eternal Kingdom. They made the Yshta so they could atone for the sins of their ancestors.
2. Avelar is regarded as the corporeal form of Lar - Lar made flesh and blood. He is the champion of Ecumenical morality and philosophy. His appearance is seen as the greatest gift Lar ever bestowed upon their people.
3. Lucius is vilified by the Ecumenicals, and is seen as the archnemesis of Lar and Avelar.

### Ending Story

The Ecumenicals also believe in the Second Coming of Avelar, except they reject the idea that a mere mortal may ascend to Larhood and become Avelar. Instead, when Lar sees fit, when the Ystha have worked off their sin, they will return and usher in the Second Peace, reuniting every righteous soul with them.

### Afterlife

Ecumenicals hold the belief that morally good Larians upon death ascend to the same plane as Lar, becoming one with them. The rest will be sent to the Evanescence, a shadow plane where the weight of your sin determines the distance you are from Lar, and the mass of the stones on your back. Every foul soul will be forced to walk or crawl towards Lar in this plane, eventually reaching them and receiving absolution.

### Holidays

* The Day of Lar
* Avelarion
* The Larthron

### Practices

* The Jugum (baptism ceremony)
* The Exulto (coming of age - 18)
* Eggs are forbidden
* Attending Mass is obligatory on Lareis
* All Larians are encouraged to do the Vea once in their life
* Funerals are complex burials
* Marriages are between two, with both families as witnesses

### Clergy Structure

In order to organize against the Lucian forces, the Ecumenicals had to adopt a rigid clerical structure, which carried over even after Lucius was defeated. The head of the Ecumenical Church is the Anishar (the Chosen), the first of the Mele - be it the Meleks (for men) or the Malkas (for women). It is tradition for the current Anishar to name their successor two years after their ascent. In the case of a tragedy or the Anishar not choosing, the Mele will meet and they will vote among themselves for the next Anishar. The Mele are high priests who also oversee secular functions, as well as clerical. They are important political agents. They serve as guides for the Moi (Teachers), who are the base priests for the Ecumenical Church. Their duties are typical of any priest as they oversee the most basic rituals, holidays, and duties of their churches. Both men and women may be part of this secular clergy. However, there is the Order clergy, consisting of two orders which are gender-exclusive.

* **The Holy Order of the Swords of Avelar** *Exclusive to men and focused on martial discipline, resistance to oppression, and bodily perfection - achieving peace through discipline and honor.*
* **The Holy Order of the Hands of Avelar** *Exclusive to women and focused on mastery of the Vis, specifically only spells which heal or empower. Any alteration of reality or harm is strictly prohibited. They achieve peace through knowledge and service.*

One may leave the secular clergy whenever and rejoin. But the Orders demand life oaths. While tolerant of some other Larian faiths, Ecumenicals have a distrust of the Orthodox, seeing them as faith-traitors and bootlickers. Ecumenical Larians' preaching will often be like a debate, with arguments for why their Church is the correct one. They absolutely despise anyone following the Cult of Lucian. Unlike the Orthodox, Ecumenicals see themselves as the medium through which Lar must pass to the rest of the people. Members of the clergy may also marry.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men and women are equal, but have distinct roles
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Discouraged
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Fully accepted
* **Same-sex relationships:** Shunned
* **Adultery:** Criminalized
* **Deviancy:** Shunned
* **Magic:** Accepted, to a degree

## Empyreal Larianism

Empyreal Larianism was one half of the Church that split from the Ecumenical Church during the Schism of 1700, the other being Eclectic. The Schism happened shortly after the Dark Age ended. It was a reaction against the way the Ecumenical Church was headed. Empyreal Larianism places a great deal of emphasis on following the tenets of the faith and adhering to the social order proposed by it. It is often called "Imperial" or "Pure" Larianism.

### Creation Story

Their creation story is similar to the Orthodox, except it places emphasis on the first Libridei, who they believe was a male Libridei by the name of Evander Aries, and his wife Clara Aries. They believe that all Libridei draw their heritage to the original pair. Addininally, they are the only mainstream branch of Larianism to refer to Lar as a "he".

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. Empyreal Larians pray exclusively to Lar. He is the patriarch of being, the sole ruler, the all-powerful father who created and who will eventually destroy.
2. Avelar - or as the Empyreals call her, Avelaura, base their faith on the belief that the name Avelar is a misconception, that it is in fact Avelara and that she is the bride of God, a Libridei that fell in love with Lar, and the only who was able to personally move the Lord. Her sacrifice is seen as absolute atonement for the sins of the Libridei. However, Larians must atone for the murder of Lar's beloved.
3. Lucius is vilified by the Empyreals just as much as by the Ecumenicals.

### Ending Story

The Empyreals reject the idea that the material world will once day come to an end, Instead, they believe that Lar will simply return one day and usher in the Second Peace, ruling from his throne atop Elisium.

### Afterlife

For Empyreals, the afterlife is absolute. If you are a good Larian, you will reach Shamayim, a heavenly plane close to Lar where every good-hearted Larian goes when they die. There, they will be granted eternal life and be met with every wish granted. It is the greatest reward. For everyone else, however, the destination is Sheol, an underground plane specific for its isolation and eternal torture. The soul is ripped from the body and sent to Sheol where they can hear others, and know that they are nearby, but will never be able to see anyone. In the meantime, every individual will be reliving their worst sins ad infinitum.

### Holidays

* The Day of Lar
* Maidenday
* The Larthron

### Practices

* The Jugum (baptism ceremony)
* The Exulto (coming of age - 18)
* Eggs are forbidden
* Attending Mass is obligatory on Lareis
* Praying before a meal, before bed, before leaving the home is obligatory
* All Larians are encouraged to do the Vea once in their life
* Funerals are pyre burials
* Marriages are between a man and a woman, with both families as witnesses

### Clergy Structure

Empyreals rejected Ecumenical authority because of their social structure. The gripe being it wasn't rigid enough. At the head of the Empyreal Church is the Ta'le (the Ram). He is the patriarch of the Taleh family, who Empyreals believe have been chosen by Lar to safeguard his faith until his eventual return. Men are the only ones allowed in the clergy, they are divided into the Abbas (the Fathers) who have a position similar to the Mele, and the Bens (the Sons) similar to the Moi. An Abba is simply a more prestigious Ben, who has a direct link to the Ta'le. Women are not allowed in the clergy, but they may become nuns and dedicate themselves to Lar, emulating the life of Avelara. When one joins the clergy, they swear an oath that binds them there for life. Celibacy is a virtue for the clergy, and for most of the populace. Empyreals are generally accepting of Ecumenicals and Orthodox Larians, but they only tolerate Eclectic and Universal Larians. The clergymen of Empyrealism are seen as the children of Lar, his chosen few who are meant to guide and protect the rest of society. Members of the clergy cannot marry of have children, their devotion is solely to God.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men are seen as intellectually and physically superior, women are seen as morally righteous and emotionally mature, but only in a subservient manner. They are openly objectified.
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Criminalized
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Shunned
* **Same-sex relationships:** Criminalized
* **Adultery:** Criminalized
* **Deviancy:** Criminalized
* **Magic:** Accepted, but exclusive to the clergy

## Eclectic Larianism

Eclectic Larianism is the sister branch of Empyrealism which divorced from Ecumenical Larianism during the Schism of 1700. Eclectic Larianism, unlike its predecessors places emphasis on forgiveness and tolerance.

### Creation Story

Their creation story is identical to the Orthodox.

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. Eclectics believe that Lar has abandoned Anima and has given its safekeeping to their Libridei. Lar is the symbol of benevolence and of mercy.
2. Avelar is Lar's Prophet, the messiah who died for the sins of the Libridei and wiped their souls clean of their sin. They believe Avelar is not dead, but resurrected after his death and returned to Elisium. Both Lar and Avelar are in Lar's plane, with Avelar constantly making a case for Lar's return and for the moral richness of Lar's creations. Every good deed, every good life is an argument made towards Lar's return.
3. Lucius is pitied by the Eclectics. They see it as one of their duties to try and redeem his followers, as Lucius was one of Lar's most beloved children.

### Ending Story

The Eclectics reject the idea that the material world will once day come to an end, Instead, they believe that Lar will simply return one day and usher in the Second Peace, ruling from their throne atop Elisium.

### Afterlife

If someone has lived a virtuous life, they are rewarded by being reunited with Lar upon their deaths. However, if one has lived a morally bankrupt life, they will be sent to the Evanescence where their spirit will remain, intangible and unperceivable but aware of the physical world. They may influence events in the material world, and by doing so may be redeemed and may join Lar. However, these spirits may choose to stay malevolent and trick the living or ruin their plans. These spirits will eventually fade away into oblivion if they do not help the living.

### Holidays

* The Day of Lar
* Maidenday
* The Larthron
* The Twelve

### Practices

* The Jugum (baptism ceremony)
* The Exulto (coming of age - 18)
* Attending Laris Mass is encouraged
* All Larians are encouraged to do the Vea once in their life
* Funerals are simple burials
* Marriages are between two

### Clergy Structure

While the Empyreals and Eclectics rejected Ecumenical authority, the former did so because they found the social structure too lax; the latter found it too strict. Men and women are free to join the Clergy and leave at any point. They may get married and they may have children. The priests of the Eclectic Church are called Ach (Brother) and Achot (Sister). They have no formal structure, but they do have an honorary leader, a Sabim (Grandparent) who is seen as the elder of the Church, meant to give guidance. A Sabim holds not special power or authority, they are just the most respected member of the Church. They are elected upon the previous Sabim's death. Eclectics accept every other Larian denomination. The role of the clergy is to help and guide, but they do not claim authority over the people's relation to Lar - that is something every individual must figure out for themselves.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men and women are equal
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Allowed
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Fully accepted
* **Same-sex relationships:** Allowed
* **Adultery:** Shunned
* **Deviancy:** Shunned
* **Magic:** Accepted

## Universal Larianism

Universal Larianism is the youngest and probably one of the most numerous denominations of Lar's Church. They were formed by priests from every denomination united by their shared beliefs, instead of being divided by their disagreements. In 2251, the Universalist Church was formed and sought to incorporate every major denomination within it. They focus less on community rather than dogma or hierarchy.

### Creation Story

Their creation story is identical to the Orthodox.

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. Universalists believe in the divinity of Lar and their power which stems from the Spark. They believe in the OVUM and that Lar is currently absent but will eventually return. Lar is mercy, wisdom, and love.
2. Avelar is called the Messiah, one of Lar's many prophets sent to Anima to guide it down the right path. Avelar is tolerance, patience, and kidness.
3. Lucius is the Prodigal Son. He is misguided ambition, resentment, and failure.

### Ending Story

For the Universal Church, there will come a day when Elisium returns to the surface of Anima, and all souls will face Judgement day; a day when every soul living and ever to have lived will be judged based on the life they have lived. The good will be reunited with Lar, while the rest will take on the forms of their creations, but lose their sapience. The Second Peace will reign eternal.

### Afterlife

Those who have lived a good life will move to Lar's plane where they will be rewarded with paradise. The people who have done harm or evil will be trapped in the Stella in the night's sky and will be forced to watch on and learn from others' mistakes until Lar returns.

### Practices

* The Jugum (baptism ceremony)
* The Exulto (coming of age - 18)
* Attending Laris Mass is encouraged
* All Larians are encouraged to do the Vea once in their life
* No set funeral practice
* No marriage protocol

### Clergy Structure

The Universalist Church has no formal structure to its clergy. Most of the priests will use the identifiers of their specific denomination. However, if they are not in any, they will simply call themselves Priests or Priestesses. The Universal Church holds Universal Councils every ten years where they debate religious doctrines and plan works to do in the next decade. The priests are simply there to help guide their followers and to do Church duties.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men and women are equal
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Allowed
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Fully accepted
* **Same-sex relationships:** Accepted
* **Adultery:** Shunned
* **Deviancy:** Shunned
* **Magic:** Accepted

## Heresies

Larianism has developed hundreds of heresies over the centuries it has existed. The most popular are:

* Noamism (belief that Lar is dead)
* Talism (belief that Lar is not conscious)
* Zoharism (belief that Lar never existed, and that the Libridei rule existence)
* Ronenism (belief that Lar is female)
* Keenanism (belief that there are multiple Lars)
* Hiramism (belief that Avelar was not divine in any way)
* Ezrianism (belief that Lar is morally evil)
* Daganism (belief that everything material is evil)
* Amosism (belief that Lar knows the fate of everyone that has been, is, and will be)