Gensinism

Gensinism is a religion made up of scholars and warrior monks. They seeks to find the true nature of life and believe that meditation can help awaken it. This religion is considered to be more of a spiritual belief rather than an organized religion. These monks like to isolate themselves from the outer world, and prefer not to be involved in wars and other large events. They worship their spiritual leader Gensin and study the "true nature of life". This semi-secluded people are made up of many ethnicities all over Rathnir and Eldham, Including Asaravijan and Naho.

## Monkship

Gensin members who follow the spiritual practice of Gensinsim. These people under go the sacred teachings, leadership and such under the faith (From meditation, to Learning languages) All monks originally have their heads shaved to Represent Gensin (this has changed however)

The rank structure are as follows, including Side Titles and Duties:

Togoka

* Initiate, people who are interested in the monk role. learn traditions/rules of the monks (no meat eating, shaved head to represent Gensin though this rule has changed to allow hair, etc.)

Fuyamakoi Sogoka

* Junior Monk, once initiated they assist with monastery affairs, learn from Sr/Elder monks, and attend and assist mediation sessions, they are still learning about the ways of the faith.

Fuyamakoi Yangepaku

* Senior & Elder Monk, they're guardians and leaders. they hold/recite chants and prayers, teach and mentor younger monks, villagers etc.
	+ Elder Monks are former Sr Monks, they deal with mainly caretaking of younger monks and not in the high political roles, mostly consist of important/retired figures

**Side Titles**

* Fuyamakoi Fanpakyu: Monk Councilor, help leads entire faith and handles internal and external dealings.
* Babetsuki: Warrior Monks, mainly defenders of the monastery and faith (however with restrictions, and fight defensively)
* Kanrru Kagatak: monks who travel and teach the ways of Gensin (includes traveling to help those unfortunate)
	+ Mainly nomadic, tend to stay in small groups for safety reasons

## Gensin

A role to refer someone as a spiritual leader. In total there's 3 Gensins:

Saursiki Ruthaja:

* The Father/Founder of Gensinism
* Represents Fate, life, peace, karma
* During his human life, he was a teacher and a philosopher and the first human to master the ways of Gensinism. Before he died, he took his time to educate and share his knowledge to the civilians around him. Gensin died and was buried at the Gensin monastery.

Gua Zi

* The "Risk-Free" Gensin
* Represents Freedom, Risk, laughter, Self determination
* Gua Zi translates into "melon seeds" (during his time as a Gensin monk, he would like to transfer his negativity and his thoughts by eating melon seeds)
* He was known for traveling, and Teaching people to live life like its your last.

Naujis Toujaha

* The Wise Gensin
* Represents ethicality, wisdom, order, balance, etc.
* Gained Wisdom and and enlightenment when living in the mountains. Also known for teaching monks morality, honor, humility and respect to those less fourtunate.

Via special evaluation, The former Gensins (or highly specialized Monks) would decide if the monk is fit for the Title. One must be able to access the Spirit world with ease and achieved enlightenment themselves. However, as of yet there is no new Gensin in this present day.

* Kaikige Gensin: Leader of all monks, village and faith. Represents the region, however they are not a full Gensin, but merely acting as the 2nd most enlightened in their place.

## Monastery

A Nokorasa is a monastery for both Monk and Villagers. It is also one of the places where Gensin the founder, was buried. The monks consider mountains as one of the most spiritual places, as they believe that it gives them the ability to focus on themselves instead of the harsh unbearable conditions. Most of its structures are built along cliffs along the side of mountains.

As of yet there 4 active/inactive lands under their realm:

Gensin Monastery

* Main homeland of the entire faith.
* Architecture based off of eastern Asian building styles (Chinese, Japanese, thai, etc).
* Most of the monks live there after the revival of the religion.
* Located in Goshuma, Simulami and Lead by Kaikige-Gensin Mordecai.

Ruthaja Monastery

* Birthplace of Gensinism, and the former home of Saursiki Ruthaja.
* Was left abandoned when the faith died out, it has since been reclaimed and under protection.
* Architecture is based of the local Desert housing
* Located in Yimmu Audal, Under the protection of Fuya-Fanpakyu Rafael

Xiao Shen Monastery

* Former, now abandoned Monastery
* Tibetan inspired monastery, situated in the high mountains
* Located in former Tortuga (modern day Horde), Was under the leadership of Fuya-Fanpakyu Gao Shin before his death.

Hermit's Mountain

* New/Upcoming Monastery
* Upcoming Mongolian Based architecture, rural design
* Recently Founded by Ongkhot, Founder of the Lakh Saam Sect
* Located in Andalisa, next to the Horde.

## Villagers & Nomads

### Villager

With the Revival era, there was a large number of those who held the faith, but chose not to become a monk. Sazukiwan, or villager were basically everyday people just like a monk, however they didnt follow the regulations the monks had. These people lived in the not yet named village in the monastery and Hongan-Ji, with now the newly made Hermit's Mountian.

### Side Titles

* Fanpakyu Sazukiwan: Village Councilor, deals with everyday duties of the surrounding villages.
* Kenbetsuk: Samurai for those who are village members and not fully religious in the Gensin faith, also defenders of the people as a whole as well(Not restricted, fights offensively. Council has final say on high level matters)

### Nomads

As well as the villager, it also gave a giant boost in nomadic life. Biriaga, or Nomads were as of late the main group of the faith as whole. It was mixed with monks, villagers, entire families who respected the faith, or all 3 together. These are groups of caravans would live off the land, or travel around the worlds of Ratham; doing jobs, helping people, etc. This would also give reason as to why the monasteries are quiet: Many of the nomads are Young and vibrant, while those who permanently live there are the elderly, Initiate monks, Councilors, and Families who want to settle down. It's only during the holidays, weddings, and Funerals is the monastery bustling with life.

## Jobs

Living as part of the community, Work is mainly communal, however there are shop owners as well. Both tend to have similar jobs, with monks having meditation and chants in their schedule. Monks also have more responsibilities like protection, sanctification and cleanliness of sanctuaries and shrines. These titles are held no matter who you are.

Titles Include:

Kanrru Divunoribi

* Spiritual Gurus/therapists/mentors/Doctors, anyone who wants to help people in health, etc
* Found all over, as well as outside the monastery to help people will their ailments

Kanrru Lanpaen

* Builders, Librarians, Brewers, anyone who creates
* Kanrru Lanpaen are found in the Library, Brewery and warrior area, creating and inventing

Kanrru Xanpaain

* Farmers, or anyone who tend to nature and life as a whole
	+ Kanrru Xanpaain are found in the fields, farming, taking care of animals, landscaping, and caretaking the natural lands

* Both Babetsuki and Kenbetsuk are found at the Warrior area training and watching over the monastery grounds

## Festivities

Many holidays from all over are celebrated here, whether religious or not. Since the people are of equality, holidays of a different culture tend to mix in the local ones as well.

New Years (Tasatakem)

* Welcomes the new year
* Gifts, fireworks, food and money is given around this time
* Included are large banquets and festivals, this is usually held for around 4 days, increasing in each day
* Commonly bright colors (like yellow or light blue) are worn around this time
* Traditionally the sacred flame is used to signal the New Year

Winter Festival (Ohare' zii Punosukun)

* Start of Winter, lasts a week
* Used as a time to rest and connect with family
* small gifts and parties
* Bright colors are worn around this time to pair with the new year

Spring Festival (Ohare' zii Samasasar)

* Start of Spring, lasts a week
* Used as a time for renewing and and restoration
* Monks open Initiate classes, re sanctify the temples, travel around offering blessings, as well as attending villager parties to have fun
* Regular sized parties, festivities and travel to new places for vacation
* Vibrant mix of dark and light colors to symbolize the renewing spring
* Flowers and plants are used in clothing and gatherings

Summer Festival (Ohare' zii Risarenz)

* Start of Summer, lasts a month
* longest festival, to give time for new leadership in all fields
* Used as a time for celebration, and joy
* Large parties, banquets, gifts
* Monks use this to celebrate the new council members and initiates
* Weddings are held during this time
* Samurai use this as the start of recruit training, and change of command
* Dark colors like red and some light like yellow to symbolize the raging heat and the passion of people

Autumn Festival (Ohare' zii Aitewitsu)

* Start of Autumn, lasts a week
* Used for remembering ancestors, passed relatives and pets
* Monks go around and give prayers and chants at the crypts and altars
* sessions are held to help those in need of mental healing
* Dark colors (like black or dark blue) are worn

### Religious Festivals

Certain days of the year which monks celebrate and remember certain people and the faith as a whole

Gua Zi Day (Urata' zii Gua Zi)

* Honors Gua Zi
* Farmers are respected on this day as well
* Held in the late Spring to peak Sumner months, as he was the representative of Freedom, matches with the raging summer and hype of the people
* Melons are the main treat during this festival, and all things melon
* A ritual is held to honor the fellow founding Monk.
* Melons, Fruits and seeds of all types especially rare are given as gifts between farmers and used as offerings in the temple alongside melons
* Melon signifies good luck, prosperity and wealth
* Light and dark greens, among other colors can be worn with flowers adorned to represent the growing cycle of melons

Founder's Day (Urata' zii Gensin or Urata' zii Ruthaja)

* Honors Gensin Saursiki Ruthaja, the father and founder
* Held in the peak Fall months, as he was the representative of life, karma, etc; Matches with the time for remembrance and resolve
* Ritual ceremonies, and a festival are held to remember the birth of Gensin as a whole
* Traditional Asaravijan, and Yimmu foods are given as offerings (as he was from Yimmu Audal)
* Rare and exotic items are given as gifts, a banquet is held for all to come and feast
* Tombs, shrines are re-Holifield and prayed to bring honor and respect
* The signature dark Crimson red, dark orange, and dark yellows are worn and heads shaven to represent and honor the founder (women have their hair trimmed short)

Toujaha Day (Urata' zii Toujaha)

* Honors Gensin Naujis Toujaha
* Scholars, writers, and people of high intellect are respected on this holiday
* Held in the winter, as she was born in the cold mountains, Matches the time with resting and concluding desires
* A ritual in which traveling to the peak of a mountain and meditating for a day is held; to help gain wisdom and to refresh a monks mind
* This is also a day for settling disputes and problems, as it's disrespectful to bring old drama into the new year/age
* Books are the main focus, from religious texts on ethics and order, to Poetry, music and religious recitation which are offered in a temple
* Dark colors are worn to feel exalted and ecstatic

Day of Prosperity (Urata' zii Oehiso)

* Held on the last month of Summer, before Autumn
* Used to mark the anniversary of the faith's Revival
* Many dress up and go to meet a founder/Reviver, to hear their wisdom/stories
* A special ritual is held to remember anyone of the Revival era who passed, and to bring good luck to faith moving forward
* A Banquet is held to honor the era, and those who made the faith as it is today
* A very special drink is made for this day, made by only two people at all times

## Kitogataga

Kitogataga is the main official Conlang of the northern Goshuma region. Originally spoken via tongue and not written down, only written down During Gaoshin's lifetime. Only due to the faith almost becoming non existent, any written documents of the language were hidden and forgotten, till the revival. Thanks to the Elder Monks and Ashei's research, almost all of the language has been recovered, with more being found and added to its dictionary. Its mainly based of the Korean/Thai Calligraphy, though it would be spoken Japanese.

**There are 131 characters in total.**

Its split into a total of 3 systems:

Eka, the First main Calligraphy set in KitogatagaNamgyal, the Second main Calligraphy set in KitogatagaIgatawan, the Third main Calligraphy set in Kitogataga- the number system as well as special characters for literatue classification
* Namgyal; Most simple of the two main systems, can be used to write in English
* Eka: Means to simplify, much more complex however, its written like Japanese- yet looks Korean
* Igatawan: the number system, loosely looks like the Thai number system

### Classification of Literature

Just like the Language system, there is a a total of 3 Classifications when it comes to Literature:

* Akitsus: "String" of words which are said for concentration and meditations (Based off of Buddhist Mantras)
* Sokitsus: A book Containing Scriptures, Religious records, and teachings (Based off of Buddhist Sutras)
* Menkitsus: Books on Music, Poetry, Science, Arts, and commentary on theology, Spirituality

## Prominent Families

Many in the northern Goshuma region respect and honor families for their good work

House Illustratio

* Family cared by Mordecai, mixed with both monks and villagers alike
* Currently leads the North Goshumese region
* Created after the decree of house creation by the Simulami government, removal of the Daimyo/mayor system
* Has tensions with House Maestro and Simulami government
* Main goals is to give the people Representation and a voice
* Officially dead as there is no activity on their existence as of yet

## History

### Past Era

Originally was created in modern-day Yimmu Audal. During this time there would soon be 3 Gensins in Total (Ruthaja, Gua Zi, and Toujaha). There main goal/Idea was to split and make monasteries, however this was not fully the case sadly. So as time went on Ruthaja would take the young man Gao Shin under his wing and became his first disciple. Gaoshin carries the traditions after Ruthajas passing, teaches and trains younger monks like his late master. Unfortunately, this would bring terrible conflict between some of the monks he watched over, which would then force him to move to a better place. The Internal conflict escalated, and Gaoshin left to make a new monastery Northern Plagatea. With him he brings the sacred books and his masters tomb to safety; leaving the former abandoned.

Time after Gaoshin finds and takes in a washed ashore Mordecai as his disciple. Monastery grows with more monks into potential small monastery, vibrant with a small community. As Gaoshin grows old, so did many of the monks, as well as the place. Mordecai leaves in search of something unknwown, leaving Gaoshin to be more brittle and solitary in his work. The monastery life would slow to an almost immediate halt for a long time.

### Revival Era

During this time a young and hopeful group came in hopes of reviving the faith. Trojan and An'to meet Gaoshin while he was farming in hopes of reviving the religion. He was ecstatic and was happy to offer his services to help the place come alive. The land ownership was currently under a man named Rafael McSpiegel. He recieved a letter talk about the monastery and its future, which he would then agree to become their builder for free. In which soon after repairs, new buildings, research and expansion commenced bringing a new age to the people there.

Soon they would get into first contact with their Hongan-ji neighbors, Okami and Ambex. One the plus side with talks between both Trojan and Ambex the two settlements would become good friends and peaceful towards each other. The Hongan-ji temple finished construction months later as a sign of friendship, and co-cooperation between the two faiths/towns.

Rafael would soon become the first Monk under Trojans leadership. Thereafter, a decree was made to become more open, and allow anyone to live with the monks whether or not they were nomads, or refugees from war. This would lead to a giant population increase, and a golden era with a new generation of Monks, and villagers, Like Serkeru, known as the Matriarch of all groups. Trojan would soon take it on herself to begin the restoration of the Founder's home in Yimmu, and the Ruthaja monastery was made to protect the sacred lands.

With the new Generation/Era also came with a lot of controversy. Tensions would start with Hongan-ji between Gaoshin and his "Orthodox" older monks, and Okami and her Shizen people. It would go so far that the Hongan-ji temple is burned down by an unknown perpetrator. It was Speculated to be Gaoshin, however the lack of evidence thereof said otherwise.

Gaoshin would then createthe Xiao Shen monastery. However tensions would rise with the Potatoist faith, due to both miscommunication by the two groups, toxicity by all parties, and trolling by the Frostmarch Leadership.

It would get so bad to the point of many arguments between Gaoshin and his monks, and Trojans "Reformed" Monks. It would boil over when she found out she was married to An'to a fellow revival founder. A Giant Argument between the monks and younger reformed monks would begin one late night over the decision of marriage and love by Gaohins comments. It went so bad to the fact that many of them like Rafael, An'to, Trojan, and Serkeru to revoke their monkhood and even make their own breakaway sect of the faith.

This would mentally drain Gaoshin, which he would later step down and retire as Kaikige-Gensin. He would then pass the leadership to Mordecai, whom the majority was glad with his decision. Trojan would then retire herself to take care of her own personal matters.

The faith was soon healing, until the Empire of Plagatea fell. In the midst there as uncertainty on what would happen. Soon word would come that the Simulami Empire would lead over some of the fallen Plagatean Lands. While they were fully and rightfully skeptical of this foreign nation, they decided to give an invitation to the Imperare as a sign of peace trust.

With Imperare Zeno being excited by the activity and populated the are was, he extended his own invitation to his Empire capital, Nuvallen. He would later advise a small area for the now Goshumese people to live in. Which then a temporary and hastily made temple was built.

More people were welcomed to the place like Organs, and the people live in solitude and harmony. However tragedy would soon strike as Trojan falls ill, and later passes away. Tensions would then rise again, and this would mark the End of the Golden Era and the start of the Gensin Dark Age.

### Present Day

While the Monastery wide opinion on Simulami is stable at this time, many were sound in there decision in wanting to go back to the reformed Plagatean state. With a decisive ruling, they decided to stay as Goshuma, fully integrating into Simulami society. In which her neighbors, Hongan-Ji and Sakurai Tempo decided to stay as well.

Due to anxiety and pressure on the other hand by some of the elder monks, Ashei agreed to take her mother Trojan's place on the Council as well. On the matters of Hongan-Ji, Ambex came to Ashei with a request to lead and protect the village while she was away.

Soon Ambushes and attacks on the people would begin with Plagatea being the culprit, with the help of Kumagaya. Which would bring Organs to be inducted into the Council. As well as the creation of his Samurai Militia. Construction on a new village on former Hongan-ji temple grounds would begin to help housing and business situation, with Mordecais leadership. The underground people would emerge around this time to make relations with the surface bretheren.

Gaoshin would later on pass away in his 800s, at Xiao Shen. With no one to lead the place, a decision was made to abandon the monastery. another tragedy struck and Serkeru is murdered, reasons unknown. At the same time Simulami relations would weaken as some believe the main House of Simulami was involved (no evidence as of yet.) This would bring to the creation of House Illustrario to try and be a beacon for all towns and people in the dark times.

The path of Lakh Saam would emerge, and would soon settle down south known as Hermit's Mountain. With the leadership of Ongkhot, it will soon become the second home of the entire Faith of any path.

## Sects

Everyone respects the Gensins and teachings, but not everyone follows the same Gensin, or believes in a different variation of the faith itself. There are some who's own traditional faith has similar or mixed with Gensin teachings as well, which are Adopted Sects. This depends on the monastery location and personal views.

### Main Classification

This would break down into 4 classes:

Orthodox Gensinism

* Primarily followed by pre revival monks/older elders
* They keep to the strict traditions of Gensinism with no exception, very Conservative
* They are primarily the keeper of traditions, rituals and sayings; including the ones who are caretakers of Shrines and temples
* Marriage was forbidden, but was allowed with Gaoshin's permission, the only known exception made
* Very hard believers on the peace ideology, sees the Samurai as unhonorable.
* One prominent follower was Gaoshin

Reformed Gensinism

* Followed majorly by post revival/younger monks
* They heed to the traditions of Gensin but with a few exceptions (like sake intake only for religious ceremonies)
* Marriage is allowed and common among them
* One prominent follower is Serkeru

Cultural Gensinism

* Primarily followed by Samurai and villagers
* They don't follow all of faith like a Monk, as they Drink and eat meat among other things
* They still however respect the ways and teachings
* One prominent follower is Organs

Scariffist Gensinism

● primarily followed by Agrabahrian nomads (dzungar inspired)

● They seek to experience the world to Its fullest, not just the spiritual aspects

● they use most of their time looking for brews and potions to alter their mortality. So that they Can spend eternity observing. this is why most of them are Kanrru Lanpaen

● Their traditions are intertwined with local nomadic mysticist teachings

### Paths

Ianu, or paths are the many different belief sects of the faith as a whole. There's a variety between different Gensins, and adopted faiths as well.

Path of Ruthaja (Ianu zii Ruthaja)

* Sect that Honors Saursiki Ruthaja the most
* Worshipped in the Gensin and Xiao Shen Monastery, the most common path
* Red, orange and yellow is seen worn by them
* Other names: Ruthajism, Ruthajist

Path of Gua Zi (Ianu zii Gua Zi)

* Sect that Honors Gua Zi the most
* Worshipped by Nomads
* The "fun" sect, as they live life on the edge
* Yellows, light orange, and greens are their colors
* Other names: Guaist, Zi'ism, Zi'ist

Path of Toujaha (Ianu zii Toujaha)

* Sect that Honors Naujis Toujaha the most
* Worshipped by scholars, and intellectuals
* The "Wise and contemplating" Sect, Knowledge is the peak of their path
* Grey's, blacks, blues, and other dark colors are their thing
* Other names: Toujahism, Toujahist

Lakh Saam (Ianu zii Saam)

* Followers of Ongkhot
* Worshipped at Hermit's Mountain
* Disciples of neutrality in existance, with the motto "It too shall pass"
* Seen in Whites, yellows, and oranges

Scariff (Ianu zii Scariff)

* New Emerging Sect
* Worshipped Naturally in Eldham
* Handles the mysticism, spritual and magical side of Gensinism

### Adopted Paths

Path of Shi Zen (Ianu zii Shi Zen)

* Followers of Shize'na michi
* Found in the village of Hongan-ji
* Personally adopted by Ashei to be protected under her
* Like Gensin, however they honor a Mountain Spirit called Kami
* Not more is known as their ways and such are passed through mouth

Unknown Underground Sect:

* Found in Cave systems under the monastery
* Survivalist and territorial, hoever are unified under House Illustratio

## Spirits & Spirit World

While they are free thinkers and some Athiest in nature, many within the monks and villagers do respect & have stories of these spirits and are spiritual as well. Nonashi, or a Spirt/Ghost are the name for such.

### Animals

Foxes (Sazuku)

* Well respected and viewed as message carriers throughout the world whenever needed
* First Introduced to the lands by Trojan from Aurora, being descendants & relatives of a different faith's spirit, Shuba
* Other faith didn't respect the orange fox for impurity, but both are respected equally in the faith
* White foxes have messenger capabilities, but are commonly around temples and rebellious
* Orange foxes are common around the parks and residential areas

Pandas (Burontado)

* Known for good luck, and peace
* As of late they have roamed around the nether park
* Brought to the monastery by Gaoshin and Rafael with a Dwarven friend from the west (which foxes were given as a sign of friendship)

Cats (Henas)

* Mainly seen as guardian of the house
* Lived there for centuries, of many varieties
* Around any household or public space
* Cats are also used to keep the place free of invasive species

Dogs (Tazurar)

* known as the protectors & guards by village Samurai
* Lived there for centuries
* At the warrior grounds, used as guard/watch dogs, and trained fighters

Turtles (Ginzoru)

* Known for life, longevity, peace, and patience
* Respected by more conservative elders
* Lived for centuries, found in the lakes of parks

### People

Spirits are people that have passed on from the Mortal World to the Spirit World. Somehow finding themselves wandering the Mortal World, usually the grounds where they passed away. In times of grief and sorrow Spirits can find themselves back in the Mortal World. Other times traveling there by their own fruition through cracks or pinpricks between the two worlds. It's rare for a former being to come back as a spirit/ghost, as many here view it as if the person has unfinished business in the world. As such they believe that those who don't come back as ghosts have already made peace and settled their issues before moving on. There a few who return to be guides; those who do have the ability to interact with anyone and anything at their disposal.

### Spirit World

The Spirit World is a realm of the immaterial that crosses over in pinpricks throughout the physical world. As there are holes large enough for inhabitants, of each world, to cross over. Nevertheless, when they do it imparts an imprint onto history. Spirits fickle and chaotic come and make little of us, occasionally using us as playthings on a grand scale, and sometimes leaving their imprint on desperate individuals.

Rumors say that people who find themselves in the Spirit World can become enlightened or benighted, depending on the psyche. No one knows the truth about the Spirit World, but there are dedicated scholars who would do whatever it takes to figure out its secrets.