Transcendence

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Summary of the faith

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### What is Transcendence?

Transcendence is a belief of being able to achieve a greater spiritual form and immortality. Being able to transcend is a complicated and long journey, wherein one needs to collect artifacts scattered across the mortal world by spirits and undergo a trial of worth by the spirits. Those worthy shall achieve the higher form of life and live amongst the spirits in eternal peace.  The main spirit of Emori’s journey to Transcendence is a white lion, whose intentions are to guide the mortals into the final trial of Transcendence.

### Origins of Transcendence

Transcendence is a religion believed to have been discovered by the Fague Civilisation before Emori's arrival to Avalor. The secrets of the once ancient *Fague* Civilization were uncovered by Emori’s Heda (translated to Higher Leader), whose speculations of such power came into reality. Since then Emori has passed on the ancient culture of the Fague and continued on their legacy. The scrolls and ancient books that were found there are now stored in the great Emorian Hall of the white lion, which leads to a *Key of Transcendence*; an artifact of big importance, which is guarded by Emori’s greatest warriors. It is yet not fully known what caused the extermination of the Fague, thus suggesting dangers of transcending. The once ancient town of the Fague people now belongs to the great Kingdom of Emori, its name, *Ontari*, a literal translation from Faguan *“Sbonisurlo braštan”* (Lion’s keep).

### Spirits

Spirits are the highest form of life known to Emorians. They are known to guide mortals into the trial of transcendence, where they will test their subject thus choosing if the subject is worthy of transcendence. There are many kinds of spirits, their nature and goals can vary. The most known spirit between the Emorians is the white lion, who guides Emorians into the trial.

## Culture of Transcendence

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Traditions and convictions

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### Holidays

#### The Great Revelation Period (Gewamer Hirah Mohaveg)

There are many days deemed of importance for Emorians. The arrival to and discovery of Ontari, consequently leading to a discovery of the key of Transcendence is celebrated for a whole week. It is marked as the start of the Emorian calendar called Merdi. The week of Celebration, also known as the great Revelation period (in Emori as Mer Moha) is the most known and important festival. It is defined by long periods of religious attendance at the location of the lion statue and indulging in delicate food. In this period of the week no violence is allowed, thus making the use of fighting pits not permitted. The point of The great Revelation period is allowing Emorians to feel grateful as well as find meaning to Transcendence.

#### The Day of Spirits (Gewahid Lehirec)

Spirits are the highest form of life, their intentions are diverse. There are many spirits known to Emorians, the one big of importance being The white lion (Wes Luwar). The day that these creatures of many traits are celebrated is called *Gewahid Lehirec* (The Day of Spirits). The big festival takes place in the center of Ontari where dancers dressed as colorful spirits march the city.

### Worship places

#### Monasteries and shrines

Many worship places have been left by the *Fague* unrevealed across the world of Avalor.  Shrines and hidden monasteries are the main places of prayer and meditation. To prepare ones soul for Transcendence requires a visit into the main Worship temple, The Hall of the White Lion.

#### The Hall of the White Lion

The most significant place in Emori is the Hall of the White Lion. The building resides in Ontari, moreover it leads to the highly guarded Key of Transcendence. In the building reside Damai, the so-called priests/priestesses of Transcendence. They are a loyal servant of Heda and protect the lion statue. Damai are highly knowledgeable of Transcendence and keep the sacred scrolls organized.

### Organization

#### Heda

Heda is both the head of religion and state. As king of Emori they hold unlimited power in the kingdom.

#### Damai

*Damai* are religious and secular leaders in Transcendence. They serve as religious advisors to the *Heda*. The highly trained priestesses/priests of Transcendence reside in the center of Ontari, in The Hall of the White Lion. Only few are chosen for this role and start the training in their young years. Damai are highly knowledgeable of Transcendence and thus keep and spread the ways of Transcendence to the people. In addition to this they lead the rituals and festivals on holy days.

#### White Sentinels

*The White Sentinels* commit their lives in protection of the Key of Transcendence. Furthermore they serve and ensure the safety of Damai. The white Sentinels can be easily distinguished by their white robes and shields.