Religious Overview

## Barosa Worshippers

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

Barosa was a Saint (racial origin unknown) of the Universal Church who believed that much of the churches activity was unfocussed and without consideration of the ‘big picture’. Gathering his followers Barosa broke away from Universal to form his own sect. Over the years this sect has grown and spread across the North Island, although actually pinpointing its centres of worship can be extremely difficult. Whilst Universal still somewhat regards Barosans as members of the Universal church, the reverse certainly cannot be said to be true.

### Lay Worshipper Notes

Barosan worshippers are expected to avoid impulsive actions and demonstrate thought and planning in all they do. But note that contemplative and considerate does not equate to pacifist, indeed many successful military officers in history are known to have worshipped Barosa.

Racial tolerance is expected, even extending to Orcs, Trolls and Elves.

Barosans do not particularly attempt to convert people to the faith, believing that true worshippers will come when they are ready, of course this insight on the part of the unbeliever might require encouragement or demonstration.

All Barosan worshippers are expected to visit the Golden Pagoda once in their lives, failure to do so implies a lack of true insight.

## Perceval Worshippers

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

Perceval was one of the first Dwarven High Priests (Pope) of the Universal faith and his elevation to Sainthood was very much seen as automatic. However, he developed a reputation for caring less about the growth of the church and more about the stability of the North Island political structures. Percevals active involvement in political negotiations and push to establish trade across the island, even with enemies of the Universal church, led to him being thrown out of office and excommunicated.

However, by then – Percevals reputation as an independent arbiter and bringer of stability had grown to the point that many in the Church followed him into exile and when Perceval died – his followers continued on his beliefs and teachings.

Since then relations between Universal and Perceval churches has improved dramatically, more cynical observers believe that the Universal believes it can reabsorb Perceval back into the fold.

### Lay Worshipper Notes

Perceval worshippers are often portrayed as being tight fisted, money grabbing, manipulative power mongers. To a certain extent that is true, but what is not appreciated is the less well publicized philanthropy and social conscience that forms the underlying foundation of the religion. “In order to make things better for all, you must be in a position of power, influence and wealth”.

Perceval worshippers are expected to actively support their local churches or priests, and donations to the church are expected. In return, the church supports the goals of believers through provision of political contacts, information or other (generally non-material) means.

## Shanah Worshippers

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

The Shanah sect of Universal appeared around the same time as Barosa, Shanah was another Universal Saint – probably of Maratasen origin, who took a much more militaristic approach to spreading the faith. Shanah worship found strong roots in the North Island particularly amongst the Nomad Clans where the Wyldwood faith was struggling to find an identity.

### Lay Worshipper Notes

Shanah worshippers are expected to fight, using whatever means are at their disposal. Conflict is seen as the primary means of realizing objectives, whether personal, political or religious.

In general Shanah worshippers are taught that their religion will spread through demonstration of superiority, even a fallen enemy who recognizes Shanah can become worthy. (…and if that sounds like “Convert or die”….. well yup!).

## Universal Worshippers

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

Universal worship appears to have arrived on the North Island with the initial Human waves of immigration. Central to the faith is the fact that there is a single creator being who embraces all living things, but this creator is so far removed from mortals that he cannot be named or defined in any terms that can be understood. Worship of Universal therefore tends to revolve around ‘Saints’, individuals within the church of great note who have died. A cleric of Universal will tend to have no great adherence to an individual Saint, and the Saints being worshipped will vary by region.

This elevation of individuals within the religion has led to a number of breakaway religions emerging: Gemihadist, Perceval and Shanah being currently known ones.

### Lay Worshipper Notes

Universal worshippers are expected to avoid discriminating against anyone on the basis of race. All are expected to contribute to the growth of the church and the spread of the faith. But above all that, the church seeks to promote unity, finding the split of the kingdom a grievous state of affairs.

If there is one thing that a universal worshipper is expected to do, it is to facilitate the elimination of the undead. Tales are heard of a great undead citadel to the North, and it is believed by most that if the Elves had not invaded, the church would have declared a Crusade against this citadel – “Ghoulagabba”.

## Wyldwood Worshippers

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

The oldest religion (or so it is claimed) on the North Island, Wyldwood is a worship of nature and the world itself (not quite Gaia), with a strong totemistic streak. Since the time of Chaos the religion has retrenched somewhat, becoming more and more introverted and isolationist. Whilst this should not be considered as weakness it does raise questions amongst non-worshippers (and even some of the faithful) as to whether the religion has a future.

### Worshipper Notes

Wyldwood worshippers are taught early on to focus heavily on self-reliance, civilization is an artificial construct that allows the weak to prosper, eventually sealing it’s own doom. That is not to say that Wyldwood will not cooperate with others, but such cooperation is on the understanding this is temporary. Of course to Wyldwood, “temporary” can cover a long timespan, for instance Wyldwood has been tolerating and cooperating with the Universal church for over 50 years in an ongoing campaign to contain and eventually eliminate the undead powers corrupting the North East of the island.