Eggaikeu Religion

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## Basic Information

### Religious Figures

High Eggsarch, Eggsarchs, Templars, Monks

### Deities

Seven Celestials: Leo, Lia, Cheril, Tanchao, Ghaebae, Eggmun-Ra, The Seventh Celestial

### Present in

Vulperium

Eggaikeu (also known as the Eggaikeu Religion or The Path of Eggaikeu) is a monastic practice that intertwines the realms of physical nature with the celestials who guide each follower throughout their daily lives. Unification and peace are core values of Eggaikeu. The ultimate goal for all followers of Eggaikeu is to reach the holy enlightenment; Eggaikeu!

> *"With good faith and cake, Eggaikeu will be a harmonious place!"*
> *- High Eggsarch Pimbleton*
>
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## Celestials

### The Seven Celestials

* **Leo** - One of the twin guardians who watches over the fields of the natural plane. Leo is a great yellow lion who signifies growth and courage, pride and strength. Leo is a protector and athlete. His followers often learn of hard work and good rest.
* **Lia** - the second of the twin guardians, sister to Leo. Her domain courses through rivers and streams; as well as, reaching out into the distant oceans and seas. Lia is a sleek water lioness who signifies water and grace, illusion and mystique. Lia is regarded as the guide for the lost who need help to return home. Her followers often create gifts and offer help to those in need.
* **Cheril** - the celestial vulpine and mother to the twin guardians and many other lesser celestials. Cheril takes the form of an elegant cherry colored fox. She signifies the moon and beauty, passion and fertility. Her followers cherish her graces and regard music and dance as delights to present to Cheril.
* **Tanchao** - a watcher of the afterlife for followers of Eggaikeu. Tanchao glistens in the mountaintops as a golden white panda overlooking the natural plane from high above. He signifies life and death, ceremony, belief, and comfort. His followers regard leisure as a virtue combated by fortified endurance when the time for ceremony arrives. Followers of Tanchao often prepare funerals and assist with ceremonious activities within temples.
* **Ghaebae** - celestial keeper of knowledge and seeker of wisdom. Ghaebae is a large astral tortoise that follows the path of time.  She signifies knowledge and insight, durability and dedication. Her followers work wonders collecting knowledge from various sources of the world as well as preserving the wake of history left by Ghaebae. Her followers often become historians, librarians, and scribes.
* **Eggmun-Ra** - the celestial of the Golden Egg. His form has never been seen for he manifests in a spiritual shape of a whereduck. Eggmun-Ra signifies change and acceptance, truth and justice. Eggmun-Ra is the father to many and the head of the seven celestials of Eggaikeu. Followers of Eggmun-Ra often seek out leadership positions, they seek truth and value safety for innocence.
* **The Seventh Celestial** - Still unknown to many. The High Eggsarch of Eggaikeu is given the insight as to the secret seventh celestial. Should Eggaikeu ever become corrupt and lose favor of the seven celestials, Eggaikeu will disperse leaving all followers lost until Eggaikeu can be found again and restored.

## History of Eggaikeu

### Founding and Early History

Eggaikeu was founded when Chief Eggofeek and King Suga convened together upon a field of roses. The two leaders discussed what they had discovered in their neighboring lands; Chief Eggofeek’s discovery of the 'Seven Eggs' and King Suga’s vision of the ‘Seven Celestials'. Chief Eggofeek and King Suga made a pact that day to unite their people in natural harmony across the land. Eggaikeu was formed and the two groups flourished for years.

Thousands of years ago two tribes followed Eggaikeu. The Eggonites and the Suggariva. The Eggonites were a tribal people led by their Chief, Eggofeek. Suggariva was led by King Suga of the Daechi Family. The two tribes lived in harmony for many years with the unification of the seven celestials watching over them.

### Closing of the Suggariva Gates

Years had passed as the Suggarivans and Eggonites had been living peacefully by the way of Eggaikeu but a dispute that King Suga’s son, Sugil had started a cult deep beneath the layer of earth protected by the celestials had created a rift between the two tribes. King Suga defended his son and told Chief Eggofeek that if the bond of trust could not be shared then Suggariva could return to the way they lived before Eggaikeu. The head of the celestials, Eggmun-Ra saw this dispute from above and made a choice. He would hide the way of Eggaikeu from the people below until they could restore what once had formed.

King Suga would return to his people telling them of the judgment of Chief Eggofeek. The gates to Suggariva were closed, communication cut off, and trade connections blocked. The two tribes separated never to unite again. Chief Eggofeek still kept the Seven Eggs and protected them within the grand temple in Eggonitia.

### Sugil’s Fall

Chief Eggofeek locked away the Seven Eggs but kept the people of Eggonitia calm for years as they maintained prosperity with the protection of the Seven Eggs; however, what Chief Eggofeek was not aware of was the plan Sugil had to steal the Golden Egg. Sugil sent spies from Suggariva into Eggonitia. The day Sugil stole the Golden Egg became the fall of Eggonitia. The Seven Eggs were no longer united and soon the Eggonites would lose their connection to the land and its prosperity.

### First Restoration

In recent times, the grandson of a veteran from the wars between the Sugarriva and Eggonites, Theodias Pimbleton had set out from the help of his grandfather to restore the ancestry of his people. Theodias took great lengths to build a marvelous city named after the fields where the twin guardians, Leo and Lia would play; Leolia. Theodias’ goal was to restore the ancestry of his family and town but in doing so he would learn much more than expected. With the help of a few noble adventurers Theodias was able to find the Seven Eggs that had been lost.

Once Theodias had collected the Seven Eggs a spirit spoke to him, giving him great insights into the past of his ancestors both Eggonite and Suggarivan.

The Spirit of Eggmun-Ra spoke to Theodias.

### The Fading of Leolia

Theodias had learned of Eggaikeu from Eggmun-ra who spoke directly to him. Appointed now as the High Eggsarch, Theodias knew he must head to a new land to find freedom to build a temple and restore the true form of Eggaikeu. Leolia would fade from no fault of Theodias, but from the mistakes of his ancestors.

### Second Restoration

Theodias founded a new temple devoted to the path of Eggaikeu in Vulperium, a land free for religions to grow and prosper. The grand temple would be named: “The Beloved Temple of the Stars” The new temple would unite both ancestral groups along with the unification of the Seven Eggs and the Seven Celestials under one true belief.

## Religious Practice

### Rules of Eggaikeu

The following is a list of rules that are observed by practitioners of Eggaikeu.

1. All formal prayers must be delivered in the form of haikus.
2. Once one’s path to Eggaikeu begins it is their only path. To leave Eggaikeu is to never return until a new restoration is founded by a High Eggsarch.
3. To accept offering, blessing, or other ceremony from practices outside Eggaikeu is to abandon Eggaikeu.
4. The Layers of Eggaikeu are bound by hierarchy. To restructure the layer is to abandon Eggaikeu.
5. There is only one High Eggsarch who knows the balance of Eggaikeu.
6. No weapons or armor is permitted upon Eggaikeu Temple grounds; however, monks and those of the layers higher are able to wear their allocated garb.
7. Should a follower of Eggaikeu be questioned of their chosen layer, a vote amongst the Eggsarch and High Eggsarch shall commence as to the correct layer of the follower.
8. One may change layers in Eggaikeu so long as they do not abandon the path of Eggaikeu.
9. Should a new Eggsarch replace one upon the pedestals of the Seven Eggs, a vote shall commence to this change from the remaining Eggsarchs, High Eggsarch, and one randomly selected follower of Eggaikeu.

### The Seven Sanctions of Eggaikeu

In addition to the regular rules, there are seven tenets considered sacred known as the Seven Sanctions of Eggaikeu. They are written as haikus.

* Truth is above all; To lie is to abandon; Eggaikeu’s true path
* Pride shall be gifted; By celestial guidance; For All Eggaikeu
* Knowledge by the heart; Is protected by the mind; Eggaikeu’s one spirit
* Love is Eggaikeu; For it follows us through time; Eggaikeu’s one song
* Comfort is noble; For Tanchao watch over us; Safe is Eggaikeu
* Life is suffering; We carry upon our backs; Eggaikeu’s Burden
* One is Eggaikeu; But grow in number each day; Eggaikeu’s true change

### The Celestials Paths

Practitioners of Eggaikeu may follow the paths of the Celestials in an attempt to gain their favor.

#### Leo's Path

To walk the path of Leo one must first plant a field of wheat seven in length and seven in width.

Once the wheat is planted one must tend to it till it is harvested 14 times over.

“Wipe the sweat from your brow and see the pride of Leo’s Mane.”

Take 70 hay bales upon your back and walk to the riverside.

“For your hard work will pay with play”

Bathe upon the banks of water as the sun sets.

Return again to the field upon the next day.

Wait until the field is ripe and ready for harvest.

Take pride in your work and hear the roar that resonates upon the path of Leo.

#### Lia's Path

Search and you may never find the lucid waters of Lia’s stride.

Look deep into the sea; search for spectacles quite shiny.

Shells and pearls of nautical parts.

Bring to her 20 and you will earn her heart.

Set sail upon the sunset as your brother soon will rest.

Find her seven blocks of ice and soon you’ll pass her test.

Return from the sea and smile back, your brother sleeps until dawn's crack.

Find rivers and wait till blue flowers bloom.

The path of Lia; you’ve received her boon.

#### Cheril's Path

Hidden under twilight shade, the singing mother shows no dismay.

Bring to her 12 golden glands, and plant her favored across the land.

Make haste, great taste, or be stuck in a jam. But if done correctly, 7 friends you’ll have.

Finally her love is near; Cheril watches as you have steered.

Walk her path with grace and poise, listen to her sweet sultry noise.

Then dance and praise for her light is now within your gaze.

#### Ghaebae's Path

To walk this path the leader shall never look back.

With time; rewind, collect the past.

Knowledge is not what this celestial lacks.

A dozen pages fresh and pressed

Bind them so, to begin her test.

Ponder often as your wisdom grows

Fill the void with questions from below

A darkness dwells of doubt renewed.

Ten sacs of ink shall never spill

Write your name with profound thrill

Trace her path with your newfound quill.

#### Tanchao's Path

Find your home, your resting place.

Upon his path of woven grace.

Topped with gold

And lit with candle

You will have built, his golden mantle

With patience; thy path of leisure start

By withdrawn breath; and single heart

Prepare six drinks of purity

Then view Tanchao’s bridge to be

#### Eggmun-Ra's Path

Go wonder, go far, and wonder where.

Swift with justice, within his glare.

Upon the twilight zone of time.

Learn his path as it unwinds.

First to bond

A forge so bold.

Make with it a sword of gold.

Speak free his word

Do not recant

Upon thy blade will be enchant

In darkened hue; truth can’t hide

As Eggmun-Ra soars through the sky.

Complete his path of noble tread

Swear to never feed of bread

Build a shrine in shape of egg

## Ceremonies

### Eggaikeu Weddings

A formal Eggaikeu wedding involves two followers of Eggaikeu standing across from each other within the shell of Eggmun-Ra for the father of celestials must bless the marriage to be. The two to wed must bring gifts for each celestial and place them before the Seven Eggs.

Guests will wait as the couple are brought into the sacred domain of Tanchao who will mark their unity before his bridge. Upon the couples return from Tanchao’s domain, the guests will signify the acceptance of their marriage by showering the newly weds in glorious eggs.

### Eggaikeu Funeral

An Eggaikeu funeral is a solemn moment for many followers, when Tanchao has released his breath for the individual whom he chose.  A bed for each soul that passes through his domain will be placed by the High Eggsarch or Eggsarch assisting with Funeral rights.

Only followers of Eggaikeu may be put to rest by this ceremony. The temple grounds will be layered with Lilac. Each spirit that passes into Tanchao’s Domain will be presented with their “last slice” , a sacred cake formed from the essence of Tanchao himself.

Funeral guests watch from below as the spirit will pass into the afterlife.

## Festivals

### Cheril's Blossoming

Cheril’s Blossoming is a festival in the springtime that marks the birth of Cheril. Upon a sanctuary of Cherry Trees, Cheril’s followers will take a blessing from her and rise towards the moonlight. Once within her moonlit sight, Cheril will sing into the twilight. As she sings the dance begins. The Festival ends with a descent town to the natural plane where Cheril napped beneath a cherry tree.

### The Twin Guardian Triathlon

The Twin Guardian Triathlon is a short race developed from the competition Leo and Lia once had with each other to see who could travel across the world fastest before Sunset. The festival is full of obstacles for race contenders and a prize gifted to the race winner in the form of a trusty steed deemed fastest in the land until the next Festival. The race consists of three forms, land by food, land by steed, and aquatic travel. The race is commonly held in Summer.

## The Layers of Eggaikeu

### Initiates

New followers of Eggaikeu who have just begun their journey are regarded as initiates. Initiates are given quarters to reside within Eggaikeu temples. They are expected to spend time reading and learning of Eggaikeu practices and of their first chosen celestial. They will be given an instructor to assist in their teachers as a partner to communicate with when struggles may come to them upon their journey.

### Adepts

Adepts are initiates who have started the path of a second celestial after completing  the path of their first celestial.  Adepts are given prayer books to practice writing temple prayers.

### Monks

Monks are followers of Eggaiku who have completed two celestial paths and have begun their third. A Eggaikeu monk takes a sacred vow and is given special permissions upon temple grounds; they are the first tier of the defense of Eggaikeu. An Eggaikeu monk will travel and spread the word of Eggaikeu as requested by Eggsarchs

### Instructors

Instructors have surpassed three celestial paths and are now able to assist initiates in their early steps of achieving Eggaikeu. Instructors are allowed to begin performing ceremonies and prayers.

### Templars

Templars have completed four celestial paths and are the sacred defenders of Eggaikeu. They are given special equipment from the celestial blessings. Templars will help any Eggaikeu temple with reconstruction if there is decay and assist in sacred rituals not permitted for instructors.

### Eggsarchs

Eggsarchs have tenaciously finished walking the paths of five celestials and will finish their sixth accordingly. Eggsarchs help lead decisions for the temple projects and help in restoring the core components of Eggaikeu. Eggsarchs select missions for monks to travel and spread word of Eggaikeu.

### High Eggsarch

The High Eggsarch is the singular body who communes with the celestials directly. The High Eggsarch watches over all of Eggaikeu followers and is responsible for the Seven Eggs. The High Eggsarch is the head of Eggaikeu and has final say over all decisions.

## Locations

### Beloved Temple of the Stars

The Beloved Temple of the Stars (BTS) is a location regarded as having religious importance in the Eggaikeu religion. It can be found at Earnside in the nation of Vulperium in Eldham. The freedom of religion there allowed for the construction of the temple.