Ubranism

> “Ubra, the divine eternal flame, is the essence of all beings.”
>
> **Core Doctrine**

## Structure

#### Authority

Through Subra, Ubra imparts special divinity among select beings who become clerics to guide their community. Clergy are occasionally allowed to decide upon larger questions facing the whole religion, but answer to the community and the holy flame.

#### Organization

Most matters are left to each community with guidance from their clerics and the teachings of Subra. A council composed of a representative from each Ubranon community convenes annually to resolve questions of the flame, and may meet in emergency circumstances when a holy flame is threatened to be extinguished unnaturally.

#### Denominations

All followers operate under the same sect of faith.

## Theology

#### Deity

Henotheistic doctrine asserts one supreme essence Ubra, but neither affirms nor denies the existence of other lesser deities. Followers assert Ubra to be omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient, but there is no consensus as to whether Ubra intervenes directly with its creation. Ubra is often expressed and symbolized through its purest form, fire.

#### Prophets

For an unknown reason and through unknown means, an unnamed being was the first to be made aware of the nature of Ubra and accept it. She named herself Subra and shared her knowledge to all beings through a central holy text. Subra is a conduit through which Ubra imparts special divinity, and is the being closest to reaching ultimate divinity, but can never reach Ubra and is not a deity.

#### Scripture

A central holy text written by mystical and divine founder Subra establishes core tenants of faith. Doctrine is expounded upon by religious scholars, composed of historical figures who have gained legitimacy through mythos of their divine abilities.

#### Cosmology

The universe is an eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth. Life necessitates consumption, consumption necessitates annihilation. The essence of this transformation is referred to as Ubra.

#### Divinity

Only Ubra holds ultimate divinity. All holiness that a being holds is derived from Ubra, but can never rival that of Ubra itself. Holiness exists in theoretically endless forms but the purest divinity manifests in fire, so beings who are able to wield flame are believed to possess a special type of divinity.

#### Afterlife

Upon death a being’s essence is consumed by other living beings, thus becoming something new.

#### Soteriology

Actions that encourage the natural process of life are generally regarded as good, and actions that generally prevent the natural process of life are regarded as evil. The ultimate bad is to try to extinguish the divine eternal flame, Ubra. There is no inherent reward or punishment in the afterlife for one’s actions during their lifetime. However, those who work to cultivate life and the holy flame find it bears abundance, but this is viewed as a natural consequence of effort and belief, not an expression of divine judgment. Those who fail to cultivate life, through negligence or purposeful misconduct, naturally face less favorable consequences. There is no formal legal system, but beings who commit evil acts may face rejection from their community, depending on the severity of the action.

## Traditions

* **Obligation**: The mission of every follower is to work towards ultimate divinity. Each follower must strive to accept and understand Ubra, but can only progress through the practices and guidance of Subra. All members are expected to participate in the observance of holy rituals, studying of scripture, and to embody the core virtues of the holy text.
* **Tolerance**: Followers are expected to be inclusive and open minded towards others. Beings of any gender, race, or sexuality are accepted into the faith and are generally treated fairly.
* **Clergy**: Beings who are found to be able to wield flame can become clerics. In order to be, they must undergo a ritual in which they completely bathe in flame and return with new skin, covered in holy marks. Clerics usually act as advisors for their community and lead religious ceremonies,
* **Holy Sites**: Fires that hold a supernatural ability to stay alight are deemed a holy site. Ubranon settlements will form around the holy flame once it is discovered. Holiness is only held within the fire itself, the site will lose significance when the holy flame is extinguished, thus all holy sites and their settlements are ultimately impermanent.
* **Holidays**: Day of Acceptance, solstice council - lasts three days, winter solstice
* **Rituals**: Skin Staining ritual, must be renewed yearly