Religion Introduction and Overview

A map showing the various connections of the Major Religions

## Introduction

During the Reign of Fire, with both the barriers between the planes weakening from the rediscovery of magic and the prayers and pleas to the various Gods, both old and new, resulted in the gods being able to return to the Material Plane again for the first time in thousands of years. Now able to manifest in Avatars and directly communicate with their worshippers on occasion once again, competition for followers has become fierce, with it said that belief sustains the Gods themselves.

## Afro-syncretic faiths

### Candomblé

A syncretic faith that absorbed religious traditions from West Africans, Portuguese Catholics, and indigenous South Americans. Its name literally means "dance in honor of the gods," and, as one would expect, many of its rituals involve music and dance. Practicioners worship a creator deity named Oldumaré, as well as numerous lesser spirits called Orixàs. Candomblé practicioners believe that every person has their own patron Orixà, who controls their destiny and acts as a spiritual protector.

### Rastafarian

Rastafari is a religion originating in Jamaica "inspired by both the Christian Bible and the teachings of Marcus Garvey. They believe that a pre-Event emperor from ""Zion"" known as Ras Tafari was the representative of Jah" or God on Earth "and that ""the Event"" was the result of Jah overthrowing the wicked forces of ""Babylon""" allowing the world to start anew. The Rasta faith is divided into several groups "or ""mansions""" and the two largest Rasta Mansions in the post-apocalyptic world are Bobo Ashanti and the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

### Santeria

Santería, translating roughly to "devotion to the saints", is an Afro-Cuban religion that can be traced back to the Yoruba people of West Africa. Believers worship three aspects of one god: Olodumaré the Creator, Olorun, who manifests as the Sun, and Olofi, who directly communicates with the Orichás - or "Saints" - and grants them spiritual energy to act as intermediaries between man and God, as well as to help mankind live moral, harmonious lives.

### Tres Potencias

Tres Potencias, or "Three Powers", is a syncretic religion native to Venezuela. Followers of Tres Potencias blieve that good and evil spirits inhabit our world, with the powers to affect health, luck, and other aspects of human life. There is a Supreme God, but under him are the "Three Powers" for which the religion is named. They are mortals who have ascended to the level of deities: María Lonza, Negro Felipe, and Guaicaipuro. Beneath the Three Powers are the spirits, powerful mortals who continue to influence the world long after their deaths. These spirits are organized into 21 "courts", and believers can petition those courts for aid through prayer.

### Voodoo

Descended from West African Vodun, Voodoo originated in 18th century Haiti, spreading later to Louisiana. Vodouists worship the creator god Bondye, but as he is unreachable by men, they pray to his servants, the Loa, who act as intermediaries in exchange for service. Each Loa is responsible for a different aspect of life, and vodouists develop a personal relationship with them through elaborate ceremonies that can include ritual offerings, song, dance, and allowing themselves to be possessed by the spirits so that Loa and vodouist may communicate.

## American Native

### Midewiwin

Midewiwan or the "Spiritual Mystery", is the traditional religion of many Native American groups in the Great Lakes area  and beyond. Followers of Midewiwin believe that the the Event, or  the"seventh fire", marked the start of a new era for Native Americans across North America, a time for reclamation of both land and spirituality. The center of Midewiwin is the medicine lodge", where specially-initiated priests conduct rites of ceremony and passage for their people.

### Xhúuyee K'iigaang

Followers of Xhúuyee K'iigaang revere supernatural beings described in their sacred tales, Raven (Xhúuyee) foremost among them. In some tales Raven is playful and benevolent, while in others he is greedy, treacherous, and wanton. He is sometimes loved and sometimes feared. Raven indirectly made the world by stealing and transforming that which came before, and preserved the Haida though the Dark Times with cleverness and trickery. Other Xhúuyee K'iigaang gods include Ta'xet and Tia, who rule respectively over violent and peaceful death.

## Amero-Syncretic

### Exovedate

The Exovedate faith is a syncretic mix between Catholicism, Judaism, and First Nations beliefs based on the teachings of the martyr Louis Riel. Its adherents believe that Riel was a messianic figure and prophet who helped bring about the Event so that his followers could lead the world into a new era of greatness.

### Kanéist Átk'aheen

The religion of the Tlingit is said to have been brought to them long before the Event by bearded strangers from across the sea. Although Kanéist Átk'aheen has Christian origins it has become heavily distorted due to its isolation from the rest of the Christian world incorporating native Tlingit practices and idiosyncratic beliefs. Despite all this however "the ""Cross Faith"" has managed to survive the rise of the Haida in the Northwest" and has even managed to attract many non-Tlingit followers.

### Peyotist

Peyotism is a syncretic religion that combines Christian monotheism and morals with indigenous spirituality and practices. Peyotists believe that a single divine being known as the Great Spirit personally guides the fates of everything and everyone in Creation. Peyotists believe that one can directly communicate with and recieve blessings from the Great Spirit through the use of peyote, or "the holy sacrament", during special ceremonies held at specific times

## Christian

### Anabaptist

The Anabaptists are a branch of Christianity originating from 16th century Europe, and are the forebears of American groups such as the Amish, Hutterites and Mennonites, which banded together to survive the post-cataclysm world. Anabaptists believe Christians should remain separate from the rest of the world, refuse to hold office, and refrain from violence except when absolutely necessary. These tenets make life after the apocalypse difficult, and often quite short.

#### Batenburger

Batenburgers are a particularly violent group of Christians that emerged following the invasion of Anabaptist lands by Americanists. Followers of Batenburgism believe that the invasion was a sign that the doctrine of pacifism was to be abandoned entirely, rather than being merely relaxed. Followers of other Christian faiths condemn these heretics for their maintenance of harems and their tendency to violently raid the homes of non-believers.

### Anglican

Anglicanism describes itself as being a "via media", or middle way, between Evangelical Protestantism and the Catholic Church. Following the Event, the Anglican Church in Canada refused to participate in the Evangelical Convention called by the churches in the Deep South, and it has since become recognized as a separate faith unto itself. The highest authority in Anglicanism is the Archbishop of New Canterbury.

#### Nonconformist

The term "nonconformist" is used by antediluvian Anglicans to refer to all non-Ursuline Canadian Christians who, for one reason or another, reject the authority of the Anglican Church. Many different Protestant groups have been persecuted using this lable over the centures, and present-day Nonconformists are primarily known for their acceptance of female clergy and opposition to the idea of religious hierarchy in general.

### Apostolic

The "Igreja Apostólica", or "Apostolic Church", split from mainstream Roman Catholicism long before the Event over disputes regarding divorce and clerical celibacy. It eventually became known for its relative tolerance of non-Christian faiths. After the chaos of the Event, the Apostolic Church became the dominant Christian faith in most of Brazil, and this position was cemented further when it was adopted by the first post-Event Emperor of the House of Bragança, Pedro the Restorer. All adherents north of the Amazon river are led by the Archbishop of Manaus, although he is only a subordinate of the Church's true leader in São Paulo.

#### Folclorista

Far from the yoke of São Paulo the gaúchos of the pampas have drifted away from the rigid dogma of the Empire. They refer to God as O Padre and revere a separate group of saints in ways that are seen as heretical by the Apostolic Church.

### Catholic

Catholicism is one of the oldest branches of Christianity, and survived the cataclysmic events of centuries past by the skin of its teeth. The Papacy is now located in old St. Louis,as contact with Rome was lost. The formal head of the religion is the Bishop of New Rome - the Pope.

#### Neo-Gnostic

Neo-Gnostism (re)emerged in Colorado ad a syncretic faith combining teachings coming from the Cetic west and the Catholic east. Neo-Gnostics have amalgamated the belief in the Christian God with the rejection of the material world often found in Cetic school of thought. They believe that Salvation can be found in worship of Christ and that they can find Elightenment through his teachings. Gnostics see material processions and desires as secondary to Oneness of God. They reject the material world (matter, flesh) as being the work of Satan and seek to embrace the 'Gnosis' of God (knowledge, enlightenment, salvation).

#### Nestorian

Nestorians are an ancient branch of Christianity deemed heretical for their belief in the dual nature (humane and divine) of Christ. The Nestorian position was historically adopted by the Church of the East, offshoots of which have periodically drifted into and out of communion with the Pope. Some of those offshoots relocated to the United States during the 20th century, and fell out of communion with the St. Louis Papacy after the Event. Because of this, Nestorians are now considered by most to be a Catholic heresy.

#### Sedevacantist

The name Sedevacantist comes from the Latin term 'Sede Vacante', meaning 'the seat is vacant'. Sedevacantists reject the authority of the Pope of New Rome, denying his right to call himself successor of the Pope of Old Rome because it cannot be established if the Papacy of the Old World still exists. Even if it has ceased to exist, they reject the notion that the Bishop of New Rome (St. Louis) could or should have the same authority as the original Pope. They argue that the primacy of Rome cannot be duplicated merely out of convenience, feel the Bishop of New Rome has no more right to be head of their faith than any other bishop in the land, and call his College of Cardinal a sham and cabal of co-conspirators. Instead, Sedevacantists believe the office of Pope should be considered 'vacant' until a true Pope returns, unless it can be confirmed the original Pope is no more.

### Confederated (ask DM)

The Confederated Church of Canada was formed from the unification of the Anglican Church and the Ursuline See. The head of the Church is the Prime Minister, who also serves as advisor to the Emperor of Canada.

### Evangelical

The Evangelical Church is what remains of antediluvian Protestantism. In the face of post-deluge upheavals, the Protestant churches banded together, putting aside minor theological differences in favor of establishing an Evangelical Convention of Churches presided over by an ecumenical council of bishops. However, some Christians chafe against the doctrines and restrictions imposed by this Convention...

#### Antinomian

Antinomianism is a theological doctrine which predates the apocalypse and takes the Protestant notion of 'sola fide' - salvation by 'fate alone' - to its extreme, rejecting not just Old Testament ceremonial laws but all of the laws laid down by Moses. This rejection of Mosaic Law - or 'moral law' - is universally condemned by mainstream Protestantism and has been a thorny issue since the days of Martin Luther.

#### Charismatic

Charismatics are not known as such because of their charm, but rather their belief in 'charismata', gifts of the Holy Spirit manifested in miracles and signs that can be endowed simply by baptism and faith in the Holy Spirit. Such wonders include the ability to speak in tongues, miraculous healing of the cripples, gifts of prophecy and more evnets often considered 'supernatural'. Although the Evangelical Convention declared these belief heretical, The Charismatic faith continues to thrive outside the jurisdiction of the Holy Columbian Confederancy.

#### Postadventist

Postadventists believe that the Second Coming has already happened, that Jesus came to judge the living and the dead... and was not pleased. They are also notable for observing Saturday rather than Sunday as their day of rest and for their skepticism towards all non-Postadventist temporal authorities. For obvious reasons, mainstream Evangelicals condemn Postadventists as heretics.

### Falling Star

Sometime either during or just after the Apocalypse, the Church of the Falling Star believes a star fell from the heavens and onto Earth. This star was a fallen Angel who had sacrificed themselves to save mankind from God's wrath, explaining humanity's survival. Practitioners of the Falling Star faith are generally viewed with suspicion by those with more traditional Christian beliefs, as the concept of Fallen Angels is generally thought of as evil and associated with Satan. However, the Falling Star faithful insist their angel has little in common with the fallen Angel Lucifer, and that their angel's compassion reawakened God's mercy in a moment of anger. Thus, members of the Fallen Star still fall under the Christian banner, albeit with a theology that features great devotion to their fallen 'star'.

#### Moravian

Moravianism is one of the oldest branches of Protestant Christianity, and followers of the Church are noted for their intense dedication to missionary work. Following the Event traditional Moravianism was subsumed beneath the newly-formed Cult of the Falling Star, although pockets of "old believers" still persist throughout the Americas.

### Ursuline

The Ursulines originated as an antediluvian religious order, patronized by Saint Ursula. Introduced to the Americas during the colonial era, their presence could be found wherever the French colonized. During and shortly after the great cataclysm, Quebecois Roman Catholics, unable to contact old Rome, turned to the Ursuline order for leadership. Since then the Ursulines have served as Quebec's continuation of antediluvian Catholicism, and their followers have steadfastly refused to recognize the American Pope in New Rome.

#### Angeline

The Angelines also originated as an antediluvian religious order, but they live very different lives from their Ursuline counterparts. Whereas the Ursulines emphasize the monastic lifestyle and the primacy of the Church, Angelines more strongly emphasize cohabitation with the secular world.

## Cult of Saints

### Gracia Divina

The adherents of Gracia Divina hold belief in the karma-like system of 'divine grace'. They believe that the greater piety and devoutness shown in life, the more fortunate their lives will become, that they literally become graced by the divine. They believe especially that devotion to specific saints/deities (the terms have been interchangeable in Gracia Divina) will lead to that Saint becoming their patron, and directly influence their lives. This can lead to very zealous devotion as the worshiper takes on an extremely personal and intimate connection with their patron.

### Sagrado Corazón

The followers of Sagrado Corazón- the Sacred Heart- follow a pantheon of quasi-deities derived from Catholic traditions. Although the faith has Catholic origins, it has deviated far from the old theology, and the Catholic Church north of the border officially regards Sagrado Corazón as heretical.

## Dharmic

### Hindu

Hinduism is not a single religion so much as a blanket term for the successor faiths of ancient Indian polytheism as recorded in the Vedas. Post-Event Hinduism differs radically from pre-Event Hinduism in several key ways. For example, the vast majority of Hindus now reject the caste system, believing instead that all humans are spiritually equal. Proselytization towards non-Hindus has also become more common.

## Islamic

### Imamite

Refusing to abandon Shi'ism in the wake of the event the Imamite faith clung onto their beliefs isolating themselves from the Traditionalist community. Developing on a trajectory of their own the Imamites continue to await the Twelfth Imam's coming and the corresponding deliverance of freedom and justice.

#### 'Alawiyya

Rather than adopt the cosmopolitan attitude of the Imamites the 'Alawiyya community adheres to a fundamentalist version of Imamite theology. Like the Imamites they also highly respect the post-event figure of Zakariyya but they emphasize his martial exploits rather than his diplomatic ones. The 'Alawiyya are thus more warlike than mainstream Imamites and reject cosmopolitanism out of hand.

#### Qingzhen

The Qingzhenren, literally meaning 'Pure True People', have existed since pre-event times. When Zakariyya briefly conquered San Fransisco some within the Chino community in the city adopted his philosophy leading to a reawakening of Qingzhen thought. They have historically been heavily repressed by the rulers in San Fransisco though they found some reprieve under the Yudkow dynasty. Some non-Islamic theological influence comes from Confucian teachings such as an emphasis on respecting Heaven's Mandate as ordered by Allah as well as reverence of saintly figures which lead to others claiming that they are idolatrous in nature. One standout belief is that polygamy while permitted is dissuaded. They are cosmopolitan like the mainstream Imamites.

### Orientalist

Once a society of nobles known as the Shriners, centuries of isolation and outside influence set the Orientalist faith on a path of its own. Orientalists try to incorporate the ancient rites of their order and legends from the old world into their religious practices "which many non-Orientalists decry as ""distortions"" in the faith. The Orientalist religious heirarchy answers to a high priest known as the Grand Sultan.

#### Misrist

Although Misrism descends from the same noble society as Orientalism, Misrists reject the mainstream Orientalist understanding of Islam. Instead they believe that the 'Great Calamity' fell on the Americas because mankind deviated from the true Islamic message which 'Amun-Allah' gave to the people of Earth through a series of African prophets. Misrists believe that rulers can be revered after death and they often take traditional Egyptian names.

### Traditionalist

The Traditionalist community are descendants of pre-Event lay Shi'a and Sunni Muslims. With the trauma of the Event putting the already persecuted religion in grave danger many reached across sectarian lines seeking to set aside minor differences in the name of preserving the faith.

#### Revivalist

Whilst much of the Ummah saw the Event as a test by God, the Revivalist sect saw it in a very different light. The Event was no test-- it was a reckoning, a punishment from God for the sins of society. Ostracized from the Traditionalist community "the Revivalists believed the only way to ""revive"" society and lift God's punishment was to cleanse sin and heresy from this world.

## Jewish

### Judaism

Judaism is one of the oldest religions on the planet, and it survived the Event like it did so many other catastrophes. Although Orthodox Judaism itself has changed relatively little over the last few centuries, the Jews of post-Event America now face discrimination and persecution on a scale unheard of since the Middle Ages of old. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Orthodox Jews still patiently await the arrival of the Moshiach, who will, in due time, gather the Jews living in exile and return them to the land promised to their forefathers.

#### Meshichist

Meshichists believe that a legendary pre-Event rabbi, known to them as simply "the Rebbe", was the Moshiach - the Jewish Messiah. Mainstream Jews reject this view, pointing out that the Rebbe has been dead for centuries - a condition that would normally disqualify him from being the Moshiach. Nevertheless Meshichists remain steadfast in their belief that the Rebbe was-- and is-- the Moshiach, believing that he is still alive in a metaphorical sense. Meshichists frequently recite the Yechi an affirmation of their belief in a living "King Messiah", at prayer services and during holidays.

#### Reform

Reform Judaism split from Orthodox Judaism in the 19th century, under the belief that in order for Judaism to survive in the modern age, it should reform to be more compatible with a modern, secular lifestyle. Reform Judaism regards Halacha (Jewish religious law) as non-binding, permits women to be ordained as rabbis, and is overall more open to external infuences than Orthodox Judaism. Reform Jews actually outnumbered Orthodox Jews prior to the Event, but after the "modern age" ended, Reform Judaism's popularity dropped sharply.

## Pacific

### Cetic

The Cetic faith involves the study of philosophical writings by a number of Great Teachers (Gurus), including the Emperor, Buddha, Christ, and Hubbard. Adherents seek enlightenment through meditation and discussion of the writings. The first Emperor of California formally organized the faith with secular and religious power deeply intertwined within the imperial title, and the head of the faith is traditionally chosen from among his descendants

### Gaian

Gaians believe in a number of spirits of nature with the most important being Gaia, the earth mother, a divine spirit interconnected with all living things. Gaian belief teaches that before the event men disregarded natural balance by neglecting the earth and as a result it advocates for female-oriented leadership.

### Nousthreskeia

Nousthroskeia is a cult that formed after the event, based on an interpratation of the ideas of pre-Event russian thinkers like Vladimir Vernadskij, that introduced the idea of Noosphere, and Edward Artemiev, that reinterpreted it in a more philosophical light.

### Shinto

Shintoism is an ancient faith, and seems to be the primary source for the Shinto faith of 2666. The Emperor of Japan has been deified again, being kept hidden in order to hide his mortal form, and the rulers of the Empire are in all but name the clericals.

## Old World Cultists

### Americanist

Americanists worship what must have been the true gods of the old world-- the statues of Father Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and others clearly indicates who the ancient Americans worshiped. Those Americans built a great empire, so why not follow their beliefs and restore America to its former glory, gods and all?

#### Hamiltonian

Hamiltonians differ from mainstream Americanism in that they take their faith in the gods of the Old World to a higher level. Legends outline the gods' abilities and deeds, but Hamiltonians believe the gods had more powers beyond those explicitly stated. They hold, furthermore, that it is within the capabilities of all believers to attain these 'implied powers' for themselves.

#### Jeffersonian

The old legends speak not of just Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, but also of the farmers, the soldiers, and all the common men of the Old World. As widespread as the statues of the Founders are, are there not statues of the common infantryman in many old towns? What of the farmers and the grand grange halls they established? Jeffersonians hold that the Americanist gods of the old world were just a few of many, and that the entire nation of ancient America was home to gods. All the land was blessed by the gods, therefore, and thus all the land must be reclaimed by the true faith!

#### Libertarian

The devoted of Lady Liberty, the Mother of Old America and the Goddess of Freedom, the Libertarians were once a matriarchal Patriotic order of the Americanists dedicated to the defense and restoration of the Statues of Liberty who broke from Washington in protest against the 'overemphasis' of the Founders over Lady Liberty. In the centuries since the continued revelation and dedicated study of the First Lady and her Justices have lead the libertarians and the Americanists to opposite positions on a vast number of theological points, from the approved methods of establishing proof of presidential deification after death all the way to structure of the old world pantheon.

### Atomicist

Originally a heresy of the ancient Atomic Priesthood, the awe and splendor of many who witnessed the effects of the Atom granted this heresy much more success than its father faith. Although atomic theory is practically forgotten, this doesn’t stop Atomicist from revering the Old World technology and the invisible world of vast power they tap into. If they could but find a way to tap into this intangible world, they believe they could become gods themselves! The tumors and radiation sickness, though, they don't talk about as much.

#### Aphite

Aphites share the Atomicist belief in the invisible world but believe that it is a wicked thing with which humankind must not meddle, lest the catastrophe which destroyed the Old World be reawoken. Aphites consider it their sacred duty to protect any place or object 'touched by the Atom' from interference by the greedy, ignorant, and heretical.

### Consumerist

Consumerists believe that the Almighty Dollar struck down Old America because they did not honor it enough. They seek to forestall a second apocalypse by spending as much as possible.

#### Monetarist

Monetarists differ from Consumerists in that they believe that overzealous ""shopping"" actually weakens the Almighty Dollar" "and that one should instead seek to ""save"" its power by collecting holy artifacts such as dollar bills and bonds. This position is condemned by mainstream Consumerists.

### Rust Cultist

When the first of the Rust Cult stumbled upon an abandoned factory of the old world, what he saw seemed to be the handiwork of the gods. The cult quickly spread through the former Rust Belt, worshiping these houses of the divine and the technological marvels wrought within, which they are willing to defend with their lives. Rust Cultists dedicate much of their time to recovering and revering any old world technology they can find. Due to their age however, opportunities to find operational relics are few and far between.

#### Chrome Cultist

The Chrome Cultists unlike their Rustish counterparts believe that mankind once built the great God-Machines worshiped by the mainline Rust Cult. Furthermore they believe that these men and women of Old America - Father Ford especially - had such power that they could become like those Machines by joining as one with the Engines and other Devices to transcend their fleshy bodies. One day when mankind has regained this power all of the Chrome Cult shall become like gods!

## Latter-Day Saints

### Mormon

With roots in Ancient America's frontier, Mormonism has a solid hold on many parts of the Old West. Although based on Christian foundations, the Church of Latter-Day Saints has many additional books, customs, and traditions which have caused it to be treated differently from some elements of mainstream Christianity. With the chaos of the apocalypse, these attitudes were exacerbated, and Mormonism is widely treated as a wholly distinct entity from the Christian world of New Rome and the Protestantism of the East.

#### Bickertonite

The Bickertonite faithful consider themselves the true continuation of the Mormon faith, following the events of the calamity. The Bickertonites believe that they have a sacred duty to share the gift of salvation with people of every race, and allow women to be ordained into the priesthood, unlike other LDS sects.

#### Strangite

The Strangites believe James Strang to be the lawful successor of Joseph Smith, and consider the historical leaders of the Mormon church to be heretics. Strangites allow the ordination of women into the priesthood and reject the notion of the trinity (believing that there is only one God, and that Jesus was born an ordinary mortal). Animal sacrifice is common, and devout farmers make an offering of the "Firstfruit" of the harvest.

#### Woolleyite

The Woolleyites split from mainstream Mormonism in the early 20th century after polygamy was officially banned from the Church. Led by Lorin Woolley, the "Woolleyites", as they are known after the Event, stubbornly continue to practice polygamy to this day. Mainstream Mormonism considers plural marriages to be heretical, and will excommunicate anyone who is found to be part of one.

## Mesoamerican

### Mictlantec

Mictlantec is a revival of old Aztec traditions for the new Age of the Dead Sun. The previous cycle ended in apocalypse with the near destruction of the sun god Huitzilopochtli in his struggle against the darkness. Death god Mictlantecuhtli was largely responsible for saving humanity, and is now considered the sun god.

### Neomayan

Neomayanism is mixture of both Mayan beliefs and obscure Old World spirituality. According to their own history, the original Mayan civilization did not collapse, but rather moved on to a new reality as a result of their collective worship of all things and the grace of Hunab Ku, the One True God. Neomayans also believe that they currently live in the Age of Aquarius, and that the beginning of this age was the Event, briefly followed by a period where the Earth was consumed in the Darkness. This period allowed many unnatural creatures such as chupacabra and ghosts to make their way into the natural world. Though Neomayanism shares very few similarities with other Mesoamerican religions, it is considered one because of its shared belief of the underworld, known as Xibalba, and the Mayan origins of Hunab Ku.

### Jurihiat Ikikunari

Jurihiata Ikikunari is a religion based on Mesoamerican mythology that emerged after the Event. Followers of Jurihiata Ikikunari revere Eréndira the sun goddess. When the forces of darkness came to enslave Mexico Eréndira, then a mortal princess, fought valiantly against them by teaching her people the ways of the horse. Although she failed to stop the conquest of darkness she ascended to Aúandarhu the land of the gods instead of dying. Over time the gods in Aúandarhu began to vanish because of the influence of the darkness on their people. The last god to vanish the sun god passed his mantle to Eréndira. The new sun goddess then used her divine power to free Mexico by wiping the world's slate clean. The darkness still fights to regain its power but Eréndira will always protect her faithful...

### Uahomche

Uahomche blends aspects of both Christianity and the traditional Mayan faith, and adherents believe that the Event was the end of the 5th world cycle, which was caused by both a lack of sacrifices and the conversion of Mayan believers to monotheism. Gods in the Uahomche pantheon are referred to as 'angels', however these 'angels' are largely unchanged from what they was before Spanish colonization.

## Nautical

### Brethren

With a strong tradition for seafaring and a reputation for robbery and murder, most call the Brethren pirates. This assessment is not far from the truth. Though the Brethren follow a Code of the Sea, they are loosely organized and live mostly to plunder riches from the weak. All of their gods have some link to the ocean, which they consider the source of all life and all wealth.

#### Pelagic

Followers of the Pelagic faith roam the seven seas much like their Brethren cousins. However that is where their similarities end. Rather than live through piracy and murder Pelagics instead draw on the natural gifts of the sea. In particular Pelagics regard whales as the most powerful of all seaborne beings capable of both giving and taking life at a moment's notice. Pelagics work to gain the favor of the sea goddess Sedna creator of the sea and mother of all its creatures so that she may give them her gifts via her first and greatest child- the whale.

## Pagan

### Druidic

Followers of Druidism believe in a diverse and eclectic pantheon of gods, drawn from both classical paganism and native beliefs. The core tenet of Druidism is animism - the belief that all of nature is inhabited by divine spirits. Although Druidism was once commonly practiced throughout the North Atlantic, it has been mostly supplanted by other religions and is today only practiced on the fringes of its old territory.

### Norse

Central to the Norse is the event of Ragnorak, which they believe has already occurred and was in fact the reign of Tiamat. Most of the Aesir lie dead, their souls dwell in the chasm of Hela’s domain. The old world was consumed in flame and then buried in water, but a new world for man has risen from the midst of the seas. The Norse do not not know when exactly Ragnorak occurred, nor do they care. The New World before them is their earthly paradise, a chance to create a new saga with new gods. Leading the pantheon is Balder the Brave, son of Odin, the bright and shining ever youthful Solar God, brother to the warrior Thor as recorded in the illuminations. He brings good health, ripens the grain, calms the waters of the Great Lakes, and puts fiery courage into the hearts of his worshippers.

#### Odinist

The Odinists believe the Christian God failed his followers when America was torn down, and in their anger have turned back to the Gods of their ancestors. They believe that Odin is not dead, surviving instead by sacrificing Christ himself to the Fenrir Wolf. Instead of only offering sacrifices at The Yule to Odin like other Norse, they believe in regular frequent sacrifices.

### Occultist

Occultist followers believe that the universe is a vast mystery, with the dark corners of reality holding innumerable secrets and dangers. The fragments of ancient lore that survived the Fall have formed the core of a new polytheistic faith quite at odds with most others.

### Revelationist

A syncretic belief system, Revelationism's origins are Christian in nature. The trauma of the apocalypse and centuries of isolation and turmoil have lead to great distortions in the faith, emphasizing the supernatural and miraculous while often forgetting the Holy Trinity altogether.

### Thelemic

Thelema is a British mystic religion/spiritual philosophy developed by Aleister Crowley, based on the law: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." It is a polytheistic religion that draws its pantheon of gods from the religious beliefs of Ancient Egypt. However, their highest deity is someone - or something - known only as "The Queen".

### Trailwalker

Trailwalker is a religion invested in the borderland the crossings between flesh soul and dream. Trailwalkers believe in an omnipresent spiritual plane called the Frontier ruled by a pantheon headed by the Almighty Spirit of the West. In the beginning there was only the Frontier and men lived short and harsh lives. However the Almighty Spirit took pity on humanity and with the help of his otherworldly servants cleaved the Range from the Frontier. The Range was the new home of humanity where men could live free lives. However in exchange for this gift the Almighty Spirit asked humanity to follow the Trails the righteous paths through life. Mankind at first heeded his words but eventually turned away from the Trails and took the Range for granted. In anger the Almighty Spirit briefly reunited the Frontier and the Range destroying mankind's works. Mankind should never again stray from the Trails.