Shamanism

## Introduction

### Origins

Prefacing that when referring to **Shamanism** this is in reference only to the native Shamanism practiced by the Ugorkians, and is followed primarily by Orc, Ogre and Scalekin tribes throughout the continent. It is believed that the practice on Ugork occurred naturally through certain figures of different tribes having greater affiliation with certain elements over the other. It is also believed to be due to Ugork's isolation from the other vast continents that dwarf it within the world they inhabit, that it's ties to the energies of the Elements are much, much stronger than any other land discovered so far.

### Structuring

The structuring of the religion itself can be heavily influenced based on the practicing party, tribes as a whole often will pick a patron among the Prime Elements, Greater Spirits or of some heroic figure or ancestor, who's importance or outright existence may vary from tribe to tribe. This loose structure makes it difficult to draw any conclusively to the true scale of where the spiritual figures lie within the faith, and therefor are all to be treated as a case by case basis depending on the tribe. What can be observed is that there is a clear difference between the Elements, the Spirits, and the Ancestor Spirits.

## Spiritual Figures / Deities

### Eur'mag (Lawful Neutral)

Known as a mighty and warlike spirit, his element is earth and his favored actions are often related to dueling, battle and other fighting related activities. This is not to say that he is a mindless and violent being however, many Eur'magic Shaman will say that violence in of itself is not pleasing to Eur'mag, but only when it is done with agreed codes of conduct can it truly be accepted as acceptable in his eyes. For those that do keep to this code of honor however, Eur'mag will often bless their people with healthy soils and a good harvest, as such his spirit is often appealed to in the Fall time for harvest, though in times of war, those who chose Eur'mag as their patron will find themselves fortified in battle beyond normal means.. Once a tale was written down of an Orc Berserker whom the local tribe Shaman observed.. "After screaming out to Eur'mag for power, chanting a strange chain of words together and stomping their feet rhythmically on the earth... Their skin hardened up like stone and when they were struck their blood was like sap." However his power is not merely limited to bestowing great power upon his followers.. when enraged, he has been known to cause disasters such as landslides, earthquakes, and sinkholes to name just a few. Which goes to show that Eur'mag can indeed be both a mighty friend or foe.

Rituals associated with Eur'mag often include festivals centered around both the harvest of fall crops, and of dueling and battle. Drums are heavily favored in rituals observing Eur'mag, with the exception of Digeridoo's which offer a deep bass deemed pleasing to Eur'mag.

Followers of Eur'mag are often stubborn, brave, brash, and honorable.

### A'quus (Neutral)

The most mysterious spirt out of the bunch.. A'quus is the spirit associated with Water and therefor tied heavily to lakes, ocean, swamps and rivers. They are the only spirt to be known as both genders. In the Spring and Summer A'quus takes on a more aggressive male form, then in fall and winter, a more docile feminine form. Their favored actions aren't entirely known.. sacrifices of fish are acceptable to A'quus, but sacrificing or consuming too many fish from the water can lead to A'quus becoming enraged and punishing those who abused their gift. Those who practice Water Shamanism exclusively will tell you that the ways of A'quus are not entirely unpredictable, they often teach that much like the waves of the ocean, or the currents of the stream, there is consistency with water.. neither time nor earth nor air can hinder it from it's goal, and learning to "flow" through life as it were. This does not mean that A'quus or their devoted followers are pacifistic by any means though.. as mentioned, A'quus is tied to water and can bring great, devastating tsunamis, endless downpours of rain, or crashing waves that could topple a mountain. As such.. in times of war, those who have chosen A'quus as their patron may find that their tribesmen's boat's hit a natural current taking them where they are going much faster.. or enemies of the patron may very well find their defenses washed out, or their battlefield completely muddied down, swallowing them up for their followers.

Rituals tied to A'quus are associated with the Winter time, a common theme is gathering together under a shaman for ritual chanting by a body of water considered sacred, accompanied with music and dancing, favoring instruments made of metal.

Followers of A'quus are often inquisitive, fickle, observant and easy going.

### Mak'alu (Chaotic Neutral)

She is known by most as the Sky Mother, Mak'alu the great spirit of air, wind and change, not really tying her to much of anything in the physical world. She is considered to have little regard for those who follow her, not out of spite or malice... but simply because she cannot, for she is always in motion.. however her most dedicated of practitioners are known to follow "the great wind" which is always moving throughout the Lands of Ugork, therefor her followers are almost always nomadic in nature, never settling in one spot for long. For those who do choose to follow her, she will often help them in unexpected and unpredictable ways.. such as a cool breeze on a very hot day.. or causing a tornado to swallow up those who have wronged her or her most loyal of followers. Mak'alu is associated with every month, as the "winds of change bring forth new seasons," and is therefor often given a festival at the end of each season alongside whatever other celebrations may being held that season as well.

Rituals tied to Mak'alu often consist of singing, dancing and the playing of wind instruments. They will often end their rituals by raising several large carved pillars of lite materials like wood or bone with intricate cuts through them allowing wind to travel through, these are known as "singing trees" which when blown on by wind, can be heard whistling for miles around.

## Practices

### Magic

Shamanic magic is granted by the elemental spirits and is focused on the four elements of nature: Fire, Water, Wind and Earth.

### Chanting

Chants are used occasionally for blessings and curses.

### Religious Laws

* Respect your Chieftain above all, his word is law.
* Respect the spirits, they aren't a force to be played with.
* Do not use demon-corrupted magics.
* Respect nature and the elemental forces.
* All are equal.
* At peace you are most gullible. Be aware.
* Evil can be used for the greater good. Death can be used for new life.