Fex & Scaled Ones Beliefs

Being close to nature themselves, the Fex and the Scaled ones respectively both center on animalistic worship. Fex tend to follow mammalian deities, while the Scaled Ones are reptilian and aquatic reflecting on their own appearances. They built towering temples to these gods, and when the Qunari invaded they were either demolished or converted into temples to the Qun. Those who still followed the Animara did so in secret, or left their home island in search of freedom to continue to worship without persecution. The Animara are what the Fex call their Deities, yet the word that the Scaled Ones use for the same animalistic gods is hard to pronounce, so many use the Fex designation. Both groups tend to be at odds with each other over who the supreme deity is, each claiming their gods are the one who created the universe.

## The Faith of Animara:

The Faith is a vibrant and ancient religion that centers around the worship of animal spirits and deities. Enriched with a deep connection to the natural world, this belief system teaches that animals embody divine qualities and serve as conduits to the sacred energies that flow through the universe.

### Core Beliefs:

#### Animara, the Divine Ecosystem:

Followers of this faith believe in Animara, the divine ecosystem that encompasses all living beings. Each animal, from the smallest insects to the mightiest predators, is considered a manifestation of spiritual energy.

#### Animal Deities:

The religion recognizes a pantheon of animal deities, each representing different aspects of life, nature, and the cosmos. These deities are revered as wise guides, protectors, and sources of inspiration.

#### Cycles of Life and Reincarnation:

Central to the faith is the belief in the cyclical nature of life. Followers believe in the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, with the soul transitioning through different animal forms in each life.

#### Sacred Spaces:

Natural spaces, such as forests, mountains, and rivers, are considered sacred. Worship often takes place in these settings, where followers feel a closer connection to the animal spirits and their divine energy.

#### Animal Symbolism:

Each animal is associated with specific qualities and virtues. For example, the eagle may symbolize vision and wisdom, the lion strength and courage, and the fox cunning and adaptability. Followers strive to embody these qualities in their lives.

#### Rituals and Worship:

##### Animal Totems:

Individuals often choose animal totems that resonate with their personalities or life circumstances. These totems serve as personal guides and sources of strength.

##### Seasonal Celebrations:

The religion observes seasonal celebrations that align with the natural cycles of life. These rituals honor the deities associated with specific seasons and express gratitude for the abundance provided by the earth.

##### Animal Blessings:

Special ceremonies involve the blessing of animals, both domestic and wild, as a way to show respect for the spirits that inhabit them. This includes pets, which are considered cherished companions on the spiritual journey.

##### Nature Pilgrimages:

Followers undertake pilgrimages to sacred natural sites, believing that these journeys bring them closer to the divine energy present in the natural world.

#### Ethical Principles:

##### Harmony with Nature:

The faith encourages a lifestyle that promotes harmony with nature, emphasizing sustainable practices and a respectful coexistence with the animal kingdom.

##### Compassion and Empathy:

Followers strive to cultivate compassion and empathy, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings. Acts of kindness towards animals are considered virtuous and spiritually enriching.

##### Stewardship of the Earth:

The religion teaches the importance of responsible stewardship of the Earth. Environmental conservation and protection of habitats are seen as sacred duties.

This is where the two races' depictions of the gods differ, the Fex favoring various deities that take on the characteristics of land living animals, while the Scaled ones are all amphibious or reptilian in nature.

### Fex Pantheon:

#### Ulkaakalpa:

In the pantheon of divine beings, none exudes the captivating grace and enigmatic allure quite like Ulkaakalpa, the revered feline goddess. With fur as black as midnight and eyes that gleam like the stars, she is the embodiment of feline elegance and mystique.

Ulkaakalpa, the Feline Sovereign, is hailed as the goddess of mystery, intuition, and nimble prowess. Adorned with a celestial crown that reflects the phases of the moon, she moves with an otherworldly fluidity, her every step echoing the silent whispers of the night.

As the guardian of secrets and keeper of the ethereal realms, Ulkaakalpa's presence is said to be felt in the mysterious gaze of a prowling cat or the flicker of candlelight in the depth of darkness. Devotees seek her wisdom in moments of uncertainty, believing that she imparts clarity and guidance through the subtle dance of her tail.

Legend has it that Ulkaakalpa roams between worlds, her footsteps leaving trails of stardust. She is not just a goddess but a companion to lost souls, a silent confidante to those who navigate the intricate labyrinth of life.

Worshipers pay homage to Ulkaakalpa in moonlit ceremonies, offering bowls of fresh milk and delicately crafted herbal tributes. Her temples are adorned with intricate murals depicting her serenely perched upon a celestial throne, her eyes reflecting the cosmic secrets she guards.

In times of need, believers invoke Ulkaakalpa's name, seeking the protective aura of the ever-watchful cat goddess. Her divine presence is said to bring good fortune, graceful agility, and an intuitive understanding of the unseen threads that weave through the tapestry of existence.

Ulkaakalpa, with her regal poise and silent wisdom, is not merely a deity but a celestial guide, beckoning those who dare to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos with the promise of enlightenment and the gentle purr of celestial blessings.

Her opposite and partner is a tiger god of unknown name and story lost to time and Qun occupation, only seen in occasional depictions lounged next to her.

#### Aeriax:

In the celestial realm, amidst the tapestry of clouds and the symphony of avian melodies, Aeriax stands as the majestic deity of the skies. With feathers ablaze in hues of azure and gold, he reigns supreme as the embodiment of freedom, flight, and the boundless expanse of the heavens.

Aeriax, the Lord of Wings, is revered by all creatures of the air, from the mightiest eagles to the tiniest songbirds. His plumage, resplendent with iridescent patterns, mirrors the kaleidoscope of the dawn and dusk, symbolizing the perpetual cycle of day and night under his celestial watch.

As the arbiter of the winds and the master of migratory patterns, Aeriax guides flocks across vast distances, whispering ancient wisdom to the migratory travelers. Devotees believe that his feathers, when bestowed as gifts, bring swift winds of change and courage to those undertaking great journeys.

Temples dedicated to Aeriax are perched high upon mountain peaks, where the air is thin, and the view stretches to the horizon. In these sacred spaces, priests chant hymns that mimic the harmonious notes of the birds, seeking to resonate with the divine spirit of the Winged Lord.

Followers of Aeriax celebrate his presence during grand festivals marked by colorful feathers and airborne dances. Offerings of seeds and sweet nectars are made, symbolizing the delicate balance between the terrestrial and celestial realms.

Legend speaks of Aeriax's wingspan casting a protective shadow over those in need, granting solace to lost souls and inspiration to dreamers who gaze skyward. His ethereal song, carried by the wind, is said to be a melody of hope that reaches the ears of the devout in moments of despair.

Aeriax, with his regal bearing and the wind's gentle caress, is not just a deity of flight but a symbol of boundless possibilities and the eternal dance between the earth and sky. His presence is a reminder that, like the birds in flight, one can soar to new heights, unburdened and free under the benevolent gaze of the Lord of the Skies.

#### Zephyrak:

In the mystical realm where shadows intertwine with moonlit whispers, there resides Zephyrak, the enigmatic deity of the dual eclipse. This majestic wolf deity, adorned with fur of radiant gold and midnight black, embodies the duality that exists within the heart of the nature.

Zephyrak, the Two-Faced, is a paradoxical guardian, with two distinct countenances that mirror the celestial dance between light and darkness. One side of his noble visage bears the warmth of a benevolent leader, while the other is veiled in an aura of calculated cunning.

As the celestial arbiter of balance, Zephyrak is revered by those who navigate the delicate equilibrium between opposing forces. Followers believe that his dual nature embodies the yin and yang of existence, teaching that true strength lies in the harmonious integration of light and shadow.

Worshipers gather in groves to pay homage to Zephyrak, offering twin-toned flowers and dual-hued gems. His sanctuaries are adorned with murals depicting the lunar eclipse, where the duality of the wolf deity is most pronounced, casting a spellbinding shadow upon the sacred ground.

Legends tell of Zephyrak's howl, a haunting melody that echoes through the night, marking the convergence of opposing energies. Devotees interpret the resonance of this ethereal call as a reminder of the inherent balance within their own souls.

In moments of decision and indecision, followers invoke Zephyrak's name, seeking guidance from the deity's dual wisdom. His dual gaze, unwavering yet multifaceted, is believed to unveil hidden truths and illuminate the intricate tapestry of fate.

Zephyrak, with his dual nature and the grace of a celestial predator, is a symbol of the inherent balance within the cosmos. Under his watchful eyes, followers find solace in the acceptance of their own dualities, embracing the shades that shape the complexity of their existence, and their own primal nature.

This is where the two races' depictions of the gods differ, the Fex favoring various deities that take on the characteristics of land living animals, while the Scaled ones are all amphibious or reptilian in nature.

### Scaled Ones Pantheon:

#### Tenger:

To the Scaled Ones, the ocean itself is god, seen as the cradle of life where everything emerged from, and where they are destined to return. This androgenous Deity, seen in depictions as both male and female if a humanoid form is even present, and a singular wave if not, is always nestled between their two guardians Nagaara and Thalassor.

Tenger, the God of the Sea, holds dominion over the boundless depths. Cloaked in the cerulean hues of the open ocean, Tenger is the living embodiment of the ever-changing tides and the primordial forces that shape the world.

With a trident forged from the heart of a sunken star, Tenger commands the seas with an authority that resonates through the oceanic expanse. Their tresses, woven with strands of seaweed and coral, sway with the currents, mirroring the undulating grace of the eternal tides.

Temples dedicated to Tenger stand upon the shores, where salt-laden air mingles with the echoes of crashing waves. Devotees, their footsteps adorned with grains of sand, offer intricate seashells and handcrafted trinkets, seeking the benevolence of the Oceanic Deity for calm coastal winds, safety from invaders, and a bountiful harvest of fish.

Legends speak of Tenger' touch, as gentle as the caress of a sea breeze, and his wrath, as fierce as the tempests that churn the open waters. Sailors invoke his name for calm seas and fair winds, while fishermen seek his favor for abundant catches beneath the sun-dappled surface.

In ceremonies marked by the rhythmic beat of drums and the call of seagulls, followers celebrate Tenger through tales of legendary sea voyages and aquatic myths. The deity's divine presence is believed to manifest in the crashing waves and the ethereal whispers that linger along the shoreline.

Tenger, with the vastness of the ocean coursing through their essence, is the soul of the sea itself. Beneath the shimmering moonlight that paints a celestial path upon the water's surface, followers find solace in the undying embrace of Tenger, embracing the ebb and flow of life's eternal tides.

#### Nagaara:

In the sacred realms where the earth intertwines with the ethereal, Nagaara, the Serpent Sovereign, reigns with undulating grace and mystical wisdom. Cloaked in iridescent scales that shimmer like liquid moss, Nagaara is the revered deity of transformation, knowledge of poisons, and the eternal cycles of life.

Nagaara's sinuous form, adorned with patterns reminiscent of constellations, weaves through the cosmic tapestry, symbolizing the serpentine dance of creation and rebirth. Followers believe that the trails left by Nagaara's movements shape destinies and connect the mortal realm to the celestial energies.

As the patron of wisdom and hidden knowledge, Nagaara is venerated in temples adorned with serpent motifs. Devotees seek enlightenment by interpreting the slithering patterns of sacred serpents, believing that each curve of the serpent's form unveils cosmic truths.

Legend whispers of Nagaara's transformative embrace, where shedding skin represents the shedding of old burdens and the rebirth of the soul. Followers honor this cycle of renewal through ceremonial rituals, often involving the symbolic casting off of metaphorical scales.

Worshipers offer aromatic herbs and sacred oils to Nagaara, believing that the scent of these offerings carries prayers to the divine serpent. Temples echo with melodic hymns, mimicking the hypnotic cadence of a serpent's hiss, inviting the deity's benevolent gaze. Priests are brought into the temple at a young age, imbibing serpent venom to build a tolerance, and those that cannot withstand the poisoning are viewed as unfit to be priests of Nagaara. Many Scaled Ones come to the elder priests of this Deity to obtain poisons to use, as well as sell them to outsiders as a means of income for the temple.

In times of uncertainty and change, believers invoke Nagaara's name, seeking guidance through the twists and turns of life's journey. The serpent deity's wisdom is believed to be inscribed in the sacred scrolls of destiny, waiting to be revealed to those who tread the path with reverence.

Nagaara, with the wisdom of ages coiled within, is not just a deity but a cosmic serpent whose serpentine embrace cradles the universe in the eternal dance of creation. Beneath the moonlit canopy, followers find solace in the sinuous wisdom of the Serpent Sovereign, embracing the transformative power that winds through the coils of existence.

Many believe that the Guardian Serpent that the Firesprites worship and turn into may be one and the same as Nagaara, or her children.

#### Thalassor:

Beneath the tumultuous waves that cloak the mysterious depths of the ocean, Thalassor, the colossal leviathan-esque fish deity, reigns with majesty beyond mortal comprehension. As the guardian of the abyssal realms, Thalassor's immense form, scales aglow with the luminescence of bioluminescent wonders, navigates the vast expanses of the sea with an ancient, eternal grace.

What remains of stories tell that Thalassor's birth from the primordial waters, a divine entity woven into the very fabric of the oceanic tapestry, washed over the island the Scaled Ones called home, wiping the previous inhabitants away for them to crawl back from the depths of the oceans as devout believers. With each colossal tail swipe, the tides are dictated, and the currents orchestrated in a harmonious ballet known only to the great leviathan.

Temples dedicated to Thalassor stand upon towering cliffs overlooking the boundless ocean, where waves crash in rhythmic homage to the deity's grandeur. Devotees, with offerings of fresh kills and rare pearls, seek the blessings of the god for bountiful harvests and safe maritime journeys, or to quell the rage of the sea.

Thalassor's eyes, orbs of abyssal wisdom, are said to hold the secrets of the ocean's depths. Sailors and seekers of knowledge alike invoke the colossal god’s name when embarking on perilous voyages, hoping for the guidance and protection of the guardian of the watery abyss.

In ceremonies marked by the echoing sounds of conch shells and the murmurs of lapping waves, followers honor Thalassor through sacred chants and aquatic rituals. The deity's presence is believed to be felt in the gentle lapping of waves and the mysterious songs of the ocean's denizens.

Thalassor, with the vastness of the ocean encapsulated within its form, is a living embodiment of the unfathomable depths, believed to be the child of Tenger and a sacred Scaled One female Tenger whisked from the beach. Beneath the celestial dance of moonlight on the waves, followers find solace in the colossal, cold gaze of Thalassor, embracing the divine mysteries that swirl beneath the surface of the boundless sea.