Korlan/Tapuanga

Tapuanga is a religion based on the teachings of *te'Otua of Akalotu*. The religion is only followed in mass in northern parts of Ailou, such as the Korlanic Isles and southern Ramisola, with about 53 million followers. Its adherents, known as Tapuangans make up 93.73% of the population of the modern day Korlanic Isles, 13.27% of modern Vau'sena and 34.12% of mainland Korlan, 4.6% of the population of Kantouba identifies as Tapuangan, the largest non-Korlanic population. They believe that te'Otua of Akalotu was the chosen one who fell into the long sleep, also refered to as *The Tolumohe.*

### **Etymology**

The Koralua word Tapuanga is derived from the Asi words, Tapu Anegi meaning *The Holy.* Almost all words retaining to Tapuanga are, or have roots in, Asi.

### **Sects**

Sects of Tapuanga
 Tipecene

### **The Book of Tamasi'i**

The Book of Tamasi'i is a collection of religious texts and scriptures sacred in Tapuanga. It is a series of retellings of stories about or related to the Atua and their followers. The texts found in Tamasi'i included theologically-focused historical accounts, prayers, letters, poetry and prophecies. Follows of Tapuanga believe the Book of Tamasi'i to be the product of divine inspiration; written by human authors on behalf of the Atua.

Differing versions of the Book of Tamasi'i have appeared throughout history as the religion evolves. Each new version of the Tamasi'i is labelled as Tamasi'i *number*. The original, Tamasi'i Taha, was written by the first prophet of Tapuanga, te'Otua of Akalotu. Tamasi'i Nima, which is believed to be the final iteration of the Book of Tamasi'i was written by the last prophet Shinsei of Wasure'te shortly before his death. Shinesi's take on the book is the most differing since Tamasi'i Taha, having incorporated beliefs from his homeland of Kunin and from the numerous visions he was believed to have had throughout his time as the Prophet of Tapuanga.

The varying copies of the Tapuangan religious texts.

### **Beliefs**

#### Morals and Karma

Most Tapuangans agree on a system referred to as the Koula Scale, which consists of deficites and excesses, as well as the Koula square in the middle, which contains the moral actions. Falling into either a deficit or excess pushes ones bad karma, as opposed to the much preferred good karma. If one's bad karma excedes their good karma, they will experience bad luck. Karma was determined by ones tuʻunga.

##### Koula Scale

Examples of deficits, excesses and moral actions by the Koula Scale.
 Laziness
 Humility
 Extreme Pain

#### Sāuní

Sāuní was the practice of keeping balance within Korlanic society. Though not practiced much anymore, sāuní was seen by some as an act of revenge, however is far broader than that. It was believed by Tapuangans that all wrongs had to be set right, though the methods of doing so varied greatly. Oftentimes whoever upset the balance was expected to reset it, either through the use of gifts, self sacrifice, or acquiring forgiveness. However, if balance was not acquired, hostile revenge from any victims would be considered.

##### Tuʻunga

Tuʻunga was the belief that there was a scale within every person. Tuʻunga is connected greatly with the Koula Scale and karma, being that ones tuʻunga was how their karma was determined. Those with high tuʻunga were more valued and respected in societies, oftentimes leaders would have higher tuʻunga. Those with low tuʻunga were seen as disgraceful or sometimes evil. The way to determine ones tuʻunga was to hold two objects of even weight, if the persons right arm lowers then they have high tuʻunga, but if their left arm lowers they have low tuʻunga. This method is occassionally used on Tapuangans in court to determine their guilt.

#### Important Locations

##### 1. Vualiku

Vualiku is the home of the Tiaki (Tapuangan Key). It is ancient villa located on the northern tip of Kuwhara. It was selected as it was believed to be closest to the centre of the world, which was important in the mind of the Prophet Senitaá of Ataahua. It is on the end of the peninsula and heavily defended due to its importance as the location which holds all Tapuangan knowledge. Despite its importance in the religion, no outsiders are allowed on its premises.

##### 2. Kōura

Kōura is the river of molten gold that runs on the island of ke'Akua. Previously it was a regular river, however during the spread of Tapuanga, the prophet Kōura of Tuwhai blessed the water and converted it to gold in order to convince the Āinae that the Tapuangan faith was worth following. This river still runs today and produces more gold than any mines in Ulina. It is also a popular tourist destination.

##### 3. Fukatongi Lowlands & Angaanga

The Fukatongi Lowlands were the home of the Va'akuan Keep before their extinction. The area is now home to the city of Fukatongi, as well as Angaanga. Angaanga is an area of mass graves dug for by the People's Republic of Korlan to bury the ashes of the Va'akuan Keep. The area now has several headstones dedicated to those killed during the Manawa Genocide.

##### 4. Akalotu

Akalotu is the most important city in Korlanic history. Today it acts as the capital of the New Republic of Korlan and was chosen as such due to it's importance in Tapuanga. Akalotu is the city where Tapuanga was first born, with the first prophet te'Otua of Akalotu being born here. Akalotu is also the sight where the Tolumohe occured, as well as the starting point for the March to Anau. Akalotu is also the home of several important Haura'atua such as Pania, the patron of heroes and her son Kakarauri the patron of cannibals.

##### 5. Alelei

Alelei was the first city founded after the beginning of Nofoʻaí. It began the colonisation of Miuli which was a turning point in the Tapuangan faith. It started the intense spread around Ailou and pushed it the most practiced on the continent. Alelei was named after the founding prophet Alelei of Rima.

##### 6. Wasure'te

Wasure'te is the birthplace of the final prophet of Tapuanga, Shinsei of Wasure'te. It is the only majorly Tapuangan place on Kunin. It is also believed to be the location of Shinsei's final resting place, there is even a statue and grave for the final prophet.

#### Death and Afterlife

In Tapuanga, life and death are seen as one in the same. The same Atuana represents both life and death, as death is generally seen as more of a continuation of life than the end of one. Upon death, Tapuangans believe they are reunited with Kairora, the Atuana of life and death, in the form of a jellyfish.

Tapuangans believe in equality at death, that regardless of how you were in life, everyone is equal in death. They believe this because of the inevitability of death, no one, no matter how rich or powerful will eventually succumb to it. The dead are then cremated and returned to their families. Cremation is extremely important in the Tapuangan faith, as they believe that in order to pass on, you must return to the volcanic ashes which birthed you. There is one case in which cremation is not deemed necessary, and this circumstance would be death at sea. Dying at sea is seen as being a divine connection with the Atua O'oseni and a pardon from the return to ash.

The Tapuangan afterlife is located on the same plane of existence as the world of the living. Upon cremation, your soul wanders the land until it finds the sea. The soul then finds itself in the form of a jellyfish, as jellyfish are believed to be the final eternal form of ones self. The species of jellyfish entirely depends on how one dies. A jellyfishes sting is believed to be a rejection of a soul connection between the dead and the living, if a jellyfish can touch you without you being stung, your souls are connected somehow. Jellyfish in Koralua is Kairora'tamaiti, which translates to Kairora's children.

It is believed that anyone who is not cremated it said to wander eternally trying to find someone to relieve them. Eventually if you are left long enough without returning to ash you become what is known as a Ngaro which is a lost soul who attempts to condemn others to its fate. They are the sworn enemies of the Atuana of life and death, Kairora.

### **The Spread of Tapuanga**

#### Asini

Asini is where Tapuanga originated, in the city of Akalotu. It's initial spread was slow, with a majority of towns rejecting the religion at first. However, over time the first prophet te'Otua was able to win over individuals, who spread the beliefs with him. te'Otua, now with a sizable following, decided to march to Anau with his followers.

##### March to Anau

The March to Anau was an early movement to spread Tapuanga from Akalotu to Anau, which would cover half of Asini. It was done following te'Otua garnering enough support to begin spreading it faster and more widespread. He walked from town to town on foot with his followers, spreading the word of the Atua and all other Tapuangan beliefs. They were met with some resistance, however over time word got around of a young prophet travelling on foot with his followers. People began to celebrate te'Otua's arrival in their towns with gifts and food. When he reached Anau he was met with an uproar of support, the people in the city had heard of his travels and welcomed him and Tapuanga with open arms.

#### Korlanic Isles

The spread of Tapuanga into the Korlanic Isles was slow, it began with the second prophet, Poropiti. The spread to the entirety of the isles took almost a century. It started in Arepa and continued to Māhanga and then Āina and the Kuwharan outlying islands.

##### Arepa

Arepa was the first of the Korlanic Isles to have Tapuanga. It began with merchants spreading the word to people in Fukatongi and Papahuia, which prompted the prophet Poropiti to sail to the island to preach the religion. His went on a tour of the southern end of the island, known as Whakapa, and Tapuanga spread quickly until it reached the Tapahi Mountain Range. The Arepae which inhabit the northern end of the island initially rejected the religion due to its association with the Whakapai, which they constantly warred with. When Poropoti died, his replacement Hīkoi of Fukatongi continued to spread the religion to Arepa. He had an easier time getting through the Tapahi mountains due to his ability to speak Koralua as he was born on Arepa. He successfully spread Tapuanga past the mountain range, however was unsuccessful in spreading it all the way north before his death. The next prophet, Maunga, continued to spread the religion into northern Arepa. He made it to the northern tip of the island to Kotua, which completed the spread throughout Arepa.

##### Māhanga

The prophet Kōura of Tuwhai quickly spread the religion throughout Māhanga with little struggle. The natives of the islands welcomed the Tapuangans with open arms, as they had already been introduced to the religion through merchants and immigrants from Arepa and Asini. Upon the arrival of Kōura it spread like wildfire to the people, who had already taken a liking to the religion.

##### Āina

Due to his success in Māhanga, Kōura of Tuwhai continued his journey into Āina, which also spread quite quickly on its eastern island of ke'Hama. However, he was faced with some resistance when attempting to go to the western island of ke'Akua. Kōura was determined to convert all the people of Āina so he travelled to the island and chose an unnamed river to prove his power as a prophet. He turned an entire river into gold for the people of ke'Akua, which convinced the rest of its citizens of Tapuanga, which caused the religion to explode in popularity on the island. This river is still present today, and the gold from it was used in some of the most important architecture on ke'Akua.

##### Hokotae & Hokoihoko

The Kuwharan Outlying islands were the next target of the Tapuangans when it came to the Korlanic Isles. The prophet Lamani took on the challenge of spreading the religion to the islands, and travelled to Hokotae in order to preach the religion. The island, which had already seen lots of Tapuangan activity due to it's proximity with the rest of the Korlanic Isles quickly converted, however Hokoihoko was not as quick. The prophet Ihaia of Hērē, the first Kuwharan prophet, was then determined to successfully spread the religion to Hokoihoko, which was more reluctant due to the fact it was further from the rest of the isles. However, due to Ihaia being Kuwharan, the people of Hokoihoko were more accepting of the religion, and it quickly spread to its people.

#### Nofoʻaí

A violent campaign to spread Tapuanga past the borders of the Korlanic Isles. Nofoʻaí was a movement supporting the colonisation and suppression of other ethnic and religious groups to spread Tapuanga. The initial dream behind Nofoʻaí, started by Alelei of Rima was peaceful, however upon the death of Prophet Alelei of Rima, the movement became more radicalised. Nofoʻaí began with the peaceful colonisation of the uninhabited jungles of what is known known as Miuli. When Mikaere of Hokoihoko Pā became the prophet, he created a twisted, more violent version of the Nofoʻaí dream, in order to spread Tapuanga faster.

##### Kuwhara

The twisted version of Nofoʻaí created by the prophet Mikaere of Hokoihoko Pā, was first used on mainland Kuwhara. Mikaere wanted to spread Tapuanga to the mainland as he himself was from the outlying islands located in the Korlanic Isles. The spread into Kuwhara began when Mikaere made an announcement to the followers of Tapuanga that Kuwhara would be the next target of Nofoʻaí. He gathered together a force from 3 Korlanic states, and they sailed into various ports on the south of Kuwhara. After the death of Mikaere of Hokoihoko Pā, the prophet Tama continued the violent crusade into Kuwhara. He conquered much of southern Kuwhara before falling in battle. The final prophet to crusade into Kuwhara is unknown. Though it is known that they continued the crusade to the northern tip of Ramisola, where the villa of Vualiku and the home of the Tiaki, is located.

##### Silangan

The Nofoʻaí campaign into Silangan was the second attempt at spreading Tapuanga to the Silanganese peoples. In 1372, the prophet Foha of Tupleana attempted to make contact with the Silanganese people, however was captured and beheaded. The next attempt however, was successful in spreading the religion throughout the region. This invasion began from Tupleana by the prophet Veita of Papahuia had several coordinated attacks down the coast to the city of Hanre. These attacks prompted the principality of Kochannia to send its military to meet the Tapuangans. This meeting ended in a victory for the Tapuangans which caused Hanre to fall into their hands. The second invasion was sent from Hanre towards Kochannia. It was led by the prophet Faitoʻo who met the Silanganese army at the gates of Kochannia. The Tapuangans utilised newly acquired rifles to successfully defeat the Silanganese army at Kochannia, which led for a swift spread throughout the rest of the principality.

##### Berusia

The Nofoʻaí campaign into Berusia was a disaster for the Tapuangans. It was led by the prophet Faitoʻo who had recently come out of several victories against the Silanganese people, and wanted to continue his success against the Intinesians. However, when Faitoʻo attempted to march into Berusia, he was stopped at the Oraen and his army was slaughtered by the Intinesians who had also recently recieved rifles and were anticipating him. Faitoʻo however survived this attack and went on to discover the island of Kunin.

##### Volios

The Nofoʻaí campaign into Volios was also a failure for the Tapuangans. This time not led by a prophet, the Tapuangans in Kuwhara attempted to spread their religion to the region. They were faced with fierce retaliation from the Volians. Over 3000 Tapuangans died in the conflict, leading to them not attempting to spread Tapuanga to the region, also ending Nofoʻaí .

#### Kunin

Kunin was discovered by the Tapuangans by the prophet Faitoʻo however, he did not successfully spread Tapuanga to the Kuninese people due to them rejecting his attempt and killing him. The prophet Konatapu was the first to successfully make contact with the Kuninese a few years later, setting up trade between the Korlanic people and the island, however only a few Kuninese people were ever successfully converted, and Tapuanga is only really seen in the western tip of the island. One of the converted families gave birth to the first Kuninese prophet and the final prophet of Tapuanga, known as Shinsei of Wasure'te.

### **The Creation of Ulina**

Followers of Tapuanga believe that Ulina began as a simple dry rock all alone in the universe. They believe there was nothing around until a volcanic eruption from the super volcano Korla'ene led to ash covering the surface of Ulina. The ash began to condense together and this began the birth of the Atuae, also known as Kamataʻangá (The Great Beginning). The Atuae created the sky and the stars together. After creating everything they went to sleep for a long time. All of the major landmasses and continents of Ulina are believed to be the resting Atuae.

### **The Creation and Migration of Humanity**

It is believed that humanity, and all other conscious beings, were created by the Atuae of mischief, Tinihangae. They created humanity in order to give the other Atuae a restless sleep. They crafted humanity in their image from the same ashes that the Atua were born from and granted the ability of free will. Due to Ulinas oceans not yet existing, humanity spread all across the planet very hastily. Occupying the landmasses believed to be the Atuae due to their richness in resources and food. The Tapuangan Pantheon all agreed to punish Tinihangae by putting them on a continent which is ice cold and empty. Tinihangae would suffer for their practical joke by freezing and being unable to inflict such curses on any others. Humanity ultimately ended up finding and freeing Tinihangae as they spread around the planet, though very little of them remained in this freezing continent.

### **Atuae**

The Atuae are the deities of the Tapuangan religion. They represent the most important aspects of the religion and are vital in the creation of Ulina and humanity.

#### Tapuangan Pantheon

The Tapuangan Pantheon is the group of Atuae that rule over Ulina and the other Atuae. There are 12 members, with Kapuana acting as the Emperor and Aroha Kina as the empress. There was previously a war over the title of emperor.
 Justice & Positive Karma
 Tiku'utu
 War & Pride
 Tūmakaheno

#### O'elemēniti

The O’elemēniti are a group of four Atuae which represent the four elements which Korlanic peoples believed made Ulina. Each all also act as a patron for the four most populous cities in the Korlanic Isles.

#### **Hilimai Ki’i**

Hilimai Ki'i (Heavens War) is the term often used for the war between the Atuae which birthed the sea and the Sun. The war began when the Haura’atua daughter of Tinihangae, Kahu, seduced the Atua O'oseni. She convinced O'oseni that the humans valued him over his brother Kapuano, she was able to do so by showing him the various rain dances developed by her people.

O'oseni, now believing that humanity finds him more important that the Atuae Emperor Kapuano, began to wake up other Atuae to garner support. Kapuano, learning of his brothers plans, began to gather together his own army of Atuae to counter that of O'oseni. O'oseni believes Kapuano learned from a member of his group of his plans. He slays Tūmakaheno, the Atua of war and pride, and the son of Kapuano, which causes the Atuana Hūpakahena to be born. This death angers Kapuano incredibly, who enlists the help of O'afu. O'afu sets one of the moons on fire, creating the Sun to dry up the rain of O'oseni. Kapuano begins to gather support, using the death of his son to bring Atuae to his cause. Tiku'utu learns of the unjust death of Tūmakaheno and pledges to give O'oseni a just punishment for his crime.

During a pivotal battle between the two sides of the war, O'oseni was shot using a poisoned dart from a blowgun, shot by Tiku'utu. The dart was laced with the juices of the Paitini Fruit, the most poisonous fruit in Ailou. O'oseni fell down during the battle and the blood from his wounds bled all across Ulina and creates the worlds seas and oceans. Kōrero, the Atua of medicine then used the poison to bring back Kapuanos son Tūmakaheno.

##### Matekai Famine

The Matekai Famine was a global famine that effected all life on Ulina. Attributed to the loss of rainfall after Tiku'utu killed the Atua of rain, O'oseni. It is predicted that about 86% of life on Ulina was lost during the famine. At first the Atua did not care about the extreme loss of life on Ulina, however upon realising they were recieving less sacrifices as time went on some of them attempted to figure out the problem. Tamasi'i, the Atua of wisdom predicted it was due to the lack of rainfall. Kapuano, realising this to be true decided to call for one of the Maʻulalo Atuae, Kōrero, the Atua of medicine. Kōrero was tasked with bring O'oseni back to life to save all life on Ulina. He tried various methods but eventually settled on a mixture of Jsu Sap and salt water from the new seas. This method succeeded and Kapuano granted Kōrero a seat in the Tapuangan Pantheon for saving humanity.

### **Haura'atua**

The Haura’atua are the children of an Atuae and a mortal. They all act as patrons to certain groups.
 Liars
 Kahu

#### The Curse of Palaono

Palaono is the son of the Emperor of the Gods, Kapuano and the former human Puremu. Kapuano had an affair with Puremu and severly angered his wife Aroha Kina. Kapuano, who believed Puremu to be the most beautiful woman alive granted her Atua'faava (Godhood) to protect her from the wrath of Aroha Kina. Puremu became the Atuana of beauty and of lust, paralleling Aroha Kina, the Atuana of love. Aroha Kina, now unable to punish Puremu, cursed her unborn child. Before Palaono was even born he was cursed to be the most hideous of all men. Palaono is now considered to be the ancestor of all things that are deemed ugly and deformed.

#### The Talanoa of Akula

Akula is the daugher of O’oseni and the human Alisi. She was born at sea on a ship that was transporting her mother and several other slaves of the Tuatahi. Akula's mother Alisi was killed by the slave traders and Akula was adopted by the captain of the ship. Akula grew up at sea, never stepping foot on land, she was raised as a ship hand and trained to fight by the slave traders. Upon getting close to one slave during her teenage years, Akula began to resent her adoptive family. When it came time for this slave to be sold, she decided to take action and fight back against the slave traders. Akula freed the slaves but decided to stay at sea. She hired some of the former slaves to work her ship and began sailing the seas of Ailou, freeing other slaves and building a fleet from the ships she captured. It is believed that at one point, 90% of pirates in Ailou were under the command of Akula.

#### The Epic of Pania

Pania is the daughter of te'Oafu and the human Sela. Pania was prophecised as the hero of Akalotu in the book of Tamasi'i. When Fakapulí began terrorising Akalotu and killing its citizens in the night Pania set out alone to hunt the creature. It was believed that hearing Fakapulís cries were a death sentence, as anyone who reported hearing them were mauled within a few hours of the initial report. No one believed Pania would be able to defeat the creature as Pania was deemed as weak in Akalotu due to her deafness. However, her deafness was proven to be essential to her victory, the Fakapulís cries were ineffective in causing Pania any fear, rendering her untrackable by the beast. Pania was able to sneak up behind Fakapulís and set its tail aflame, scaring the monster off into the Asi wilderness.

#### The Tale of Ārai

Ārai is the son of Aniwaniwa and the human Isileli. He was prophecised as the man to end the tyrannical reign of Emperor Aasal Keliʻi of Āina. Emperor Aasal learned of this prophecy when Ārai turned 18. He intended to march his army to kill Ārai, however what he found was a weak frail boy who had been thrown out by his family. Keliʻi assumed the prophecy must be mistaken and left Ārai to rot. However, 4 years later Ārai travelled to the then capital of Āina, Malolo to meet the emperor. Aasal had been trying to find a wife for 3 years in an attempt to find an heir to his throne. However, upon meeting Ārai for the second time, the emperor dropped everything and knew they must share a dinner. Aasal knew they could not wed but knew that Ārai was to be his lover. The emperor, due to Ārai's influence, ended his tyrannical reign over Āina and became a more respected emperor, however leaving no heir to his throne. Ārai, outliving the former emperor gave the throne to his brother, Hailama Rewera, beginning the Rewera rule over Āina.

#### The Myth of Kahu

Kahu is the daughter of Tinihangae and the human Heeni. She is the human responsible for causing the Hilimai Ki’i. She did so by seducing O'oseni and convincing him that the citizens valued him more than his brother, Kapuano. She accomplished this by showing him various rain dances of her people, this caused O'oseni's pride to flare and he began to plot his brothers demise. Kahu is now eternally tortured by having her tongue and throat burn hotter than the sun constantly. This was to teach her of the privilege that language provides, and that using it immorally is punishable.

#### The Legend of Aata

Aata is the son of O’usae and the human Rongo. At birth he was blessed by Kōpere to be the greatest hunter of all men. Since the age of 6, Aata had hunted. At age 10 he had hunted a pack of wolves terrorising his village. However, age 16 is when his great accomplishment as a hunter happened. He was tasked with hunting down Tūkinotanga, a giant bear cursed by Tinihangae to have an insatiable hunger. Originally a regular bear, Tūkinotanga ate and ate until it grew to an unimaginable size. In order to try and ease his hunger Tūkinotanga reached into the sky and grabbed the moon out of it with his paws, then he ate it whole. With the moon missing, Aata had to hurry up and find a solution. Many had attempted to kill the bear, however no arrows or swords could harm the enormous beast. Aata, realising this, crawled up the bears body, and tossed a single Paitini Fruit into its mouth. The Paitini Fruit is widely regarded as the most poisonous fruit in Korlan. This caused Tūkinotanga to throw up everything that it had eaten, and shrink back to the size of a regular bear. Once Tūkinotanga had finished throwing up, he fell dead to the poison.

#### Puoro's Song

Puoro is the son of Hiahia’a and the human Eruera. Since his childhood he was described as having the most beautiful voice of all. In adulthood he was the most famous man in Papahuia, known for his incredible ballads and poetry. Though, later in his life his voice began to fade away, becoming less and less adored as his singing became worse and worse. This was until the serpent of the waves, Tarakona began to terrorise his village. Tarakona began to flood Papahuia with waves, and as the waves receded they would push the citizens out into the sea where Tarakona could feast upon them. One night as Puoro slept a wave swept through Papahuia taking several people. Feeling the water on his body he awoke and knew what was happening. Puoro ran to the coast, following the receding wave. When Puoro saw the giant serpent, he began to sing, at first his voice was raspy due to his old age. This was until the silhoutte of his mother appeared above him, Hiahia'a had come to bless her son to sing once again. Puoro's voice began to belt out the most undescribably beautiful song the people of Papahuia had ever heard. Puoro's singing had began to tire Tarakona, and eventually the beast fell into a deep sleep.

#### The Curse of Kakarauri

Kakarauri is the son of Tūmakaheno and the Haura’atua Pania. He constantly tried living up to his mothers reputation, being the Haura'atua of heroes. He constantly fought against enemies of Akalotu, as well as dangerous animals that lived in the region, but never any monsters. One day Akalotu was attacked by a group of Kanipara, humanoid monsters which one becomes following cannibalism. Kakarauri quickly defeated the monsters, saving Akalotu, however, his ego quickly got the best of him. He constantly bragged about saving the city, until the Atuana, Heahea, tricked him into eating human meat. Kakarauri soon became a Kanipara and was slain by his own people, all for letting his ego get to him.

### **Notable Prophets**

Head prophets of Tapuanga and their accomplishments in order of succession. Dates represent time as head prophet not lifetime.
 Kōura of Tuwhai (1356-1370)
 Spread Tapuanga all the way to Āina. Turned the water of a river to gold to give good fortune to the Āinans. Created the Koula Scale of morals.
 Ahika (1423-1439)
 Oversaw the first Mateora. Began a ritual of spiritual contact. Continued the second book of Tamasi'i.
 Tama (1501-1523)
 Continued the twisted version of Nofoʻaí. Conquered much of south Kuwhara and spread Tapuanga throughout.
 Kalou (1584-1596)
 Ordered the Tiaki to fight back against Emperor Tipene. Assassinated in 1596 by a follower of Tipecene. Continued the third book of Tamasi'i.

#### **te'Otua of Akalotu**

##### Early Life

te'Otuas early life is relatively unknown apart from a few important details kept by the Tapuangan prophets and then by the Tiaki. te'Otuas birth is shrouded in mystery, the only thing known is the location, in the then small village of Akalotu. te'Otua was the second of 2 children, with his brother Tokoua, becoming the Ariki (Rutherish: Chief) of Akalota when te'Otua was young.

##### The Tolumohe

The Tolumohe, also known as the "Eternal Sleep", was the first instance of the Atuae speaking to a mortal. It involved te'Otua falling into a deep sleep for 10 days. For a week before the Tolumohe, te'Otua fell violently ill, and most of Akalotu predicted he would die. One night te'Otua fell asleep and for the duration of the Tolumohe he slept. He experienced the entire story of the creation of Ulina and humanity, he spoke to the Atua Tamasi'i who told him the secrets of the Atuae. Upon awakening, te'Otua began to tell the tales of the Atuae and the creation of their planet.

##### Time As Prophet

te'Otua's time as a prophet was extremely eventful, as he, along with the citizens of Akalotu, began the spread of Tapuanga throughout Asini. It's intitial spread was slow, going town by town. Several towns rejected the beliefs, however over time more and more came to follow te'Otua. When te'Otua reached Anau, a city on the west coast of Asini, the people welcomed him with celebrations. They had heard the stories of a young prophet sent by the gods travelling throughout Asini. te'Otua had successfully spread his then unnamed religion from Akalotu to Anau by foot. He died soon after.

#### The Tiaki

The Tiaki are high class individuals tasked with the protection and preservation of the Tapuangan faith. Nicknamed the Tapuangan Key for their secrecy, the identities of the Tiaki is believed to be Ulinas best kept secret. Very little is known about the Tiaki and how they function beyond what they have chosen to release to the public. The Tiaki reside in an ancient villa known as Vualiku located on the northern tip of Kuwhara. The location was selected as it was believed to be closest to the centre of the world, which was important in the mind of the Prophet Senitaá of Ataahua.

The original members of the Tiaki were selected by the Prophet Senitaá of Ataahua to defend the Tapuangan faiths greatest secrets, however their duties have evolved quite far beyond that. There are 15 members of the Tiaki at all times, with the oldest and most important of them being referred to as The Onamata. The Onamata is constantly changing, always being the oldest member of the organisation. The reason the Onamata is so important among the Tiaki and the Tapuangan faith is that they are believed to be the closest to Prophet Senitaá. The Onamata is tasked with selecting the newest member of the Tiaki through a process called Hono. Hono meaning 'the connection', it tends to involve the current Onamata to fall into a dream coma until a fit individual is selected. The individual is usually around the age of 5 to 10 when selected, and usually from Kuwhara or the Korlanic Isles.

The Tiaki were also the driving force behind the expulsion of Emperor Tipene of The Empire of Kāinga. Emperor Tipene, known as Kaikaha (Rutherish; Narcissist King), believed in a sect of Tapuanga known as Tipecene that viewed himself as the "Atua of Humanity". He began a cultural genocide against those who resisted his addition to the religion. June 29th of 1590, the Tiaki made their first, and only public appearance to denounce and discredit Tipecene. This caused mass revolts across Kāinga, ending Tipenes reign across the Korlanic Isles.

The Tiaki are the only group who speak the religious language of Tiaki'i. They learn this language in order to communicate with one another, as Tiaki'i has been the language of prophets and the Tiaki for generations. Since the death of Shinsei of Wasure'te, there have been no prophets, leaving the Tiaki as the sole speakers of the language.

### Vaʻakau

Vaʻakau was the magic system used by Tapuangans prior to colonisation by Notogi. It was used primarily by the Va'akuan Tapuangans, who followed closely to Otuan beliefs, but incorporated magic into their stories and lives. Va'akua is now extinct as a magic system, with the last known user dying in Arepa in 1994.

#### Va'akuan Keep

The Va'akuan Keep was a group of high class, powerful, Va'akua users. They taught Va'akua to all those who wished to learn the practice. They lived in the Fukatongi lowlands and were known for being extremely hard to find. They lived here, and avoided being easily found, so that only those dedicated to learning Va'akua would be able to seek them out. The Va'akuan Keep were also known as extraordinary healers, creating remedies and cures to most ailments that plagued the Golden Ages of Tapuanga, this method was called Taula'evolo. Several people, not willing to learn Va'akua seeked the Keep out in order to cure themselves, however the Keep would refuse to cure them unless they agreed to learn how to cure themselves. Initially the Va'akuan Keep stayed exclusively in the Fukatongi lowlands, however as the practices spread, the members started to be found all across the Korlanic Isles. Va'akua never caught on in Kuwhara, Miuli or Asini.

#### Tamapua

Tamapua is a practice originating in Āina ear the city of Apala in the early 1400s. The practice includes using the hair of another person and sewing it into a doll, known as Kanaka Dolls, which would allow one to control said person. Kanaka Dolls were used to inflict harm or disease on enemies, as well as to control their movement. It is believed that the only way to unconnect a Kanaka Doll and its living counterpart was to set it aflame, this would cause the counterpart to feel the intense pain which comes with being set on fire, however they would be free of the curse.

Kanaka Dolls are banned today, however have not been used for generations as one part of the practice was lost to time. It is rumoured that the forgotten step in creating the dolls involves a heart made from gold from the Koura River, and then getting the heart blessed by a member of the Va'akuan Keep that practiced I'uli. This rumour has spread due to old Kanaka dolls being found with golden hearts sewn into the chest of the dolls.

#### Taula'evolo

Taula'evolo is a healing practice used by Va'akuans. It involved several remedies and cures using different plants and other assorted items, and being blessed by a member of the Va'akuan Keep. Hundreds would seek out the Keep in order to learn these specific practices to save someone close to them.

For non-physical ailments such as curses, possessions, or gloom, a member of the Keep would have you drink a concoction of various plants and would then place you in a trance like state. This practice was done to lower the connection of the cursed with physical world in order to redirect evil out of their soul. Once they have redirected the evil elsewhere they would bless you and grant you protections from future curses.

#### I'uli

I'uli was the darkest magic associated with Tapuanga. Very little members of the Va'akuan Keep delved into I'uli, as it had very dark connotations associated with it. I'uli was a system that revolved around cursing or causing gloom to an individual, this was shunned by a majority of the Keep.

Learning I'uli involved allowing evil into your soul, but not entirely. Evil would occupy a small portion of your soul, and feed off of you like a leech, but allow you to inflict evil on another. The most common uses of I'uli were curses, inflicting gloom or the creation of Kanaka Dolls. I'uli was condemned by the Va'akuan Keep and was considered by some an entirely different sect of Tapuanga.

#### Manawa Genocide

The Manawa Genocide was a genocide organised by the first communist leader of the Korlanic Isles. The new People's Republic of Korlan that came to power following the collapse of Notogi outlawed the use of Va'akua as it was deemed a threat to them. Members of the Va'akuan keep were hunted down and slaughtered under the guise of protecting the interests of the government of Korlan. Approximately 38,000 people died in the first year of the Mawawa Genocide, including several hundred unconfirmed members of the Va'akuan Keep. By the fourth year of the genocide approximately 92,000 were dead, only about 300 members of the Va'akuan Keep remained. Very little were killed after the fourth year, slowly dying off on their own or due to government intervention. The genocide stopped after the fourth year in 1963 due to how little members remained. It is believed that the last member survived until 1994 in northern Arepa.

### **Rapu'utuae Terrorist Group**

The Rapu'utae Terrorist Group is a extremist Tapuangan organisation that follows the sect of the same name. This group believes in spreading their religion through any method possible. There have been reported attacks in Korlan, Vau'sena, and Intinesia.

Their beliefs revolve around the Tapuangan event known as Hilimai Ki’i. They believe this event happened far different than other sects of Tapuanga. They claim that the Atuana Tiku’utu was killed by Rapu’utu during Hilimai Ki’i, essentially meaning that justice is dead, and it was killed by vengeance. The organisation claims that with the death of Tiku'utu that justice cannot be served, so they must take it into their own hands. Their definition of justice is rather skewed however, as they believe that anyone who doesn't follow Tapuanga is deserving of "justice".

The entry ritual into the organisation involves pouring acid into the eyes of the inductee. This blinds the inductee and allows them to learn to operate without sight. This method is used due to the common belief that justice must be blind, that internal biases cannot disrupt the main cause.

#### Rapu'utae Terror Attacks

Major terror attacks by Rapu'utae in chronological order.
 Ta Kuiti Shooting
 A shooting that took place in Ta Kuiti, Vau'sena for peaceful protests against entry into the Korlanic Civil War.

### **Major Holidays**

The most important and widespread holidays in Tapuanga in order.
 Oho'a (March 23rd)
 The day te'Otua woke up from the Tolumohe, a huge celebration at the end of the ten day festival of Lōloa'tolu.
 Aata'māhi (August 11th)
 The return of the moon to the sky by the hunter Aata.
 Matala (November 1st)
 Celebrates the late bloom of the i'Akau flower, the national flower of Korlan and the spirit of Senikau.

### **Famous Followers**

Well known people who label themselves as Tapuangan.
 Emperor Tipene (1522-1590)
 Emperor of The Empire of Kāinga. Started his own sect of Tapuanga. Known as Kaikaha, "The Narcissist King". Founded Taone Nui.
 Sako Masa (2024-2054)
 Football player for the Korlanic team and the Kapikala Kraken. Assassinated by Takina Faletau for speaking out against Ilfiatism.
 Ataahua Parata (2011-today)
 President of Vau'sena.