Chasmism

**Chasmism** is a Kestrian monotheistic branch of Gremalism, based on the belief that there exists a great and infinite Chasm far in the South-West of Ef'thar. It is the third largest religion in Verroccia, coming in at 8 members among the global population. The worhippers of Chasm mostly wear black robes with red undergarments. Iron gauntlets, greaves and steel headbands adorned with pieces of raw iron decorate the rest of their attire.

Chasmism began with the lonesome ventures of one Salomo Rossi, who discovered the initial wing, the iron ribcage and subsequently the eye of Chasm. During his forays into the depths of Coré d'abismo (heart of the Abyss) he reportedly went insane under the influence of the sheer size of Chasm. Witnessing its apparent infinity, he came to a conclusion that it could only mean that he is in the presense of a trickster deity. He called the raw iron clumps that studded the walls "its gifts" and treated their collection as a ritual of sorts. This tradition is continued nowadays by Chasmites, who treat raw iron as their symbol of faith.

During the reign of the first two Kyriarchs of Kistello Patria, Chasmism was legitimised as one of the formal religions of the republic. From then on it began its slow ascent to what it is today. Due to the fact that Chasmites treat collecting iron as a ritual of faith, they have fast become quite wealthy members of their respective societies, establishing the first Iron Bank of Chasm in the seaside town of Granfino.

The most recent successes of the religion had caught the eye of Kyriarch Ryon di Hadda of Kistello Patria, who fast became a practitioner of Chasmism as a way of currying favour of the now consolidated Church of Chasm, thus legitimising chasmism even further.

## Practices

Practices of Chasmism depend heavily on the region. The Avenkamic sect which can be found in the Kestrian region distinguishes itself through its clothing: A black robe worn over red undergarments, adorned with iron gauntlets and grieves as well as an iron band worn around a devotee's head, which carries their main symbol of faith: a piece of raw iron. Their active rituals include the humble "potato salute", "Chasm's blessings", the chasmite greeting and, in the case of the chasmites from Granfino, the "vigil".

The Grey orks of Mör-Akaz that dwell deep in the south west of Efthar have many different rituals of their own. Unlike their brothers up in the north-east, they do not wear any religious attire nor carry iron on their heads. Theirs is a dwelling right above Chasm's heart, so they prefer ritualistic sacrifices to simple greetings and vigils.

## Pilgrimage

A lot of chasmites part take in this ancient tradition of visiting Coré d'abismo to see the heart of Chasm. It is considered to be the most intense of religious experiences that a chasmite can endure, and those who go on these long voyages often report hearing the deep voice of Chasm calling to them when they're all alone in the iron ribcage.

1. ↑ A wing is one of the many corridors and underground ravines that ultimately make up the entirety of Chasm. It is defined by a thin profile, its walls being lined with basalt and studded with raw iron blocks. Said wings can be found across the world, not only in the initially discovered Volcano.
2. ↑ A cave suspended from the ceiling of a larger cavern; entombed within basalt and raw iron, it is a host to Chasm's Heart - a giant clump of magma that hangs over the mossy carpet of the ribcage. This is considered to be the holy sight of Chasmism - one that is travelled to by Pilgrims from across the world.
3. ↑ "Eye of Chasm" refers to the centre of Coré d'abismo.
4. ↑ Kyriarch is a position of elected executive authority within the mercantile republic of Kistello Patria.
5. ↑ A bank that holds the vast richest of chasmites within its walls. Iron and gold adorn its holding chests and await to be lent out to whomever might need them.
6. ↑ A religious organisation within the lands of Kistello Patria.
7. ↑ A ritual in which two chasmites will exchange baked potatoes as a sign of good will upon meeting eachother. The potato is used since it comes from the depths of the earth, thus being, in the eyes of chasmites, blessed by their patron deity. It being baked symbolises the fiery nature of Chasm.
8. ↑ Ritualistic gifting of a piece of iron to another person, as a sign of good will.
9. ↑ "May Chasm smile upon you", reffering to the fact that Chasmites of the Kestrian region believe the raw iron clumps that adorn the basalt walls of the original Chasm to be his teeth, bared in a smile. Thus to receive such a smile is to receive grace and blessing from the trickster deity.
10. ↑ This ritual of initiation into the faith is practiced only in Granfino and includes the newly found initiate submerging themselves into the boiling waters of Chasm's 'eye'.

It is only considered that the initiate has passed this trial if they hadn't taken any damage in the process.