Religion

**Religion** is an important aspect in the daily life of the the inhabitants of Sahul. Places of worships can be found everywhere; even the smallest villages have at the very least a wayside shrine for people to pray at. Many people go to one or more religious ceremonies held at these locations at least once a week. The rituals performed during these ceremonies differ depending on the god that is being worshipped, but almost always include a small sacrifice and the burning of incense.

The only people who do not pray are the orcs from Kraterocracy of Hilal. Who, after killing one of the few Azen remaining on Sahul, have rejected religion and became staunch atheists.

## History

In the ancient days the gods themselves walked amongst the mortals. In those days it was easy for a mortal to receive what they prayed for. Legendary heroes even received powerful boons from gods they impressed to help them on their quests. But this all changed when the high god Tenno, pissed with the influence his brother Konsulh was having on the world, ordered the Azen and their kin to leave the world. Now most prayers fall on deaf ears, and any manifestations of godly powers are just the result of people tapping into their inner mana reserves. However the people still continue to pray despite this all, and sometimes it feels like there is still someone out there hearing these prayers.

## Orthodoxy and heresy

Almost everyone agrees that there is undeniable proof that gods, or god-like entities, have roamed Sahul in the distant past. But the nature of these beings is a subject of heavy religious debate. Nowadays there are two main schools of thoughts: the Azenism and Mattoism.

### Azenism

Azenism is the orthodox form of the Sahulian religion which is strongly enforced by the Dragon-kin. Azenists believe that the Azen are all independent beings with godly powers. These beings all possess their own thoughts and are capable of both good and evil depending on their personality. New Azen can be created by other Azen but can also fall from grace and become fallen Azen.

### Hakaism

*Main Article: Hakaism*

Hakaism is a heresy that believes that Tenno and Konsulh are the only deities. Followers of Hakaism consider the other gods mere creations by the original two and therefore they are not gods, but considered as demi-gods. Still holding significant power but they don't deserve a proper religious ceremony.

### Mattoism

Mattoism is the largest heresy of the Sahulian religion, and is primarily worshipped by druids and lizardfolk. Mattoists believe that there is only one god which encompassing and creating all aspects of nature, called the Matto. The Azen are all avatars of the Matto, each in turn brought into the world to continue pushing the world to the Matto's grand design. Further on they believe that as avatars of Matto no Azen is either good or evil, and no Azen can truly have fallen or be bad. As such they worship all Azen, even the Dusk Lord and Yiskarang, much to the chagrin of both orcs and dragon-kin alike.

In most realms being a follower of Mattoism is barely tolerated at the best of times and is punishable by death at the worst of times. Few countries openly allow anyone outside of druidic circles to worship Mattoism, and even fewer have Mattoism as a serious religion. However the country of Brabantsia is one of these rare nations, which has lead to many attacks from religious extremists in the eastern border. The city of Ernestbeet forms the main protection of the relgious freedom of the Mattoists living in the Rim to worship how they want.