Lucianism

Lucianism was the dominant religion during the Dark Age. It is an anathematic belief based on Lar, specifically the vilification of Lar and the veneration of Lucius, the Fallen One. It originated in Avorsus and quickly spread in the wake of the many conquests which followed Lucius' Empire. There are two forms of Lucianism - Paleolucianism and Neolucianism.

## Paleolucianism

Paleolucianism is the primary Lucian religion. It was officially founded by the Followers of Lucius during his coronation in the year 800. It was born out of a hatred for Lar, and the belief that Lucius is the rightful God in Elisium. Paleolucianism is very race-specific as it advocates for Pesmeni supremacy over the other races, which is why it has been on the decline since the end of the War of Downfall. In many places, it has been outlawed due to its extreme views.

### Creation Story

Paleolucianites believe that creation began with the Spark of Divinity, completely regardless of Lar. A benevolent force gave shape to the universe and Anima. However, Lar is a creature manifest from pure evil, spawned as an anathema to the Spark. Lar usurped the Spark's power and used it to create the Libridei, their slaves. The Libridei were given but a fraction of the Spark of Divinity, just enough so that their work could be more efficient. Eventually, the Elysian Kings figured this out and attempted to overthrow Lar, but They were too powerful. The war ended in the Ascent and the rebellious few remained on the ground, stripped of the little power they had. Lar created the OVUM to manifest themselves within the physical plane. Eventually, the Libridei messiah Lucius, one of Lar's favorites, dared to ask Lar why, if they were so powerful, they wouldn't join them with their earthly brothers and sisters. Why did they have to live separately? Angered by this question, Lar chose to banish Lucius from Elisium along with four of those who agreed with him, Janus, Evander, Consus, and Summanus.

One on the ground, the five found their wings had been weakened so they could never return. They chose to continue their mission on the ground and give the mortal races a way to combat Lar and their Libridei. They were proclaimed as the harbingers of the New Age, and they ushered in a thousand years of glory, where God's chosen people, the Pesmeni, descended directly from him, could enjoy their birthright. Lucius ruled as the God-King of Anima until the day finally came when he decided to grant the mortal races their just due and ascend to Elisium and usurp the Godly Throne of Lar , becoming even more powerful than them. Lucius was defeated, and his Enlightened Empire was torn apart by the people he wanted to help. The other races grew to despise him, while the Pesmeni grew forgetful of their Lord.

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. Lar is the primary evil, the symbol of tyranny and imprisonment. Paleolucianites believe that the end goal of Lar is to enslave all sapient races to fuel their own power, robbing the other races of their freedom.
2. Avelar is known as Lucius ' lover, a divine star-crossed love story which ended in Avelar's exile to Anima, being forced to spread the doctrines of Lar in fear of death or worse. While Lucius begged for Avelar to be returned to Elisium, he was eventually killed on the surface, prompting Lucius to begin thinking that Lar might not be the virtuous being they claim to be.
3. Lucius is the God-King figure of Lucianism. He is a benevolent and just ruler, with only one goal in mind - to give the mortal races the power and freedom they desire by birth. For this to be achieved, he claims the Throne of Lar and the City of Elisium as his own. His virtues are those of his followers; ambition, freedom, power, passion, and dedication.

### Ending Story

Paleolucianites don't believe in a true ending. After Lucius usurps Lar's throne, his favorite followers will be given Lar's power and will be given a universe of their own where they may exercise their godhood, forever perpetuation the cycle of creation.

### Afterlife

For the Old Followers of Lucius, the afterlife is an ideal spirit plane where the soul awaits its destiny. Those who followed Lucius, or at least believed in the ideals of Lucius, will be granted their own universe and the power of Lar when Anima is destroyed. The others will be erased from existence. No trace will be left of them ever existing.

### Holidays

* The Crowning
* Avelarion
* Geminium

### Practices

* The Anaxi (coming of age - 21)
* Prayers at night are obligatory
* Funerals are done on bodies of water, letting the body burn with the boat
* Marriages are between a man and a woman, with the families as witness

### Clergy Structure

For Lucianites, blood is sacred. Only members of the most distinguished families may become clergymen, the Daskalos. Their oath is for life, and they serve to spread their faith both by peace and by war. They are some of the most powerful magic users in the world. Paleolucianites consider every other faith to be incorrect and an insult to Lucius. Members of the clergy are encouraged to marry, but only with other notable members of High Pesmeni society.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men are superior in every way
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Forbidden, for women
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Criminalized
* **Same-sex relationships:** Criminalized
* **Adultery:** Criminalized, for women
* **Deviancy:** Criminalized, for women
* **Magic:** Encouraged, mostly for men

## Neolucianism

Neolucianism came into existence shortly after the death of Lucius and the fall of the Lucian Empire. New Lucianism sought to diversify its teaching to survive in a changing world, and due to fundamental disagreements with the rest of their Church. It is seen as a newer and kinder alternative to Paleolucianism.

### Creation Story

The story is identical to Paleolucianism.

### Attitude towards Lar, Avelar, and Lucius

1. For New Lucianites, Lar is the creator of all things, but a deity turned malevolent; after their consciousnesses in order to increase Their power.
2. Avelar is known as Lucius ' lover, a divine star-crossed love story which ended in Avelar's exile to Anima, being forced to spread the doctrines of Lar in fear of death or worse. While Lucius begged for Avelar to be returned to Elisium, he was eventually killed on the surface, prompting Lucius to begin thinking that Lar might not be the virtuous being they claim to be.
3. Lucius is the Messiah of Lucianism. He was a benevolent and just ruler, with only one goal in mind - to destroy Lar, as no creature should possess such power. He planted the seeds of rebellion within the mortal and immortal races alike. He is revered for his patience, charity, and passion.

### Ending Story

For Neolucianites, existence ends when Lar is defeated. After that, Elisium will fall to the ground and send a shockwave that will sunder Anima into two, and take the spirit of every living thing on it. The spirits will ascend to a new plane where they may live in peace forever, free of tyranny.

### Afterlife

Those who die will ascend to Elisium and inhabit the OVUM until the end days. Those who have lived good lives will ascend to the new plane as spirits. Those who have lived poorly will be resurrected from mud and stone on the surface of the two Animas, forced to live there for all eternity, petrified but aware of every feeling and every second.

### Holidays

* The Crowning
* Avelarion
* Geminium
* The Sundering

### Practices

* The Anaxi (coming of age - 21)
* Funerals are done on bodies of water, letting the body burn with the boat
* Marriages are between a man and a woman, with the families as witness

### Clergy Structure

Neolucianites are regarded as the keepers of knowledge. Only Pesmeni may become priests, but all may follow the word of Lucius. Women (Tyga) handle the administration of the Church, while the men (Topos) study the Vis and collect Lore. They work from their temples and serve their respective head; Pateras for the men, and Mitera for the women. The Pateras and Mitera must be married. Their priests are also allowed to marry.

### Views on Social Relations

* **Gender:** Men are somewhat superior
* **Marriage:** Monogamous
* **Divorce:** Forbidden, for women
* **Children born out of wedlock:** Shunned, if women
* **Same-sex relationships:** Criminalized
* **Adultery:** Criminalized
* **Deviancy:** Criminalized, for women
* **Magic:** Encouraged, mostly for men

## Heresies

The two main branches of Lucianism are strictly opposed to branching philosophies, so heretical views are extremely rare, so much so in fact that they don't even have names due to being grossly localized. These heresies might even be identical, but occurring at different locations at the same time, with shared values without ever stooping into contact with each other. Mostly they are offshoots questioning the nature of Lar, Avelar, or Lucius, the role of the Libridei and the other Nephilim.