Shishism

## Description

Shishism is the traditional religion practiced by the Krille goblins along the Halt. Roughly five to eight percent of Krille still practice the religion. Shishists are followers of the minor god Bydyx Unuz, who is chracterised by having a large ego and a strong desire for power. Shishism is forbidden by the Readjusted Werran Krille Reservation. The name "Shishism" comes from the Krill word "Sisy", meaning "truth".

(S in Krill is pronounced like sh in English)

## Bydyx Unuz

Bydyx Unuz is the god of the Shishists. Bydyx Unuz supposdedly prophesized what Shishists call "Rir Kypik" (English: "the day"). He is usually depicted as taking the shape of a four metre tall and very muscular Krille with red skin, three big horns and wielding a big axe. Supposedly when Rir Kypik comes, the world along with its gods will be destroyed by Bydyx Unuz. Those who follow him will be saved from destruction and receive a special spot in his realm (Suxud). It is believed that winning a battle means you have Bydyx Unuz's favour, but he will cause you to lose if he is displeased in you. To gain his favour, Shishists will hunt animals as a sacrifice to him. The axe is a common symbol of Bydyx Unuz, it is common to see axes carved into rocks and trees, this is called the Sign of the Axe.

## The universe

The Shishists believe that the universe is a large tree, every leaf of this tree is a world, with every leaf on the tree having its own world and gods similar to their own. After a certain amount of time the tree dies, and what is left is a seed for the next tree to grow, for that one to die and continue the cycle. They believe that the first tree was always there, and as it is a cycle, it has no beginning or end. Every leaf will have its Rir Kypik, and will fall off. All the faithful Shishists will be able to ender what is called the Rusue. The Rusue is a paradise located in the roots of the tree.

## The Chieftain's Laws

The Chiefltain's Laws is a set of laws every Shishist must follow that every Shishist is taught to memorise by heart, and is integral to Shishist life.

1. Know to love Bydyx Unuz
2. Do not kill your kinsmen unless it is in self defence
3. Honour your tribe
4. Honour your chieftain
5. Mark your firstborn son's forehead with the Sign of the Axe

## Celebrations

The Shishist calendar divides a year into two halves, Zyz and Zez. Zyz is the first half of the year and starts at Summer solstice, while Zyz starts at Winter solstice. On the first day of Zyz or Zez, a sacrifice to Bydyx Unuz is held to commemorate his promise of Rir Kypik. During these celebrations it is common to eat fancy dinners and to drink and sing. Another important celebration is called Xyryrsil, which is marked one third of the way into Zez, and is beleived to be the day of Rir Kypik. A sacrifice is held, but there is no drinking or partying, only praising Bydyx Unuz.

## Persecution

After the Codmendi laid claim to the Krille land, to not use resources in capturing it, the treaty of Myzyz was signed that promised the Krille self-governance under the Krille Reservation. Readjusted Werranism was allowed to be practiced within the reservation, though total religious freedom was not granted, Shishism remained forbidden. Shishist communities remain disconnected from the central Krille authority, and do not get representation in the chieftain's hall. Shishists are forbidden from entering Xuze, the capital of the Krille reservation. Though Readjusted Werranism prohibits the killing of heathens, historically killings of shishists have been reported. Any Shishist setting foot outside of the reservation is often punished if detected by Codmendish law enforcement. Shishists are also looked down upon for practicing magic.