Asturidism

The religion of the Asturids described in the texts of the Asturid Fables is referred to as Asturidism (usually by those who do not practice it), and Asturid Fables, or simply The Fables (usually by those who do). Asturidism is the basis for many religions widely practiced throughout the galaxy, including those that outlaw the worship of its original pantheon of deities called The Myriad, or “Old Gods”. It is known for its adaptability and the multiplicity of its stories and divine figures, but also for the mysteries surrounding its lost texts. This incompleteness and variability makes it one of the most inclusive of all galactic religions, with many religious groups referring to it in their own religious practice in one way or another. The central themes of Asturidism are natural order, shared knowledge, inclusivity, and the intricate balance between light and dark. Its original pantheon, The Myriad, comprises a multitude of gods, although the term “god” is misleading and was never used in the original texts, which refer somewhat unceremoniously to its “gods” as creators, and suggest that each creator was once a mortal being of indiscernible sex or race. These creators are usually described as being balls of light, energy or other formless matter, only later becoming anthropomorphised in various forms. It is believed within Asturidism that these mortal creators became immortal through their creation of the universe, pouring themselves into whatever part of the universe they created (for example, Tasso created water and therefore became water, existing immortally as all water).

## Overview

### Dark Aspect

An important part of worship within Asturidism is the acknowledgement of each creators “dark aspect”, which represents the violent, chaotic version of the creator’s creation. To ignore a creator’s dark aspect is to ignore the natural balance of all things, which results in a kind of internal war between the light and the dark aspect of the creator. Post-Chaotic Epoch practitioners of Asturidism believe, for instance, that the downfall of the Gimoan Alliance came about due to the Alliance’s defence against the Rebel uprising that sought to destroy it - therefore fighting its own dark aspect - which caused the ecological disasters that eventually destroyed the planet of Astur, where Asturidism was born. This doctrine of acceptance of darkness has encouraged some religious groups such as the Kethic Order to seek out the dark aspect in order to achieve balance, which many regard as extremist and ultimately destructive, suggesting that to seek balance is actually to lose it. Arguably the most central figure of The Fables is Malla, who goes by many names and forms depending on the circumstance. Malla’s creation is the concept of natural order and harmony, so it is through Malla that Asturidism is able to exist, and therefore it is through the practice of Asturidism (the acknowledgement of balance) that Malla can continue to exist. Malla is often worshipped through its symbols, day and night, and therefore is connected with the sun and the cyclical process of orbit. For this reason, the universal sun symbol has become synonymous with Asturidism, and therefore the Gimoan Alliance.