Precursorism

**Precursorism** is a religion centred around the worship of Humanity, an ancient Primate species that inhabited Narus thousands of years ago. Created by the Chasa, Precursorism is primarily practiced in the Shanorin Dynasty, and thus many of its beliefs revolve around the state.

## Background

According to Precursorism, the Humans, a race of Primates that ruled over Narus thousands of years ago, are godlike beings that left the planet to ascend to the heavens. The final ten-thousand Humans, kept in Habitat 000, are said to one day awaken and once again rule over Narus. Followers of Precursorism believe it to be their duty to work towards the opening of the Habitat. These Humans will gain their godlike status upon release, and make the most devoted of their followers into gods themselves. These teaching were shared to Tanyth Shanorin by the Angel Hosanna, leading to the founding of the religion as well as the Shanorin Dynasty.

The exact nature of Humanity's powers and abilities upon reaching godhood are unknown, and are claimed to be indescribable by Hosanna. Chasans believe themselves to be the chosen inheritors of their power, and also oversee the reclamation of Human artifacts, such as Angel wrecks and technology. The opening of Habitat 000, currently controlled by the Montiac Empire, is the ultimate goal of Precursorism. This belief is shared by all followers of Precursorism, no matter the species. The current ruler of the Dynasty, Abdiel, has begun aggressively pushing for its control in recent years, and many believe that a war between the Empire and Dynasty is inevitable.

Precursorism demands the use of a caste-system in its society. As the creators of the religion, Chasans sit second highest, second only to Humanity. Other species serve mostly as manual labourers and warriors. It's said that, should Humanity return, those atop the caste will be allowed to live alongside them as gods. Other followers will be allowed to remain, but only as labourers and the like. Though divided primarily by species, the caste system does allow non-Chasans to ascend. However, this is rare and done only to instil belief in lesser species that ascension is possible to all.

## Caste system

### Organization

Precursorism demands the use of a caste system in its beliefs. Though technically organized by societal roles, it is largely dictated by ones species. The following is the organization of the caste system in Precursorism:

#### Nukaw

The "Nukaw" sit at the top of the caste, and consist of the ruler of the Dynasty and a handful of highly esteemed priests.

#### Adanor

As so few make up the Nukaw, the "Adanor" is considered the highest achievable rank in the system despite being second-highest. It consists of academics, government officials, and soldiers, including city guards and Arem.

#### Maenaq

"Maenaq" consist of artisans, tradesman, farmers, and merchants. This is the highest level a non-Chasan species has reached.

#### Famil

"Famil" is the class of manual labourers, and is the lowest level that is allowed to purchase property.

#### Nunhut

The "Nunhut" is the lowest class of the Precursorism caste. It is made up of street cleaners and those who carry out other menial tasks. Nunhut are not allowed to purchase property and reside in communal houses with other of their class, which usually hold around 50.

## Beliefs

### Precursors

In Precursorism, Humans are known only as "Precursors". Referring to them as Humans is considered a sin, and is often punishable by death. "Great old ones" or variations of that are accepted, but frowned upon. Humans are seen as gods, who will bring their followers into the heavens with them upon their revival. Those at the top of the Precursorism caste will be granted the same powers had by Humans.

### The Revival

The "Revival" is central to Precursorism, and the majority of followers see it as their ultimate goal. According to them, it is their duty to actively work towards the opening of Habitat 000 in whatever way possible. Thus, even the common labourer believes themselves to be actively contributing to this. Once Humanity is awoken, they will clear Narus of non-believers, before bringing their followers and themselves into the heavens.

In recent years, a final conflict has been introduced into Precursorism's beliefs by Abdiel, which must be undertaken before The Revival can commence. Although not explicitly stated, it's assumed by many that this war is against the Empire, who currently holds Habitat 000 as part of their territory.

### Habitat 000

Habitat 000, otherwise referred to as "Sacred Habitat" by followers of Precursorism, is a Human built Habitat that holds what is assumed to be the final Humans on the planet. Habitat 000 was meant to open as the last Awakening, but failed due to damage done by local folk. Followers now believe it is their duty to activate it themselves, which can only be done by the "Holy One", the highest ranked individual of the caste, currently Abdiel.

From its inception, the Dynasty has based its expansion on the finding of Habitat 000, which did not have its location catalogued in codices like the others. Originally thought to be located in the Flumine River, it was eventaully found just outside of Meridian. By the time this had occurred however, Tanyth had been succeeded by his son Tarron, who focused more on societal reforms than expansion. Thus, Habitat 000 was lost to the Empire.

In the event that access to Habitat 000 is obtained the activation procedure would see the leader of the Dynasty, along with Hosanna, journey into the Habitat's athenaeum where Hosanna would manually activate the Habitat's revival procedure.

### Afterlife

Two afterlives exist in Precursorism: "The Void" and the "Free land". The void is said to be where non-believers and sinners go, doomed to exist in the empty reality for all eternity. The free land is described as heaven, though those that go there through death do not reach godhood.

### Angels

Angels are known as "holy attendants of the Precursors", and are treated as holy relics. Followers must bow before them at all times, and only Chasa are allowed to directly communicate with them. Although Archangels attack all non-Humans on sight, it is still forbidden to fight back. Instead, if one is attacked by an Archangel they must flee the area around the Habitat it protects.

Though not usually considered angels, sand whales are still seen as sacred.

### Human technology

Like Angels, Human technology is seen as sacred. While it is used in everyday life, it requires direct permission from the state to do so.

Human technology has been widely adapted to weaponry, however, as followers see using it in battle as a sacred purpose.

### Arem

The Arem are a religious order of warriors directly serving Precursorism and the Dynasty. Should Humanity be released, they will then become their direct protectors. Only Chasa are allowed to become Arem, as they are the only species considered holy enough to serve Humanity directly. Arem are primarily given missions of great importance, and are more often than not expected to die on these missions. Thus, Arem are only sparingly used, and spend most of their time guarding the Dynastic Palace. 10 Arem are directly appointed by the leader of the Dynasty every 5 years, and are widely considered some of if not the best warriors on Narus.

### Demonic beings

Due to their resemblance to Humanity as well as being the only species that can naturally use their technology, many Chasans fear that Primate species may be selected for godhood when Humanity returns, rather than Chasans. Because of this the Cat-folk have a deep hatred for them, and see them as demons working against their religion.

Hatred towards Primate species has spread to virtually every follower of Precursorism. Groups will often go on self declared crusades to central Meridian, where they aim to raid Grolean and Pan villages. Due to lack of combat skill as well as the sheer strength of Groleans, this often fails.

### High Priest

The High Priest of Precursorism is appointed ever 10 years by Hosanna. They match the leader of the Dynasty in terms of power, and their approval must be gained before any changes to Precursorism may go forward. The High Priest is the only position in Precursorism that the leader of the Dynasty has no say in.