Savatism

**Savatism** is a religion or philosophy practiced almost solely by Orcs in the Eastern Hemisphere. It originated on the continent of Penazaduz, and developed from a set of beliefs practiced by the continent's native population. It is the world's oldest non-deity worship religion, as well as the second-largest after Tulkonism.

## History

After the Infinite War, the Orcs moved to the Penazaduz subcontinent and began developing their culture even further, along with their philosophy, which came to be known as Savatism, named after the folk hero Savat who allegedly led the Orcs to Penazaduz from the legendary island of Zan Zat and taught various lessons to her people. As the Penazaduz Orcs spread southward, they brought their religion with them, making it popular with Gardenian Orcs, as well. The earliest Kepeti and Keghotuhr immigrants also practiced Savatism, although most converted to Tulkonism when Tulkon Darrokh founded the religion.

During and prior to the Immortal War, Orcanth King Zetopa promoted a form of Savatism that came to be known as Zetopan Savatism. It was the state religion of the Immortal Empire, whose wide geographic spread led to Zetopan Savatism being perceived as the standard for all Savatist beliefs by non-Savats. In the aftermath of the fall of the Immortal Empire, this variety of Savatism came to be seen as fringe and extreme, and most mainstream Savatists do not recognize it. It was practiced mainly by the Cult of Zetopa, which were small, decentralized cults that opposed Tulkons Vonha and Ico.

## Beliefs

It is a set of beliefs that values "battle," honor, and service, as well as ancestor veneration. Savats, as its practitioners are known, believe that obstacles, challenge, and hardship are important for personal growth, not always necessarily through combat. Savats often believe that by going through hardship they become kinder, braver, and more resilient; this aspect of their belief system is known as *Nakh Makhakh*, which roughly means "the Way of the Warrior" in Penaz. However, Savats are encouraged to make life easier and safer for the next generation, learning from their own mistakes and difficulties, and ensuring that future Savats will not have to undergo such difficulties as previous ones. Especially since the age of the Immortal Empire, non-Savats often confuse battle and warfare as being the most important aspect of Savatism's practice, but this perception is inaccurate; "battle" is often the translation of *Makha*, which more accurately means personal struggle. *Nakh Makhakh* is more accurately translated as "the path of one who is tempered by hardship". *Khodaokh Nakh Makhakh*, roughly meaning "one who has walked the path," is a term analogous to "enlightened" used to describe those who have undergone personal development through hardship.

Savats worship a single goddess, Savat, who is considered the mother of the modern Orc race within the religion. However, Savats also recognize the Old Masters: ancient, nameless deities who chose Savat to become a goddess, as well as Zan Zat, a deity also recognized within Tulkonism that was part of early deity worship and the E'Ash pantheon, and by extension the Great Conscience (*Therogh* *Otligh* in Penaz). They also pray to their ancestors for wisdom and guidance. The Savat Afterlife is known as *Therogha*, a realm governed by the Great Conscience. The Tulkon has no particular place in the religion, although some Savats revere Tulkons for their sense of honor and service and may share the Tulkonist belief that the Tulkon is a manifestation of the Great Conscience. The Infinite War as well as the Angels and Demons are also important in Savat cosmology; the Infinite War is known in Savatist circles as the First Hardship (*Elsegh Nezerek* in many Orc languages), the event that shaped the world as we know it.

The core variations of Savatism are Zimel ("Northern", practiced in Keghotogh and Kepet), Yevagh ("Central", practiced in Penazaduz), Chapad ("Western", practiced in mainland Gogeget), and Privdex ("Southern", practiced on the Rodadzz Islands and Nen Ren). The variations developed over centuries of Orc expansion across the eastern hemisphere. Zimel notably has few practitioners, as most Keghotur and Kepeti converted to Tulkonism; thanks to Tulkonist influence, Zimel practitioners are more likely to hold the Tulkon in high regard, and may view them as a manifestation of the Great Conscience. The variations differ in ceremonies, holidays, and some practices. Some common elements to all branches are celebration of Savat's Festival and recognition of Savatum Vedegh as an authority.

Zetopan Savatism is distinguished from mainstream Savatism in that it promoted the idea that *Khodaokh* was achievable only through warfare. Other Savats believe that this belief was mainly a means to justify the Immortal Empire's conquest and the atrocities committed during that conflict, and view it as invalid.