Acrabian Zelstari

## History

Acrabian Zelstari first began to take shape during the Migration Age, the initial split between the Zorian and Acrabian peoples situated their respective cultures in different geographic positions. The Acrabians headed west, following the sun set which lead them to the coastlines of Acrabia, while the Zorians remained in the heartland deserts of Acrabia. The Acrabians attribute their success and give gratitude to the Sun, which later Acrabian Tribal Chieftains named "Zelstari" which directly translates to "The Sun God". Soon from tribe to tribe, and eventually Kingdom to Kingdom, stories of the Ancient Acrabians Tribal successes were credited to Zelstari. By 3,000 B.T Acrabian Zelstari had became a universal religion, with its own denominations, organized structure, and coherent message. Many of the core beliefs within Acrabian Zelstari were catalogued in "The Book of Sands" a book that has two separate editions.

## Book of The Sands

**The First Edition**

The First Edition of Acrabian Zelstari was written in 3,092 B.T and is the most universally accepted format of Acrabian Zelstari. The Book itself was written by various different tribal leaders, who were all allowed to both interpret and interject their own stories, viewpoint, and morals surrounding Zelstarism. The First Edition is regarded as being a "jumbled mess" by some but is considered to be written by the most credible sources who directly carried down the stories of Zelstarism generation to generation. Most of these stories were life lessons, legends, and stories around the faith.

**The Second Edition**

The Second Edition of Acrabian Zelstari is a far more modern and organized telling of Acrabian Zelstarim that was written in 701 B.F. The Second Editions Author, was simply known as "The Prophet". The Prophet himself was believed to be the last living Acrabian of the Ancient Acrabian Tribal Elder bloodline from thousands of years prior. Hailing from a small village outside of Carigo, the sources were able to prove his claims of being the last of the Ancient Bloodline. The Second Edition omits many passages written by the Ancients, and also has several additions to it. The most major of these additions was a more gradual push for the followers of Acrabian Zelstarism to be more militaristic and expansionist in their religious cause. With several chapters being entirely devoted to calls of war against all other "False Religions" namely that of The Church of Titus. The Second Edition did not gain nearly as much traction as the first edition did, and as such the Second Edition was typically only followed by the most devout and as described by others the most "extreme".

## Beliefs and Customs of Zelstarism.

Zelstarism had a staggering number of beliefs, some of the core beliefs were respect for your elders and prophets, respect for your work and duty to the Kingdom you serve, and self discipline whenever others are not watching. Acrabians who follow Zelstari are required to attend religious gatherings known as "Prayer Summons" twice a week. These Prayer Summons are held in large religious buildings, ordained in jewels and emeralds, and their stone walls painted in light brownish colors called Haqcreens. These religious sermons are hosted by regional Prophets, who all answered to the leader of the Zelstari religion known as the "Grand Mani". When the Grand Mani has died, the Prophets from all of Acrabia convene at the Religious Capital to vote for a new Grand Mani, candidates are usually Prophets of noteworthy status. The Religious Capital of Acrabian Zelstari is Carigo, where the largest Haqcreen known as the "Maketor Zeltari". The Maketor Zeltari sits upon the initial starting grounds where the first Acrabian Settlers began to follow the sun west, and as such it is considered the birthplace of Zelstari himself.

## Religious Demographic Makeup

Acrabian Zelstari is mostly followed by Acrabians, with a sizeable portion of Zorian Tribals also following its teachings. Acrabian Zelstari is mostly found within Acrabia itself, however small pockets of religious sects have formed within Aldurias, Chinika, and Orbis. The largest of these sects can be found within the border regions of Central Orbis and Acrabia.