Rû'zhleîlî

The **Rû'zhleîlî**, commonly known as Heretics, are a nation of zhleîlî controlling half of Tâ'vesz, the other half by the Holy Tâ'zhleîl Imperium (TTE).

## Etymology

"Rû'zhleîl" originates from the phrase *Rûzhfû rza Rûzhlît zhleîl* meaning "One who does not belong to Rûzhlît." This name was given by the Tâ'zhleîlî to the small group that did not worship the Daughter. Over time the term became contracted to simply Rû'zhleîl. The group accepted the name for themselves.

## History

Sometime in the midst of the absence of the gods, most zhleîlî abandoned Gzer and began waiting for Rûzhlît's return instead. However a small number of zhleîlî started to doubt both of their sovereignty. They ceased their rituals and no longer worshipped the two gods. These Heretics were banished from the zhleîl home by the Daughter's followers. The newly-named Rû'zhleîlî found a new home, far from Tâ'kûfuli. They constructed an immense space station as their home, even creating its own ecosystem. It was named Rû'zhleîl Vûlor, exonym Wanderer's Folly. Here the Heretics resided for many long years.

### The Attack of Wanderer's Folly and Gîl Salvation

Even though the Rû'zhleîlî did not worship the gods, they believed that Rûzhlît was a malevolent being and should not be given complete control of Tâ'vesz. Thus when Gzer was killed, losing the Gîl their protector, the Heretics offered an alliance which was promptly rejected, as the Gîl believed themselves to have a fighting chance. So, in a battle known to the Gîl as the Attack of Wanderer's Folly, Rû'zhleîl began an invasion on bordering Gîl systems. They miraculously were victorious, using their previously secret Devastators. The Gîl were brought under the command of Rû'zhleîl, save a few systems in the Ofkezh arm.

Tâ'vesz borders before the AttackTâ'vesz borders after the Attack
## Culture

### Beliefs

> "It is known that the Rû'zhleîlî believe in the service of a higher power, claiming to be even the creator of Gzer, though that is false for nothing excels the power of Rûzhlît. Even so, it is still worth taking account of this false god to spread awareness of Heretics' beliefs.
>
>
> The Heretics claim that this god is above all, the father of the father, creator of Gzer, true mastermind of Tâ'vesz. He keeps 'balance' between the pestilence and us. Without him, they say, the inferno will fall into chaos and powers unbalanced will bring its end.
>
>
> They worship this god in a lone temple, spanning a large area of Wanderer's Folly. Golden walls and deep blue floors in a maze of pathways fill the building, and reaching the centre is considered the greatest journey one can make. The pilgrimage, which I undertook solely for my research, is the death of many. In the centre is the most significant part of the temple, a pyramid with steps on all four sides reaching almost to the boundaries of the station. I did not venture any further though I caught sight of a periodic burst of light from the peak. It is likely nothing more than a chimney for the factories underneath.
>
>
> They worship this god like savages, executing zhleîlî for not following it. Those lucky enough to be left alive are taken as slaves for the factories, and in the worst cases, "processed" by the machinery. We Tâasulî [sic] could never commit such atrocities.
>
>
>
> They worship this god through sacred texts written in zhleîl'tasz (though they have developed a language of their own) that speak of his excellence. The Rû'zhleîlî write of their believed "true" creation of Tâ'vesz, in which their god created the inferno and afterwards Gzer and Rûzhlît, as siblings."
>
>

[WIP], *Of the Heretics*

### Practices

Over time, many Tâ'zhleîlî broke free from the TTE and came to Rû'zhleîl seeking refuge. Being Tâasul Zhleîlî, they had been transformed from Gzer's original zhleîlî. They sought to return back to their original form, that they believe was intended by their god of equipoise. So the heretical Tâ'zhleîlî began the practice of self-mutilation, performing a special ritual in which they gouge out the top four of their eyes, and amputate all but two pairs of legs. At one point the Rûzhleîl population became entirely Tâ'zhleîl, and so as an initiation into the religion all must complete this ritual.