Elestaarianism - Revision history

Aleph: /* After the Sirdabi Conquest */

2024-12-04T21:02:52Z

After the Sirdabi Conquest

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 4 December 2024
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	The new Azadi government was at first little interested in such interfaith conflicts among the native Irzali, having far more pressing matters of administration and taxation to deal with. But when Elestaarianism began to increasingly be used as a banner under which the battle for Irzali independence might be fought, the caliphate began to sit up and pay close attention to it. This movement was initially driven by the same Elestaarian elites who made up the political class of scribes and advisors, and easily spread to members of the former nobility who had had much of their domains and their power taken from them by the new government. It was only many decades later that the common people of Irzal turned to this movement as well, angered as they were by increasing corruption within the Sirdabi government and the growing exploitation of their land and people.		The new Azadi government was at first little interested in such interfaith conflicts among the native Irzali, having far more pressing matters of administration and taxation to deal with. But when Elestaarianism began to increasingly be used as a banner under which the battle for Irzali independence might be fought, the caliphate began to sit up and pay close attention to it. This movement was initially driven by the same Elestaarian elites who made up the political class of scribes and advisors, and easily spread to members of the former nobility who had had much of their domains and their power taken from them by the new government. It was only many decades later that the common people of Irzal turned to this movement as well, angered as they were by increasing corruption within the Sirdabi government and the growing exploitation of their land and people.

	As the movement gained strength, it gained likewise in threat to the provincial government and the integrity of the Sirdabi caliphate, and it was this that led to extreme measures to root out and crush the Elestaarian faith in the late ~~first~~ and ~~second~~ centuries N.D. By the ~~start~~ of the third century little remained in Irzal of the organized Elestaarian religion, save for isolated pockets of territory where both priests and commoners continued to practice their ancient traditions. But much had been lost.		As the movement gained strength, it gained likewise in threat to the provincial government and the integrity of the Sirdabi caliphate, and it was this that led to extreme measures to root out and crush the Elestaarian faith in the late second and third centuries N.D. By the middle of the third century little remained in Irzal of the organized Elestaarian religion, save for isolated pockets of territory where both priests and commoners continued to practice their ancient traditions. But much had been lost.

	==Recent Developments==		==Recent Developments==

Aleph: /* The Afterlife */

2024-05-30T23:37:47Z

The Afterlife

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:37, 30 May 2024
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	==The Afterlife==		==The Afterlife==

	Like other peoples in Avaria, Elestaarians accept that the [[Otherland]] is the realm to which souls travel after death. Elestaarians believe that when a soul arrives in the Otherland, it must pass across a vast body of water by means of a series of stepping stones, and that each stone they set foot upon will reflect like some dim mirror an important event or decision in their life, where they had to make a choice between good and evil. The balance between good and evil choices will determine the destination at which they arrive upon the other side of the water, which in turn may be nearer or further from the God of Good Thought. Those who made too many evil choices may fall off the path entirely, and be swallowed up by the waters.		Like other peoples in Avaria, Elestaarians accept that the [[The Otherland\|Otherland]] is the realm to which souls travel after death. Elestaarians believe that when a soul arrives in the Otherland, it must pass across a vast body of water by means of a series of stepping stones, and that each stone they set foot upon will reflect like some dim mirror an important event or decision in their life, where they had to make a choice between good and evil. The balance between good and evil choices will determine the destination at which they arrive upon the other side of the water, which in turn may be nearer or further from the God of Good Thought. Those who made too many evil choices may fall off the path entirely, and be swallowed up by the waters.

	Elestaarians tend to focus very strongly on the purifying aspects of passing through the Otherland, but they also have a great dread of straying or being hurled into the Land That is Not, the dark heart of the Otherland where truth becomes obscured and strange torments abound. However, if a believer makes their way to the true heart of the Dream, they will meet the God of Good Thought there and may become as one of Its most powerful helpers, beings of pure light and mind who assist the God in fighting against evil and darkness. Other souls are allowed to slumber, either for a short while until they too are called to help the God, or until the great victory of light over darkness is achieved and the material world is perfected, at which time all souls are resurrected into the now-perfect world.		Elestaarians tend to focus very strongly on the purifying aspects of passing through the Otherland, but they also have a great dread of straying or being hurled into the Land That is Not, the dark heart of the Otherland where truth becomes obscured and strange torments abound. However, if a believer makes their way to the true heart of the Dream, they will meet the God of Good Thought there and may become as one of Its most powerful helpers, beings of pure light and mind who assist the God in fighting against evil and darkness. Other souls are allowed to slumber, either for a short while until they too are called to help the God, or until the great victory of light over darkness is achieved and the material world is perfected, at which time all souls are resurrected into the now-perfect world.

Aleph: /* After the Sirdabi Conquest */

2024-05-30T23:36:02Z

After the Sirdabi Conquest

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:36, 30 May 2024
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	In the first years following the conquest there was little friction, as followers of local religions were mostly ignored and left alone. Many among the scholarly Elestaarian priesthood, who had long served as scribes and advisors of the Irzali empire and formed an important political class of their own, were allowed to stay on and continue to fulfill these roles in the new Sirdabi provincial court.		In the first years following the conquest there was little friction, as followers of local religions were mostly ignored and left alone. Many among the scholarly Elestaarian priesthood, who had long served as scribes and advisors of the Irzali empire and formed an important political class of their own, were allowed to stay on and continue to fulfill these roles in the new Sirdabi provincial court.

	Over time, however, ~~friction~~ between the two religions increased. More and more among the common people of Irzal converted to Azadi, driven by resentment of the elitism of the Elestaarian priesthood and drawn by the egalitarian ideals of Azadi. These recent converts initially constituted a zealous bastion of antagonism against their former faith, and were largely responsible for initiating the first backlash against the Elestaarian religion which they felt had abandoned them in its decadence.		Over time, however, tensions between the two religions increased. More and more among the common people of Irzal converted to Azadi, driven by resentment of the elitism of the Elestaarian priesthood and drawn by the egalitarian ideals of Azadi. These recent converts initially constituted a zealous bastion of antagonism against their former faith, and were largely responsible for initiating the first backlash against the Elestaarian religion which they felt had abandoned them in its decadence.

	The new Azadi government was at first little interested in such interfaith conflicts among the native Irzali, having far more pressing matters of administration and taxation to deal with. But when Elestaarianism began to increasingly be used as a banner under which the battle for Irzali independence might be fought, the caliphate began to sit up and pay close attention to it. This movement was initially driven by the same Elestaarian elites who made up the political class of scribes and advisors, and easily spread to members of the former nobility who had had much of their domains and their power taken from them by the new government. It was only many decades later that the common people of Irzal turned to this movement as well, angered as they were by increasing corruption within the Sirdabi government and the growing exploitation of their land and people.		The new Azadi government was at first little interested in such interfaith conflicts among the native Irzali, having far more pressing matters of administration and taxation to deal with. But when Elestaarianism began to increasingly be used as a banner under which the battle for Irzali independence might be fought, the caliphate began to sit up and pay close attention to it. This movement was initially driven by the same Elestaarian elites who made up the political class of scribes and advisors, and easily spread to members of the former nobility who had had much of their domains and their power taken from them by the new government. It was only many decades later that the common people of Irzal turned to this movement as well, angered as they were by increasing corruption within the Sirdabi government and the growing exploitation of their land and people.

Aleph: /* Azadi */

2024-05-30T23:34:26Z

Azadi

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 30 May 2024
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	This mutual dislike based upon history has only been exacerbated by the differences in the religions themselves, which have tended to mix as poorly as the fire reverenced by the Elestaarians and the water beloved by the Azadi. Elestaarianism remains a religion rooted in the land, centered on agriculture and domesticity, and structured by a peculiarly Irzali sense of order and hierarchy. Azadi, for its part, is a religion born of wilderness-wandering nomads and bred within the complex and ever-changing chaos of the city. Even a thing as simple as the Elestaarian's cherishing of dogs as the great helpers of humankind has clashed strongly with the Azadi's preference for cats. All told, there is very little about either faith that does not serve as an irritation to the other.		This mutual dislike based upon history has only been exacerbated by the differences in the religions themselves, which have tended to mix as poorly as the fire reverenced by the Elestaarians and the water beloved by the Azadi. Elestaarianism remains a religion rooted in the land, centered on agriculture and domesticity, and structured by a peculiarly Irzali sense of order and hierarchy. Azadi, for its part, is a religion born of wilderness-wandering nomads and bred within the complex and ever-changing chaos of the city. Even a thing as simple as the Elestaarian's cherishing of dogs as the great helpers of humankind has clashed strongly with the Azadi's preference for cats. All told, there is very little about either faith that does not serve as an irritation to the other.

	That said, toleration for Elestaarianism has grown since the days of its persecution, and individual Elestaarians and Azadi often find common ground in their fundamental ideals of charity and aid for the weak and suffering. But many of their other values as well as their conceptions of God differ strongly enough to cause tension, as does ~~their~~ renewed reputation for rebellion. Many Azadi still scornfully refer to Elestaari as "sparks," not just for their love of fire but also for their perceived tendency to be always kindling insurrection and trouble.		That said, toleration for Elestaarianism has grown since the days of its persecution, and individual Elestaarians and Azadi often find common ground in their fundamental ideals of charity and aid for the weak and suffering. But many of their other values as well as their conceptions of God differ strongly enough to cause tension, as does the Elestaarians' renewed reputation for rebellion. Many Azadi still scornfully refer to Elestaari as "sparks," not just for their love of fire but also for their perceived tendency to be always kindling insurrection and trouble.

	==Kalentism==		==Kalentism==

Aleph: /* Kalentism */

2024-05-30T23:33:02Z

Kalentism

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:33, 30 May 2024
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	==Kalentism==		==Kalentism==

	Elestaarianism and Kalentism share powerful elements of their history, in particular the connection between the Prophet Kalen and the magi of the Elestaarians, and the love of common Elestaarians for the wandering prophet. Today there is little mingling of Kalentians and Elestaarians, in part because of the relatively small number of practitioners of either faith within the Sirdabi Caliphate. But there also tends to be mistrust on either side, with the Kalentians remembering that it was the "fire mages" of Irzal who were responsible for Kalen's death, and the Elestaarians recalling the way in which the Kalen controversy resulted in the splintering and weakening of their own faith. Much has been forgotten about the early ties between Elestaarianism and Kalentism, or in some places actively repressed, so between the two a muted misunderstanding and suspicion tend to prevail.		Elestaarianism and Kalentism share powerful elements of their history, in particular the connection between the Prophet Kalen and the magi of the Elestaarians, and the love that common Elestaarians once held for the wandering prophet. Today there is little mingling of Kalentians and Elestaarians, in part because of the relatively small number of practitioners of either faith within the Sirdabi Caliphate. But there also tends to be mistrust on either side, with the Kalentians remembering that it was the "fire mages" of Irzal who were responsible for Kalen's death, and the Elestaarians recalling the way in which the Kalen controversy resulted in the splintering and weakening of their own faith. Much has been forgotten about the early ties between Elestaarianism and Kalentism, or in some places actively repressed, so between the two a muted misunderstanding and suspicion tend to prevail.

	=History=		=History=

Aleph: /* Kalentism */

2024-05-30T23:32:37Z

Kalentism

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:32, 30 May 2024
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	==Kalentism==		==Kalentism==

	Elestaarianism and Kalentism share powerful elements of their history, in particular the connection between the Prophet Kalen and the magi of the Elestaarians. Today there is little mingling of Kalentians and Elestaarians, in part because of the relatively small number of practitioners of either faith within the Sirdabi Caliphate. But there also tends to be mistrust on either side, with the Kalentians remembering that it was the "fire mages" of Irzal who were responsible for Kalen's death, and the Elestaarians recalling the way in which the Kalen controversy resulted in the splintering and weakening of their own faith. Much has been forgotten about the early ties between Elestaarianism and Kalentism, or in some places actively repressed, so between the two a muted misunderstanding and suspicion tend to prevail.		Elestaarianism and Kalentism share powerful elements of their history, in particular the connection between the Prophet Kalen and the magi of the Elestaarians, and the love of common Elestaarians for the wandering prophet. Today there is little mingling of Kalentians and Elestaarians, in part because of the relatively small number of practitioners of either faith within the Sirdabi Caliphate. But there also tends to be mistrust on either side, with the Kalentians remembering that it was the "fire mages" of Irzal who were responsible for Kalen's death, and the Elestaarians recalling the way in which the Kalen controversy resulted in the splintering and weakening of their own faith. Much has been forgotten about the early ties between Elestaarianism and Kalentism, or in some places actively repressed, so between the two a muted misunderstanding and suspicion tend to prevail.

	=History=		=History=

Aleph: /* Worship */

2024-05-30T23:31:43Z

Worship

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:31, 30 May 2024
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	* Exposing a lie or an act of corruption		* Exposing a lie or an act of corruption
	* Righting a wrong done by oneself		* Righting a wrong done by oneself

			===Prayer===

	Prayer is a simple and generally sporadic thing among Elestaarians, at least outside the priesthood. Again, many Elestaarians consider their good acts to be in themselves a prayer to the God of Good Thought, and sometimes they will also offer up additional words of prayer or devotion -- or even conversation -- to the God as they perform such acts.		Prayer is a simple and generally sporadic thing among Elestaarians, at least outside the priesthood. Again, many Elestaarians consider their good acts to be in themselves a prayer to the God of Good Thought, and sometimes they will also offer up additional words of prayer or devotion -- or even conversation -- to the God as they perform such acts.

	If any time of the day is considered the hour for "formal" prayer, this would be at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. Sometimes the person wishing to offer prayer will write it out upon a scrap of paper, then use a special small lens called an ''atrasha'' to kindle the paper and burn it away. The ''atrasha'' may be kept in a pouch or pocket, or worn suspended from a chain or thong around the neck.		If any time of the day is considered the hour for "formal" prayer, this would be at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. Sometimes the person wishing to offer prayer will write it out upon a scrap of paper, then use a special small lens called an ''atrasha'' to kindle the paper and burn it away. The ''atrasha'' may be kept in a pouch or pocket, or worn suspended from a chain or thong around the neck.

			===Holidays===

	The traditional Elestaarian religious calendar is strewn with holidays and festivals of all kinds, but many are no longer observed. Those that remain focus on the planting and harvesting of crops, and on the seasonal cycles of growing and diminishing daylight. The primary Elestaarian holiday is the [[Fire Festival]], which consists of a number of days of fasting and feasting and the kindling of bonfires, all centered around the winter solstice. Despite its origins in Elestaarianism, the Fire Festival has been adopted by the Azadi as well and is observed throughout the caliphate.		The traditional Elestaarian religious calendar is strewn with holidays and festivals of all kinds, but many are no longer observed. Those that remain focus on the planting and harvesting of crops, and on the seasonal cycles of growing and diminishing daylight. The primary Elestaarian holiday is the [[Fire Festival]], which consists of a number of days of fasting and feasting and the kindling of bonfires, all centered around the winter solstice. Despite its origins in Elestaarianism, the Fire Festival has been adopted by the Azadi as well and is observed throughout the caliphate.

Aleph: /* The Kalen Controversy */

2024-05-30T22:02:10Z

The Kalen Controversy

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:02, 30 May 2024
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	Official views towards Kalen began quickly to sour as he preached his message of peace and the meaninglessness of worldly empire, and increasingly called for the common people of all lands to lay down their arms and stop fighting against others like them for the sake of the mighty and cruel lords who oppressed them. The Elestaarian priesthood also came to be envious of the influence Kalen held over the laypeople, and the fact that he was acclaimed Magus by the people only added fuel to the fires of their rage. Such feelings united the powerful of the Irzali Empire against Kalen, and led to him being first declared outlaw, and then captured and burned as a sacrifice at the Fire Festival in 565 B.D.		Official views towards Kalen began quickly to sour as he preached his message of peace and the meaninglessness of worldly empire, and increasingly called for the common people of all lands to lay down their arms and stop fighting against others like them for the sake of the mighty and cruel lords who oppressed them. The Elestaarian priesthood also came to be envious of the influence Kalen held over the laypeople, and the fact that he was acclaimed Magus by the people only added fuel to the fires of their rage. Such feelings united the powerful of the Irzali Empire against Kalen, and led to him being first declared outlaw, and then captured and burned as a sacrifice at the Fire Festival in 565 B.D.

	This, however, was a hugely controversial act which would serve to divide the Elestaarian faith against itself and greatly weaken it for the centuries ahead. Many among the common people were horrified by the murder of one whom they considered a man of holiness and Good, and turned against a priesthood which they saw as increasingly elitist and disconnected from the ordinary folk of the faith. Even among the ~~Magi~~ themselves there was controversy and division. Some of them had also held Kalen to be, if not a true ~~Magus~~, at least a man who embodied their God's Goodness and Truth. Others, less fond of Kalen, were nevertheless horrified by the fact that this impure mortal had been burnt by the fires of the Sacred Flame, which for them constituted a terrible desecration.		This, however, was a hugely controversial act which would serve to divide the Elestaarian faith against itself and greatly weaken it for the centuries ahead. Many among the common people were horrified by the murder of one whom they considered a man of holiness and Good, and turned against a priesthood which they saw as increasingly elitist and disconnected from the ordinary folk of the faith. Even among the magi themselves there was controversy and division. Some of them had also held Kalen to be, if not a true magus, at least a man who embodied their God's Goodness and Truth. Others, less fond of Kalen, were nevertheless horrified by the fact that this impure mortal had been burnt by the fires of the Sacred Flame, which for them constituted a terrible desecration.

	Many people turned away from Elestaarianism at this time, choosing to join with the disciples of Kalen and shaping what would eventually become Kalentism. Others chose still darker paths, forsaking the idea that a world that allowed the murder of Kalen could be considered a place essentially good. Even so, Elestaarianism endured, even as it became more and more a religion of ritual and empire ~~more~~ than a faith of popular appeal.		Many people turned away from Elestaarianism at this time, choosing to join with the disciples of Kalen and shaping what would eventually become Kalentism. Others chose still darker paths, forsaking the idea that a world that allowed the murder of Kalen could be considered a place essentially good. Even so, Elestaarianism endured, even as it became more and more a religion of ritual and empire rather than a faith of popular appeal.

	==After the Sirdabi Conquest==		==After the Sirdabi Conquest==

Aleph: /* Relationship with Other Faiths */

2024-05-30T21:59:44Z

Relationship with Other Faiths

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 30 May 2024
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	==Azadi==		==Azadi==

	Elestaarianism's relationship with the Azadi religion has been fraught since the conquest of Irzal by the Azadi forces in 61 B.D. Although the two faiths first coexisted in relative peace, growing tensions resulted in Elestaarianism being largely wiped out throughout the province of Irzal by the start of the 3rd century N.D. Resentment on the part of the remaining Elestaarians, and strong distrust on the part of Azadi, has lingered ~~among~~ the two since that time.		Elestaarianism's relationship with the Azadi religion has been fraught since the conquest of Irzal by the Azadi forces in 61 B.D. Although the two faiths first coexisted in relative peace, growing tensions resulted in Elestaarianism being largely wiped out throughout the province of Irzal by the start of the 3rd century N.D. Resentment on the part of the remaining Elestaarians, and strong distrust on the part of Azadi, has lingered between the two since that time.

	This mutual dislike based upon history has only been exacerbated by the differences in the religions themselves, which have tended to mix as poorly as the fire reverenced by the Elestaarians and the water beloved by the Azadi. Elestaarianism remains a religion rooted in the land, centered on agriculture and domesticity, and structured by a peculiarly Irzali sense of order and hierarchy. Azadi, for its part, is a religion born of wilderness-wandering nomads and bred within the complex and ever-changing chaos of the city. Even a thing as simple as the Elestaarian's cherishing of dogs as the great helpers of humankind has clashed strongly with the Azadi's preference for cats. All told, there is very little about either faith that does not serve as an irritation to the other.		This mutual dislike based upon history has only been exacerbated by the differences in the religions themselves, which have tended to mix as poorly as the fire reverenced by the Elestaarians and the water beloved by the Azadi. Elestaarianism remains a religion rooted in the land, centered on agriculture and domesticity, and structured by a peculiarly Irzali sense of order and hierarchy. Azadi, for its part, is a religion born of wilderness-wandering nomads and bred within the complex and ever-changing chaos of the city. Even a thing as simple as the Elestaarian's cherishing of dogs as the great helpers of humankind has clashed strongly with the Azadi's preference for cats. All told, there is very little about either faith that does not serve as an irritation to the other.
Line 128:		Line 128:
	==Kalentism==		==Kalentism==

	Elestaarianism and Kalentism share powerful elements of their history, in particular the connection between the Prophet Kalen and the magi of the Elestaarians. Today there is little mingling of Kalentians and Elestaarians, in part because of the relatively small number of practitioners of either faith within the Sirdabi Caliphate. But there also tends to be mistrust on either side, with the Kalentians remembering that it was the "fire mages" of Irzal who were responsible for Kalen's death, and the Elestaarians recalling the way in which the Kalen controversy resulted in the splintering and weakening of their own faith. Much has been forgotten about the early ties between ~~Elestaariansm~~ and Kalentism, or in some places actively repressed, so between the two a muted misunderstanding and suspicion tend to prevail.		Elestaarianism and Kalentism share powerful elements of their history, in particular the connection between the Prophet Kalen and the magi of the Elestaarians. Today there is little mingling of Kalentians and Elestaarians, in part because of the relatively small number of practitioners of either faith within the Sirdabi Caliphate. But there also tends to be mistrust on either side, with the Kalentians remembering that it was the "fire mages" of Irzal who were responsible for Kalen's death, and the Elestaarians recalling the way in which the Kalen controversy resulted in the splintering and weakening of their own faith. Much has been forgotten about the early ties between Elestaarianism and Kalentism, or in some places actively repressed, so between the two a muted misunderstanding and suspicion tend to prevail.

	=History=		=History=

Aleph at 21:16, 30 May 2024

2024-05-30T21:16:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 30 May 2024
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	If any time of the day is considered the hour for "formal" prayer, this would be at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. Sometimes the person wishing to offer prayer will write it out upon a scrap of paper, then use a special small lens called an ''atrasha'' to kindle the paper and burn it away. The ''atrasha'' may be kept in a pouch or pocket, or worn suspended from a chain or thong around the neck.		If any time of the day is considered the hour for "formal" prayer, this would be at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. Sometimes the person wishing to offer prayer will write it out upon a scrap of paper, then use a special small lens called an ''atrasha'' to kindle the paper and burn it away. The ''atrasha'' may be kept in a pouch or pocket, or worn suspended from a chain or thong around the neck.

	The traditional Elestaarian religious calendar is strewn with holidays and festivals of all kinds, but many are no longer observed. Those that remain focus on the planting and harvesting of crops, and on the seasonal cycles of growing and diminishing daylight. The primary Elestaarian holiday is the [[Fire Festival]], which consists of a number of days of fasting and feasting and the kindling of bonfires, all centered around the winter solstice.		The traditional Elestaarian religious calendar is strewn with holidays and festivals of all kinds, but many are no longer observed. Those that remain focus on the planting and harvesting of crops, and on the seasonal cycles of growing and diminishing daylight. The primary Elestaarian holiday is the [[Fire Festival]], which consists of a number of days of fasting and feasting and the kindling of bonfires, all centered around the winter solstice. Despite its origins in Elestaarianism, the Fire Festival has been adopted by the Azadi as well and is observed throughout the caliphate.

	=Organization=		=Organization=