In todays edition of late night ramblings to Van: Alteltarianism. Alteltarianism is the biggest religion in Unus Solum, being the religion of the both the Arcean and Hoffnung people. It also has widespread following in both Karelia as well many Ghurkkan nations. The religion’s core are 3 texts, all of which are written in a very matter of fact historical text manner and named after the main character of the text. The first text, Odea, follows a young man who defies his uncle and leads his people, from what historians believe to be an ancient town near modern Wilding, to the Gold Coast. While a brave man from the start, his flaws are apparent, but through his interactions with a goddess his people name Nikea, he ultimately grows into a better person and manages to lead his people to the Gold Coast region of Syerdawn. There he meets the Librarian, who helps him settle what is now Nikea. The history throughout values curiosity, patience and self reflection, core tennants of Alteltarianism.
The second book, Ayodele, follows Ayodele, a farmer in what is now Scarabeen. His small village has been suffering from famine and plague for years, but the elders have repeatedly said that anyone who leaves will be punished. One night, a spirit appears to Ayodele and his wife and informs them that he must convince his people to leave or that the famine and plague will consume them all. He ultimately leads a group of farmers who manage to dipose the elders. The spirit then informs them to travel West where they will find resources and treasure beyond their wildest dreams. After decades of strife, through his faith, Ayodele’s people manage to settle what is now modern Scippia. The second history is far more dedicated to self sacrifice and conviction to ones ideals.
The third book, Passang, follows the Tempest rebellion against the Hijjian empire. It speaks of an evil spirit who rules a great empire from Nordentor. Ultimately, a spirit appears to a group of particularly oppressed Hoffnung village and blesses a secret group of warriors in the village with ancient and powerful magic to defeat this evil spirit. The only condition is their restraint. The warriors ultimately form the Tempests, who rebel against the Empire. Once the empire is defeated, the warriors went their seperate ways, forming the predecssors of the Hoffnung states. This history deals with concepts such as the “mandate of heaven” and also discusses the importance of self determination, literacy and critical thinking.
Alteltarianism comes in both Traditionalist and Reformed forms. The former takes the 3 books literally, while latter views them as fables meant to pass on values. Tradionalists also believe the Librarian is a literal god and take her word as gospel. They also believe the ancients were actual gods and that the Librarian is the last remaining god. Reformists believe the ancients were people with such advanced technology that they manufactured their godhood and that man can once again reach to those heights. They also believe the Librarian was a machine left as a guide for humans.
The religion values literacy greatly. Most Alteltarian Houses of Oracles are as much libraries as they are houses of worship. Being able to both read and understand advanced literary concepts at a young age are celebrated achievements in the religion. Alteltarian Oracles are not generally treated as infallible and are instead meant to help guide the learning of worshippers and to help with their thinking.
Alteltarianism generally avoids predictions. As such, the concept of an “end time” or “apocolypse” is never mentioned in the religion. Self determination is highly valued and mystical predictions of the future are frowned upon. In the ultra Traditionalist 2nd Empire, those who claimed to be prophets were usually hanged.
