Tarik il Iʂik
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| Theology | Agnosticism |
| Language | Anjyarri, Anjyarri Dialects, Azari Linguae, Common |
| Founder | "The Philosopher" |
| Current Patriarch | ... |
| Origin | Anjyarr |
| Territory | Anjyarri Desert |
| Most Dominant | The Empire of Anjyarr |
| Separations | The Old Path, Cult of Fineall |
Introduction
“Good and evil are deities that reside within an unseen realm. They cannot show their physical forms but manifest themselves through deeds or ideas. Thus, one is believed to become a vessel for good through doing good. Likewise, one who commits evil deeds shall become a vessel for evil.”
Beliefs
Since the arrival of the Dark Elves, and the change of faith among the majority of the Khadan population, the ancient gods of the Anjyarr realm were abandoned, forgotten, or erased from history. It made way for a godless religion, one putting themselves for others in a strive towards good without the help of these deities. "The Path", as it became known to the common man, or "Tarik il Iʂik" in the later years, was born.
Followers of Tarik il Iʂik (meaning "Path to the light"), Tarik for short, view life as an endless struggle between light (Iʂik) and darkness, where they serve as holy soldiers of light. Violence against those who embody evil is highly encouraged, and "holy wars" against evildoers and Voidal entities, such as Demonkind, are viewed as blessings from the divine. It gives the followers a chance at achieving heroism, the highest attainable goal during mortal life. Those who have embodied goodness through devotion towards others through good deeds, protection, heroism, or the battle against evil, denying all self-preservation and donning the mantle of self-sacrifice, are gifted with the divine form of a beacon of hope. Those gifted are seen returning as stars that light the night sky and guide those in the darkness. These heroes are now seen as guides, shining the brightest starlight upon the world. Once the world calls for them, these heroes shall be reincarnated in times of great need.
But this greatness is not only reserved for heroes. By subjugating oneself to hardships, be it in a month or year-long campaign or during one's daily life, any man can find spiritual elevation to aid him in this life and his following. This notion of glory and self-sacrifice has motivated people throughout history to expose themselves to hardships repeatedly in the hopes of transcending to live a better life of spirituality over materialism.
Tarik il Iʂik is practiced by most inhabitants of the Anjyarri realm, including Dark Elves, who have combined the teachings of the Cult of Fineall into the Tarik. Many Lunn now believe their creator god, Fineall, to be an agent of Iʂik, sent to battle the darkness. Both express their faith similarly to their ancestors in forms of art, song, and stories of significant figures that would guide others through their lives. These would vary from the old deities now humanized and or the old Pharoes. Both have lost their divine portrayal yet have kept their importance as figures in Khadan history.
Tolerance encourages the followers of the Tarik to adhere to the principles of the Path but does not erode the respect for other religions. While from a philosophical view, the followers of Tarik acknowledge the existence or once-existence of other deities. And even share some pre-written judgments written on their holy texts or books. However, their views slightly alter in terms of divinity or their role. All priests of the Tarik il Iʂik say the same: Everyone's dignity must and shall be respected, regardless of their faith, race, ethnic origin, gender, or social status in life.
Demographics
"The Path" and its many branches are primarily represented in the dune sea of Anjyarr and its cities. However, Khadan that live outside their home country still express their faith in whatever form is allowed. Dark Elves have also expressed their version of the Tarik, or the Cult, in public or secluded areas.
Due to the influence of the many branches of the Tarik il Iʂik among the nomadic tribes, and their impact on Anjyarr society, many branches of the faith have begun to overlap in practices and theology. It is common for sermons and rituals to be held with all followers of "The Path" and the Cult combined.
Practices
“In the perfect creation, the universe, everything fits in its own place, as it is meant to be. Upon death, the souls of those who have walked the path of evil in their mortal lives shall be cast into the darkness of the void, surrounded by unimaginable horrors that seek only to devour them whole.
The souls of those who lived exemplary lives, those who were heart, shall end up within the warm embrace of the sun, the only light in the darkness. They are the brightest stars in the night, waiting to return to Eden when the time of their reincarnation arrives. The only chance they will get since the souls that reside in the light shall not be devoured by the dark creatures.”
Compared to the nomadic tribes around Anjyarr, the Khadan residing in the cities all have standard practices of the Tarik. Philosophy is highly regarded, for art concerns itself with questioning what is good and evil. It is thus no surprise that the Paths spiritual leaders, known as priests, are philosophers of great intellect, valued throughout all of Eden.
Through sermons and rituals held in small temples or in front of public shrines, the followers of the Tarik unite the people and make their faith be heard. Others pray in silence and seclusion, hands folded or placed on the ground, head faced-down, bowing to a shrine or sacred figure that is or was seen as a guide. This was either through spiritual and verbal blessings, through the markings with the blood of an animal, or washing your hands or face with the water of the rivers of the desert. This would symbolize a clear vision, washing the evil off one's path and giving them support for the road ahead: their next chapter in life. Followers would decorate their hair with flowers and paint or tattoo their bodies with texts or constellations representing lost family or heroes.
Added to philosophy are stories, art, music, and songs that would help people in life, unite those seeking refuge, or even simply bond. Some would place offerings such as herbs, jewelry, gold, and nomads would even sacrifice animals to the heroes now guiding them at night. Tarik il Iʂik is seen as a theology of the people, a way of life where good and evil are mere concepts to them.
To unite the people of all variations of the faith, someone needed to guide the priests and help the people in the right direction. A role was created for this. The Hemiria, or Patriarch in common tongue, is the one who unites all priests and followers of the faith. He or she is the one who stands at the top of the Path's hierarchy and is often seen as a spiritual guide, a messenger, a spreader of faith, a uniter of people, or a leader. They go over the various rituals, indoctrinating new priests or even helping heal the sick and wounded alongside these priests themselves. They are the caretakers of all temples and shrines spread throughout the realm. The role of a Hemiria often goes for life, but once the position is open, a new one is elected by all the Khadan who follow "The Path" or any of its deviations.
Figures
Various characters throughout Khadan history are known to be worshiped in some way, not as deities or gods, but as guides and heroes that united the people in times of need. These figures would range from the common folk and rulers to the Pharos of old.
The Philosopher
The Philosopher is known as the first man to spread the new faith of "The Path". Known to be a man from Zenfey, a once-known city of the Zenither Khadan tribe, he is the figurehead of the ideology. He is seen as the "true guide", the embodiment of good, and the caretaker of humanity.
Physical Depiction
The depiction of the Philosopher is often a mystery. Despite the art the ideology provides, the description of the Philosopher is unclear, only described in stories and songs. It is neither confirmed if he was a Khadan, Dark Elf, or any other race other than him being described as a male figure. It is said in every story, however, that he wielded a staff made out of wood from the trees of the river, on which a wooden star was carved. There are also many portrayals of him being dressed "as a rich, yet commonly looking traveler", often handing away his jewelry and riches to the poor, as he was believed to be a man of high status at the beginning of his journey. But there are written reports and art to provide proof of such claims.
Symbolism
The Star of Iʂik
The eight-pointed star of Iʂik is the representing symbol of the religion. It can also be represented as the Northern star for its guiding nature of people during the night. It is a symbol of individuality, hope, unity, and peace. It is said that the symbol would even date back to the age of the Gods, where it would often be tied to Mohekh, the god of the moon.
History
The fall of the ancient Anjyarri Empire, the warring and later rebuilding of Khadan tribes, and the eventual arrival of the Dark Elves in the year 0 A.F.S. in the Anjyarr regions paved the way for many changes. The Dark Elves looked upon the shattered tribes and sought a way to unite them again. Their "inferior" gods and religion had not done much good other than bring destruction, and the concept of immortality was quickly swept away from the 'Lunn's minds. However, they were surprisingly welcomed and began sharing knowledge, music, and art. What made them realize, however, is that many tribes of the Khadan began wandering about their long age, and soon many began to worship the Dark Elves for their long lives, which the Khadan saw as gifted by their old deities. The Dark Elves used this opportunity but still needed a way to eliminate the ancient gods. They spoke with the many priests and high-ranking Khadan of each tribe, enlightening them of their Azari God, Fineall.
In the year 2 A.F.S., a man known as "The Philosopher" appeared in the city of Zenfey, the capital of the Zenither region. His name was never truly recorded, and neither were his true origins. Yet, he was known as a Khadan priest who wandered from settlements across the realm. Both religions influenced him, and here, around the Ifraq River, the core basics of philosophy were embraced again, and a revision was made to the current faith of the Khadan. His most fundamental teachings were that he was not divine, nor were the old gods, and that the people should give up superstition and the trappings of organized religion in favor of scientific and atheistic rationalism.
To the Philosopher, religion wasn't the basic need of life. It was to live by your choices: choices of good and helping to improve the world. The gods were not regarded as deities but as guides in spirit or mortal form. Both the old Golden Pantheon of the Khadan and the Dark Elven Pantheon fell under this change. Over the course of years of his pilgrimages, gatherings, setting examples of holy deeds, and his word spreading across the desert, the gods slowly started to lose their divinity and meaning for the people who embraced this new philosophy he brought forth. It showed more benefits: fewer strict rules to follow in life, less reliance on godly figures, no deities that would judge you, and depictions of the world and its importance to be less divine and more explained through science.
After his passing in the year 20 A.F.S, the priests began to twist his words into a new religion, for they saw that it was necessary to fulfill their basic human psychological desires and provide protection from the real supernatural threats that existed in the world of Eseron. The original philosophies of the Philosopher worked against him and instead created a new religion. By only living a life of good deeds for the betterment of the world, you would be rewarded in a place amongst the stars: the Light of Iʂik. The Tarik il Iʂik, as it became known, quickly spread across the realm like wildfire and caught the interest of all races living in Anjyarr. It was never the goal of The Philosopher to create a new religion. To an extent, it even influenced change in the Cult of Fineall, with some of the philosophies being adapted into the religion of the Dark Elves. Some even entirely abandoned Fineall to embrace the Iʂik, much to the surprise and disapproval of the Elven priests. For the Kha'mal tribes, which now roamed the desert as nomadic societies, they never fully embraced this new religion and instead named their faith the Tarik Ejelkhi: The Golden Path, or the Old Path. A belief that still held a majority of the old practices. Some of these nomads would flock to various cities, their cults being absorbed by the temples of Iʂik that were now raised in almost every settlement. And some of them even became loyal servants to the ruling class.
In the modern day, the Tarik il Iʂik plays a huge part in the society of both man and elf in Anjyarr. It is an open religion, one where all, no matter their past or religious background, are welcomed. While the religion mainly remained within the borders, and played roles in many events throughout the history of Anjyarr, the Iʂik and its branches have shaped Anjyarr into what it is today and have slowly began to spread its influence across the continent.