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 that 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.
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 that 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 that lived exemplary lives, those that 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, bowing to a shrine or sacred figure that is or was seen as a guide. A traditional sermon would often end in blessings being given to each individual or those required. 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 Patriarch 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 Patriarch 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 Pharoes 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 tribe. As he became known, he was a priest and even a guide for others. Around the Ifraq River, the core basics of philosophy were embraced again, and a revision was made to the current faith of the Khadan. The gods would not bring forth one's path and destiny but only yourself. However, it was twisted into a new religion. As it started with "The Philosopher" first teachings, it was thought of as a way to think of life. But over the course of a few years, it became a way to believe in life. "The Path" emerged forth, but not all Khadan tribes were swayed, and many chose to live in isolation and seclusion from the others. The nomads traversed into the dune sea, taking their form, now dubbed "The Old Path, with them. These nomads became known as the Kha’mal.
"The Path" started spreading amongst the Ifraq Tribal Confederation in the earliest of the third year of A.F.S.; by 9, it had wholly enveloped the region. Following the year 12 A.F.S. the Schaton tribes in the center of the desert, all the way to the central city regions, were converted.
The last far eastern nomadic tribes of the mountain ranges and close to the ruins of Sepharat, the Valley Of Kings, bode heavy resistance to the point of hostility towards any Khadan trying to convert the remaining tribes. They were heavily religious to the point of zealotism in the old gods, and “The Philosopher” asked the Dark Elves for help. The Dark Elves, now close friends with the Khadan, approached the tribes and spoke with them in private. What was discussed was unknown, and their persuasive tactics leave more questions than answers. However, hostility stopped soon after.
By the end of the year 15 A.F.S., the eastern tribes, though not entirely, had converted, and by the start of the early 20s, two-thirds of the Anjyarr population was a follower of the new faith. It was the primary belief system of the Khadan and was present in all major regions and cities. The core belief of "The Path" had been present in the Khadan culture for more than a thousand years and is seen as one of the youngest religions of Eden. While nothing new to the people, the different outlooks and explanations of it caused a massive resurgence in ideals and science around the continent.