Losanium
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Losanium is the term that refers to the religion of the Kingdom of Varlamore. It encompasses both the worship of Ralos and Ranul though the term itself is uncommonly used due to the rarity of individuals who equally dedicate themselves to both.[1] Losanium is the most common religion across Varlamore, and worship of other gods is hardly seen.[2]
The religion originated with the Talkasti people, one of two groups that eventually came together to form the modern kingdom of Varlamore (along with the Pericans). The Talkasti first worshipped Ralos and Ranul in secret within Kourend, before migrating to Varlamore in order to practice their religion more freely. Eventually, the Pericans began to practice Losanium as well.[3]
The gods
Ralos
Ralos is the god of the sun and the most commonly worshipped deity of Varlamore.
Ranul
Ranul is the god of the moon. Ranul is considered less popular for his association with death. However, as Ranul is also a god of learning and knowledge, he is noteworthy among academics.
Core Beliefs
While most individuals primarily dedicate themselves to one god or the other, the Church of Ralos and Sect of Ranul are not in conflict; both recognise the importance of one another.[4] As such, there are shared beliefs among followers of Ralos and Ranul.
Ximoua is a core belief that refers to the continuous cycle of destruction and rebirth of the world.[5] This belief was passed down from the Old Ones.[6]
Mictl is the term used to describe the afterlife for followers, who will be guided to its Gates by Ranul.[7]
Unofficial Beliefs
Certain groups, such as the Twilight Emissaries, have developed their own interpretations of Losanium in ways that are not approved of by the leaders of the Church of Ralos or the Sect of Ranul. An example is the Final Dawn,[8] also called Tsak Tauli, a different interpretation of Ximoua which holds that followers must actively work to bring on the end of the world.[9]
Structure and Organization
The Church of Ralos and Sect of Ranul have separate but parallel structures. Each is led by a Teokan: the current Teokan of Ralos is Servius, and the current Teokan of Ranul is Metzli. A new Teokan is inducted in a ceremony known as the Gathering, or Teok Xiki, which is held after the death of the current Teokan.[10] The Gathering is held within the Crypt of Tonali, behind a set of doors which can only be opened with the blood of the two Teokan.[11]
Ranking just below the Teokan are seven teoki, or senior priests, for each god. Below the teoki are a larger number of nelta, lower-ranking priests who perform various common duties.
Holy sites
There are seven[12] major holy sites across Varlamore, each with a pair of teoki in service to Ralos and Ranul responsible for watching over and maintaining them.
Currently, only six holy sites are currently accessible to the player.
| Name | Image | Location | Assigned teoki | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis Temple | Civitas illa Fortis | Found in the southern part of the city, the temple has a Shrine of Ralos as well as a crypt directly beneath it. | ||
| Fortis Colosseum | Eastern end of Civitas illa Fortis | Formerly home to a temple where convicts were sacrificed, the Fortis Colosseum was built in its place by King Maximus Tullus. In place of human sacrifice, the blood spilled in battle symbolises an offering to Ralos instead. | ||
| Proudspire Obelisk | Hailstorm Mountains | Found atop the Proudspire, the kingdom's highest peak, the obelisk was built by the Old Ones for purposes unknown. Touching the obelisk is considered as the end point of the Pilgrim Path. | ||
| Great Auburn Redwood | Auburn Valley | Found a short distance south-east of Auburnvale, the tree was destroyed during the War of Betrayal over a century ago. Many animal spirits roam the area, who are believed to be guiding the ents who live in the valley to one day regrow the stump. | ||
| Crypt of Tonali | Tlati Rainforest | Found just west of Kastori, the Crypt was built by the Old Ones, and is the location where the Teok Xiki, or the Gathering, is performed to select a new Teokan.
The crypt is also home to a large underground cavern, and the Ruins of Mokhaiotl can be accessed further beyond. | ||
| Tal Teok | North-western end of the Tlati Rainforest | Found just north of Tal Teklan, the temple was built by the Old Ones, and is surrounded by a moat. According to one of the teoki stationed at the temple, Tal Teok is one of the easier holy sites to look after. |
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Trivia
- Mictl is likely inspired by the Aztec underworld Mictlān.
References
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