Religion

In Zol religion provides safety, power and information. The presence of the Gods is very well known, but their methods, intentions, and origins are largely a mystery.

Religion in Zol takes many forms. Some undergo their practice as an individual journey, or participate in one of the many Religious Denominations. There many churches, sects, cults, traditions, and practices. All with their own unique belief systems to make sense of the complex world of Zol and its mysterious Gods.

There is a vast number of perspectives from which Zol and its Gods are understood. Most of which can be summarized by these 6 categories. Ordered from most common to least common:

• # Zolaen-Centric Belief

  • Roughly 45% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system is based on the idea that the Zolaen Gods created Zol and are the true and holy rulers of it. This belief system also subscribes to the idea that the The Wandering Gods are malicious, or at the very least not to be trusted. This is because Zolaen-Centric belief blames The Undoing on the Zolaen Gods. It also entails that the Wayward Gods are dangerous and not to be trusted due to their chaotic nature.
  • Followers of this belief may worship one or many of the Zolaen Gods. Regardless of their specific method of worship, it is generally thought that one should pay respect and worship to all of the Zolaen Gods from time-to-time.
  • Additionally, Wordbearers who serve the greater good are thought to be in alignment with, or rather an extension of, the Zolaen Gods.
  • Shares some beliefs with Trinity-Centric religions
  • Religious Denominations
    • Arkian
    • Dorian

• # Trinity-Centric Belief

  • Roughly 25% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system is based in the general idea that the pantheons of Gods are not the true ultimate power. They instead believe that The Trinity itself is the only thing deserving of worship. In this system, the Gods are either mere extensions of The Trinity, or false gods who stray the light of The Trinity. This system also typically believes in a dark reflection of The Trinity called The Anti-Trinity. This dark power is seen as the source of all evil and darkness, and that all of the Void Gods are mere extensions of it.
  • Followers of this belief may worship The Trinity as a whole or some specific manifestation of it. Like the Church of Three Fires.
  • Additionally, Wordbearers who serve the greater good are thought to be in alignment with the The Trinity.
  • Shares some beliefs with Zolaen-Centric religions
  • Religious Denominations
    • Trinaism
    • Ashian

• # Monotheism or Polytheism

  • Roughly 10% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system recognizes each god as an individual being, and does not judge them based on their pantheon. Followers of this belief typically focus on a single god, or small group of gods based on the individuals selection. This system typically operates under the assumption that The Undoing was caused by the Gods, but it is not know which gods. So judgement is not cast.

• # Exaltation Obscura

  • Roughly 7% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system operates consolidates all beliefs that do not subscribe to any other system. This may be the worship of some obscure force that is not understood by Zol or something of the like. Examples of this are:
    • The Hum
    • The Oldshards
    • Cosmic beings such as the Great Old Ones
    • The Wayward Gods
  • Religious Denominations
    • Obscuran
    • Zephyrean
    • Pheridian

• # Wanderer-Centric Belief

  • Roughly 6% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system is based on the idea that the The Wandering Gods are more of guardians rather than Gods. They are thought to have come to Zol to protect civilization from the unchecked power of the Zolaen Gods. As per this belief system, The Undoing is seen as the fault of the Zolaen Gods. Those who subscribe to this theory also believe that the Wayward Gods and Wordbearers are not all inherently bad.
  • Followers of this belief see The Wandering Gods more as mentors rather than omnipotent rulers, guiding them in their struggles.
  • Religious Denominations
    • Wanderian

• # Atheism

  • Roughly 6% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system operates based on the assumption that mortals need not revere Gods, as they are merely beings. Their power does not make them holy, only more present in Zol. The specific ideas differ from person to person, but largely revolves around skepticism towards information about the gods divined through worship.

• # Void Worship

  • Less than 1% of Zol’s population follow this belief system
  • This belief system is based on the idea of sacrifice in exchange for power from the Void Gods. A taboo practice in all of society, this belief is a dangerous and dark practice. Individuals who practice this faith are known for having twisted world views.
  • Religious Denominations
    • Malevolan