Religions
Many cultures on Armandy have a secular bent, but most people adhere to one of three major religions or philosophies. Some also have succumbed to the dark Cult of the Mahori; still others do not follow any particular religion, but have their own personal philosophies instead.
Click on the name of a religion below to read a fuller description of the religion.
Aetherialists serve, worship, or at least pay respects to one or more Aetherials. Some honor a particular Aetherial Lord or Court; others revere all Aetherials equally. For some, it is a matter of devout worship; for others, more a matter of an exchange of favors or the cultivation of a relationship. Those who have a close attunement to the Aether are called Mystics. Aetherialism is very strong in the Lostwood, and is casually traditional for native Armandine.
Some believe that the spirits of their ancestors remain in the Aether, or perhaps just beyond the Court of Doors, to watch over them and influence their lives. They honor their ancestors and make offerings to appease their spirits, so that they can rest in peace or even perhaps bless a devout descendant with their favor. Those who dedicate themselves to honoring the spirits of the ancestors are called Priests. Ancestor Worship was the faith of Vahrende, and is common in lands with a heavy Vahrenden population, such as Albion and Torheim.
The Philosophy of the Seven Virtues
After the advent of the Seven Heroes, a movement arose even among those who never attended the School of Seven Virtues to try to acheive greater goodness, fulfillment, and self-knowledge, and to awaken one’s full potential, following the guidance of the seven virtues. Those who follow this Philosophy look within rather than without for true agency, morality, and destiny. Those who commit themselves deeply to this path are called Monks. The Philosophy of the Seven Virtues exists in all countries but is dominant in none.
All fear the power of the Mahori; some feel that this power is better appeased or perhaps even embraced than opposed. They worship and serve the Mahori, recognizing them as their true masters. The Cult of the Mahori is outlawed in every nation but Maurheim, but hidden cabals persist in many places. Players cannot start as Mahori Cultists.