Anomai

Anomai, also Aga Ma'i or Maism, is a monotheistic religion founded and first spread in Jashnagar, teaching that there is only a single God, who created the physical universe. Followers are referred to as Maists, and constitute religious communities around the globe. Anomai is made up of many traditions, practices, and beliefs that vary, though are all considered a part of one faith. This has lead to the notable feature of differing monastic sects within the religion, but a distinct lack of schism.

Beliefs vary within the religion, but generally hold that this universe was created by a single God, who can influence events within it. God, as understood by Maists, is all-powerful in regards to this universe, but is subject to the concept of Dam. Dam refers to an overarching energy that permeates this universe, and other universes that are also said to exist, and may be the origin of God itself. The idea of Dam and the recognition of other universes has lead some scholars to challenge Anomai's status as monotheistic faith.

Maism is notable for having a religious state in its origin area, Jashnagar, with a religious head in the A'sina and Bas'kan. The tied political and spiritual nature of this has lead to diplomatic issues and continues to be a hot-button topic in countries with Anomai minorities.

Etymology

The term "Anomai" translates literally into "Star God" in the Jash language, with "Aga Ma'i" doing the same in Pa'ea. Outside of the literal translation, it means "Path of the Stars" in reference to God and heaven. "Maism" was applied by Liran explorers when first encountering the religion, and has since been adopted as a form of title for Anomai followers, taking the root word "Mai" meaning "God". Thus Anomai followers take the terms "Maism" and "Maists" to mean followers or children of God.

History

The Anomai faith likely began as a mystical temple sect in the lower Jash kingdoms sometime between 200 BCE to 140 BCE, though Anomai followers traditionally state that the faith had always had a presence in Jashnagar if not elsewhere in the world.

By as early as 100 BCE, Maism has spread much further southward to the Pa'ea peoples, and began a slow inward crawl before becoming the dominant faith in the archipelago by the 12th century CE. Initial conversion was slow as the religion competed with other indigenous faiths. These domestic religious conflicts culminated in the War of Flames beginning in 1304 CE, where an archipelago-wide religious war was waged between Anomai followers and the now significantly dwindling followers of other faiths, with an Anomai victory firmly established.

After the War of Flames, outward expansion for the faith had become a focus, with monks acting as missionaries and the first armed crusades against foreign non-believers launched.

Bankara Temple, a ruined Anomai temple from 25 BCE

After the unification of Jashnagar under King Ilo'gnara, the A'sina priestess of Yuram was declared the physical link to God, and Anomai doctrine was officially codified by the state. This move formerly tied the religious and secular aspects of the Jashnagari government together, and established it as an authority for Anomai faithful worldwide.

Adherents of the faith continue to use missionary work as the primary form of conversion and as a result Anomai is a growing religion. Meanwhile, the Jashnagari military still hosts a "crusader" title for their armed forces, typically engaged in humanitarian aid where possible.

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