Soriven

Soriven is a Polytheistic, Animistic, and Ancestral Veneration religion based around the teachings of the prophet Kuruss Minimo who unified the feuding pre-pseudo faiths of Zanaro. The faith follows several major traditions; The Kairic Tradition, The Imperial Tradition, the Yamada Tradition, and the Ositii Tradition primarily. Each tradition shares the same beliefs and cosmology but utilize different rituals, practices, and put emphasis on different aspects of the faith.

History

The Soriven religion was founded by Kuruss Minimo before written records were kept in Zanaro. Kuruss Minimo saw the advances in weapons and a disregard for life. At the time the various feuding lords followed either shamanistic animistic faiths or medium dominated ancestral worshiping faiths. He saw the world falling into darkness, and so he decided to separate himself from the world. He went deep into the mountains to seek out a new way, to seek isolation.

After three years he returned from the mountains with a book, now known as The Book of Souls, or The Kai'Hon. The book spoke of the Divine Kaimirin who oversaw both the Earthly and ancestral Kaimirin. The book unified the main beliefs of the warring factions into a structured religious system beneath the Divine and Immortal Kaimirin. He anointed eighteen Zaijii (Priests) within the first year of its teaching and many shrines were built throughout the Zanarite Kingdoms. The religion spread quickly, converting many of the Dai'Ara (Kingdoms) to the faith.

The Dai'Kashi (Kings) of Zanaro, Verrin Kurohiun, converted to Soriven at the age of 70, he became a devout follower of Kuruss Minimo giving up his crown and dedicating the rest of his life to spreading the Soriven faith. Verrin Kurohiun wrote down his meditations, guidance, and experiences as he followed the will of the spirits. He died defending Kuruss Minimo from a group of bandits. Kuruss Minimo recorded the encounter as an addendum to the book that Verrin had written. The book was expanded upon by the disciples of Verrin, claiming that in his death he ascended to beyond being an ancestral Kaimirin and instead became a Divine Kaimirin called Ve'Kin. The book they created is called The Ascendancy and is integral to the practices of the Imperial Tradition. The Kairic Tradition recognizes Verrin as an ancestral Kaimirin instead.

Many disciples of Kuruss Minimo began to gather the folk beliefs and traditional practices of the various Zanarite people's, bringing them together and conforming them to the beliefs that the Book of Spirits espoused. This led to the creation of the Ko'Vern.

After twenty years of teaching the Book of Souls Kuruss Minimo vanished into the mountains alone. Some people hold that he will return one day, but most say he joined the Goddess Kairi in Shallim or the Mists.

During this time Soriven began to break into various traditions with a supposed daughter of Minimo claiming to hear the voice of the Kaimirin Kairi, and would act as her hand in the mortal world. The Hand of Kairi wrote an additional book called The Seven Seals which was meant to guide the followers of the Kairic Tradition and allow for the practitioners to better serve the Kaimirin.

There were several Shai'Kyo who did not follow the Hand of Kairi and founded the Yamada Tradition that was dedicated to mountain asceticism for the priests and attaining communion with the Kaimirin through meditation. Other shrines focused on their own specific area and not on the politics that began to appear with the Soriven faith, these are typically viewed as small local traditions.

Many years later a Dai'Kashi of Zanaro, Arasho Kurohiun, began to practice human sacrifice to various Kaimirin he claimed he could hear. During this time he invaded the holy region of Uwhein and sacked the Temple of Kairi. Upon its altar he sacrificed the Hand of Kairi, claiming only the blood of Kurus Minimo could satisfy the bloodlust of the Kaimirin. A cousin of Arasho, Togashi Kurohiun assassinated Arasho when he returned to Torman. Togashi along with those loyal to Imperial Soriven eradicated the line of Arasho. A close adviser to Arasho, Aeshi Mashiri, is said to have escaped Torman with the ritual diary of Arasho. This book, along with additional teachings by Aeshi Mashiri would become the loathed O'Rijion, or the Book of O'Rijii.

The Kurohiun family donated large sums of money to rebuild the Temple of Kairi, and helped to ensure that the new Hand of Kairi would be protected by sending them a battalion of foot-soldiers. The descendants of these soldiers still serve the Minimo family as guards for the Hand of Kairi.

After these founding times the Soriven faith quickly spread throughout the Norundra Archipelago, into the Ositinajii Archipelago and the Ashahieru Archipelago before the end of the first millennia of the current era. After having left the Norundra archipelago the Soriven faith spread into South East Nori in part due to missionary efforts from Zanaro as well as from the various other regions where Soriven had spread.

Beliefs

The Soriven faith believes that spirits exist all around us, and many inhabit different areas within nature. These areas sometimes have a particularly powerful spirit that should be respected and given a shrine so that humanity may commune with it. Many of these shrines are hidden deep within deserts, mountains, and forests. On a rare occasion is a Shrine within a city. These shrines are often very busy with people coming to commune with the spirit. There is also a pantheon of gods, each overseeing a different aspect of life, but the chief deity is Kairi the Goddess of Fate who rules over The Mists. Finally ancestors are often enshrined at these shrines and prayed to as tutelary and protective spirits.

The Book of Souls describes the germination of the Universe as we know it, the outflowing of life, and the appearance of death.

There are three major types of Kaimirin within the Soriven faith. The first are the Divine Kaimirin, often translated as Gods in other languages. These are powerful immortal spirits that embody the immutable laws of reality and of the spirit. Next are the Earthly Kaimirin, this is often translated as spirits. These Kaimirin inhabit mountains, waterfalls, trees, storms, and stones to name a few. These are spirits of nature and those that inspire a sense of awe often have shrines dedicated to them. When their physical form is destroyed then the Kaimirin enters into the Mists and awaits to be reincarnated. Finally there are the Ancestral Kaimirin, or spirits of the dead. These Kaimirin guide and protect their descendants and friends. It is said so long as the dead are remembered they can guide the living but they cannot be reborn.

Sacred Symbols

The Four pointed star of Soriven is perhaps one of it's most recognized symbols. IT is said to represent the shards of the soul of a person. Each point representing one of the four aspects that when they come together create one whole. Most followers of Soriven use it as a way to remember that who they are in the moment is temporary, but that they lessons they learn in life will carry on to four new ones when they die. The Four Pointed Star is typically surrounded by a circle showing the four parts as one whole, as well as implying that through internal development one can find peace.

The Soriven Banner historically was flown on missionary vessels, typically ships, instead of flying the flag of the nation that they were coming from. Where the missionaries traveled so to did the banner fly. The Banner has the Four Pointed Star, but without the circle, showing that the light of Soriven should be spread. In addition it is flown on a deep red field representing the blood of the Kaimirin flowing in the veins of all living beings. Many though took it to mean the blood of their enemies as many of these missionary groups often brought with them small military forces to protect the missionaries.

Major Divine Kaimirin

Kairi- Chief Divine Kaimirin, Lady of the Mists, Lady of Fate. She oversees the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. As well as prophecy, intellect, and madness. She is also the chief dirty of the Kairic Tradition.

Yu'Razul- Divine Kaimirin of Strife and Chaos. Yu'Razul represents the ever changing world and the constant need for conflict to spur growth.

Rasu- Divine Kaimirin of fire and light. Often seen also as the God of the Sun and the stars, using them to offer guidance to the people of the world.

Yue- Divine Kaimirin of the Seas, and of Storms. She oversees the reincarnation of all oceanic and storm Kaimirin.

Io'Rin- Divine Kaimirin of volcanoes and creation. Io'Rin is said to have formed Olympus from the chaos and destruction wrought by Yu'Razul.

Syl'Varia- The Divine Kaimirin of growth and new life. Syl'Varia is often also associated with springtime.

Harrik- The Divine Kaimirin of windy and frivolity. It is said that without entertainment there would be no culture, as such Harrik is often associated with culture.

Kal'Mea- The Divine Kaimirin of the harvest, and fertility. Kal'Mea is also greatly associated with the Autumn.

Dal'Shi- The Divine Kaimirin of freedom and justice.

Vias'tal- Divine Kaimirin of Wisdom and Truth.

Minor Divine Kaimirin

Hikari no Ryu- The Great Elemental Dragon of Light, it is said to be the incarnation of all light within the universe.

Sabishi no Ryu- The Great Elemental Dragon of the Void, it is said to be the incarnation of the space between.

Rai no Ryu- The Great Elemental Dragon of Lighting, believed to be the incarnation of energy within the Universe.

Kaze no Ryu- The Great Elemental Dragon of Air, said to be the incarnation of the physical state of gaseous matter.

Kasai no Ryu- the Great Elemental Dragon of Fire, said to be the incarnation of the physical state of plasma matter.

Suiiki no Ryu- The Great Dragon of Water, said to be the incarnation of the physical state of liquid matter.

Tsuchi no Ryu- The Great Dragon of Earth, said to be the incarnation of the physical state of solid matter.

Chi'Kaijii

The Concept of Chi'Kaijii is often translated as 'enlightenment' in Lyran. Chi'Kaijii though is a way of living in-tune and in harmony with the Kaimirin. It is to be free of attachment to anything that is not spiritual, while also understanding that all the physical world has a spiritual essence to it. It is to show respect and veneration to nature, to ancestors, to the tutelary deities, and to the everyday objects that are used. It is to give thanks to various things for their sacrifice for your continued survival and to show respect even for broken things. When a person can fully follow the path of Chi'Kaijii they attain oneness with all (attaining Chi'Kaijii) and when they shed their mortal form they become a Kaimirin.

It is also believed that those who seek to cause chaos and to purposefully destroy harmony, to exploit nature without care, to be discourteous and destructive, are walking against Chi'Kaijii. This produces a spiritual pollution that weighs down a person's soul. Constantly striving against Chi'Kaijii is said to eventually transform a person's soul into a dark replica of the Kaimirin, the O'Rijii, or angry spirits. It is only through the intervention of Kai'Tsuka that they can be freed of their pollution and brought back into the reincarnation cycle.

The Soul in Soriven

All people are imparted with a soul that originates from the Kaimirin, a spark of pure divine light that is said to animate the weaker and impure physical form. The soul enters the body when a child takes its first breath after they are born. The soul controls the body through spiritual channels, or chakras, allowing for this energy to fully animate the physical form. There are seven main chakras within the body, and over one thousand minor chakras. The location of the chakras is detailed in the Seven Seals, named after the seven main chakras.

Before the founding of Soriven the Seven Chakras were originally only aligned to the seven elemental dragons, which were worshiped as the major Gods, they are now viewed as the Seven Great Elemental Dragon Kaimirin. It is dictated in the Seven Seals that the materials universe is given order by the Seven Elemental Dragons, and that the universe is given shape inside of us, hence why mortals have seven major chakras.

A soul is made up of four soul shards. When a person dies these shards intermingle with others to make new souls and to learn new lessons. The belief is that the lessons and pains we have in our current lives will be carried on by the four shard into the mingling of new souls, bringing them both closer and further from Chi'Kajii. Due to this the Soriven faith believes it is important to impart the knowledge of meditation and living in accordance with Chi'Kajii so as to help them overcome their own weaknesses and attain freedom from rebirth. In the case where a person attains Chi'Kajii these four shards become a Kaimirin instead of remaining as four separate shards. This Kaimirin will ascend into the mists and be free from the cycle of reincarnation.

The Seven Major Chakras of Soriven

The Light Chakra- Said to be located at the crown of the head. The Void Chakra- Said to be located in the middle of the forehead. The Lightning Chakra- Said to be located in the throat. The Air Chakra- Said to be located in the middle of the chest. The Fire Chakra- Said to be located in the stomach. The Water Chakra- Said to be located in the lower abdomen. The Earth Chakra- Said to be located as the root of the spine.

Tenants of Soriven Marriage

The following are core tenants of marriage in the Soriven faith

1. Marriage is a union between two or more people, who seek to live a life of Chi'Kajii.

2. Children raised in marriage should be raised to walk the path of Chi'Kajii.

3. Married people should look to bring into their family children who are without parents to protect them from the ravages of the O'Rijii.

4. You do not abandon your partner, hardships and challenges are times to seek meditation, mediation, and purification.

5. Marriage must be performed by a Zaijii or Dai'Zaijii.

Clarification on Soriven marriage: Same Sex Marriage is allowed within the faith, as are the inclusion of multiple spouses, though they are bound to the other members of the union.

The Soriven Traditions

While the various traditions believe in generally the same Divine Kaimirin, Earthly Kaimirin, and Ancestral Kaimirin, they each focus their worship in different ways. The one major exception to this is the Arashin Tradition, which is classified as a violent cult by the Zanarite government.

The Imperial Tradition

The Imperial Tradition is headed by the Imperial family of Zanaro, with the highest ranking female member of the Imperial Family being the official head of the Imperial Tradition. Imperial Soriven focuses more on the worship and service to the various Soriven Gods compared to the other sects. They believe that by giving offerings, building temples, and spreading the ideals of Soriven that they are moving towards a state of Chi'Kaijii. Imperial Soriven is also the most culturally connected to Zanaro of all of the major sects, focusing on many of the traditional aspects of Zanarite culture.

Imperial Soriven builds large temple complexes dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses. Often times they will have a large tree within the complex that is said to house a Guardian Gami which oversees the protection of the Temple and those who visit. These trees are almost always Zanarite Black Cedar trees. In addition these complexes will have a sacred grove, a worship hall, and a enshrinement hall which are all contained within the main spiritual sanctum.

The Kairic Tradition

The largest of all Soriven denominations, it was founded just after the disappearance of Kuruss Minimo by Shai'Kyo from several Kingdoms coming together to discuss the splintered faith. They recognized that they all had a shared belief, except for a few minor details that Imperial Soriven believed in. The Kairic Tradition does not recognize the Verrin Kurohiun as having become a Divine Kaimirin but instead as an ancestral Kaimirin, the same as all others who's attained Chi'Kaijii. The Kairic Tradition is headed by the Hand of Kairi who claims decent from Kurus Minimo.

Kairic Soriven focuses less on the worship of the Kiamirin and more on meditation to enter a state of Chi'Kaijii. The Kaimirin are viewed more as exemplars, as divine beings who have entered that state of Chi'Kaijii and to be imitated. Their view states the Kaimirin care not for worship, but that you live a life of balance, and that the Shrines should work with and protect nature.

Kairic Soriven also focuses on building smaller Shrines with dedicated meditation space, and a large amount of sacred nature to appease the Gami. Many of these shrines have only a single Zai'Jii to oversee them, with the aid of Misho and Misho-Ko.

The Yamada Tradition

The Yamada tradition was founded by several Shai'Kyo who denied that any other being could be the Hand of Kairi. Those who followed this path focused more on meditation and upon the an ascetic lifestyle. The Shai'Kyo and the Zai'Ji who followed them take vows of poverty and instead dedicate their lives to maintaining sacred shrines, groves, and various springs, in addition to meditation and fasting. The lay followers of the Yamada tradition often donate food and other necessary items to the Zai'Ji in return for blessings and rituals done of their behalf.

The Arashin Tradition

Many who were loyal to Arasho during his slow descent to Madness believe him to have found a new path to immortality by becoming an O'Rijii named A'Zai. They also recognize that he 'Ascended' as an O'Rijii, something they believe to be more powerful than a Kaimirin. Many of these followers have themselves degenerated into nihilists who seek to utilize pleasure and violence as a pathway to become an O'Rijii. The Founder of Arashin Soriven, Aeshi Mashiri, claimed to have found a new 'holy' book called the O'Rijion, that was supposedly written by Arasho the Mad near the end of his days.

The Arashin Soriven sect is officially outlawed within Zanaro, its Holy Book, The O'Rijion is also banned. This has only driven the cult underground and the book to be handwritten and passed down from Zaijii to Zaijii. They worship A'Zai as the most powerful being in existence, as the founder of their perverse faith, and as the sole being worthy of respect.

The cult puts up a front as a new 'Soriven' faith group, but it of course is a way to recruit new members to the actual cult. It maintains control of its membership through brain washing techniques, drug addiction, shaming, threats of death or torture, and human greed. Slowly driving the members closer and closer to acting as future leaders of the cult. Arashin Soriven often operates drug dens and other black market rings as ways to attain power and influence over other people. It has thankfully remained fairly small as the police seeks to eradicate it, and the criminal element, from existence.

Sacred Books

The Kai'Hon: The Kai'Hon describes the creation of the Universe as we know it, the creation of life, the creation of humanity, and the appearance of the Gami. It is primarily done as a large number of poems. The Kai'Hon also has within it many rituals and rites.

The Ko'Vern: The Ko'Vern is based on traditional Zanarite legends and mythology, many of the Gods take prominence in these stories, there are also rituals for working with the Gami.

The Naii'Tsyeto: The Naii'Tsyeto (Seven Seals) has additional ceremonies from Pre-Soriven Zanarite history, the belief in chakras as well as their locations, and additional laws to live by. This book was written by the daughter of Kurus Minimo and the first to claim the title of Hand of Kairi after the death of Kurus Minimo.

The KadjʼIukoi: The KadjʼIukoi (Ascendancy) speaks about the life of Verrin Kurohiun, his teachings, and his eventual ascension to Godhood. It focuses heavily on Verrin Kurohiun's interpretations of Kurus Minimo's teachings and how it relates to nations.

The O'Rijion: This is a banned unholy book that is dedicated to the hateful teachings of Arasho the Mad near the end of his days. It is filled with profane rituals, mad writings, and demands for blood sacrifices to the O'Rijii (Evil Spirits) in exchange for power.

Hierarchy

• Kairi no Te:(The Hand of Kairi) The Hand of Kairi is a mostly ceremonial position, it is also an inherited position. It is only followed by the Kairic Soriven Tradition. The Hand of Kairi is claimed to be the descendant of Kuruss Minimo. Traditionally the Hand of Kairi is female, but there have been several men throughout the history of the position.

• Shai'Kyo:(Archon) Each nation that has a significant Soriven following has a Shai'Kyo to guide the nations faithful. The Shai'Kyo is selected by the Dai'Zaijii of the nation. Each tradition maintains their own Shai'Kyo, with the Kairic tradition requiring Shai'Kyo to be confirmed by the Hand of Kairi.

• Dai'Zaijii/Dai'Zaijii-Ko:(High Priest) Traditionally Dai'Zaijii were made by Zaijii who had anointed over 20 new Zaijii into Soriven. This has since changed for all but the Yamada tradition. Now the Dai'Zaijii are appointed to the position by the Shai'Kyo based upon available posts which is determined yearly by number of Soriven practitioners.

• Zaijii/Zaijii-Ko:(Priest/Priestess) Members of the Soriven faith who have been trained in the rituals and spells written about in The Book of Souls, and the various other sacred texts. They are anointed by another Zaijii or Dai'Zaijii. This supposedly dates back to Kuruss Minimo from before the founding of Soriven.

• Misho/Misho-Ko: (Shrine Keepers) Members who dedicate there lives to ensuring that the shrines across the world are taken care of and the Gami are honored there.

• Kai'Tsuka: (Exorcists) Members dedicated to the cleansing of O'Rijii from the world. They use spells and incantations written in the Kai'Hon. They are trained in specific temples and are blessed by Zaijii or Dai'Zaijii and are sent to wander the world. While they are wandering they often act as Zaijii for Soriven followers without a nearby shrine in addition to their duties as purifiers.

Nations that have Soriven Shrines

The following nations have Soriven Shrines that have been built by followers of the Soriven faith and have been recognized by one of the Soriven traditions as being legitimate.

• Carelia
• Eskeiura
• Meronnia
• Sepura
• Sino Manala
• Tero Malstreciga
• Zanaro

Nations that have banned Soriven

The following nations have banned the practice and belief in the Soriven religion.

• Jashnagar
• Tauke Manuye
• TSPR