Estahsism

Estahsism is a polytheistic faith and successor to the defunct Church of Estahsism. Although Estahsism widely shares many of the tenets, principles and beliefs of its predecessor, it also differs significantly from it. After a short-lived resurrection in Iknopata, Estahsism was finally founded again once more by Attila Osha in Pel Mark, Beluaterra, as the faith's Third Prophet on 1 February 2010. The most sacred and holy text of Estahsism is the The Spiritual Guide to Estahs.

There is currently an active newspaper about Estahsism written by the Great Hand Nikkitanilas, The Estahsism Echo

Founding

Loss of the Church

When the old Church of Estahsism fell, it was a shadow of its former self. Once upon a time, the Church had been the dominant faith of Old Grehk, as well as a strong faith in Thalmarkin, with isolated temples and followings around Wudenkin and Western Heen. Yet gradually the faith had fallen on hard times due to internecine squabbling with the Valentic Order, the rise of the fledgling Order of the Golden Feather and Sint aggression.

After the decline of the faith in Old Grehk due to politics and Sintian conquest, the disappearance of Sarh Dragonfist, the Great Hand of the Church, came as a hammer blow. With the loss of her last priest and the rapid collapse of Church infrastructure thereafter, the faith quickly dissolved despite the best intentions of those who remained committed to the Pantheon.

Interregnum

Following the collapse of the Church, most former followers of the Estahs moved onto other faiths. However a small handful refused to let that be the end and a secret order was formed with the express intent of reviving Estahsism. This effort yielded fruit quickly, with Alfred Osha briefly bringing Estahsism back to life in Iknopata. Yet Valentic opposition, combined with a period of incredible civil turmoil in Bara'Khur, saw Estahsism melt away once more.

Resurrection

Eventually, many years after the fall of the original Church of Estahsism, the faith was once again resurrected in the central mountains. This time in Pel Mark, with Attila dedicating the first temple to Eimir, God of the Mountains, in thanks for his protection and benevolence over the years.

The Spiritual Guide to Estahs

This holy book provides the basis of the Estahs faith and instructs the followers of Estahsism in all things. That said, there are several different versions of the Spiritual Guide to the Estahs and during the Interregnum, the version favoured by the First Prophet, Prins Simon Cuvelier, fell out of favour.

The most glaring departure from the beliefs of the original Church in the New Spiritual Guide to the Estahs is the approach to the Pantheon of the Estahs. Whilst the old Church raised seven Gods and goddesses above all others as Supreme, the new faith believes in the equality of the Pantheon and that all gods should be worshipped equally.

Places of Worship

Each temple and shrine of Estahsism is dedicated to a specific deity in the Pantheon of the Estahs.

Temples

• Eimir's Sanctuary - A small temple based up in Pel Mark and location of Estahsism's recent rebirth. This temple is carved into the very side of Pel Mark's peak and overlooks the largest settlement in the region. Attila built and dedicated this temple to Eimir, God of the Mountains, for all the success and protection he had granted him since arriving in Wudenkin from the arid Western Badlands.

• Siama's Temple - A temple in Ippetimbal dedicated to Siama, God of the Heroes, bearer of the battle, protector of the knights, in thanks for his guidance and protection as the warriors of Bara'Khur fight, and in honour of the rallying troops in the region at the time the temple was built.

• Zisswii's Temple - A small temple has been constructed in the mountains of Zisswii, but is not as yet consecrated, so has not yet been dedicated to a particular God.

Shrines

• Komar's Shrine - The first shrine to be constructed for Estahsism was made in tribute to the Highfather, deity of the fallen Valentic Order. Despite the loss of his mortal followers, Komar is believed to be another name for Gikf, God of Honour and his influence on the hardy Warriors of Bara'Khur has been a good one. This shrine is located in Pel Mark, formerly a strong heartland of the Highfather.

• Fiko's Shrine - Build in Ippetimbal, dedicated to the God of Gold in thanks for his blessing of the gold in the mountains that locals mine, which brings wealth to the region.

• Wurki's Shrine - This shrine is located in the region of Zisswii and is dedicated to Wurki, God of children. It was build by the priestess Nikkitanilas shortly after the birth of her twin children in celebration and thanks to the God.

• Ilimis' Shrine - Located in Iknopata, dedicated to the Goddess of lakes and rivers, as one of Iknopata's geographical features is the source of a river that runs through the north west of Bara'Khur.

• Ochenes' Shrine - This shrine is located in Xerus. Xerus is known for it's large population of spiders and legendary spider scouts, thus this shrine has been build appropriately in the name of the God of humanity and animals.

• Karak's Shrine - Dedicated to the God of the mentors and son of Aisen, this shrine which is located in Gaxano acts as a great haven for those wishing to teach new comers to both knighthood and Estahsism.