Difference between revisions of "Aristoi Atamarism"

From BattleMaster Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (→‎The Gospel of Kalos: spelling error)
 
(61 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
===Introduction===
+
{{Religion Spread
 +
|religion=Aristoi Atamarism
 +
|image=[[image:AA_Population.png|200px|thumb|center|The distribution of peasant followers of Aristoi Atamarism]]
 +
|region1=Anchorinn
 +
|region2=Chasnoff
 +
|region3=Dampinn
 +
|region4=Dorton
 +
|region5=Glassinn
 +
|region6=Monagle
 +
|region7=Narville
 +
|region8=Riverholm
 +
|region9=Rustton
 +
|region10=Stoneville
 +
|region11=Sudfern
 +
|region12=Suville
 +
|region13=Swanfolk
 +
|region14=Washford
 +
|region15=Wayburg
 +
|region16=Webgard
 +
|region17=Werdham
 +
|region18=Wynford
 +
|region19=
 +
|region20=
 +
|temple1=small temple (3)
 +
|temple2=
 +
|temple3=small temple (3)
 +
|temple4=small temple (3)
 +
|temple5=small temple (3)
 +
|temple6=
 +
|temple7=magnificent temple (6)
 +
|temple8=
 +
|temple9=
 +
|temple10=large temple (5)
 +
|temple11=small temple (3)
 +
|temple12=awe-inspiring temple district spanning 3 blocks(10)
 +
|temple13=small temple (3)
 +
|temple14=small temple (3)
 +
|temple15=
 +
|temple16=primitive temple (2)
 +
|temple17=small temple (3)
 +
|temple18=
 +
|temple19=
 +
|temple20=
 +
|shrines1=1
 +
|shrines2=1
 +
|shrines3=2
 +
|shrines4=2
 +
|shrines5=2
 +
|shrines6=
 +
|shrines7=5
 +
|shrines8=1
 +
|shrines9=
 +
|shrines10=5
 +
|shrines11=2
 +
|shrines12=4
 +
|shrines13=2
 +
|shrines14=2
 +
|shrines15=0
 +
|shrines16=1
 +
|shrines17=2
 +
|shrines18=
 +
|shrines19=
 +
|shrines20=
 +
|temples=12
 +
|shrines=32
 +
|nobles=39
 +
|priests=5
 +
|followers=168,113
 +
}}
  
−
The primary text for Aristoi Atamarism is called ''The Meter''.  ''The Meter'' contains within it all the teachings of Aristoi Atamarism, which is primarilly concerned with the general good and welfare of [[Abington]] and its people, not of other religions, nor even of the religion of Abingtonians.  For this reason [[Abington]] is not (and if Aristoi Atamarism has anything to say about it) never shall be a theocracy.
+
[[Aristoi Atamarism]] was founded in the region of [[Atamara/Washford|Washford]] on February 2nd, 2007 by Prophet [[Arete Family|Aeryn]].  The followers of Aristoi Atamarism are referred to as "The Aristoi", and their numbers have grown steadily.  Many temples dedicated to Aristoi Atamarism were constructed in [[Abington]] in a very short period of time, most especially in the duchies of [[Suville]] and [[Narville]].  The temple in Suville was itself enlarged several times and eventually became the largest temple of any religion in the world.  Slowly, the influence of the Aristoi spread to the duchies of [[Stoneville]] and, to a lesser extant, [[Riverholm]] and [[Wayburg]].  Aristoi Atamarism was once one of the largest religions on Atamara; however, the entire Abington Peninsula was ravaged by famine, and over 100,000 peasant followers died of starvation.  The Aristoi, especially Messiah [[Maximoff Family|Callisto Maximoff]], worked tirelessly to restore the affected regions to their former glory; however, Abington eventually dissolved into its respective duchies.  Each new realm adopted its own religion, and the Aristoi became the official state religion of the [[Suville_(Realm)|Kingdom of Suville]].  The Aristoi are on very friendly terms with many religions on Atarama, the one exception being [[Magna Serpaensism]] which the Aristoi consider to be a threat to the general good and welfare of Atamara.
  
−
''The Meter'' is broken up into five books
+
=="Theology"==
−
* The Book of Genesis - records the creation of the world.
 
−
* The Book of Exodus - records the greatness of [[Abington]].
 
−
* The Gospel of Pragma - teaches the virtues of utility, especially justice.
 
−
* The Gospel of Kalos - teaches the virtue of beauty, especially harmony.
 
−
* The Metacallisto - explains the prophecy of ''The Good Queen''.
 
  
−
The following Priests of Aristoi Atamarism have written commentaries and interpretations of ''The Meter''
+
[[image:The Meter.jpg|300px|thumb|left|[[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter|The Meter]] on display in the main Temple of the Aristoi, located in the heart of [[Suville]].]]
−
* No one yet...
 
  
−
===Note on the Translation===
+
The word "theology" is derived from the ancient Atamarean word "θέος", meaning "god".  Hence, theologies tend to be primarily interested in gods and goddesses; however, religions are not synonymous with theologies.  While religions tend to be heavily influenced by theology, religions are defined by their beliefs on a wider range of topics, such as morality and ontology.  While the Aristoi frequently make reference to several deities, belief in such deities is neither required nor even encouraged.  Instead, it is the importance of virtue that commands the greatest influence amongst Aristoi.
  
−
''The Meter'' was written in an ancient language and therefore must be translated into modern Abingtonian.  The art of translation is very difficult, and therefore future editions of this text may be slightly different as more accurate translations become avaliable.  There is only one copy of ''The Meter'' in the original language, and you don't have it, so please do not attempt to translate ''The Meter''.
+
The most important beliefs of the Aristoi can be found in the religious text of Aristoi Atamarism, '''ό Μέτριος''', which translates into modern Atamarean as "The Meter".  It contains all the teachings of Aristoi Atamarism.  While ''The Meter'' is a very esoteric text, all of the Aristoi agree that the '''Golden Rule''' is to "always act in accordance with the general good and welfare of Atamara and its people".  Hence the name of the religion, "Aristoi Atamarism", which roughly translates as "for the best of Atamara".  The story described in ''The Meter'' is an allegory told from perspective of Abington, the realm in which Aristoi Atamarism originated, but like most things in ''The Meter'', the prominent role of Abington is not meant to be taken literally.  Instead, Abington is taken to be an example, the lessons being applied to whatever realm you happen to swear fealty to.  In this sense, Aristoi Atamarism is unique among the religions of the world: where most religions preach loyalty and obedience to their faith, the Aristoi preach loyalty and obedience to their realm.  Consequently, two Aristoi of opposed realms would stand against one another on the battlefield in service to the the same faith.  Indeed, as one scholar pointed out, it is quite possibly the only religion that can wage a religious war against itself without violating its own principles.
  
−
==The Meter==
+
===[[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter|The Meter]]===
  
−
Translated by Aeryn [[Arete_Family|Arete]]
+
''The Meter'' is divided into three testaments, each of which are further divided into four books.  It should also be noted that when the Middle Testament was written, Carelia was an ally of Abington, and Ash Sea Islands was an enemy of Abington.  One must remember that, just like Abington is an example of a realm, Carelia and ASI are examples of allies and enemies, and are not meant to be taken literally as Carelia and ASI.
  
−
===The Book of Genesis===
+
* '''The First Testament'''
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#The Book of Genesis|The Book of Genesis]] - Introduces the four "prime movers", and accounts for the creation of the world.
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#The Book of Exodus|The Book of Exodus]] - Completes the creation story, and accounts for the greatness of Abington.
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#The Gospel of Pragma|The Gospel of Pragma]] - The knowledge given to the Abingtonians by ''Pragma'', including the Commandment of Justice.
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#The Gospel of Kalos|The Gospel of Kalos]] - The knowledge given to the Abingtonians by ''Kalos'', including the Commandment of Harmony.
 +
* '''The Middle Testament'''
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#The Metacallisto, Part 1|The Metacallisto, Part 1]] - Introduces the Prophet, and predicts the fall of Abington.
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#The Metacallisto, Part 2|The Metacallisto, Part 2]] - Introduces the Messiah, and predicts the birth of a new realm dedicated to Aristoi Atamarism.
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#Letter to the Carelians|Letter to the Carelians]] - A dialogue between the Prophet and an unnamed Carelian, an ally of Abington.
 +
** [[Aristoi Atamarism/Meter#Letter to the Ashlanteans|Letter to the Ashlanteans]] - A dialogue between the Prophet and an unnamed Ashlantean, an enemy of Abington
 +
* '''The Last Testament'''
 +
** ???
 +
** ???
 +
** ???
 +
** ???
  
−
In the beginning, there was Nothing.  And we call ''that-thing-which-is-not-something'' the ''Aestin''.  Since the ''Aestin'' is not something, it could not be evil, and therefore ''Aestin'' is good.  The ''Aestin'' also did not have any parts, since it was not something, and being without parts, the ''Aestin'' could not be disordered.  And so from ''Aestin'' we are given order.  Thus, order is good.
+
=== Rituals ===
  
−
But order is.  And so in the beginning, there was only order, and it was good.  But since there was a beginning, there must have been ''that-which-is-after-the-beginning'', which we call the ''Agenoi''.  The ''Agenoi'' could not have been ordered because if it were order then it would have been the beginning, which it was not.  And so ''Agenoi'' was disordered, and so it must have had parts.
+
The followers of Aristoi Atamarism currently recognize a single holiday, called "Auta Amera".  It is observed once per month as a celebration of the anniversary of their founding, which occurred on February 2nd, 2007.  The name "Auta Amera" is a transliteration of the ancient Atamarean "αυτη ημέρα", meaning "The day itself".  Participation can be either public or private, and in either case is completely voluntary.
  
−
But parts are not the whole, or else they would not be parts, and so the parts do not have to be disordered like the whole.  And parts are, and things that are are things, so parts are things.  And so after the beginning there were things.  And since there was also order and disorder, some of these things were ordered and some of these things were disordered.
+
==Hierarchy==
  
−
And ''those-things-that-are-ordered'' are called the ''Pragma'' because they are useful.  And ''those-things-that-are-disordered'' are called the ''Kalos'' because they are beautiful.  Therefore, after the beginning, there was only utility and beauty, which are good.  And one day ''Pragma'' and ''Kalos'' decided to make something else, and we call this something ''The World of BattleMaster''.
+
Like most religions, Aristoi Atamarism has a rigid structure, however, only elder ranks represent authority within the order, and they are collectively referred to as the '''Council of Elders'''.  The remaining ranks are honorary, serving to recognize a noble for his or her contribution to the order.
  
−
Let us give thanks to Beauty and Utility!
+
{| style="background:none; font-size: 90%; " cellpadding="2"
 +
|-style="background:#d0d0d0"
 +
! Rank
 +
! Title
 +
! Description
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Elder
 +
| valign="top" | '''Prophet'''
 +
| valign="top" | Only the founder of Aristoi Atamarism can be the Prophet, and she serves as one of the two Regents.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Elder
 +
| valign="top" | '''Messiah'''
 +
| valign="top" | Only the savior of Aristoi Atamarism can be the Messiah, and she serves as the other Regent, equal to the Prophet.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Elder
 +
| valign="top" | '''Pontifex Maximus'''
 +
| valign="top" | Exclusive to the priest-class member appointed by the coregency to lead the other priests.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Elder
 +
| valign="top" | '''Elder'''
 +
| valign="top" | Any number of nobles can be an Elder, and they collective serve as the Advisory Council to the Coregency.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Elder
 +
| valign="top" | '''Priest'''
 +
| valign="top" | Exclusive to all and only priest-class members.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Member
 +
| valign="top" | '''Senior Temple Patron'''
 +
| valign="top" | Similar to the Temple Patron rank, except they have ''both'' built a temple ''and'' donated 300 gold.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Member
 +
| valign="top" | '''Temple Patron'''
 +
| valign="top" | Similar to the Patron rank, except Temple Patrons have ''either'' built a temple ''or'' donated 300 gold to the treasury.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Member
 +
| valign="top" | '''Senior Patron'''
 +
| valign="top" | Similar to the Patron rank, except Senior Patrons have donated at least 50 gold in addition to the monthly fee.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Member
 +
| valign="top" | '''Patron'''
 +
| valign="top" | For those who believe in Aristoi Atamarism, but do not wish to contribute gold to its cause.
 +
|-style="background:#e7e7e7"
 +
| valign="top" | Aspirant
 +
| valign="top" | '''Follower'''
 +
| valign="top" | For new believers in the faith awaiting promotion to Patron.
 +
|}
  
−
===The Book of Exodus===
+
==Aristoi Academy==
−
 
+
<table>
−
There came to be many things which were not before. And some of these things were beautiful, and some of these things were useful.  But some of these things were neither beautiful nor useful, and since only the beautiful and the useful are good, these things were not good.  ''The World of BattleMaster'' was full of ''those-things-which-are-not-good'', especially on the continent we call [[Atamara]].  Therefore, ''Pragma'' and ''Kalos'' decided to bring together into one realm all the beautiful and useful things of [[Atamara]] so that the people of [[Atamara]] would see what beauty and utility is. Thus, ''Pragma'' and ''Kalos'' justly said in harmony "Let there be [[Abington]]", and so it was.
+
<tr valign="center">
−
 
+
<td>
−
But the rest of the [[Atamara]] became jealous of the beauty and utility of [[Abington]], and so they called [[Abington]] evil.  But they did not understand what they were saying, because only beauty and utility, as well as those things that come from beauty and utility, are good, and therefore [[Abington]] is good and not evil.  And so ''Pragma'' and ''Kalos'' smiled upon [[Abington]] and made [[Abington]] powerful among the realms of [[Atamara]].
+
[[image:Aristoi_Academy.jpg|350px|thumb|left|'''Aristoi Academy''', located on the coast of [[Suville]], near the main temple of the Aristoi.]]
−
 
+
</td>
−
But it came to pass that many of the other realms of [[Atamara]] saw the goodness of [[Abington]], and they decided to be good.  And so they wanted to do beautiful and useful things like the people of [[Abington]].  But they did not know how, since all the beauty and utility of [[Atamara]] was in [[Abington]].  But the ''Abingtonians'', being useful, taught the other realms how to be beautiful.  And the ''Abingtonians'', being beautiful, taught the other realms how to be useful.  And so in this way, many realms came to be good like [[Abington]].
+
<td>
−
 
+
[[Aristoi Atamarism/Academy|Aristoi Academy]] was begun by the [[Arylon Family|Arylon]] brothers, Taran and Fisc, with the support and assistance of the [[Arete Family|Arete]] sisters, Aeryn and Averyll.  Before becoming the Pontifex of Toren, Averyll was a successful mentor, many of whose students also rose to positions of prominance in her realm.  Independent of anything her sister had done, Aeryn founded Aristoi Atamarism in Abington.  Aeryn and the Aristoi believe that everyone, not just the Aristoi, have the potential for greatness, but that their potential can only be realized through proper education and experience.  Later, Fisc followed in Averyll's footsteps and became a mentor in Toren, while Taran followed in Aeryn's footsteps and became a priest of Aristoi Atamarism.  Together, Fisc and Taran realized that if they combined Aeryn's philosophy with Averyll's curriculum, they would have an effective and efficient educational system.  Thus, Aristoi Academy was born.  It's central facility is located in Suville, near the main temple of the Aristoi, but it's mentors can be found in many parts of the world.
−
Praise be to Abby!
+
</td>
−
 
+
</tr>
−
===The Gospel of Pragma===
+
</table>
−
 
 
−
And ''Pragma'' made himself seen to the original ''Abingtonians'' through all things useful, and most especially through geometry, for geometry is the most useful thing of all.  Through geometry, the ''Abingtonians'' learned to measure the land of [[Atamara]], and so were able to divide the realm into duchies, and the duchies into regions.  And they measured the distance from each region to another so that they would know how much time it would take to travel from the former to the latter.  And many other things came to be measured, such as the amount of gold and food each region would produce, the quality of the weapons and armour of their units, the populations of their duchies, and the combat strength of their armies.
 
−
 
 
−
And so too were academies built in the cities to measure the skills of its nobles and to make those skills more useful by increasing their measures.  These skills, such as leadership and swordfighting, were much more difficult to measure than the land of [[Atamara]], but through careful study even these things came to be known to the ''Abingtonians'', and they even learned, through the lessons of geometry, how to measure justice, which is to give to each what is directly proportional to their utility.  And so the ''Abingtonians'' invented taxes to measure and distribute what is directly proportional to the utility of each.  And so it was through geometry that ''Pragma'' bestowed upon the ''Abingtonians'' the Commandment of Justice.
 
−
 
 
−
Praise be to Abby!
 
−
 
 
−
====The Commandment of Justice====
 
−
 
 
−
* Thou shalt obey the laws of [[Abington]], for obedience is useful, and the laws are just.
 
−
 
 
−
===The Gospel of Kalos===
 
−
 
 
−
And ''Kalos'' made herself heard by the original ''Abingtonians'' through all things beautiful, and most especially through music, for music is the most beautiful thing of all.  And music is most beautiful because it is most harmonious and harmony is beautiful.  The ''Abingtonians'' than came to know many others things that are harmonious, most especially cooperation, which is only possible through communication and organization.  And so the ''Abingtonians'' began to collect information, such as lists and bulletins and maps, and they used scribes to deliver messages and record events, and they began to vote for their rulers and judges and set unit formations so that the armies of [[Abington]] would work together in harmony and therefore be beautiful.
 
−
 
 
−
And so too was the heirarchy invented by the ''Abingtonians'' so that they could cooperate most harmoniously.  And it came to pass through the heirarchy the use of orders, which was the most beautiful communication of all for above all else these orders brought cooperation and harmony to the people of [[Abington]].  And through great battles did the ''Abingtonians'' come to be the most beautiful people in [[Atamara]] for they obeyed the orders and thus cooperated with each other.  And so it was through music that ''Kalos'' bestowed upon the ''Abingtonians'' the Commandment of Harmony.
 
−
 
 
−
Praise be to Abby!
 
−
 
 
−
====The Commandment of Harmony====
 
−
 
 
−
* Thou shalt obey the orders of the ''Abingtonians'', for it is cooperative to do so, and harmony is beautiful.
 
−
 
 
−
===The Metacallisto===
 
−
 
 
−
And there came to be a prophet in [[Abington]] by the name of Aeryn [[Arete_Family|Arete]].  And to her came ''Pragma'' and ''Kalos'' who spoke to her and said "You will build a temple." But Aeryn did not want to build a temple, and so she said "I do not want to build a temple.  I want to be useful and beautiful."  But ''Kalos'' said to Aeryn "If you wish to be beautiful, you will be harmonious," and ''Pragma'' said to Aeryn "If you wish to be useful, you will be just."  And so Aeryn built a temple.
 
−
 
 
−
And than ''Kalos'' and ''Pragma'' returned to Aeryn and said "You will preach harmony and justice to the peasants of [[Atamara]] so that they can be beautiful and useful too." But Aeryn did not want to preach harmony and justice, and so she said "I do not want to preach to the peasants of [[Atamara]] for I do not know what harmony and justice is." And so ''Kalos'' and ''Pragma'' told Aeryn how the world was created, how Abington was good, how music teaches us that harmony is beautiful, and how geometry teaches us that justice is useful.
 
−
 
 
−
And so Aeryn shared the teachings of ''Kalos'' and ''Pragma'' with the people, who than shared it with others, and in this way knowledge of justice and harmony began to spread across the land of [[Abington]], which was already useful and beautiful, already just and harmonious, but did not yet know it, and thus these teachings came to be known as ''Aristoi Atamarism'', which means "The Best of Atamara".  And so the people of [[Abington]] continued to be useful and beautiful.
 
−
 
 
−
And this made Aeryn happy, and so she asked "Will [[Abington]] always be this useful?"  But ''Pragma'' said "No."  And so Aeryn than asked "Will [[Abington]] always be this beautiful?"  But ''Kalos'' said "No."  And this made Aeryn sad, and so she asked "Is it not beautiful for [[Abington]] to be useful?  Is it not useful for [[Abington]] to be beautiful?"  But ''Pragma'' and ''Kalos'' justly replied in harmony "Those who are ugly and useless are jealous of [[Abington]] and will accuse [[Abington]] of being unjust and disharmonious.  The ugly and useless are wicked and they are ignorant; they will attempt to destroy [[Abington]], and all that is useful and beautiful in [[Abington]] will forever be made to be less so by the wicked and ignorant. In this way will [[Abington]] die, and therefore will no longer be useful or beautiful."  And so Aeryn asked "When will this come to pass?"
 
−
 
 
−
"There will be a queen of great beauty and utility, and she will reign over [[Abington]] most justly and harmoniously, and all will be good for the people of [[Abington]] for many years.  She will be known as ''The Good Queen'' and ''Lady Virtue''.  But if she comes to ruin, all that is ugly and useless will rule over [[Atamara]], and the people of [[Abington]] will be scattered and forgotten.  Justice and harmony will give way to the wicked, and there will be only despair for your people."  Upon hearing this, Aeryn wept, and pledged her loyalty to the common good of [[Abington]] and its people, for any one of them might be ''The Good Queen''.
 
  
 
[[Category: Religion]]
 
[[Category: Religion]]
−
[[Category: Atamara]]
+
[[Category: Religions of Atamara]]
 +
[[Category: Abington]]

Latest revision as of 07:56, 22 March 2014

Aristoi Atamarism
The distribution of peasant followers of Aristoi Atamarism
Region Temple Size Shrine(s)
Anchorinn small temple (3) 1
Chasnoff 1
Dampinn small temple (3) 2
Dorton small temple (3) 2
Glassinn small temple (3) 2
Monagle
Narville magnificent temple (6) 5
Riverholm 1
Rustton
Stoneville large temple (5) 5
Sudfern small temple (3) 2
Suville awe-inspiring temple district spanning 3 blocks(10) 4
Swanfolk small temple (3) 2
Washford small temple (3) 2
Wayburg 0
Webgard primitive temple (2) 1
Werdham small temple (3) 2
Wynford
Total Temples: 12
Total Shrines: 32
Noble Followers: 39
Priests: 5
Total Followers (est.): 168,113

Aristoi Atamarism was founded in the region of Washford on February 2nd, 2007 by Prophet Aeryn. The followers of Aristoi Atamarism are referred to as "The Aristoi", and their numbers have grown steadily. Many temples dedicated to Aristoi Atamarism were constructed in Abington in a very short period of time, most especially in the duchies of Suville and Narville. The temple in Suville was itself enlarged several times and eventually became the largest temple of any religion in the world. Slowly, the influence of the Aristoi spread to the duchies of Stoneville and, to a lesser extant, Riverholm and Wayburg. Aristoi Atamarism was once one of the largest religions on Atamara; however, the entire Abington Peninsula was ravaged by famine, and over 100,000 peasant followers died of starvation. The Aristoi, especially Messiah Callisto Maximoff, worked tirelessly to restore the affected regions to their former glory; however, Abington eventually dissolved into its respective duchies. Each new realm adopted its own religion, and the Aristoi became the official state religion of the Kingdom of Suville. The Aristoi are on very friendly terms with many religions on Atarama, the one exception being Magna Serpaensism which the Aristoi consider to be a threat to the general good and welfare of Atamara.

"Theology"

The Meter on display in the main Temple of the Aristoi, located in the heart of Suville.

The word "theology" is derived from the ancient Atamarean word "θέος", meaning "god". Hence, theologies tend to be primarily interested in gods and goddesses; however, religions are not synonymous with theologies. While religions tend to be heavily influenced by theology, religions are defined by their beliefs on a wider range of topics, such as morality and ontology. While the Aristoi frequently make reference to several deities, belief in such deities is neither required nor even encouraged. Instead, it is the importance of virtue that commands the greatest influence amongst Aristoi.

The most important beliefs of the Aristoi can be found in the religious text of Aristoi Atamarism, ό Μέτριος, which translates into modern Atamarean as "The Meter". It contains all the teachings of Aristoi Atamarism. While The Meter is a very esoteric text, all of the Aristoi agree that the Golden Rule is to "always act in accordance with the general good and welfare of Atamara and its people". Hence the name of the religion, "Aristoi Atamarism", which roughly translates as "for the best of Atamara". The story described in The Meter is an allegory told from perspective of Abington, the realm in which Aristoi Atamarism originated, but like most things in The Meter, the prominent role of Abington is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, Abington is taken to be an example, the lessons being applied to whatever realm you happen to swear fealty to. In this sense, Aristoi Atamarism is unique among the religions of the world: where most religions preach loyalty and obedience to their faith, the Aristoi preach loyalty and obedience to their realm. Consequently, two Aristoi of opposed realms would stand against one another on the battlefield in service to the the same faith. Indeed, as one scholar pointed out, it is quite possibly the only religion that can wage a religious war against itself without violating its own principles.

The Meter

The Meter is divided into three testaments, each of which are further divided into four books. It should also be noted that when the Middle Testament was written, Carelia was an ally of Abington, and Ash Sea Islands was an enemy of Abington. One must remember that, just like Abington is an example of a realm, Carelia and ASI are examples of allies and enemies, and are not meant to be taken literally as Carelia and ASI.

  • The First Testament
    • The Book of Genesis - Introduces the four "prime movers", and accounts for the creation of the world.
    • The Book of Exodus - Completes the creation story, and accounts for the greatness of Abington.
    • The Gospel of Pragma - The knowledge given to the Abingtonians by Pragma, including the Commandment of Justice.
    • The Gospel of Kalos - The knowledge given to the Abingtonians by Kalos, including the Commandment of Harmony.
  • The Middle Testament
  • The Last Testament
    •  ???
    •  ???
    •  ???
    •  ???

Rituals

The followers of Aristoi Atamarism currently recognize a single holiday, called "Auta Amera". It is observed once per month as a celebration of the anniversary of their founding, which occurred on February 2nd, 2007. The name "Auta Amera" is a transliteration of the ancient Atamarean "αυτη ημέρα", meaning "The day itself". Participation can be either public or private, and in either case is completely voluntary.

Hierarchy

Like most religions, Aristoi Atamarism has a rigid structure, however, only elder ranks represent authority within the order, and they are collectively referred to as the Council of Elders. The remaining ranks are honorary, serving to recognize a noble for his or her contribution to the order.

Rank Title Description
Elder Prophet Only the founder of Aristoi Atamarism can be the Prophet, and she serves as one of the two Regents.
Elder Messiah Only the savior of Aristoi Atamarism can be the Messiah, and she serves as the other Regent, equal to the Prophet.
Elder Pontifex Maximus Exclusive to the priest-class member appointed by the coregency to lead the other priests.
Elder Elder Any number of nobles can be an Elder, and they collective serve as the Advisory Council to the Coregency.
Elder Priest Exclusive to all and only priest-class members.
Member Senior Temple Patron Similar to the Temple Patron rank, except they have both built a temple and donated 300 gold.
Member Temple Patron Similar to the Patron rank, except Temple Patrons have either built a temple or donated 300 gold to the treasury.
Member Senior Patron Similar to the Patron rank, except Senior Patrons have donated at least 50 gold in addition to the monthly fee.
Member Patron For those who believe in Aristoi Atamarism, but do not wish to contribute gold to its cause.
Aspirant Follower For new believers in the faith awaiting promotion to Patron.

Aristoi Academy

Aristoi Academy, located on the coast of Suville, near the main temple of the Aristoi.

Aristoi Academy was begun by the Arylon brothers, Taran and Fisc, with the support and assistance of the Arete sisters, Aeryn and Averyll. Before becoming the Pontifex of Toren, Averyll was a successful mentor, many of whose students also rose to positions of prominance in her realm. Independent of anything her sister had done, Aeryn founded Aristoi Atamarism in Abington. Aeryn and the Aristoi believe that everyone, not just the Aristoi, have the potential for greatness, but that their potential can only be realized through proper education and experience. Later, Fisc followed in Averyll's footsteps and became a mentor in Toren, while Taran followed in Aeryn's footsteps and became a priest of Aristoi Atamarism. Together, Fisc and Taran realized that if they combined Aeryn's philosophy with Averyll's curriculum, they would have an effective and efficient educational system. Thus, Aristoi Academy was born. It's central facility is located in Suville, near the main temple of the Aristoi, but it's mentors can be found in many parts of the world.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.battlemaster.org/index.php?title=Aristoi_Atamarism&oldid=175214"