Aristoi Atamarism

Aristoi Atamarism was founded in Washford on February 2nd, 2007 by Prophet Aeryn, Countess of Washford, Marshal of the Army of Suville. The followers of Aristoi Atamarism are referred to as "The Aristoi", and their numbers have grown steadily since. 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 has become the main temple of the Aristoi. New temples are being constructed regularly, and the priests of Aristoi Atamarism are welcomed throughout Abington (although tensions exist betwixt some of our priests and some non-Aristoi region lords, namely those in the city of Riverholm and the duchy of Wayburg).

Religious Beliefs

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

The religious text of Aristoi Atamarism is ό Μέτριος (which translates into modern Abingtonian as "The Meter"), and it contains all the teachings of Aristoi Atamarism. While The Meter is a very esoteric text, all of the Aristoi agree that their number one priority is the general good and welfare of Abington and its people. In this, Aristoi Atamarism is unique, or at least a rarity, among the religions of the world, for they value their realm more than they do their own religion. Where most religions preach loyalty and obedience to their faith, the Aristoi preach loyalty and obedience to Abington. Another unique feature is that the Aristoi believe that all the nobles of Abington, regardless of their religious affiliation, are "chosen", whereas most other religions believe that only their own followers are. However, that does not mean the the Aristoi believe that Abington is the only realm of merit. Any realm that is allied with Abington is also valued by the Aristoi. On the other hand, any official state religion of a realm at war with Abington will automatically be considered evil by the Aristoi.

The Meter

The Meter is divided into three testaments, each of which are further divided into four books. The Last Testament is prophecized to be inspired by the gods upon the arrival of the Messiah. Since the Messiah has not presented herself yet, what is revealed in the Last Testament is still unknown. When the messiah comes, a third and final testament will be revealed. it should also be noted that when the Middle Testament was written, the Carelia was an ally of Abington, and Ash Sea Islands was an enemy of Abington. Diplomacy between these realms have changed since that time, but the lessons regarding the relationship of allies and enemies remains the same.

• 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 Metacallisto, Part 1 - Introduces the Prophet, and the first part of the prophecy.
  • The Metacallisto, Part 2 - Concludes the prophecy, and reveals that the Abingtonians are "The Chosen People".
  • Letter to the Carelians - A dialogue between the Prophet and an unnamed Carelian, an ally of Abington.
  • Letter to the Ashlanteans - A dialogue between the Prophet and an unnamed Ashlantean, an enemy of Abington
• 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 Abingtonian "αυτη ημέρα", meaning "The day itself". Participation can be either public or private, and in either case is completely voluntary.

The ritual is simple: One of the Elders or Priests of Aristoi Atamarism will read a short passage from The Meter to the realm. The remaining Aristoi than reply "Long live the Queen!" (or King, depending on the gender of the ruler at the time). They may reply to 1) the entire realm, 2) just the members of Aristoi Atamarism, 3) just the Elders of Aristoi Atamarism, 4) only the Elder or Priest who read the passage, or 5) no one at all. Once the day is over, the ritual is complete.

Ecclesiastical Polity

Aristoi Atamarism
The distribution of peasant followers of Aristoi Atamarism
Region	Temple Size	Shrine(s)
Werdham	small shack	1
Washford	small temple
Swanfolk	primitive temple	1
Anchorinn	small shack
Glassinn	small shack
Dampinn	primitive temple
Narville	primitive temple	1
Dorton	primitive temple	1
Suville	small temple	1
Sudfern	primitive temple
Rustton		1
Webgard	small shack	1
Monagle		1
Chasnoff		1
Stoneville	small shack
Total Temples: 12
Total Shrines: 9
Noble Followers: 32
Priests: 5
Total Followers (est.): 117200

Structure

Like most religions, Aristoi Atamarism has a rigid structure, however, the difference between each rank is not necessarily a difference of authority, but rather of purpose. The only authority currently in practice is that of a Coregency between the Prophet and the High Priestess.

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	High Priest(ess)	Only one person can be the High Priestess, and she serves as the other Regent, equal to the Prophet.
Elder	Elder	Any number of nobles can be an Elder, and they collective serve as the Advisory Council to the Coregency.
Member	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	Assist the Aristoi by donating to the treasuries through a small monthly fee, called a tithe.
Aspirant	Follower	For those who believe in Aristoi Atamarism, but do not wish to contribute to its cause.

Influence

Aristoi Atamarism was the first religion within Abington's borders, and it spread throughout Abington's southern regions very quickly, especially in the Narville and Suville duchies. Believing that freedom of religion is important to the general good and welfare, the Aristoi welcomed The Pantheist Path and The Way of the Hammer to Abington; the Elders provided the Prophet of Pantheism with the gold required to found his faith, and most of the Temple Patrons have granted the priests of The Hammer rights to preach in regions loyal to the Aristoi. The Aristoi also intend to assist the Guardians of Twilight bring their faith to Atamara. This has allowed Abington to become unique among the realms of Atamara for its religious diversity; unfortunately, it has also resulted in the Aristoi being confined almost entirely to Abington's southern regions. More recently, an uprising in the duchy of Wayburg as resulted in many of the lords there to ask priests of Aristoi Atamarism to avoid preaching in their regions, but so far such religious differences have remained quite respectful and peaceful coexistence continues betwixt the religions of Abington. Moreover, the uprising eventually resulted in the creation of Abington's Religious Council, which is responsible for the religious affairs of the realm and further promotes religious freedom within the realm.

Other Religions

Aristoi Atamarism has come into contact with numerous other religions, and thus has been forced to develop particular views of these religions; however, The Aristoi are limited in that Abington's diplomatic relations are often a determining factor in how The Aristoi view these religions.

Religion	View	Reason
Darkanism	Evil	Darka is at war with Abington
Magna Serpaensism	Evil	Past aggressions
The Pantheist Path	Misguided	Past aggressions
Da Way	Ignore	RedSpan is a federated ally of Abington
Evgenism	Evil	Carelia is at war with Abington
The Way of the Hammer	Misguided	Past aggressions

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 extremely 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.