Aristoi Atamarism

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	1
Glassinn	small shack	1
Dampinn	primitive temple	1
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
Lanston		1
Stoneville	small shack
Wynford		1
Riverholm		1
Total Temples: 12
Total Shrines: 15
Noble Followers: 40
Priests: 3
Total Followers (est.):

Aristoi Atamarism was founded in Washford on February 2nd, 2007 by Prophet Aeryn (who was the Countess of Washford and Marshal of the Army of Suville at the time). 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 has become the main temple of the Aristoi. 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 Callisto Maximoff (who was the Duchess of Suville, Banker of Abington and Pontifex Maximus of Aristoi Atamarism at the time), worked tirelessly to restore the affected regions to their former glory; however, as one crisis began to subside, another one commenced. The Kingdom of Abington was overthrown in a rebellion and the Republic that followed was eventually dissolved into it's respective duchies. Nevertheless, the Aristoi remain the most prominent religion on the Abington Peninsula and even became the official religion of the newly founded Kingdom of Suville, the largest and most powerful of the new realms.

"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, including morality. While Aristoi Atamarism does recognize a limited number of gods, 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 Abingtonian 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 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. 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
  •  ???
  •  ???
  •  ???
  •  ???

The Pantheon

There are only a few gods currently recognized by the Aristoi. They are recognized not for their influence or power, but rather for their mere existence. Upon bearing witness to sufficient evidence of the existence of a god (or goddess), the Council of Elders (described below) will add the god to the official pantheon. Worship of the gods is not required by any member of Aristoi Atamarism. Below is a list of gods currently recognized by the Aristoi.

Name	Power	History
Tor	God of War	Discovered by Taran Arylon, who was a Priest of Aristoi Atamarism at the time. His efforts aided by his brother Fisc who served the God of War as a prominent leader in Toren, a theocracy dedicated to Tor. The discovery of Tor was later reconfirmed by Necriss (also a Priest of Aristoi Atamarism) and Jindo, whose efforts were aided by Necroid, who like Fisc also served Tor as a noble of Toren.
Luna	Goddess of Wisdom	Discovered by Lady Amz, who was the Countess of Swanfolk and a Temple Patron of Aristoi Atamarism at the time. Her efforts were added by Armitage III, than Queen of Abington, and her sister Cotys, who was the Duchess of Ortedail and was the personal representative of Luna within the Grand Lodge of Lunaria at the time.
Arkhitekton	God of Works	Discovered by Priest Yal'rassia with the assistance of Priest Edde. Both had formerly been priests of The Pantheist Path. Yal'rassia later became the Pontifex Maximus of Aristoi Atamarism.

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	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.

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.