Egjenism

Egjenism

Dual Circle of Egjenism

Founding (Lore)	TBA
Founding (Real Life)	09/09/2023
Leaders	vacant
Scripture	Egjenist Chronicles
Language	Danúvian, Common
Place of Origin	Danúvia
Theology	Dualistic
Number of Followers	very low, near extinct

Egjenism is a dualist Religion, first formalized by Miklos Némann after the translation, bridging-together and summarising of old proto-danúvian scrolls. It once acted as formal state religion of the nations of Danúvia, Mustyria and Danúvia-Scneimunt. But due to the spreading of Pyrannism in Mustyria and the Scetétian Translation by Nykol Haartmann, only a few isolated communities remain in the country of Hollenberg (formerly Danúvia-Scneimunt). The Dual Church of Egjenism is officially defunct and the position of Équator remains vacant ever since.

Teachings

The teachings of Egjenism offer the follower two different paths to walk on.

the Path of Fén

the path of Fén, which encourages a spiritual, communal and simple way of life. Often pursued by people from lower social classes, such as workers and slaves

The Path of Scetét

The path of Scetét, which encourages a materialist, individualist and more luxurious way of life. Often pursued by members of the upper social classes, such as merchants, nobles and members of the bourgeoisie.

Dualism and acceptance

While opposing life styles are being taught by the 2 patrons, followers of Egjenism are expected to respect the other path and there are even those that "walk both parts", choosing to follow what they believe is the best from both worlds.

Dualist Church of Egjenism

The dualist Church of Egjenism was a single Organisation and the official institution of the Egjenist faith. It was headed by the so called "Equatór" who acted as unifier and ensured continuing co-existence, acceptance and cooperation between the paths of Fén and Scétet.

The Equator was selected by the most prestigious Egjenists of Danuvia. These were Scetétian bishops that have risen in rank, making use of their skills, heritage and influence, on one hand and popular priests of Fén that have garnered support from the commoner to be able to fullfil their purpose as dedicated follower of Fén and Egjenism on the other hand.

History

Tbd

Religious Texts

the following Egjenist religious texts were brought together to form the Egjenist chronicles.

Origin Story

Once Upon a time, two brothers, bearing the names of Fén and Scetét, roamed through the vastness of chaos and nothingness. They sought a home for themselves so they decided to make a dent into the chaos, setting the foundations for a paradise, the lands of Cinder.

As it is only natural for brothers to compete with one another over control, they sought to avoid unnecessary conflict and divided their new home into 2 realms. Fén would become Lord of the spiritual realm, while Scetét would be granted total control over the realm of matter.

The two brothers wanted to share their paradise with beings, worthy of calling the lands of Cinder their home as well. So they created us. We, who would always walk in both the realm of Fén, with our mind, and the realm of Scétet, with our body.

For us chosen, the eternal patrons laid out 2 paths:

The path of Fén, that teaches us to let go of personal property, to live in a simple and communal way as well as to fully devouch one's mind to Fén, with the body merely a tool to fully walk the path of light.

The Path of Scetét, that teaches us to watch out for ourselves, to live an individualist and materialist way of life, with the mind merely a tool to fully walk the path of darkness.

Yet one can never rid himself of one realm completely, as we walk in both worlds, and has to pay respect to either of the divine, so as to not be consumed by chaos.

Birth of Fén and Scetét

In time immemorial, there were but two, who had existed for all eternity. These two were Egjen, Lord of Balance and Justice, and Végzet, the Primordial Chaos. For an eternity the two had existed in constant conflict, as Végzet sought to consume Egjen entirely and bring about pure and eternal chaos. So ravenous was her hunger that Egjen needed to fight back against her constantly, he could never win, only hold her off.

Egjen knew that he could not fight her off forever however, and so sought to strike a deal with Végzet. He would allow for himself to be consumed, but only if she would bear him a child. Egjen had wished for a place that could permanently resist chaos, yet had come to realize that only beings evolving from chaos could be powerful enough to create a big enough dent within chaos to establish such a paradise.

Végzet, not realizing his intentions, readily agreed to this, knowing not that she would birth beings able to defeat her. With this agreement formed, Egjen was consumed, and at the same time two beings burst forth from her, Fén, Lord of Light, and Scetét, Lord of Darkness. The two, though only newly born drove their mother back, leaving a great void behind, where they could begin their creation.

A Treatise on the Behavior of the Priests of Fén

Priests of the Lord of Light must set themselves apart from the Priests of Scetét in their dress, their behavior, and their lifestyle. Unlike the priests of the Lord of Dark, who have little expectations for restraint, priests of Fén must restrain their actions. This treatise is a guide for the behavior of the priests of the Lord of Light, so that all may know what is to be expected of them.

Lifestyle

A priest of Fén should live simply. They should avoid extravagant food, dress, or actions.

Food

Priests of the Lord of Light should consume simple food. They should avoid any rich foods, and instead eat the same food they give to their people who cannot provide for themselves. They should avoid starving themselves but should fast often.

Clothing

Priests of the Lord of Light should be dressed simply, in light coloured or white clothing, and should avoid unnecessary decorations, jewelry, or other items not available to the common man. Simple robes are acceptable, but all should have a hood to wear in holy places.

Family

A priest of the Lord of Light should not favour their family. They should strive to be without bias in all dealings, especially those of kith and kin. A priest is allowed to wed, but must be true to their spouse, and may only ever have one partner. Priests are encouraged to take a vow of chastity, however.

Priestly Duties

There are various duties priests of the Lord of Light are expected to undertake, both in regular life and extraordinary circumstances.

Routine

Priests of Fén should rise with the morning sun. They should then spend two hours in prayer and meditation. They should then eat their morning meal, then serve the same meal to those who come to them seeking help. They should then head out into the community, doing good work and speaking the name of Fén to the people. They should return to the temple by noon, where they will repeat what they did for their morning meal. The afternoon should be spent once again in prayer and meditation. The evening meal shall once again follow in the pattern of the two previous meals. In the evening, priests should gather in worship, singing and praising, as well as learning from their bishops. They should then return to their domiciles and fall asleep when the sun sets.

Maintaining Sacred Flames

Priests of Fén are expected to maintain any sacred flames ongoing in their temples. If they are assigned to this duty, they are to prioritise it above all else. If the flame dies, the priest in charge at the time may be punished or defrocked. On the occasion a sacred flame must be put out for any reason, it must be put out with water from a sacred pool of Scetét.

Festivals

During festivals ascribed to Fén, priests of the Lord of Light should be actively involved in ensuring that it is successful. During festivals ascribed to the Lord of Dark, priests of Fén should be willing to assist the priests of Scetét but remain to the side unless asked.

Temple Maintenance

Temples of Fén should be cleaned and repaired by his priests. The temple itself is required to pay for the costs of repairs.