Abandonism
Rooted in Alemnic tradition but spread across the world, Abandonist reject the benevolence of the divines that others worship. Instead, they prepare themselves for the terrifying possibility that the gods might return.
Alemnic Abandonism originated from the Alemni, who settled deep in the mountains to avoid the fickle and cruel gods, also known as The Wanderers. The Alemni believed that the Wanderers found the planet as it was and immediately ruined the wonder and mystery of creation by giving every bit of the world a name. They raised certain species to true sentience to use them for sport and twisted the forms of others to create the Rhysar. Toradaius was the only god who cared for the Alemni and conferred with the wise leaders of the ancient Alemnic kingdoms, who decided it was safer to leave the gods to their wars and settle deep in the mountains. Toradaius was hunted and tortured by the other Wanderers but died before ever betraying the location of the Alemni. The Alemni finally ventured back out into the world above around 1500 years ago, finding that the Wanderers were gone. The Alemni assumed that they had moved on to other stars and planets to continue their uncaring rampage. Alemni Abandonists uniquely have no qualms with the use of Ferro Stones and actually encourage the study of Ferrology and collection of the stones so that the forces of Arora would be ready should the Wanderers ever return.
Cults and other races:
The dogma of Alemnic Abandonism has appealed to other races, especially humans, over the centuries, leading to the creation of cults. However, Abandonists often gather distrust and even outright hostility from those who worship traditional gods.
Quick-fire beliefs
- Worship: No gods, but treat Toradaius as a divine martyr.
- Attitude to Arcanist: Ambivalent
- Attitude to other races: Usually friendly
- View of Ancient Structures: Habitats of the Old Gods, should be investigated and then inhabited or destroyed.
- View of Rhysar: Leftover twisted creations of the Old Gods, should be hunted and studied.
- View of Ferro Stones: Vestiges of the Old Gods arcane power is given to the races of Arora, should be studied and collected.
Structure
The structure of Abandonism is decentralized, with individual communes and groups operating independently from one another. Each commune may have its own leaders or elders, who are responsible for guiding the community and making important decisions. These leaders are often respected members of the community who have demonstrated wisdom and experience.
Communication between different Abandonist groups is often difficult, especially in a world lacking magic or technology. However, there are some efforts to establish networks of communication, usually through messengers or travellers who can carry messages and news between different communes.
Despite the lack of formal organization or hierarchy, there is a strong sense of solidarity and shared purpose among Abandonists. They believe that they are preparing for a common threat, and this shared belief helps to bind the community together. Abandonist communes are often tight-knit and supportive of one another, and there is a strong emphasis on mutual aid and cooperation.
In general, Abandonists are wary of outsiders and tend to keep to themselves. This is partly due to the fact that they are often viewed with suspicion or outright hostility by god-fearing people. However, it is also because they see themselves as a separate community with a unique worldview and way of life. Despite this, some Abandonists do travel and explore the world, either in search of knowledge or resources that might be useful in their preparations for the return of the Wanderers.
Culture
The culture of the Abandonists is shaped by their core beliefs and practices. As a community that rejects the benevolence of the gods and prepares for their terrifying return, Abandonists place a strong emphasis on self-reliance, preparation, and vigilance. They are a tightly knit group that usually keeps to themselves, as their beliefs sow mistrust amongst god-fearing folk.
Abandonist culture places a high value on knowledge, particularly the study of Ferrology and collection of Ferro Stones. They believe that the Ferro Stones are vestiges of the Old Gods' arcane power and can provide the races of Arora with the tools they need to defend themselves against the Wanderers' return. Abandonist communes are often centers of learning and research, with members devoting themselves to the study and understanding of the Ferro Stones.
The culture of Abandonists also influences their interaction with the world around them. They view ancient structures as habitats of the Old Gods that should be investigated and then inhabited or destroyed. They believe that the Rhysar are leftover twisted creations of the Old Gods and should be hunted and studied. Their attitudes toward other races are usually friendly, as long as they do not interfere with their beliefs and practices.
Overall, the culture of Abandonists is characterized by a strong sense of community, a thirst for knowledge, and a fierce dedication to self-reliance and preparedness. This culture shapes their beliefs, practices, and interactions with the world around them, as they work to ensure that the races of Arora are ready to face the terrifying possibility of the gods' return.
Public Agenda
The primary goal of the Abandonists is to prepare for the potential return of the "Wanderers" or the Old Gods. They believe that the gods were cruel and capricious, and that they may one day return to wreak havoc on the world once again. As such, the Abandonists see themselves as the only ones who are truly prepared for this possibility.
One of the key ways in which they prepare is through the study and collection of Ferro Stones. They believe that these stones hold the vestiges of the Old Gods' power, and that they may be useful in defending against them if they were to return. The Abandonists often have a deep knowledge of Ferrology, the study of the properties and uses of Ferro Stones.
In terms of their interaction with the world around them, Abandonists are often insular and keep to themselves. They do not seek to convert others to their beliefs, and often actively avoid contact with those who follow other religions. However, they do sometimes form alliances with other groups who share their distrust of the gods or who have a need for Ferro Stones.
Overall, the Abandonists' public agenda is focused on preparing for the potential return of the Old Gods and ensuring that they are ready to defend against them if necessary.
Regenerate response
Assets
As a decentralized and largely secretive organization, Alemnic Abandonists do not possess any official or centralized assets. Instead, their resources are largely dependent on the individual communes and their members.
Most Abandonist communes are self-sufficient and rely on agriculture, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood. Some communes may also have skilled artisans or craftsmen who produce goods for trade or sale. The collection and study of Ferro Stones is also an important aspect of Abandonist culture and many communes may have individuals or groups dedicated to this pursuit.
In terms of defensive assets, Abandonist communes may have fortifications or defensive structures to protect themselves from outside threats. They may also have weapons and equipment for hunting and self-defence, but they generally avoid conflict and prefer to keep a low profile.
Overall, the assets of Alemnic Abandonists are largely decentralized and dependent on the resources of individual communes and their members.
History
The origins of the Abandonist movement can be traced back to a group of Alemnic philosophers who were dissatisfied with the mainstream beliefs of their society. They were part of a now destroyed sect of Alemnic purism that encouraged the study of the Torderans and found knowledge within their ruins that guided their teachings.
This group of philosophers began to spread their ideas, and as their followers grew, they formed the loose network of believers that is now known as the Abandonists. However, due to their beliefs and the persecution they faced from the forces of Alemnic purism within Valenfar, the Abandonists never became more organized and structured.
Instead, they placed a greater value on the proliferation of believers across the world who try to stay out of the eyes of local powers. They have learned that their purpose is better served by staying out of the limelight and avoiding direct conflict with those who may seek to eradicate them.
Despite this, the Abandonists have persisted for hundreds of years, continuing to spread their message of preparation for the return of the Wanderers. Their philosophy has attracted followers from many different races and cultures, and while their beliefs may vary, they are united in their mistrust of the gods and their determination to be ready for whatever may come.
Mythology & Lore
The basis and teachings of Alemnic Abandonism are rooted in the forgotten history and mythology of the Alemni people. According to their belief, the universe has always existed, and the gods, whom they call "The Wanderers", found the planet as it was, immediately ruining the wonder and mystery of creation by giving every bit of the world a name. They raised certain species to true sentience so as to use them for sport, and twisted the forms of others to create the Rhysar. The Ferro Stones were given to the races of Arora to give them power and greed for such power, to turn them against each other or simply to make the hunt more interesting.
The Alemni observed that the gods were fickle, cruel and fought constantly amongst themselves and with the mortal races. Only Toradaius cared for Alemnic kind. He conferred with the wise leaders of the ancient Alemnic kingdoms, who decided it was safer to leave the gods to their wars and settle deep in the mountains. Toradaius was hunted and tortured by the other wanderers so that he would reveal where he was keeping the remaining Alemni safe, and he died painfully before ever betraying them.
The Alemni came to despise both the surface and deep earth. When they returned to the world above, they found that the wanderers were gone, assumed to have moved on to other stars and planets to continue their uncaring rampage. This history and mythology form the basis of Alemnic Abandonism and their rejection of the benevolence of the divines that others worship.
Divine Origins
As per the history of the Alemnic Abandonist movement, it evolved from a now-destroyed sect of Alemnic Purism that encouraged the study of Torderan ruins. This sect discovered knowledge within the ruins that became the basis of the Abandonist teachings. The belief in the existence of the Torderan civilization, and its subsequent downfall, serves as the foundation of their mythology. The Abandonists see the Torderans as a symbol of the dangers of pride, and their downfall serves as a warning to future generations to avoid the same fate. The Abandonists have developed their own unique rituals and practices, often incorporating elements of local folklore and customs into their belief system. The spread of Abandonism across the world of Arora has led to the evolution of different interpretations of their teachings, resulting in regional variations of their beliefs and practices.
Cosmological Views
The Abandonists reject the reliance on myth and instead favour a more rational, natural view of the world and its history. They believe that the universe and the planet rose naturally, but they do not claim to have enough evidence or knowledge to fully understand how it happened. They believe that the world is a product of natural processes and that all living things are subject to the laws of nature. They reject the idea that any one race, group, or entity has a divine mandate or special relationship with the natural world.
According to their teachings, the world is a complex and interconnected system, and everything within it is constantly changing and evolving. They believe that humans are part of this system and that they have a responsibility to live in harmony with the natural world. They reject the idea that the sentient species of Arora are separate from nature and instead emphasize the interdependence between all living things.
The Abandonists also reject the notion of benevolent deities. They believe that the natural world is self-sufficient and that any order or organization within it arises from natural processes rather than divine intervention. While they do not deny the existence of supernatural or mystical experiences, they do not consider them to be evidence of divine intervention or special access to spiritual knowledge.
Overall, the Abandonists take a more rational and naturalistic approach to understand the world and reject the reliance on myth or supernatural explanations. They believe in the power of reason and observation to understand the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with it.
Tenets of Faith
The Abandonist religion does not have a set of commandments or rules in the traditional sense. Instead, the movement is guided by a set of principles that emphasize individual freedom and the rejection of oppressive systems of power. These principles are open to interpretation and discussion among the faithful, and there is no central authority to enforce them.
Some of the core principles of Abandonism include:
- Rejecting the authority and/or benevolence of the gods and other supernatural entities, and instead embracing the power of the natural world and individual agency.
- Be prepared for the possibility that the gods may return, and gather knowledge and power to fight them if necessary, especially through exploration and discovery of the ancient ruins left behind by the Torderan civilization.
- Valuing individual freedom and autonomy, and opposing systems of oppression and control that limit the potential of individuals to live fulfilling lives.
- Embracing change and evolution as natural and necessary aspects of life, rather than fearing or resisting them.
- Fostering a sense of community and mutual support among the faithful, while also respecting the autonomy and individuality of each member.
Ethics
The extended rules and interpretations of the tenets of faith that guide the everyday lives and decisions of the faithful of Alemnic Abandonism vary based on the specific community or commune. However, some general guidelines and beliefs may include:
Seeking knowledge and understanding of the world, including history, science, and philosophy, is considered a fundamental duty of the faithful.
The pursuit of power and strength, both individually and collectively, is necessary to prepare for the potential return of the gods and to defend against any threat to the faith.
Respect for the natural world and a desire to live in harmony with it is encouraged, as the natural world is seen as a manifestation of the universe's inherent power and order.
Violence and aggression are generally discouraged, except in cases where self-defense or defense of the faith is necessary.
The community and the individual are seen as equal parts of the same whole, and cooperation and mutual support are important values.
The pursuit of personal happiness and fulfillment is seen as a valid goal, as long as it does not conflict with the broader goals of the faith.
In terms of sin or pious acts, there is no strict set of rules or commandments in Alemnic Abandonism. Rather, each individual is encouraged to use their own judgment and understanding of the faith to guide their actions. However, some actions that may be seen as sinful or pious in certain communities include:
Acts of violence or aggression that are not in self-defense or defense of the faith may be seen as sinful.
Acts of generosity and kindness towards others may be seen as pious.
Seeking knowledge and understanding of the world and the faith may be seen as pious.
Acts of harm towards the natural world may be seen as sinful.
Overall, the faithful of Alemnic Abandonism are encouraged to be independent thinkers and to use their own judgment to guide their actions, rather than relying on a strict set of rules or commandments.
Worship
As the Abandonist religion emphasizes independent thinking and self-discovery, there are no prescribed or formalized worship practices. However, there are some common practices that are observed by the faithful:
Meditation and reflection: Many Abandonists believe in the importance of quiet contemplation and reflection, and will spend time meditating or engaging in other similar practices as a means of connecting with the universe and better understanding their place within it.
Study and research: Education and knowledge acquisition are highly valued within the Abandonist community, and many devote significant time and effort to studying the history and principles of their religion, as well as exploring scientific and philosophical concepts.
Communal gatherings: While there are no official religious services or ceremonies, many Abandonist communities will gather for communal meals, discussions, or other events as a way of fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Personal ritual: Some Abandonists may develop their own personal rituals or practices as a means of expressing their devotion to the religion or connecting with the universe on a deeper level.
Overall, the Abandonist approach to worship is highly individualistic, with an emphasis on personal exploration and growth rather than prescribed rituals or dogma.
Priesthood
As mentioned earlier, the Abandonists do not have a centralized leadership or a system of priests. Instead, they value independent thinking and encourage their followers to seek knowledge and understanding on their own. However, there are individuals who are respected and revered by the community for their ideas, achievements, and contributions to the Abandonist cause.
These leaders are not appointed in any formal sense, but rather recognized by the community for their intelligence, insights, and dedication to the Abandonist way of life. They are often scholars, philosophers, or other learned individuals who have made significant contributions to the understanding of the Torderans or the history of Arora.
These leaders are distinguished from the rest of the flock by their knowledge and understanding of the Abandonist philosophy, as well as their ability to inspire and lead others. They are not necessarily more powerful or authoritative than other members of the community, but they are respected for their wisdom and insight.
Granted Divine Powers
As previously mentioned, the Abandonist religion does not believe in the existence of supernatural powers granted by the gods. However, they believe that knowledge and understanding of Ferrology, the study of ancient Torderan technology, can lead to great power and abilities that some may consider to be akin to magic.
Through their study of Ferrology, the Abandonists have developed advanced technology that allows them to manipulate energy and matter in ways that were previously thought impossible. They have developed weapons and tools that give them an edge in combat and help them survive in the harsh, dangerous world of Arora.
In addition, the Abandonists believe that their knowledge of the world and its workings gives them an advantage in predicting events and outcomes. They may be able to predict natural disasters, for example, or understand the motivations of their enemies.
It is important to note, however, that these abilities are not supernatural in nature and are the result of scientific study and experimentation.
Political Influence & Intrigue
As the Abandonist religion is decentralized and individualistic in nature, it does not have a significant impact on the political fabric of organizations it has permeated. The Abandonists generally prefer to keep to themselves and avoid interfering with the political affairs of others. They are often viewed with suspicion and mistrust by those who adhere to more traditional religious beliefs, and as a result, they are often persecuted or ostracized.
However, in some cases, Abandonist beliefs may lead to political action or resistance against oppressive regimes or systems that they see as incompatible with their values. For example, Abandonists may band together to resist religious persecution or to fight against the exploitation of natural resources that they see as desecration of the natural world. Overall, though, the Abandonist religion tends to have a relatively small impact on the larger political landscape of the world of Arora.
Prepare thyself, for their inevitable return
Founding Date
Prehistoric
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
Alemnic Abandonism, Disciples of Toradaius
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Abandonist
Divines
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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