The Cycle

More of a way of life than a distinct religion, and is almost purely but absolutely followed by the Kathuri, although does occasionally attract followers from around the world.

History

The Cycle is a philosophy woven into the very fabric of existence, a way of life embraced by the feline Kathuri and sometimes followed by others. The universe is governed by the great forces of Tao and Khaos, not gods but powerful laws that shape every aspect of the world. The Cycle teaches that Arora, the world, and Tao, the force of balance, exist in isolation, and every 50,000 years the eternal war between Tao and Khaos reaches a climax that creates and destroys the world in an endless cycle of rebirth.
The history of the world before this time is lost forever, and the followers of The Cycle do not even try to explain it. Instead, they believe that only the current cycle and the maintenance of balance are of utmost importance. Khaos is seen as a force that relies on the growing expansion of civilization and knowledge, which ultimately leads to their destruction. Some tales speak of the cycle coming to an end only when the mortal beings learn the name of creation, which forever remains out of their reach.
The races of the world are viewed as ever-changing, and upon the start of each cycle, creatures are raised into sentience and left to expand. The hope is that eventually, Tao will uplift a creature that will respect the balance and finally end the cycle. The Kathuri people believe that they are the race that will bring about the end of the cycle, and they follow the creed of maintaining balance by limiting their expansion and curiosity. They also send out their people to influence the development of other races, though their success in doing so has been mixed throughout history.
Currently, Arora is halfway through the current cycle, and it has progressed naturally without any influence from gods. The followers of The Cycle believe that everything is interconnected and that every action has consequences. They understand the importance of respecting the natural balance of the world and working towards maintaining it. In this way, they hope to create a world where all beings can live in harmony with each other and with the forces that govern the universe.

Quick-fire beliefs

• Worship: No Gods, but a reverence of the forces Tao and Khaos.
• Attitude to Arcanist: Ambivalent
• Attitude to other races: Range from friendly to distrust.
• View of Ancient Structures: Decaying Structures of the last cycle, should be explored and studied, but only by followers of the cycle.
• View of Rhysar: Natural creatures, should be treated no differently than animals.
• View of Ferro Stones: Natural stones of arcane power, should be cautiously studied but never collected.

Structure

The Cycle is organized around a hierarchical structure that centers on the Elder Council, a group of wise and experienced elders who guide the faithful and make key decisions for the religion. Each Kathuri settlement has a few elders who serve on the Elder Council, and they meet regularly to discuss important matters related to the religion and the tribe.
Below the Elder Council are the priests and acolytes, who are responsible for leading the faithful in their worship and guiding them in their daily lives. The priests are chosen from among the most promising young Kathuri and trained in the ways of the Cycle, while the acolytes are still learning and assisting the priests in their duties.
The faithful are organized into small groups or clans, each with its own leader who reports to the Elder Council. These clans are responsible for managing their own affairs, such as resource allocation and defense, but ultimately answer to the Elder Council and the greater good of the tribe.
Despite this hierarchical structure, the Cycle places a great emphasis on community and equality among its members. The Kathuri see themselves as part of a larger whole, with each individual responsible for maintaining the balance and contributing to the survival of the tribe.
As a result, decisions within the Cycle are made through a consensus-building process, with input and feedback from all members of the tribe considered before any action is taken. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility among the faithful, and ensures that everyone's voice is heard and valued.

Culture

The culture of the Cycle is deeply rooted in its religious beliefs and practices. Members of the organization view themselves as servants of the balance, and see their role in the world as one of stewardship and preservation. They believe in the cyclical nature of the world and accept that change is inevitable, but also understand that balance is necessary for the survival of all life. This worldview influences every aspect of their lives, from their interactions with others to the way they manage resources and make decisions.
Members of the Cycle are taught from a young age to value knowledge and understanding above all else. They believe that learning and wisdom are essential for maintaining the balance and ensuring the survival of their community. As a result, education and scholarship are highly valued, and members of the Cycle are expected to constantly seek out new knowledge and insights.
Another important aspect of Cycle culture is the emphasis on community and interdependence. Members of the organization see themselves as part of a greater whole, and believe that everyone has a role to play in maintaining the balance. They work together to manage resources, make decisions, and address challenges, relying on the wisdom and expertise of the community as a whole.
The Cycle also places a strong emphasis on tradition and ritual. Members of the organization perform regular religious ceremonies and dances to honor Tao and Khaos and reinforce their commitment to the balance. These rituals are deeply ingrained in their culture, and are seen as essential for maintaining harmony and order in the world.
Overall, the culture of the Cycle is characterized by a deep reverence for the natural world, a commitment to stewardship and preservation, and a strong sense of community and interdependence. These values inform every aspect of their lives, shaping the way they see the world and interact with others.

Public Agenda

According to the teachings of The Cycle, the eternal war between Tao and Khaos will continue to repeat every 50,000 years, creating and destroying the world over and over again. The goal of the faithful is not to bring about an end to the current cycle, but to break the existence of cycles altogether and achieve a state of balance that will last forever.
The Kathuri people, who are the primary followers of The Cycle, believe that they have a special role to play in achieving this state of balance. They view themselves as the chosen race that will bring about the end of the cycles, but not through destruction or conquest. Instead, they believe in limiting their expansion and curiosity, and in sending out their people to influence the development of the other races in order to guide them towards balance and harmony with the world.

Assets

The Cycle's greatest asset is undoubtedly their ownership and management of water resources in the vast deserts and underground caverns of Safah. The Kathuri people have an intricate understanding of water management, and they have developed a system of canals, reservoirs, and wells to ensure that their tribes have access to water in even the harshest of conditions. They view water as a precious resource that must be protected at all costs, and they see it as their sacred duty to ensure that all creatures in the desert have access to it.
Additionally, the Cycle has amassed a vast library of artifacts collected over centuries of pilgrimage. Young Kathuri, upon reaching a certain age, embark on a pilgrimage outside of Safah to seek knowledge and bring back useful artifacts for the tribe. These artifacts range from advanced technologies to pieces of art and literature. The elder council carefully catalogues and protects these artifacts, ensuring that only those which do not disrupt the balance are used.
The Cycle's focus on understanding and knowledge has led to them possessing some of the greatest technologies in Arora, which they keep closely guarded. Their libraries are filled with information on various subjects, including history, philosophy, and science. The elder council and the priesthood use this knowledge to guide the tribe and make decisions that will ensure the balance is maintained.
Overall, the Cycle's assets are not materialistic, but instead stem from their understanding of the delicate balance of the universe and their sacred duty to maintain it. The water management system and the library of artifacts represent the tribe's commitment to the protection and preservation of knowledge and resources, and it is what sets them apart from other cultures in Arora.

Mythology & Lore

The mythology that underpins the teachings of the Cycle religion is shrouded in mystery and speculation. The followers of the Cycle believe that the universe is governed by two great forces - Tao and Khaos - which are not gods, but rather powerful laws that influence and reward or punish every action in the world. According to the Cycle's teachings, every 50,000 years, the eternal war between Tao and Khaos reaches a climax, which serves to create and destroy the world over and over again.
Beyond this time, the history of the world is lost forever, and the followers of the Cycle do not even try to explain questions like how the cycle began or how the universe was made. Instead, they believe that only the current cycle and the keeping of balance is important.
According to the Cycle's mythology, the force of Khaos relies on the growing expansion of civilization and knowledge, which eventually causes the complete destruction of such civilization and knowledge. Some tales speak of the cycle coming to an end only when the mortal beings learn the name of creation, and so it changes so as to forever be out of their reach.
The races of the world are seen as ever-changing, and at the start of each cycle, creatures of the world are raised into sentience and left to expand. The followers of the Cycle believe that Tao will eventually uplift a creature that will respect the balance and finally end the cycle.
The exact origins of the Cycle's teachings and mythology are unknown, as the religion is more of a way of life than a distinct religion. The followers of the Cycle do not even have a centralized hierarchy or scripture, but rather spread their beliefs through word of mouth and oral traditions. Some speculate that the Cycle's teachings originated from the Kathuri, who see themselves as the race that will bring about the end of the cycle. Nevertheless, the Cycle has attracted followers from around the world who seek to live in harmony with Tao and Khaos, and to respect the balance of the universe.

Divine Origins

The origin of The Cycle is shrouded in mystery, and there is no clear consensus on its origins or how it came to be. It is said that the teachings of The Cycle were first revealed to the Kathuri people by a great seer, who claimed to have received visions of the cycles from the universe itself.
The religion has since evolved and been shaped by the collective experiences and beliefs of the Kathuri people over many generations. The rituals and practices of The Cycle are closely intertwined with the nomadic lifestyle of the Kathuri, as they travel across the vast deserts of Safah.
The teachings of The Cycle are passed down through oral tradition and storytelling, and there are no written texts or scriptures associated with the religion. The stories of the cycles, the eternal war between Tao and Khaos, and the various creatures that inhabit the world are all woven together into a tapestry of myths and legends that form the basis of the religion.
The rituals of The Cycle are also heavily influenced by the natural world, with many of them focused on maintaining balance and harmony between the various elements of the world. The religion has a deep respect for nature, and its followers strive to live in harmony with the world around them.
Overall, the exact origins of The Cycle may be unclear, but its teachings have become deeply ingrained in the culture and identity of the Kathuri people, and continue to shape their way of life and beliefs.

Cosmological Views

According to the religion of The Cycle, the universe was not created by any divine being or deity, but instead exists as a product of the eternal conflict between the two great forces of Tao and Khaos. The followers of The Cycle believe that Tao and Khaos are not gods, but rather powerful laws that influence and reward or punish every action in the world.
The followers of The Cycle also believe that the universe is subject to an endless cycle of creation and destruction, with each cycle lasting approximately 50,000 years. The history beyond this time is believed to be lost forever, and followers of The Cycle do not attempt to explain questions about the beginning of the cycle or how the universe was made. Instead, they believe that only the current cycle and the maintenance of balance within it is important.
The Kathuri people, who primarily follow The Cycle, believe that they are the race that will bring about the end of the current cycle. They follow the creed of maintaining balance by limiting their expansion and curiosity and by sending out their people to influence the development of the other races.

Tenets of Faith

The Cycle is more of a philosophy than a religion with strict rules and commandments. However, there are some basic tenets that guide the faithful in their pursuit of balance and harmony. These include:
Respect for Tao and Khaos: The followers of The Cycle believe in the existence of Tao and Khaos, the two great forces that govern the universe. They see these forces as the ultimate creators and destroyers, and therefore respect their power and influence over every action in the world.
Maintaining Balance: The most important tenet of The Cycle is the idea of balance. The faithful believe that maintaining balance between creation and destruction, growth and decay, and order and chaos is essential for the survival of the world. They strive to achieve this balance in all aspects of life.
Limiting Expansion: The followers of The Cycle believe that the expansion of civilization and knowledge is a natural result of the world's progress, but they also believe that this expansion can lead to destruction if it is not kept in check. As such, they limit their expansion and curiosity, striving to maintain a balance between growth and preservation.
Influence and Guidance: The Kathuri, the primary followers of The Cycle, believe that they are responsible for guiding the development of other races towards a balanced existence. They send out their people to influence the development of other races, hoping to find the creature that Tao will uplift to end the cycle.
Respect for Sentience: The faithful believe that all sentient creatures have a role to play in the cycle and should be treated with respect and compassion.
Overall, the teachings of The Cycle emphasize balance, respect, and guidance as the keys to a harmonious existence in the world.

Ethics

The Cycle is more of a way of life than a religion with strict rules and commandments. However, there are certain guiding principles that influence the daily lives and decision-making of the faithful. The central tenet of The Cycle is the maintenance of balance between the forces of Tao and Khaos. As such, followers of The Cycle strive to maintain a balance in all aspects of their lives, including their relationships, their use of resources, and their pursuit of knowledge.
For the Kathuri people, the faithful of The Cycle, expansion and curiosity are viewed as the greatest threats to the balance. Thus, they limit their expansion and seek to control their curiosity, believing that too much of either can lead to an upset in the balance and a premature end to the cycle. They also see the pursuit of knowledge as a double-edged sword, as it can lead to both enlightenment and destruction.
Acts that upset the balance are seen as sins in the eyes of the faithful. For example, greed, aggression, and unchecked expansion are all considered sinful, as they upset the balance of the world. Conversely, acts of generosity, kindness, and harmony are seen as pious and virtuous.
The elders of the Kathuri tribe serve as guides and teachers for the faithful. They are highly respected and are often sought out for advice and guidance. The acolytes of The Cycle, who have given up their names and taken on the title of "servants of the cycle," also serve as guides for the faithful. They are trained from a young age in the ways of The Cycle and are responsible for maintaining the balance in their communities.

Worship

In the religion of The Cycle, worship is not necessarily about prayer or offerings to deities, but more about living in harmony with the natural world and upholding the balance of Tao and Khaos. However, there are certain practices and rituals that are important to the faithful.
One important aspect of worship in The Cycle is service to the tribe. This involves contributing to the community and working to maintain the delicate balance of resources, particularly water in the arid desert regions where the Kathuri reside. This service can take many forms, such as farming, hunting, or managing water sources.
Another important practice in The Cycle is the use of religious dances. These dances are typically performed during important ceremonies and are meant to symbolize the cyclical nature of the universe and the balance between Tao and Khaos. The dances are often performed in intricate patterns and are accompanied by traditional music.
Additionally, the faithful of The Cycle believe in the importance of personal discipline and self-control. This includes limiting one's own expansion and curiosity, as well as respecting the balance of nature and avoiding actions that could upset it. Such actions are considered sinful and go against the principles of the religion.
Overall, worship in The Cycle is about living in harmony with the natural world and upholding the delicate balance between Tao and Khaos. Through service to the tribe, religious dances, and personal discipline, the faithful seek to maintain this balance and ultimately avoid the end of the current cycle.

Priesthood

In the religion of the Cycle, the guidance of the faithful is primarily carried out by the Elder Council. This council is made up of the most respected and experienced elders from each Kathuri settlement. The elders are considered to be the wisest and most knowledgeable members of the community, and they are responsible for interpreting the teachings of the Cycle and applying them to daily life.
The leadership of the Cycle is highly respected and revered among the faithful, and the elders are distinguished from the rest of the community by their advanced age, extensive knowledge, and their position on the Elder Council. They are viewed as the keepers of the ancient wisdom and traditions of the Cycle and are expected to act as role models for the rest of the community.
Young Kathuri who show promise in the understanding and interpretation of the Cycle's teachings are often taken from their families and trained to become members of the priesthood. Once they become acolytes, they give up their names and become known simply as "servants of the Cycle", which is considered a great honor. The acolytes are responsible for performing daily rituals and maintaining the sanctity of the Cycle's teachings, as well as assisting the elders in their duties.
The appointment of the elders and acolytes is based on a combination of merit, knowledge, and experience. They are selected by their peers and must demonstrate a deep understanding of the teachings of the Cycle and a commitment to the ideals of balance and harmony.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Cycle plays a central role in the political and social fabric of Kathuri society. The Kathuri way of life is inseparable from the teachings of The Cycle, and the religion guides all aspects of their society. The Elder Council, made up of respected members of each settlement, serves as the governing body of the Kathuri, and their decisions are guided by The Cycle's teachings.
The Kathuri people believe that their race has been chosen by Tao to bring about the end of the current cycle, and as such, they view themselves as guardians of the balance. They limit their expansion and curiosity to ensure that they do not upset the natural order of things, and they send out their people to influence the development of other races in a way that promotes balance and harmony.
The Kathuri see themselves as stewards of the land and its creatures, and they have strict rules against over-hunting or over-fishing, as well as a ban on hunting certain species that are considered sacred to The Cycle. The religion also emphasizes the importance of community, with individuals expected to put the needs of the tribe ahead of their own desires.
There are certain acts that are considered sins according to The Cycle's teachings, such as upsetting the balance by over-expanding or exploiting resources, causing harm to others or to the land, and violating the sanctity of certain creatures or places. Conversely, acts that promote balance and harmony, such as helping others and respecting the natural world, are considered pious and virtuous.
Overall, The Cycle's influence on Kathuri society is pervasive and all-encompassing, shaping everything from individual behavior to political decisions. The Kathuri view their religion as a way of life, not just a set of beliefs, and they are deeply committed to upholding its teachings and principles.

Only balance can break the cycle

Type

Religious, Other

Alternative Names

The Kathuri Cycle

Demonym

Follower of The Cycle

Location

Safah

Related Ethnicities

• Safahian Kathuri