Shinism
The Shinist faith is the official religion of the Shin Empire. The primary tenet of the Shin faith is based upon reincarnation and the constant rejuvenation of souls and the world. It is primarily located within the Shin Empire, and very few worshipers exist outside of the empire, except in small Shin enclaves that emerged after the closure of Shin borders in 1015. A somewhat disorganized faith, they rely on fewer clerics and priests than other religions, instead focusing on small maintained family shrines. Shin nobles are often treated with the most respect, as popular faith claims that the Shin upper classes are the only ones who remain a solitary soul throughout their existence.
Structure
There is no formal organizational structure of the Shinist faith, but there are notable leaders. The aristocracy and upper classes of the Shin Empire are never seen in public except in ceremonial spiritual armor that masks their facial features and identities. Through these means they communicate with the people of the lower castes of the society. The nobles are therefore treated with respect and their decisions recognized in all spiritual concerns and matters of faith. Therefore, it is believed that the final authority is the Eternal Empress. All nobles tend to consult with her on any concerns that they are unable to determine on their own.
Assets
Shinism has no official organized heirarchy and therefore there are very few assets which can be said to belong to the faith as a whole. The only resources that the religion can be said to possess are those in the hands of the nobility who provide support and resources to those with spiritual problems. The amount of resources provided differs wildly from noble to noble. In some towns, the support the faith provides can dramatically alter the fabric of the society, while in other places it is known that you are unlikely to receive any support from the faith whatsoever.
Mythology & Lore
Long ago the Shin people were thriving in a chosen land flush with ample food and waters that provided them with everything they needed. The Shin were respected and feared by all of their neighbors who provided them with tributes and the finest things in the world. Unfortunately, the wealth of the Shin was coveted by these neighbors. A great horde was assembled by a vicious demon who provided them with foul magic and abilities and in a single month brought low the greatest feats of the Shin. Those who survived the onslaught were led by the Empress Laura Bede, who at the time was young and new to her throne. Through her own great power and her supporters, they crossed the whole of Emicara into the Apps Mountains, seeking a new home. They founded the great city of Novanass, and from their the Shin expanded and thrived, and through their accomplishments, the Bedes and the Empress' followers gained immortality. They were thus the chosen nobility of the Shin people, ruling over the rest through their powered magical armor. The Shin have therefore learned to grow and thrive in the worst of environments, even after their homes were stolen from them centuries before.
Tenets of Faith
The primary tenets of the Shinist faith revolve around the basic nature of reincarnation. The Shin believe that when a person dies, they are born a new person. Perhaps the new person is born in the future, or even in the past. Therefore, it is known that the Shin people should behave as though any person they meet could be their own spirit at some point. This has led to extreme morality being added to the Shinist people, as they seek to treat all others with fairness and respect until there is no other option. The only exceptions to this are the members of the Shin aristocracy, who are believed to be immortal, and thus when slain, their souls will not migrate, but instead pass on to judge over all other souls and determine where spirits are reincarnated. That is why the Shin nobles are granted significant leeway in their actions, as by their very nature, all actions they take must be just.
Shining Light of Rebirth
Founding Date
71
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Shinist
Leader
Parent Organization
Permeated Organizations
Location
Related Ethnicities
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