The Modern Faith

The Faith of Bhita revolves around the the trinity of Art, Commerce, and Modernization. Followers believe in the transformative power of creativity, ethical trade, and technological advancement as means to improve society. The religion promotes integrity in commerce, encouraging prosperity through honesty and collaboration, while also championing the arts as vital to community life. Worship practices include participating in art fairs and trade festivals, daily creative devotions, and offerings that support local artists and craftspeople. The faith's teachings emphasize that innovation should serve the greater good, fostering a society that values beauty, progress, and community well-being.

Structure

The current structure is a decentralized and flexible organization reflecting her domains’ diversity. Rather than a strict hierarchy, the faith is divided into three semi-autonomous factions that embody Bhita’s teachings uniquely. The Free Artists' Collective celebrates creativity as a personal, expressive journey, with influence stemming from reputation and skill rather than rank. The Merchants' Guild views Bhita as a patron of fair trade, upholding ethical commerce through regional trade councils that mentor and support one another in structured, collaborative networks. Lastly, the Modernists’ Network, inspired by decentralized technology, promotes innovation through a fluid, peer-driven community where roles are defined by the success of each project. Together, these factions uphold Bhita’s ideals, occasionally collaborating at trade fairs and exhibitions, yet maintaining their independence in pursuit of art, commerce, and societal progress.
The Free Artists' Collective

• Guiding Principle: This faction views Bhita as a muse and a free spirit, emphasizing individuality and creative freedom.
• Structure: Organized loosely as guilds or artist communities, this faction values mentorships, creative circles, and artisan partnerships. Hierarchies here are almost nonexistent; instead, reputation and skill drive influence.
• Leadership and Roles: Known artists or “Master Creators” may act as temporary mentors or event organizers, but leadership rotates or dissolves as needed.
• Interaction with Other Factions: Artists often collaborate with the Commerce Faction for support in trade and exhibition, though they sometimes clash with the modernization faction on creative integrity versus technological innovation.

The Merchants' Guild

• Guiding Principle: This faction interprets Bhita’s teachings as a path to ethical commerce and fair trade, with a focus on building wealth that benefits both individual and community.
• Structure: Organized more formally than the artists, this faction resembles a guild structure with regional councils and networks of merchants, traders, and financiers.
• Leadership and Roles: Regional councils, known as “Trade Circles,” consist of experienced traders and guild representatives who provide guidance, settle disputes, and approve merchant partnerships. There is a strong mentorship culture within the guild.
• Interaction with Other Factions: The guild often funds and supports artists, but can sometimes conflict with the modernization faction over decentralized trade principles.

The Modernists’ Network

• Guiding Principle: Embracing Bhita’s spirit of innovation, this faction promotes a decentralized approach, similar to cryptocurrency and open-source tech culture, advocating for progressive methods to modernize society.
• Structure: Operates without a central leadership, instead relying on a web of independent innovators, inventors, and tech-savvy followers who collaborate on projects.
• Leadership and Roles: Roles are fluid; influence is earned by the success and ethical merit of each innovation. Key figures known as “Initiators” introduce new projects, often assembling groups based on shared goals.
• Interaction with Other Factions: The network sometimes seeks artists for design and commerce for trade support, but they prioritize innovation, occasionally clashing with traditionalists in both groups.

Culture

Core Values

• Creativity and Self-Expression: Creativity is seen as sacred; it’s a way to channel Bhita’s spirit into the world. Followers are encouraged to pursue artistic endeavors, whether through visual arts, music, writing, or design, as a form of daily worship.
• Ethical Prosperity: Commerce within Bhita’s faith is founded on fairness and responsibility. Followers believe wealth and trade should benefit the community as well as the individual, emphasizing support for artisans, merchants, and innovators alike.
• Embracing Progress: Modernization is viewed as both a personal and societal duty, with followers urged to embrace new ideas, technologies, and methods that improve the world responsibly. Progress is celebrated, yet tempered by the ethical considerations Bhita’s teachings provide.

Silver and deep greens are favored, with designs often incorporating geometric shapes to represent balance, and spirals or webs to illustrate interconnected growth. 
Followers typically attempt to dedicate an hour each day to a creative practice, whether that be painting, crafting, drafting business plans, or experimenting with new technologies. This hour is seen as a direct channel to Bhita’s essence.

History

The Pact of Prul: In an early period of the faith’s history, a group of merchants and artisans in the city of Prul joined forces to form what would become the first iteration of Bhita’s faith organization. They signed the Pact of Prul, a foundational agreement that established guidelines for fair trade and communal support, setting the faith’s principles in place. The Pact also outlined rights and protections for artists and merchants alike, cementing the faith’s commitment to ethical commerce and creative freedom.
The Technarite Revival: Centuries later, during a time of technological upheaval known as the Technarite Revival, the faith experienced a transformation. New inventions and discoveries led to divisions among Bhita’s followers—some saw modernization as an encroachment on artistic integrity, while others saw it as the natural evolution of her teachings. The faith’s Modernists emerged during this period, with leaders proposing that true progress could balance innovation with tradition. The “Revival Manifesto” was penned to affirm Bhita’s support for technology that serves people and honors artistic spirit.
The Festival of Harmonies: To celebrate the unity achieved after the Technarite Revival, the faith established the Festival of Harmonies, a grand, tri-factional event held every decade. The festival showcases the latest art, trade innovations, and inventions, inviting followers to honor Bhita through creative expression, ethical commerce, and cutting-edge progress. It also serves as a moment to renew the Pact of Prul, allowing each generation to contribute to and redefine their commitment to Bhita’s principles.

Mythology & Lore

A popular myth tells of Bhita bestowing her followers with the Threefold Flame, symbolizing her domains: Creativity, Prosperity, and Innovation. She entrusted this flame to three individuals—a painter, a trader, and an inventor—each embodying her gifts in their unique way. These individuals would later inspire the three factions of her faith. This flame, said to burn in the hearts of her faithful, drives them to create, to share, and to improve society.
Another popular myth describes Bhita’s creation of the Hearth of Abundance, an endless source of inspiration and prosperity. According to legend, when her followers gather in good faith, they may be blessed by the hearth’s light, enabling them to create masterpieces, achieve great trade, or discover innovations that shape the future. Bhita’s temples feature symbolic hearths where followers leave offerings and ask for her guidance.

Divine Origins

Bhita’s faith began humbly in scattered communities of artists, traders, and inventors who sensed a growing need for purpose and ethics in their work. Ancient legends speak of Bhita appearing in dreams to individuals from various walks of life—a talented painter in a struggling village, a humble trader with a vision of fairness, and a young inventor inspired to improve her community. She called to them, urging them to create, to trade with integrity, and to build the future wisely, encouraging them to see their contributions as integral to a greater whole.
As these early followers began to share their visions, their ideas resonated with others who felt a similar pull towards purpose. Artisans, merchants, and early technologists banded together, forming loose but meaningful alliances around Bhita’s ideals. Over time, these alliances led to the establishment of councils where they could discuss ethical commerce, shared prosperity, and the beauty of creation. The first of these gatherings was held in the city of Prul, where Bhita’s presence felt strongest, and thus the Pact of Prul was signed—a founding agreement that set down Bhita’s principles of fairness, creativity, and progress, as well as the early tenets of her faith.
The faith solidified further when Bhita’s followers experienced a vision that would shape their understanding of her teachings: the Weave of Worlds. In this vision, Bhita revealed to them a vast tapestry, each thread representing the life of an individual, each knot symbolizing challenges and achievements. This vision taught them that their actions were not isolated; rather, they were part of an intricate and beautiful pattern woven by Bhita herself. Those who saw the vision reported feeling an overwhelming sense of purpose, understanding that their contributions—whether artistic, commercial, or inventive—were vital to Bhita’s larger design.
Over the next few centuries, Bhita’s faith grew, developing as an adaptable, decentralized organization that mirrored the independence of its followers. As more communities embraced her teachings, they began to create gathering spaces, guilds, and eventually temples dedicated to her ideals. In times of conflict, Bhita’s followers often acted as mediators, fostering trade agreements, organizing artistic exchanges, and encouraging open dialogue. Through these peaceful efforts, the faith gained a reputation as a unifying force, one that respected individualism while advocating for the betterment of society.
The faith encountered a pivotal moment during the Technarite Revival, a period marked by rapid technological advancement that forced followers to reconcile innovation with tradition. This period saw the formal establishment of the Modernists’ Network, a faction dedicated to Bhita’s call for responsible innovation, balancing new technologies with respect for ethics and societal well-being. Their guiding principles, drafted in the “Revival Manifesto,” marked Bhita’s acceptance of progress as part of her divine design, provided it served the greater good.
As Bhita’s faith evolved, it became less a religion of strict doctrines and more a movement dedicated to fostering creativity, ethical trade, and mindful progress. Her followers believed that by honoring her ideals, they could shape the world into a vibrant, fair, and forward-thinking society. To this day, her faith continues to honor its origins, celebrating each contribution as a sacred thread in Bhita’s grand tapestry, forever weaving a future of beauty, prosperity, and innovation.

Tenets of Faith

Create with Purpose and Passion

• Followers are encouraged to bring their own unique vision into the world. Whether through art, invention, or craftsmanship, each act of creation is a form of honoring Bhita. Creativity is seen as a way to bring beauty, meaning, and inspiration into society. Artisans and inventors are urged to pour genuine passion into their work, believing that true artistry reflects the soul’s intent and Bhita’s blessings.

Trade Fairly and Honorably

• Fair trade is a cornerstone of Bhita’s faith, promoting ethical practices in commerce. Followers are taught to respect the value of honest work and fair pricing, seeing trade not only as a means of profit but as an exchange that can uplift communities and individuals alike. This tenet encourages followers to support local economies, uphold fair labor practices, and seek mutually beneficial arrangements in all transactions.

Innovate Responsibly and Mindfully

• Bhita’s faith values progress, but with an emphasis on ethical responsibility. Followers are encouraged to pursue innovation that aligns with Bhita’s principles of bettering society, ensuring that new technologies or methods do not exploit resources or harm individuals. Innovations should seek to enhance quality of life, empower communities, and preserve the world’s resources for future generations.

Foster Community and Uplift Others

• Collaboration and community are integral to Bhita’s vision. Her followers are encouraged to support one another, share knowledge, and work together to achieve greater goals. This tenet also speaks to generosity—those who are able should uplift those who are struggling, contributing to a society where all can prosper. Followers frequently form partnerships across the faith’s factions, seeking to enrich their communities by drawing from one another’s strengths.

Respect the Balance of Tradition and Progress

• Followers are encouraged to respect tradition while embracing progress. Bhita’s teachings remind them that the past holds valuable lessons and wisdom, even as the future offers new opportunities. This tenet is reflected in the actions of the Modernists, who aim to advance society without discarding the values and skills that have sustained it. By balancing the old and the new, followers can navigate change without losing their identity.

Pursue Self-Improvement and Inspire Others

• Bhita’s followers are taught that growth begins within. Self-improvement, whether through honing skills, gaining knowledge, or developing integrity, is seen as a path to honoring Bhita. By becoming the best version of themselves, followers can better serve their communities and inspire others to do the same. This tenet emphasizes humility, self-discipline, and the importance of setting an example for others.

Leave a Legacy of Beauty and Integrity

• Finally, Bhita’s faith teaches its followers to consider the legacy they will leave behind. Whether through a work of art, a prosperous business, or a life lived with kindness, followers strive to contribute something meaningful to the world. This tenet encourages them to think long-term and to create with the future in mind, ensuring that their work and actions serve as lasting reminders of Bhita’s ideals.

Worship

Each morning, followers of Bhita dedicate a brief time to engage in a small act of creation, such as sketching, writing a short passage, crafting a small object, or even arranging a display of items. This ritual, called the “First Craft,” is believed to bring inspiration and productivity for the day ahead, connecting followers to Bhita’s creative spirit. The result is often shared with others as an offering of goodwill, emphasizing that creativity is meant to enrich the lives of others.
Followers often participate in group gatherings called Crafting Circles, where they share their skills and creative processes with each other. These circles serve as both devotional and communal activities, embodying Bhita’s tenets of collaboration and community. Circles are open to anyone, allowing artists, merchants, and innovators to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from each other in a sacred, cooperative environment.
Merchants of the faith practice a ritual when forming new business partnerships, known as the Merchant’s Pact. In a ceremony of shared trust, two or more traders exchange a small token (such as a coin, a ribbon, or a stamped seal) as a sign of mutual respect and fair dealing. This token serves as a reminder to uphold the values of Bhita in their business dealings, especially honesty and mutual benefit. It’s customary to carry the token as a reminder of the partnership’s sacred value.
Devotees often wear a small, symbolic token of their dedication—a charm shaped like a flame, a thread woven into their clothing, or a coin embossed with Bhita’s symbol. These items serve as a daily reminder of Bhita’s presence and of the wearer’s commitment to her values. These tokens are also offered in personal prayers, often left by altars or hearths in temples as a sign of ongoing dedication.

Priesthood

Individuals who wish to become priests or priestesses are often recognized by their local communities based on their artistic contributions or ethical business practices. This grassroots approach emphasizes the faith's values of community and creativity over formalized rituals. Aspiring leaders may seek out established priests or priestesses for mentorship. This relationship allows them to learn about Bhita’s teachings, community needs, and the art of leading rituals while receiving guidance on their personal creative journeys. Engaging in community celebrations, art fairs, and trade festivals is crucial. Individuals demonstrate their commitment to Bhita’s principles through active participation, showcasing their artistry or entrepreneurial skills, thereby earning respect and acknowledgment from their peers.

The decentralized nature of the faith allows for a wide variety of interpretations and practices, leading to a rich tapestry of expressions that may vary significantly from one community to another. This diversity is celebrated, as it aligns with the belief that creativity thrives in different forms. Without a central authority, community members hold each other accountable, ensuring that leaders uphold Bhita’s values. This creates a system of checks and balances, where the collective voice of the community shapes leadership rather than a singular hierarchy.
Once recognized as a priest or priestess, individuals lead ceremonies and community gatherings. They adapt rituals to fit local customs and needs, ensuring the faith remains vibrant and relevant. Those in positions of leadership are encouraged to mentor others in their community, promoting the idea that anyone can lead or guide based on their talents and dedication to Bhita’s principles. Priests and priestesses actively support local artists and businesses, serving as advocates for fair practices and creativity in their communities. Their role involves fostering connections between artists and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the faith’s emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Sects

Followers who embrace a utilitarian view of Bhita’s teachings focus on the end results of their creations rather than the means by which they achieve them. They might justify unethical practices—such as exploiting labor or cutting corners in their artistry—by believing that the resulting product will benefit society. These artisans view their work as an unmitigated good, even if the processes involve sacrifice or harm to others. They rationalize that the success and beauty of their creations ultimately justify any means necessary.
Some merchants interpret Bhita’s teachings as a call for aggressive competitiveness rather than collaboration. They believe that in a cutthroat market, the most successful individuals are those who can outsmart their competitors, even if that means bending the rules or engaging in deceptive practices. This interpretation emphasizes survival of the fittest, seeing trade as a battlefield where only the most cunning should thrive, thus distorting the principle of fair commerce into one of opportunism.
The more individualist interpretation celebrates radical individualism and self-expression above all else. Followers may view Bhita as an icon of personal freedom, interpreting her teachings as encouragement to pursue their own paths without regard for community impact. This can lead to innovations that are groundbreaking yet reckless, as individuals prioritize their own creative visions over the shared values of the faith. They believe that by pushing boundaries, they honor Bhita, even if their actions have negative repercussions for others.

"In the brushstrokes of creation and the pulse of innovation, we find the heartbeat of progress. Let art illuminate our paths, commerce forge our connections, and modernization guide us into a brighter future."

Deities

• Bhita Goddess of Art, Commerce, and the Modern World