On the Observance of Zultica Culture: Religious Rites and Beliefs of the Aboriginals GD

On the Observance of Zultica Culture: Religious Rites and Beliefs of the Aboriginals By Hissan Tannis
THE following pages contain the description of a part of Zultica hitherto unknown to Greyhawk, but which has recently been traveled over and explored by the Author. His journey was a tedious and very anxious one, but happily brought to a close without loss of life or serious accident to any member of his large party, which altogether amounted to nearly forty men.
The result of this excursion has been to understand the religious practices and beliefs in the country of the Badlands, warlike and pastoral that it may be.
It was while out exploring in the deep, untamed jungle that we ended drawing the closest we did to death for the whole expedition. We traveled the River Soshenstar, and were embarking to the west side of the basin when we made our way to a nearby plateau. Wishing to stay close to the water, we readied to turn back towards the basin, when we were rapidly surrounded by a host of powerful and vicious warriors. Short in stature but powerful in build, these dwarves had a vicious look in their eye, and it seemed likely that we would not be able to overcome this host.
However, it turned out that some in our group were able to approach this wildfolk and converse, and after a tense several minutes, the situation calmed, and we were led up a narrow path to a small kingdom, though it was difficult to tell as a guest or as a prisoner.
They called the kingdom “Mbala”, and said that the people we met at the basin were the Toa, the warriors of light. Considering this to be as best of a time as ever to begin our journey’s undertaking, this Author struck up a friendship with one of those Toa, though it required great convincing and cajoling on my part for him to part with some of this information. (Well, that and a barrel of Amaretto Tej that I picked up while back in Atahu Nui. Incredible what relationships can be forged over a shared drink, but I digress).
Without Further ado, here is a summary of what I learned. They say Axolotl, the lord of light was the first-born of Quetzuma and Zultica, the father of all beings, and the mother of the True World. They tasked Axolotl with carrying the sun through the sky every day, gifting him with the Glory of flight, and the form of an eagle. They hold an especial hatred for Sendaris the Night Serpent, and all who follow her. They say during the Abdication of Quetzuma, several conflicts broke out amongst his menagerie as his blessed companions squabbled, and during this time, Axolotl was gravely injured by Sendaris. Daily sacrifices of blood are needed (preferably through the slaying of an enemy) in order to help sustain Axolotl as he continues to carry the sun through the sky each day, or else he may fail and beckon the eternal Night. In the aftermath of the Abdication, one of Axolotl’s mightiest warriors betrayed his faith and joined the cursed snake men. With his departure, the Toa lost one of their most artifacts, a battleaxe believed to have been blessed by Quetzuma himself.
From what I gathered about his stories, Axolotl wasn’t always a god of war, but was also a god of right and justice, but in the collapse of the old empire, it grew to be a more important part of his portfolio, breeding a warrior culture. While several groups were formed in support of other members of Quetzuma’s menagerie (such as Nangnang, Grung King of the Wetlands. What is a grung? I must research this more), the Toa received a holy command from Axolotl to conquer the other groups. As the power of the empire grew, it made sense to believe that Axolotl was a very powerful god. Wishing to press for more information, through the deft application of a coaxing magical spell, I was able to convince the Toa that I meant no harm to his people, and only wished to understand. Leading me into a deeper chamber within the temple, I was allowed glimpses at one of their holy scripts, though I dared to do little more than copy the beginning few pages. Here is some of what I was able to see, though the translation did have to be adjusted, as Ancient Zultican doesn’t translate perfectly.
Prayers to Axolotl The Light Shall Plunge The Dark - Light exists to cast away the Eternal Night. A Blessed Light will Scourge our Enemies. Protect The Light - Where there is good, beauty, love and laughter, stand against the wickedness that would swallow it. Where life flourishes, stand against the forces that would seek to twist it. Rule With A Fierce Beak - Once you have conquered, tolerate no dissent. Only by enforcing order can you have the strength to destroy our Enemies. Sacrifice Is Necessary For the Light To Survive - The cycle of life provides nourishment to the Light in its unwavering battle against the Night.
The Sun Lord’s Prayer (Private) For Darkness Plunges Light Allow me to bring Your Light to the Dark I am Your Warrior of Light Guide me, Axolotl Light Be Praised Light be praised Light Guide Me Axolotl, lend me your Strength! The Sun Lord’s Prayer (cont) Axolotl,let Your light pass through me. Axolotl, let Your will guide me Axolotl, let Your might fuel me I am your Warrior of Light Bless Me!

Type

Study, Scientific