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The Way of the Creator

Lanarian religion is monotheistic, worshiping what they simply call the Creator: a genderless, omniscient, omnipotent entity who willed the universe into being.   There is a canon of texts known as the Inspired Writings which are almost universally accepted to be divinely inspired. They include prayers, musings on the nature of the Creator and the universe, parables, and guidelines for how to live.   Symbols of the Lanarian religion include circles, either alone or in concentric rings. A common representation of the Creator is the Holy Orb: a large pearl (or round object painted to look like a pearl). The largest Holy Orb in the world is in Rilbrok Cathedral. Given that the largest of Kavrillia's three moons is called the Sky Pearl, it is speculated that at some distant, prehistoric time Lanarians were moon worshipers, or at least involved the moons in their religious observances in some way. This connection, if it ever existed, has not survived to historic times.

Cosmological Views

As the name says, the Creator created the cosmos. A mortal's imagination can shape a world in their daydreams, but when the Creator did it, it came into being.   The Creator is infinite and transcends space-time, so they are impossible for a mortal to comprehend. Speculating about the nature of the Creator is an interesting intellectual exercise, but there are no right or wrong answers. As for the universe the Creator shaped, the laws of mathematics and physics exist because the Creator made them that way (even if mortals don't fully understand them yet.) There is order to chaos, even when mortals cannot see it.   Followers of the Creator believe that all souls are drawn into the presence of the Creator upon death, and spend eternity with their loved ones. The more righteous someone was in life, the more vividly they will experience their eternal reward: colors will be brighter, tastes sweeter, music more moving, etc.

Tenets of Faith

Kindness, empathy, charity and mercy are all valued qualities, as Lanarians believe that positive energy connects them to the Creator and builds on itself to spread through the universe, while negative energy such as greed and cruelty has the opposite effect.

Worship

For most Lanarians, religion is a relatively private affair. Large gatherings to worship are uncommon except during times of crisis or certain holidays/observances. It is acceptable to pray anywhere, although doing so in a Sacred Grotto is always a good idea due to the ease of concentration in such a peaceful environment.   Sacred Grottos are usually only big enough for one or two people, and are meant for quiet reflection, prayer, and meditation. Outdoor, natural rock with trickling water is preferred, but in modern times indoor grottos made with artificial materials are also used. A Holy Orb is always present in a Sacred Grotto, usually mounted in a way that makes it look as if it is floating on the water.

Priesthood

There is no formal priesthood, but some choose to dedicate their lives to spiritual contemplation and study. Counselors often incorporate the Inspired Writings into their work, as even Lanarians who consider themselves atheists agree that the tenets of empathy, etc., are valuable.

Sects

The island states that were colonized by Melsar the Conqueror had their own unique slants on religion, with some splitting the Creator into two or three deities. These traditions have nearly died out after thousands of years, but pockets of polytheism still remain, especially in rural areas. As long as they honor the same tenets of empathy, generosity, kindness, etc., these other sects are tolerated by the larger community, though seen as odd and backward.   Most Vincarans follow their own religion, although some see the Creator as either a form of Daiad the Shaper, or an extra member of their pantheon. These views are generally not appreciated by the monotheistic Lanarians.
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