Adej
The Adej, the Heart in Old Eshti, is the compilation of holy scripture central to the Devanic religion of the Eshtem people. It is a collection of tales and allegories of the holy devas, particularly those of the seven High Ones. In addition, it contains instructions for the faithful, including orthodox prayers, rituals, requirements and prohibitions.
The development of the Adej was instrumental in the formation of the United Temples, joining the disparate devanic temples of the Eshtem city-states, historically rivals, into an united, organized faith with the Adej as the heart of that new structure.
In addition to its religious fuction, the Adej is a source of power for Dharmati magicians. Representing the beliefs and perceptions of millions, Dharmati can recite passages greatly empowering their semiotic magic.
HistoryThe Adej was originally compiled as a primer for Dharmati refugees from the north, seeking to integrate with the religious traditions of the Eshtem cities and countrysides to which they migrated. They collected stories of the Eshtem devas from cities and villages and recorded the religious customs and precepts of the native inhabitants. These disparate documents were shared amongst the Dharmati diaspora, copied and slowly compiled into a single tome.
Copies, including expertly illustrated versions, were made and gifted to the various devanic temples. This caused a range of reactions from the devanic priests, from outrage to enthusiasm. Sympathetic priestly scholars of the various devanic traditions offered orthodox corrections to the collection. With these corrections the Adej was gradually adopted by more temple authorities.
As the temples used the Adej to teach their own acolytes and lay people, practices and beliefs became more aligned across the city-states, creating the environment that allowed for the creation of the United Temples.
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