Abicracy

The Faith of the Twelve

Sunfall    Religions and Pantheons    Major Religions      Abicracy

Recall our actions and despair. Our choices forced the divines to abandon us and they abandon us still. Yet find hope as our choices, your choices, can yet recall them to this world and ensure our world is not embraced by unending fire once more.

— An excerpt from a Decori's teaching

Abicracy is a polytheistic religion based on the struggles and teachings of its chief deities, the Abics. It is the second-largest religion in the known world, prevalent in the western and northern civilizations, with its followers known as Abates. They believe that the Abics are the creators of mankind and left humanity after watching their lessons ignored.
Abcritic theology focuses on achieving Descendance – the return of the Abics. The faith believes that the Abics fought their father, Arrasil, to create life and embodied their virtues into humanity. Abates further maintain that mankind decided to ignore the teachings of the Abics and instead chose vice, forcing the gods to withdraw from the material world. Without the presence of the Abics, the faith fears that Arrasil will return to destroy all life.
The faith began in the mid 110BSFs, quickly becoming a banned sect in the Kanodite Empire. When the Empire collapsed in 6ASF, the faith flourished in the political vacuum as Solitism was rejected. In areas where Solitism is still highly prevalent, Abates do not practice openly but are no longer actively hunted.
Throughout its history, Abicracy has seen several denominations with cults forming to promote the virtues of one Abic in particular. In the extremes, individuals have declared themselves the voice of an Abic with further teachings for the people although these declarations are sternly rejected.

Contents

Etymology

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Abicracy is named after the gods of the faith, the Abics. Originally styling themselves as the 'faithful', the term Abate originates from the name of the founder of the faith. To be an Abate is to be a follower of Abbas and the faith that he brought forth into the known world.
The emblem of Abicracy is the twelve-pointed sphere, the Dodeka. The northern, skyward-facing point symbolises Arrasil, the father of the Abics, who surveys all from above. The southern, ground-facing point denotes the High Audite, the head of Abicracy, who lives in the material world. The remaining ten points on the western and eastern sides symbolise each of the ten Abics, the main gods of the faith. The temples of the faith, the Umbras, are designed in the same shape with the Abates entering from the northern point.

Key Tenets

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The core tenet of Abicracy focuses on achieving Descendance - the return of the Abics, the gods of Abicracy. After watching mankind turn to vice and ignore their lessons, the Abics left the known world telling humanity that they must now choose virtue of their own accord. Without the presence of the Abics in the world, they can no longer keep their father, Arrasil, imprisoned indefinitely. If Arrasil's inevitable return is unopposed it will herald the destruction of all life.

Doubt not the lessons of the Abics. If our faith should falter, if our strength should fade then know the devastation that is coming. Arrasil will make war on the faithful - do we stand alone or with divine aid?

To achieve Descendance mankind must choose a life of virtue as taught by the Abics. There is some debate amongst the faithful whether all of mankind or just the Abates are part of this requirement and at what point a life of virtue has been achieved. It is however agreed that acceptance of the Abics lessons is the key to Descendance and each virtuous action takes the faithful closer to the return of the Abics.

With the gods absent and no longer influencing the mortal world, the Abates see the world and events taking place as a result of human actions. A failure or success cannot ultimately be attributed to the direct interventions of the gods. It is believed that the lessons left by the Abics pave the way for success and failure and choosing the follow their teachings is the best way to find a successful virtuous life. Those who fail or fall will have ignored in some capacity the Abic lessons. Oaths and vows can be made to the gods but the Abates understand this only shows devotion and will not gain favour from the gods. Faith must be shown in daily actions by following the teachings left behind by the gods.

Founding Myth

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In the beginning, the known world was completely aflame. The only living being was Arrasil, the fiery god who had created all that existed. With a stomp of his feet, he created the valleys and gulleys. With a sweep of his hands, he created the hills and mountains. In his presence, the land scorched and fractured, creating deserts and ravines. Finally, with drops of his blood, he created the Abics, the gods worshipped by the Abates. In contrast to Arrasil, the Abics looked upon the world with despair. Nothing but fire and ash existed, and they implored their father to create life. Arrasil refused, warning them that any creation will eventually turn against them. Irresolute, Arrasil refused to hear anything else on the matter and dismissed his children, telling them to enjoy the bounty his land offered.

^{The world that Arrasil created}

In anguish, the Abics began a vast war against their father which would endure for an age. The conflict ended with victory for the Abics and the imprisonment of their father in the heart of the sun. Only temporarily subdued, Arrasil swore that his return would herald the destruction of the Abics and any life that they would create. Undeterred, the Abics began to create the mortal world.
Soon rains began to fall ensuring the fires would always be held at bay. The rains filled the ravines creating oceans, lakes and rivers. Plants sprouted, and trees grew. Creatures, large and small, began to inhabit the world. Eventually, all life but man was created. Together the Abics created mankind in their own image. Heeding Arrasil’s warning they endeavoured to teach man the virtuous path hoping they would hear their lessons and follow them. Stories of temperance, patience and courage were shared to encourage a virtuous and pious life. For a time, the gods and man lived side by side. However, the presence of the gods could not ensure that man would listen to their teachings.
Man began to choose vice. The lessons of the Abics were ignored and greed, lust and rashness became commonplace. Frustration slowly turned to anger as the Abics began to see Arrasil’s warning ring true. Despite their best efforts man refused to abandon their degeneracy. Instead, they openly refused the authority of the Abics and their power. Enraged, the Abics departed the world with a warning. Only their physical presence ensured that Arrasil would remain imprisoned. With their departure, it is only a matter of time until he is free once more and returns the world to a fiery wasteland. Only when mankind has found the virtuous path again will the Abics return.

Abate Deities

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Nature of the Deities

As a polytheistic religion, the faith has a pantheon of gods consisting of the Abics, ten sibling deities, and their father Arrasil. The Abates believe that the Abics once walked among them and shaped the known world, creating all life. They left mankind after watching their lessons ignored and have not been seen since. Once mankind has chosen a life of virtue once more, the Abics will return to the mortal world.

Follow their [Abics] example and prosper. A man who chooses vice shows disdain for himself and for the holy wisdom given by the Abics who gave it so freely. You have been given a path to prosperity and salvation. You can choose the life you lead or better yourself and those around you. Let me tell you the true story of our creation

— A Decori, Abate priest, to a non-believer

However, the Abics have not completely left the High Audite, the chief priest of the faith. He hears the whispers of the gods who attempt to guide his actions and in turn, those of the Abates. Each year during the Katagogi, the High Audite prays for Descendance and personally leads the procession in Sarept, the holiest City of the faith, calling for the return of the Abics. He also personally oversees the shards of Skyfyre, which the faith believes are fragments of the chains holding Arrasil in the sun. The shards are the only relics that the faith recognises.

During the faith's early history as a sect under the Kanodite Empire, there were several different interpretations of the Abics. Once free from persecution the pantheon was officially agreed. Each Abic was created equal with each responsible for a piece of creation. This is evidenced in the Umbra, places of Abcritic worship, where the Abics are placed in a circle around a central pool, symbolising their creation.
Despite having their lessons remembered there are no stories regarding the Abics personally save their battle with Arrasil. For the Abates the gods are less individuals with backgrounds, but personifications of virtue. The threat of Arrasil’s return can be interpreted as motivation for mankind to choose, by their own accord, a life devoid of vice. The gods themselves cannot impact mankind’s choice and are instead standards to be compared with and upheld.

List of Deities

The pantheon of Abicracy is broken up between the god Arrasil and his ten offspring, the Abics. The Abics overthrew their father to create life in the known world. However, after watching the faithful ignore their teachings the Abics left, warning their followers to abide by their lessons or watch the return of Arrasil heralding the end of the mortal world.

Arrasil

Arrasil is the father of the Abics and creator of the known world. When he returns it is predicted that he will return the world to fire and end all life.

Kumos

Kumos is the Abic god of courage and bravery. Symbolized by a closed helmeted warrior clad in bronze accompanied by a lion, he teaches against cowardice and rashness. Kumos is the patron god of warriors and generals.

Heeding Kumos, his hands gripped his spear more strongly, his armour hardened and his feet became more nimble and planted. None could oppose him or stand before him in battle and enjoy victory

— A Kumosian Lesson

Jumis

Jumis is the Abic goddess of beauty and self-control. Represented by a veiled beautiful woman assisted by a swan she informs the faithful of the dangers of self-indulgence and insensibility. Jumis is the patron goddess of women and courtesans.

With eyes like opals and hair like woven silk, her presence was felt wordlessly by all in attendance. Her actions swayed kings and generals and none could hasten her to anger or sadness

— A Jumisi Lesson

Kyhdar

Kyhdar is the Abic god of charity and generosity. Epitomized by an open-handed beggar with a bull he educates the Abates on the dangers of vulgarity and avarice. Kyhdar is the patron god of merchants and healers.

What does the wealthly man covet? More riches, more treasures! Yet his heart is empty as he knows not what he truly covets. The man that gives is infinitely richer than he who hoards

— A Kyhdarian lession

Lytos

Lytos is the Abic god of proper ambition and magnanimity. Shown as a crowned warrior with a large shield, shadowed by a wolf he informs against vanity and blind ambition. Lytos is the patron god of kings and politicians.

The man to your back with venomous words can be more dangerous than the man at your front with a blade. Be not the man who cannot be trusted to hold their station and covet not that beyond your status

— A Lytosi Lesson

Suma

Suma is the Abic goddess of patience and emotional balance. Symbolized as a hooded huntress with a serpent round her arm, she teaches against lack of spirit and ill temperament. She is the patron goddess of hunters.

A lion, like Kumos, is full of strength and power yet chooses to stalk through the brush and ambush it's pray. It does so not because it wants to but it must to survive. Patience is sometimes required more than power.

— A Sumatic Lesson

Brayon

Brayon is the Abic god of truth and self-expression. Portrayed by a blind scribe with a hawk on his shoulder, he warns against the vices of boastfulness and mock modesty. He is the patron goddess of orators and scribes.

We are warned of wars, clashes of bronze and iron often. Yet these wars are started with men who choose conflict and not peace. Each of us has a duty to be honest and true, to speak plainly and calmly.

— A Brayoni Lesson

Aidar

Aidar is Abic god of kinship and comradery. Symbolized by the dolphin he informs Abates of the dangers of buffoonery and boorishness. He is the patron god of mercenaries and actors.

A single strand of string can be broken but many together can be formed into strong rope, billowing sails or beautiful tapestries. We are, each of us, a strand awaiting our rope, sail or tapestry.

— An Aidari Lesson

Cera

Cera is the Abic goddess of diligence and action. Epitomized by the mare, she teaches the faithful the risks of sloth and action without a goal. She is the patron goddess of workers and craftsmen.

Remember the farmer who plants without harvesting, the fisherman who casts without pulling them back in and the craftsman who does not wet the clay. Let your fruit be harvested and your nets return full!

— A Ceran Lesson

Aria

Aria is the Abic goddess of grace and modesty. Shown as the dove she educates the faithful on the vices of fawning and sourness in social conduct. She is the patron goddess of diplomats and messengers.

It takes only a few weeks for the sweetest wine to become bitter vinegar if left unattended in the heat. Like wine, we too can be too sweet or sharp. Only with time and practice can you find the right balance

— An Arian Lesson

Sypia

Sypia is the Abic goddess of justice and righteous indignation. Portrayed as an owl she warns against envy and spitefulness. She is the patron goddess of lawyers and guardsmen.

Justice demands all do more than simple observation but full-throated action. The relentless pursuit of righteous and truth is always the right path and those lost may always find their way back

— A Sypian Lesson

Holidays and Festivals

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Festivals and holidays in Abicracy are an important part of the lives of Abates and a primary feature of the yearly calendar. As a result of their elevated station, it is the responsibility of the nobility and royalty to fund the feasts and processions of the festivals. Some noble families would offer patronage to specific Umbras (the temples of the faith) to fund all of their festivals for a specific period of time, typically a year. In return, the nobility is given pride of place in the processions and thanked before the Abics for their generosity. Holidays begin as public events before becoming private and celebrated individually.
The holy days are broken down into three categories:

• Annual holidays and festivals that have a fixed or stable date
• Annual holidays and festivals that have a moveable date
• Holidays and festivals held ‘on demand’ when special or relevant celebrations were called for.

Fixed Dates

Unlike other religions in the known world, Abicracy has only two set festivals throughout the year.

Katagogi, festival of Descendance

The most religious festival for Abates is the Katagogi, the hopeful return of the Abics. Taking place each year, on the longest day of the year, the Katagogi takes place in every major city and is headed by a Decori, a priest of Abicracy. Those not in cities conduct the simplest rites in their homes or travel to hear a Decori talk. It is expected that those able to travel to a city for the celebration should.

You stand on the same soil where the Abics departed and on this hallowed ground we must yearn for their return. Here will we be judged as we were judged before - let us be determined worthy in the eyes of the divine.

— The High Audite in the Sareptian Umbra presiding over the rites of the Katagogi

The day is a judgement on the Abates and their worthiness for Descendance. As prophesied by the Abics, failure to adhere to the tenants of the faith would result in the return of Arrasil and the destruction of the known world unless the Abics had returned. The Katagogi falls on the same day that the Abics left and it is believed they would return on the same day once the faith has proven themselves worthy. So far, the Abics have remained in exile signalling that the Abates have not yet followed a life of virtue.

The date of the Katagogi is decided at the Dialéxeis, the annual meeting of the priesthood. After agreeing on when the Katagogi will take place, the Decori retire after the Dialéxeis and begin planning for the festivities. Typically, the Katagogi takes place six or seven months following the Dialéxeis allowing ample time to plan. Each city will celebrate in their own way however all follow the basic principles. The largest Katagogi takes place in the holiest Abate city of Sarept.
At the beginning of the Katagogi, the Abates are expected to rise at the dawn and begin their prayers. For those who have ignored the teachings of the Abics this day is their opportunity to amend their actions and cast away vice by atoning. After an hour of prayer, the first procession of the day begins. A member of the priesthood will walk amongst the streets sharing out food and valuables, normally coins. Most who receive a gift will donate it to the Umbra. The procession typically ends with members of the nobility handing out vast sums of coin or food in the city centre to the poorest members of society.
After a feast at midday, the second procession of the day begins. A portion of the feast is placed aside, and this is gifted to the gods at the Umbra together with other valuables. From the feast location, the faithful now make their way to an Umbra. It is expected that the Abates will add to the gifts as the procession makes its way to the temple. To this end, several empty carts follow the priests to be filled on their journey with donations from Abates. Then the last, and most important, phase of the Katagogi begins.

Sacrifices are made to each of the Abics individually with teachings following each killing. Once the ten gods have been appeased the Decori details the fall of Arrasil and his predicted return. As the sun begins to set another feast is held. At sunset, the Abates will be judged by the gods who will decide whether to return. For the history of Abicracy, the Abics have not returned to the mortal world, indicating that the Abates have not yet adhered to their teachings fully. With the sunset, the faithful give thanks for the gods' teachings before retiring for the day and preparing for the next year's Katagogi.

The bounty of our world comes to he who toils despite sweat and blood. Remain steadfast in the face of danger and trial and reap the fruits of your labours and exertions. He who waivers or embraces sloth will only find poverty and strife. You must be your own ally in these endeavours to achieve success.

— A teaching from Cera on diligence

Dialéxeis, celebration of the Abic Lessons

Celebrating the teachings of the Abics, the Dialéxeis takes place annually on the first day of Spring. Taking place over two days at the beginning of Spring, the festival is also a time for the Decori, the priests of the faith, to congregate in major cities to share their experiences and lessons. The most prominent gatherings are in Sarept, the holiest city of the faith, and Arishat, the burial site of Abbas, the founder of the faith. The Dialéxeis is one of the few times that the Decori and Sopho Decori congregate as they typically preach alone.
Both days of the Dialéxeis are strict public holidays. Ongoing military campaigns and legal cases are paused and merchants close their stalls. The noble and royal courts of those following the faith are also not permitted to hold any discussions on the matters of their respective realm. Anyone caught committing a crime will be imprisoned before being judged, typically harshly, once the celebrations have ended.
The first day of the celebrations would begin with an animal sacrifice in an Umbra before the gods. After a portion of the sacrifice is offered to the Abics, the remainder is placed in a feast that is laid on for the populace. The priesthood takes their meals first before the nobility and lowborn eat. Any supplies left in the winter stores and granaries are also shared to thank the gods for the bounty that had permitted the Abates to survive the winter and plant crops anew. For the rest of the day, the Abates celebrate the gifts given to them by the Abates with singing, dancing and parties. The festivities continue into the night and early morning.
The second day is another day of celebration for the populace but a day of contemplation for the priesthood, who will have travelled into the cities to congregate and share their experiences from the previous year. These meetings are private affairs, being held in the Umbra itself if it is large enough or on the lands held by the Umbra. Only the Harprum, the guardsmen of the priesthood, and the Protarchikó, those deemed to personify the lessons of the Abics, are permitted to attend despite not being members of the priesthood.

I'm always amazed at who you meet at the Dialéxeis. I've met a man who became stronger than Kumos just by eating scarabs. Scarabs! He sat there eating the damn things as if that was normal. I once sat next to a man dressed in silk who had covered himself in rosewater, I smelt nothing but roses for a week.
You never know where you're going to wake up after the Dialéxeis. I've woken up on roofs, in a pond, in a tree - never woken up in a bed mind!

— Typical Dialéxeis experiences

Publicly, this day is seen as a chance to refine the teachings of the Abics and share the tribulations and dangers that the priesthood has experienced throughout the year. Privately, however, the priesthood is claimed to use the chance to share any information they have gathered on those in power throughout the Abate world. After the congregations have ended, the priesthood will re-join the populace and take part in the celebrations as the day ends. The Dialéxeis is one of the rare opportunities where the wealthiest and poorest in the Abate world sit and eat together and the two days are seen as an opportunity for social climbers to rub shoulders with the most powerful in the land. Friendships made during the Dialéxeis can often turn into profitable business ventures or political alliances.

Flexible Dates

Epitychía, festival of success

An Epitychía, a celebration of success, is declared to give thanks for a specific event or state of affairs. Typically this can be a military victory, the completion of a monument or even a royal marriage. If no current affair appears, the festival is declared for a previous cause for celebration. Any member of the nobility or royalty can request an Epitychía be declared but only a member of the Abate priesthood, a Decori or Sopho Decori, can ordain the festival.
Once the date of the Epitychía is declared, an eleven-day festival begins. The first ten days of the festival focus on a specific Abic and their teachings which will have been a factor in the cause for celebration. Each morning, the teachings of the specific Abic are shared either by a member of the priesthood directly or by the experiences of the Abates themselves. In the afternoon, Abates are encouraged to enact those teachings personally. For example, on the third day of the Epitychía, the teachings of Kyhdar are shared. Khydar entrusts the Abates to follow charity and generosity. In the afternoon, it is expected that the Abates are generous with either their money, by donating to the Umbra or the poorest, or their time by aiding those in need.

It's always a great chance to re-think how your life is going. An opportunity to come clean, take a chance or just take a breath of air. If you're holding something off or debating what to do, do it on an Epitychía.

On the eleventh day, the morning is spent celebrating the specific reason for the declaration of the Epitychía. If a bountiful harvest was declared then a portion of that harvest is shared freely. Finally, the teachings of each Abic is surmised before the Abates pledge to adhere to their teachings until Descendance.

Apotychía, festival of repentance

After a poor harvest, military defeat or other misfortune, the priesthood may declare an Apotychía, a festival to repent failure. Without a specific cause, the festival is still called to remind the faithful of what awaits them if they refuse the Abics teachings. An Apotychía is a time for atonement and reflection. As the gods themselves no longer influence the affairs of the mortal world every misfortune is, at least partly, the result of the Abates refusing to adhere to the teachings of the Abates.

In a similar fashion to the Epitychía, the Apotychía is an eleven-day festival with the first ten days spent on an individual Abic's lessons and the consequences that await those who ignore their lessons. For example, Aria is the goddess of grace and modesty, warning against fawning and sourness in a social context. Those that ignore her lessons will eventually slip into voluntary slavery attempting to please another regardless of the cost. These days are designed to remind people of the lessons and ensure that they can amend their vices.

^{A Decori sharing lessons with a gathered crowd}

On the final day, the cause of the Apotychía being declared is addressed directly. A failed military campaign may see generals executed or exiled. After this, a large fire is lit in a prominent location to symbolise the return of Arrasil and the destruction of life. The priesthood will begin prayers before the fire that are drowned out by the noise and pour libations into the fire that will continue regardless. Without descendance, Arrasil's fire is coming and not even the most pious men or actions can stop it alone. As the sun sets, the fire is doused in water as a reminder that it is not too late to stop Arrasil's return.

Special Celebrations

Siopi, silence of the High Audite

Whilst the Abics themselves are unending, their spokesperson in the known world is not. When the High Audite, the most senior priest in Abicracy, dies the Siopi festival is called to celebrate their life and complete the funerary rites.
When a High Audite passes messengers are dispatched from Sarept, the Abate holy city and residence of the High Audite, to the major cities of the Abate world. These men share the message to everyone that they meet that the most senior priest of the faith has died and that any priests available should make their way to Sarept. The Siopi festivities will not begin for four weeks to permit the Decori and Sopho Decori the opportunity to make the journey.

^{The sarcophagus of the High Audite}

During the waiting period, the body of the High Audite is washed and cleaned before being embalmed and wrapped in scented cloth and decorated with the symbols of the Abics. The process takes ten days as the symbol for each Abic is added each day. Once the body has been prepared, it is placed in a sarcophagus under the protection of the Harpum, the guardians of the High Audite. The sarcophagus is believed to have held the corpse of the first High Audite and has been used since the Abic's created the world.

Once the four weeks have passed, the Siopi festival begins. On the first two days, the sarcophagus is placed within the Sareptian Umbra, the largest of the Abate temples, and the Abates are invited to fill past and give thanks to the High Audite. Small offerings and libations are common. On the third day, sacrifices are made to the Abics before the body of the High Audite is removed from the sarcophagus and escorted out of the city before being buried in the Audite's Necropolis where the typical funerary rights are followed through.

The next five days are public holidays with the Abates expected to abstain from business and politics. The nobility of Sarept will lay on large festivals and celebrations in the name of the High Audite and offer food and wine to the people. Writing of their life, together with statuettes of the Abics, are burnt to ash and placed in a gilded vase before being placed in a mausoleum in the Sareptian Umbra. A death mask is created to go alongside the vase which is placed on a stand inscribed with the dates of office for the deceased. This same mausoleum holds the vases filled with ashes created for previous High Audites and serves as a guide to the history and deeds of each High Audite.

All are judged fairly before the Abics, for their actions in this life. Yet only one of us can hear the gods and their wisdom directly. Today that man has passed and we find ourselves once more in silence. In this silence, we must find our way forward once more. Together, as always, to Descendance.

— An excerpt from the eulogy of a High Audite

With the High Audite placed to rest, the Decori and Sopho Decori that are present in Sarept begin the process of electing a new High Audite.

Isychia, quieting of Decori

Whilst the High Audite is seen as slightly above the rest of the Abates, the Decori and the Sopho Decori, the priesthood of the faith, are treated the same as any other Abate. Yet when one dies, the effects of this can be felt widely and generally with sadness. Many come to rely on the priesthood as a guide stone for their lives, acting as makeshift councillors, advisors and ultimately friends to those nearby.
The typical funeral processes are followed for the Decori although the body is draped with a cotton shroud which is covered in messages, imagery and prayers focus on the work the Decori had done in their lifetime. This is given in part as in gratitude to the deceased but also to help them pass the judgement of the gods in the afterlife, the Krisi. The more popular priests can have reams of cotton or sheets of paper placed by their bodies by those thankful for their counsel and advice.

It is common for a donation to be made to the family of the Decori after death to ensure the upkeep of their tomb and to fund any needed expenses. These families are normally held in good stead and given protection by the local nobility to ensure they are never burdened with debts. This could be in terms of employment or handouts.

From this day, until their last, I Anytos of Palytra, will open my home and my coffers to his wife and child. Know that my generosity and piety keep them warm at night in adherence to the lessons of Khydar.

Protarchikó, exemplar of the faith

The Decori and Sopho Decori are tasked with sharing the lessons of the Abics and teaching the Abates how to achieve Descendance. On occasion, the priesthood will find someone that personifies the teachings of the Abics which they can declare a Protarchikó, an embodiment of the faith and the paragon of a specific Abic. For example, the Sareptian general Illyrius was declared a Ceran Protarchikó, a paragon of Cera, for his staunch defence of Sarept in 87ASF. Someone is rarely named a Protarchikó for more than one Abic.
Once a Protarchikó has been chosen, they are paraded through the nearest city in a triumph before they are anointed in the Umbra by the priest that they chose them. They are given a diadem that symbolises their station and is permitted free access to the palaces and estates of the realm they reside in. Donning the diadem they are brought before the people and share the lessons and experiences that led to them being chosen. A banquet is laid on by the local nobility or royalty who permit the Protarchikó to eat first and be served by the king or noble personally before the meal starts.

^{The diadem given to a Kumosian Protarchikó}

The position of Protarchikó comes with an elevated social and political standing and many of those chosen will find many opportunities previously closed off now available. With unfiltered access to the nobles, kings and priests of the Abate world many see the Protarchikó as middlemen who give them the same access too.
The title can, however, be revoked if the Protarchikó decides to act in a manner not suitable for the position or previous vices come to light that cannot be ignored.

Typically, those awarded the station do not wish to lose the privileges that it provides or are devout enough that the concern is not warranted. It is rare for the position, once awarded, to be removed.

Temples and Shrines

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The majority of Abate festivals and holidays take place outdoors, not inside a temple or shrine. Some may start or end at the temples of the faith but most were public and open affairs. The core tenet of Abicracy, Descendance, focuses on the belief that mankind must follow virtue or suffer the end of the known world and this can only be achieved by the physical actions and choices of the faithful. Despite this, the Umbra, the temples of the faith, play an important role in Abicracy.
Each Umbra is dedicated to a specific Abic god or goddess, save the Sareptian Umbra where each Abic is honoured equally in the same temple. Despite the set focus on a specific Abic, the architectural design of the main temple follows the emblem of the faith, the Dodeka. With twelve columns, symbolising the ten Abics, Arrasil and the Abates, the temple is constructed in the shape of a twelve-sided polygon or a dodecagon. The roof is domed with a hole in the centre to permit sunlight to stream through.

Inside the main temple, a central statue of an Abic is placed above a pool of water symbolising the fact that the Abics brought water to the known world, ending the fires created by Arrasil. The wealthier Umbras have fountain systems that bring water in from the surrounding gardens and some have the ability to heat the water itself. The interior walls are typically decorated with stories showing the teachings of the relevant Abic and the dangers that come from ignoring their lessons or are adorned with statues and other valuable articles. The remaining floor space is used to hold the gifts and tributes given to the temple, typically valuables such as gold, silver or gems or symbolic items such as booty seized in war, historically important artefacts or specifically created articles for the temple itself. Some Umbras are said to hold wealth far greater than the treasuries of kings and emperors.

^{The central pool of Umbra, decorated with spoils of war}

Whilst the temples are the main parts of the Umbras, they are often accented with gardens, storehouses and a villa or townhouse depending on the size. It is common for an Umbra to be walled and gated although the gates are left open at all times. Taking from an Umbran garden, or stealing from the temple itself is sacrilegious and will result in capital punishment for the thief. The Umbra is also home to a resident Decori, who is tasked with the daily operation of the temple, and his staff who live with him. The Abates are welcome to visit the Umbra throughout the year for advice, prayer or to donate a sacrifice.
Geographically, the Umbras are normally built in an elevated location or near a prominent natural feature. Groves, waterfalls, rivers and mountain passes have all formed part of an Umbra. In larger cities and towns, you can find an Umbra designated to each Abic. In the smaller towns and the countryside, the Umbras are less plentiful and are dedicated to the most relevant Abic. Regardless of the size, each Umbra will have a sacrificial platform or altar for the Decori to commit sacrifices as thanks to the Abics. Some sacrificial platforms are ornately decorated, having been made out of marble, and accented with gilding, gems or ivory although altars of granite and limestone are more popular.

The land of this Umbra has been devoted to Brayon, champion of truth, on behalf of Charillos of the Amanes family in their generosity.

— A dedication on the wall of an Umbra

Each Umbra is funded by the local nobility or royalty through donations. Despite the vast cost involved in building and maintaining the temple complexes, it is considered a sign of wealth and prestige to be the main benefactor. The name of the man or family that funded the build is normally etched on the temple walls and they are given free rein of the complex and front seats at any religious festivals and celebrations.

Away from the Umbras, small shrines are common throughout the roadways and villages of the Abcritic world. Varying in size and detail, each will contain either a small statue or icon of the relevant Abic and is used mainly for libations or prayer. If an Abate force is on a campaign, it is common for them to have a number of these icons in their baggage train to set up ad hoc shrines for worship.

Religious Practices

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The religious practices of Abicracy focus on achieving Descendance, the return of the gods. To this end, each practice of the faith is aimed at evidencing understanding and the following of the Abic lessons. The main principles of worship are sacrifice, prayers and adhering to the Abic teachings themselves. A unique facet of the religion is that the gods themselves are not listening for individual actions. Instead, they are looking for proof that the Abates are following their lessons and teachings as a whole. An Abate understands that any gifts or devotions to the gods will not reward them personally but may, if others follow, avoid Arrasil's return and the destruction of the world. As such Abate acts of worship are viewed not only as essential for your own salvation, but the salvation and redemption of those around you too.

Sacrifice and Offerings

The offering of food, objects or the lives of animals is primarily used in Abicracy to symbolise the gifts given by the Abics and as a reminder that ignoring their lessons will see these gifts consumed in Arrasil's fires. Giving a portion of your belongings now to the Abics is seen as a step towards avoiding having to sacrifice everything if Descendance is not achieved. The more generous the sacrifice, the more an Abate has shown accordance to the Abic lessons. To this end, sacrifices are typically tailored for an individual Abic; a finely crafted sword for Kumos, a gem-studded crown for Lytos or a rare pelt for Suma have all been seen in the past as offerings.
The examples above are for those from a wealthier background and not the typical offerings made to the Abics. For Abates, there is no minimum standard for a sacrifice or offering provided that it is made in thanks to the Abics. A simple libation of wine or oil, a gift of coin or a sacrifice of cattle and livestock - all are acceptable in Abicracy provided that it brings Descendance closer and shows adherence to the Abic lessons.

Libations

The simplest of offerings in Abicracy is a libation - the ritualised pouring of a liquid for the Abics. Any liquid can be used although wine, milk, water and oil are the most common with the wealthier using the more expensive liquids such as wine and oil whilst the poorer use mostly water and milk. A libation is performed as an impromptu offering to the Abics and does not need to be done within an Umbra or with the blessing of a priest so is popular with those on campaign or far removed from cities and towns. It is common for a short prayer or oath to be given alongside the libation before the rest of the drink is then drunk by the Abate, signifying the link between the Abates and the Abics.

To you, Suma, I give this wine. I give thanks for keeping my hand and tongue straight in times of peril and hardship and will continue to do so with your guidance and knowledge. I hope your lessons strike true to all Abates.

— A brief prayer given to Suma, the Abic goddess of patience and emotional balance.

A libation is also used to accent an animal sacrifice either by pouring the offering directly onto the animal before it is slaughtered, into the flames of the umbra itself (with care not to extinguish the fires) or by mixing into the offering post sacrifice, either into the flesh or the blood. Provided that the libation is offered to the gods in some manner, the manner of delivery is not seen as too important. Libations play a part in the funerary rites of the Abates who believe that the dead, who will be judged by the Abics before entering the afterlife, can be aided with final offerings to give to the Abics on their final judgements.

Animal Sacrifice

The next level of worship above libations is animal sacrifice. In Abicracy, livestock is most commonly offered as they are the animals that the Abics provided to aid mankind in its survival. Cows, sheep, pigs, ducks and chickens are the most popular offering and each animal needs to be in perfect condition. Any ailments or disfigurements disqualify the animal from being sacrificed. It is typical for an Abate to donate animals to the priesthood for sacrifice although some of the larger Umbras have their own lands where they raise animals exclusively for the purpose. Once a sacrifice has been deemed worthy, following a close inspection by a member of the priesthood, it is cleaned in scented oils and garlanded.
To be sacrificed correctly, the animal must be calm and relaxed and the kill must be quick and clean, typically undertaken with a sharp ceremonial knife. The blood of the animal is collected before being poured onto the altar as a libation for the Abics and the animal is flayed, with the Umbra keeping the hide for sale. The carcass can then be offered entirely to the Abics, typically done in an attempt to make penance for a transgression or willful ignorance of the Abic lessons, or the meat can be eaten before the bones and offal are burnt as an offering for the Abics. If the sacrifice is offered wholly to the gods, then it must be made at night, whilst a shared offering must take place during the day.
If the sacrifice is offered in entirety to the Abics, then the fires must burn throughout the night to ensure that the bones, horns and/or talons are burnt entirely. The fire is then extinguished and the ashes are gathered and spread throughout the surrounding farmlands to aid in the growth of future harvests. The first part of the harvest would then be offered for sacrifice continuing the circle of growth and sacrifice.
If the sacrifice is to be shared with the gods and the Abates, then a feast is declared (if the animal is large enough) and the edible parts of the animal are cut up and cooked before being shared out with the attendants with bread and water. The priesthood takes the best cuts, before the nobility and then the common man takes the lesser cuts. Depending on the occasion, the feast can extend into multiple courses with varying food, beer and wine offered by benefactors if not mandated by the relevant festival and holiday. For example, the Dialéxeis contains the largest feasts in Abicracy and the feasts are made up of continued offerings to the gods and donations from the local nobility or businessmen.

Human Sacrifice

Whilst libations and animal sacrifice are encouraged in the faith, human sacrifice is deplored. It is rumoured that in the faith's early history, it was accepted in times of grave peril where it was believed that the sacrifice of an Abate would draw the Abics attention to their plight. As the faith matured, it grew to be accepted that the Abics were not listening to the Abates at all and as such a sacrifice was not necessary and actually harmed the chances of Descendance as unwarranted bloodshed was disdained by the gods.
Despite the agreement, there are those who believe that the sacrifice of those who have strayed far from the lessons of the Abics should be sacrificed to bring Descendance closer. If those who ignore the lessons are removed, then those who follow the lessons are more likely to tip the scales for the Abic's return. These opinions are not popular, nor accepted, and are exceptionally rare. However, throughout history, small cults and followings who take it upon themselves to cleanse the faith from those who actively ignore the Abic lessons although these groups are short-lived.

Prayers, vows and oaths

One of the defining points of Abicracy is that the gods have departed mankind and are no longer listening to their plights. Whilst other faiths use prayer to communicate with the gods, the Abates do not have this luxury. An Abcritic prayer gives thanks to the lessons given by the departed Abics, typically following an event where those teachings have been helpful. A victorious general may give prayers to Kumos for imparting lessons of valour. A successful diplomat may give prayers to Aria for teaching him to avoid faux pas in social conduct. Whilst the prayers will never be heard by the Abics, they will be heard by the Abates who speak or think of them and this will help them to follow the Abic lessons in the future.
In the same vein as prayers, vows and oaths were not to be heard by the gods but instead made to Abate themselves to ensure that they follow the lessons of the Abics and bring Descendance closer. A vow or an oath did not need to be made public to ensure that it would be followed but those in a position of power would often make their oaths public as a sign of trust. It is believed that taking a vow, and then reneging on that vow, would severely impact the chances of Descendance occurring and would near ruin the chances of gaining the relevant Abic's approval in the afterlife. It would take an immense effort to mend a broken vow and so they are typically viewed as an ironclad promise once given.

Teachings

Central to Abicracy is the lessons given by the departed Abics, the gods of the faith. During their time on the earth, the Abics taught their followers how to avoid the vices that they could fall into and how to embrace the virtues that they should strive to achieve. Whilst the gods have ascended, their lessons and teachings have been left behind and passed down through oral traditions and in Abcritic arts. Each Abic taught lessons on a specific vice and virtue and it is pivotal that all of the gods have their lessons adhered to, to ensure Descendance.
Whilst the other forms of worship are conducted as and when required, the teachings should be adhered to as much as possible although it is understood that this is not always feasible nor prudent. For example, Aidar teaches against buffoonery and boorishness however it is understood that some arts require buffoonery and some academia does need boorishness to ensure that the matter is covered sufficiently. The teachings are a target to strive for and not a benchmark for piety. A man that chases the lessons for their entire life is seen in a better light than a man who adheres to the lessons completely for a year before relaxing for the remainder of his life.

Religion and the State

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Abicracy forms an important facet of everyday life and this flows into politics too. No matter the wealth or power a man holds in the Abcritic world, he should embody the same lessons as all those both beneath and above him. The same principle applies to achieving Descendance. All men, no matter their status, have a duty to bring about the return of the gods. That being said, Abicracy is a religion based on mankind choosing a life of virtue and turning away from a life of vice so this duty is an expectation and not enforced. If the Abics themselves could not force their creation to follow their lessons then who are those in power to force their lessons onto the world in their stead.
This thought process extends to the Abate religious laws which are more guidelines with a few exceptions, normally focusing on the protection of the Umbras, the temples of the faith, and the Abate priesthood. The holy places and people of the religion are sacrosanct so any harm or waylaying that comes to them is viewed severely and harshly punished. Whilst the faith does not have any manner to conduct these punishments themselves, it is the responsibility of the local rulers to enact these sentences in their stead.
Publicly, one wants to show adherence to the Abic lessons. It is considered a point of pride to fund the Umbras so the wealthy and powerful ensure that they are linked to the creation and upkeep of the temples and the needs of any travelling priests. It is also considered a great honour to join the priesthood and many successful politicians, businessmen and generals will aim for a religious post - either for themselves or a family member. This practice is noted with disdain by the traditionalists of the faith who believe that the Abate offices are essentially being sold to the highest bidder instead of awarded to those who embody the Abic lessons to the fullest.

Priesthood

There is not a set priestly caste in Abicracy. In theory, any man or woman can become a member of the priesthood however this is rarely the case in practice. The religious offices are not funded by the state and the priests are expected to fund their own needs which ensures that only those that can afford to do so take a priesthood. All religious offices, except for the High Audite, are chosen by those already within the faith and are typically pulled from the nobility or the wealthier Abates, in some cases creating small dynasties of family members who have taken a religious office. Furthermore, it is common, although not mandatory, for those joining the priesthood to have already held some political offices as the connections granted from time in government aid the chances of gaining office. As the priestly offices of Abicracy do not require an absence from other work, many hold both political and religious offices at the same time.
Except for the High Audite, those joining the Abate priesthood can be male or female and are tasked to worship a specific Abic. The gods of Abicracy demand male attendants and the Abic goddesses are tended to by women. It is also expected that those taking a political office have embodied, in some manner or another, the lessons of the Abic that they are assigned to. An ex-soldier or general could take a post with the Kumosian priesthood. A career in the law courts could lead to a religious office amongst the Sypian priesthood. Whilst a member of the priesthood can stand down whenever they choose to do so, they are not able to change their office to worship another Abic. Once chosen, they much continue the worship of their appointed Abic.

Decori

The first level of the Abcritic priesthood is the Decori or Decora, depending on gender. The Decori focus on spreading the lessons of their assigned Abic god and the Decora do the same for their chosen goddess. Whilst they are permitted and do, share the lessons of all the Abics, they will primarily focus on the teachings of their Abic. Any man or woman can become a Decori provided that they can evidence their strong adherence to the Abic in question. For example, a convicted murderer will not be permitted to join the priesthood at all whilst a scribe with many years of experience may be permitted to join the Brayoni priesthood. Ultimately, it is expected that alongside religious fervour, those wishing to join the priesthood have relevant lessons of their own that they can impart in line with those of old. Returning to the scribe example, he or she will have likely worked for many years recording the events of the world and can explain, in real-life terms, how truth is important not only to their trade but to all who follow Abicracy.
If the above criteria are met, then a prospective Decori is invited to study within the grounds of an Umbra, the temples of the faith, with the residing Sopho Decori, the next tier in the faith's priesthood. This training can last anywhere between one to three years depending on the age and experience of the Decori in training. The preparation for the post will consist of history lessons, mainly on the faith itself, the lessons of all of the Abics passed down through oral tradition and a full understanding of the vices and virtues of the world. It is important to note that the religious offices of Abicracy are not full-time, and the same principle applies to the training too. Many will continue with other commitments whilst joining the priesthood and some must do so to keep themselves fed and clothed.
Once the training has been completed, the Decori is given an amulet marked with their Abic which they will wear around their necks for the rest of their lives. An Arian amulet will be inscribed with the image of the dove for example. To remove the necklace is to break the covenant made between yourself and the Abics and would require a great penance to be made, typically a sizeable donation to an Umbra or a consistent public showing of the virtues espoused by the Abics before the amulet can be re-worn. Alongside a covenant with the Abics, the amulet is a sign in the mortal world of their station and ensures that they are not harmed by those that would wish them harm and offers them protection and shelter when needed.
The office of Decori requires them to fill several roles at the same time. Some find themselves in the employ of the local leadership as advisors with some joining military campaigns to ensure that the soldiery does not take to unwarranted vice. Others will travel within their local region to share the lessons of the Abics and offer their advice to whoever requires it. All are trained to complete the faiths celebrations, sacrifices and take prayers if needed - particularly in the absence of a Sopho Decori. They can also be seen as arbitrators who are called in to judge local and regional issues. It is believed that they place the lessons of the gods at the forefront of their decisions and so aim to offer the fairest outcomes for all.

Sopho Decori

Whilst the Decori is the entryway into the Abate priesthood, the Sopho Decori are the next tier in the religious office hierarchy. The Sopho Decori follow a similar vein to the Decori, must choose an Abic to devote themselves to and must be able to embody the lessons that their chosen Abic espouses. A general could choose to become a Kumosian Sopho Decori for example. However, the office is chosen by the local leadership, be it a king or council, and so they can choose to what extent the applicant has met the criteria. Many will choose to elevate an existing Decori to the position whereas others who are chosen will not have held a religious office before. Some see the office of Sopho Decori as a reward for a life of service in their chosen field, so a successful politician may be elected to the office in reward for their service.
The Sopho Decori is placed in charge of a specific Umbra and the day to day operation of the temple and the grounds. They are welcome to hire staff to ensure smooth operation of the Umbra and typically undertake improvements throughout their tenure to venerate the Abics. This process has led to the accenting of many small Umbras into large complexes, funded entirely by the Sopho Decori or other benefactors. As with all Abate religious offices, the office of Sopho Decori is not salaried and this means that any incumbent must be able to pay for their own living costs and those of their staff meaning that the post is nearly exclusively filled by the wealthier nobility or businessmen.
Together with the day-to-day operations involved in running a temple, such as procuring food, managing donations and implementing repairs and construction works, the Sopho Decori is placed in charge of running the main festivals in the area around the Umbra. As such they hold an important role in the local community as they could oversee the potential return of the Abics. They are the ultimate point of information on the moral rights and wrongs of the time and their messages and lessons are ones that are listened to with great attention. Outside of the religious aspect of the office, many seek election to the role for this express purpose as it could aid them in achieving greater political or material success. The office is certainly difficult to bend to a political aspect, as the Abic lessons are set literally in stone (link to stone in Sarept with the Abics carved into it) but many have attempted to in the past, and some have succeeded. Many aim to have a Sopho Decori as a friend in case they ever need a convenient lesson.

High Audite

At the top of the Abate religious leadership is the High Audite. In the faith's early history, the High Audite was one of the descendants of Abbas, the founder of the faith and the last man to hear the Abics directly. It was believed that his descendants could enjoy the same power and aid the Abates directly in achieving Descendance. As Abbas' line has now ended, the position is filled by a member of the Sareptian nobility who is elected by his peers. The position is only available to the Sareptian nobility as they have ties to the faith's creation, as their forefather's lived alongside Abbas, and they reside in the holiest city in the faith, Sarept, where the gods last walked on the mortal world.
As with all religious positions in Abicracy, the High Audite is free to hold political offices whilst serving as a priest and typically does so. Once elected to the post, the High Audite will remain in office for life and must remain in Sarept for the remainder of his life in case the Abics offered their advice to him personally once more. Unlike the other office of the faith, the High Audite is exclusively male following on from Abbas and his descendants. The High Audite is given access to all royal hearings in Sarept and has access to the ruling monarch night or day at his pleasure, a unique privilege in the Sareptian Kingdom.
Whilst the Decori and the Sopho Decori are tasked with imparting the lessons of the Abics to the general populace, the High Audite is tasked with preparing for the Abics return. To this end, he oversees the Sareptian Umbra, the largest in the faith and the only one devoted to all ten of the Abics instead of the typical one. He has the power to hear the Abics directly on occasions and his advice is sought by many throughout the Abate world who will travel to ask for his thoughts and lessons personally. It is believed that he alone will be the first to see the Abics return to the mortal world so many will travel to Sarept for the Katagogi, the festival of Descendance, to see in person the prophesied return of the gods.

Harprum

All political offices of Abicracy are sacrosanct, meaning that harming or waylaying a member of the priesthood is a punishable offence, with the highest punishment being death. However, there are those in the world who would see harm brought to those who share the Abic lessons and the Harprum, guards of the priests, are on hand to ensure that this does not happen. The Decori are permitted two Harprum, the Sopho Decori are permitted five whilst the High Audite is guarded by twenty Harprum.
The Harprum are handpicked by the priest in question and do not have any pre-requisites for the position. Most have a military background and veterans, mercenaries and slaves have all been used in the past. The role is salaried with the daily rate kept the same since Abbas recruited his first Harprum. Whilst the payment will not make the Harprum rich, it ensures that they will be able to afford a comfortable life. Alongside the salary, the Harprum have their basic needs funded by their assigned priest and their armaments are also covered. These benefits mean that the Harprum will defend their employer not only out of religious fervour but to ensure their work continues.

Religion and the military

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Abicracy teaches that the gods themselves do not impact the material world and that all actions take place without their input. The choices of the faithful decide what will happen in the future and present and this logic applies to military campaigns too. Every man, from the general leading the campaign to the footman on the front lines, hold their successes or failures to their adherence to the lessons imparted by the Abics before their departure.
Each of the Abics has lessons that can be applied to strategic and tactical decisions. For example, the Abic goddess Sypia teaches on the merits of justice and righteous indignation. Those that ignore her lessons risk envy and spitefulness, both of which would hinder a general or a solider. To avoid this, and other failings, it is common for the generals and soldiers to make vows before a campaign and battle to show publicly that they will adhere to the lessons shared by the Abics which are likely to bring them victory. It is considered a bad omen for a general to refuse to pay homage to the Abics before battle and can severely damage morale.
If an Abate force is defeated, it is believed that they did not follow the virtues espoused by the Abics instead of tactical or strategic considerations. Bested generals can expect their career to be essentially over unless they can evidence 'penance' for their supposed ineptitudes. It is generally believed that a general slain on the field of battle will have been cleansed of their sin, however. On the other hand, those who are victorious are expected to give generously to the Umbra, generally loot from the vanquished, as they will have been successful as a result of the teachings of the Abics.
At the end of each day's march, it is expected that an army would make camp for the night. In this camp, a temporary Umbra must be created as a reminder of the Abic teachings. This Umbra is normally twelve small pillars topped with images of the Abics to mimic the design of a constructed Umbra. Despite the reduced size, the grounds are treated as an Umbra for all intents and purposes. It is here that sacrifices are made, vows are taken and a portion of the loot given to the gods is kept. Public events in the camp such as speeches, orders and executions also take place in front of this temporary Umbra which is always placed close to the commander's tent.
Alongside the sacred space placed aside for the temporary Umbra, a member of the Decori is always present on the campaign to offer advice and impact the wisdom of the Abics if needed. They conduct the religious duties needed for the camp and ensure that the festivals and holidays of the faith whilst on the march. They can also be called upon to resolve disputes within the camp.

Funerals and the afterlife

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Care of the dead

The Abates believe that the destruction of the body will ruin the chances for resurrection when the gods return. The flesh itself does not matter as that will be recreated upon Descendance but the bones must be kept intact. A missing limb, or entire skeleton, will result in damnation when the Abics judge the deceased on their vices and virtues in life.
It is common for funerary practitioners to offer to create artificial limbs and body parts to replace those lost in life and it is believed that the gods find this an acceptable practice. If the body has been lost, it is hoped that an effigy can be used and that the Abics will find and protect the lost body in the meantime.

Disposal of the body

Each burial is required to take place outside of the city limits, regardless of station, to avoid the physical and spiritual pollution given off by the corpse. The Abics are believed to visit the body after twelve days and take the shade for judgement. To ensure that this happens, the body must be disposed of before this date otherwise no judgement will occur and the shade will be damned.

Sacrifices

At each burial, a Decori is required to make a sacrifice to the Abics and ensure that the Abics are summoned to judge the deceased. As the sacrifice is entirely for the Abics, the ritual must take place after the sunset. As is typical for Abicracy, the sacrifice must be calmed before being killed in a single clean strike. The blood of the sacrifice is then sprinkled on the deceased to tie the sacrifice and the corpse together before burial. Finally, as the tomb is sealed a prayer is made and the remaining blood from the sacrifice is poured over the burial site.

Grave Goods

It is believed that if the deceased pass the Abics' judgement, then they remain in their tombs until descendance. This leads the faithful to ensure that their entombment is comfortable. Each corpse was accompanied by a lamp and clothing, ornaments, food and drink were popular. In some cases, pets will be killed to be buried alongside their masters to keep them company.

Eulogy

Before the body is buried, a eulogy is expected to be carried out. Those with the financial means to do so can hire a writer or performer whereas those without means can have a family member read the eulogy. It is exceptionally rare for a member of the priesthood to offer a eulogy and this honour is reserved for other members of the priesthood and royalty.

The life of the deceased is framed within the lessons of the Abics and it is expected that ten stories will be told where the deceased met those virtues, one for each of the Abics. After the oration, these stories are written down and then buried with the deceased. In the wealthier tombs, the lessons can actually be painted onto the walls with imagery included or chiselled works. The inclusion of the lessons with the deceased is to ensure that the Abics, during their judgement of the deceased, will have adequate examples of the virtues the deceased followed in their life.

In adherence with Aidar, Sotera always offered her friendship to those who needed it. Always smiled, always laughed. Never was there a friend that you could rely on more than her. Sotera made a point to listen intently to everyone equally and her loss to us is felt.

— A portion of a eulogy

Commemorations

After a eulogy, a feast is held as a sign of respect to those who organised the funerary processions. Twelve days after the funeral, another feast is held to welcome the Abics to the tomb. Libations are made and food is left in front of the tomb for the deceased to eat after they have passed judgement from the gods.
After this, annual visits are expected for libations and rituals. In practice, this will continue for three generations for individuals and a sacrifice to be made annually for all of the deceased that are older.

Tombs

As corpses are considered polluting, burials are not permitted within city and town limits, which led to the development of necropolises. The Abate dead are placed in purpose-built underground tombs underneath hills, in mountains or on cliff sides. Each requires a simple room to house the body big enough to house a body. This can be coffin-sized at a minimum and, for the poorest, a shallow grave covered in stone will suffice.
The wealthier families and royal families have built large catacombs with multiple rooms that house all of their ancestors and their possessions. For the larger landholders in the country, the option to dedicate a part of their land for burial is a common practice (if approved by a Decori). If the land is sold, it is common for the purchaser to permit access to the prior owning family and to ensure that the tombs are upheld and keep in good condition.

As the faith requires the complete skeletal remains to be kept in tack for resurrection upon Descendance, the corpses of the executed or disgraced are publicly burnt to ash before being cast into the surrounding rivers or farmlands. No procession or funerary arrangements are permitted for the cremated dead.
The growth of the necropolises has led to small towns growing outside of their restricted limits to offer food and shelter to those visiting or burying their dead and has permitted the growth of an undertaker profession that reside next to the tomb sites.

His fate will be the fate of all of us if descendance is not achieved, if like him we ignore the lessons of the Abics. There will be no judgement before the gods for him, no chance for redemption. You all still have a chance for redemption, a chance to avoid the fires that now consume him.

— A Decori at the burning of a murderer

Afterlife

In Abicracy, those that died were not truly gone. Not unless the fell short in the eyes of the Abics. Twelve days after the burial, the required period to make a burial, the gods would appear before the deceased and judge them on their life. Each god would bring their judgement on their linked virtues and each would need to be pleased with the life led by the dead. Failure to pass the judgement of a single god would result in damnation and the soul of the dead being sent to burn with Arrasil.
Those who pass this judgement, are permitted to remain, as a shade, in the mortal world and await Descendance. If Descendance occurs, then they are brought back to the mortal world to live for eternity without vice or threat of danger or illness. If Arrasil returns unopposed and lays waste to the world, then the Abics will abandon their creation entirely and cast the souls of the worthy into the unending fires. This belief drives many Abates to pursue Descendance as not only would they be damning themselves but their ancestors too.

Denominations

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Give thanks to Suma and her adherents. Those builders and workers who enshrined her virtue and whose creations keep our glorious city safe. The walls of Melita stand testament to those who have listened to the lessons of the divine and the bones of the fallen before our walls remind our foes of her grace.

— A speech given after the repair of the Melitan walls following an unsuccessful siege

Whilst the faith teaches that all of the Abics are equal and should be worshipped as equals, this is not always the case. There have been, and continue to be, those who place one or more Abics above another. This is done for several reasons; geography, culture and regional history. The Melitans, for example, who have relied on their twin walls for centuries have two large Umbra to Cera in the city, to show devotion to her lessons which have kept them safe for so long. The other Abics are worshipped in Melita but Cera takes pride of place as her teachings have visibly ensured the safety of the city.

It is also not uncommon for cities to found new Umbras after set events. After a large military loss, an Umbra to Kumos may be created to ensure his lessons are prioritised to avoid further failures. The downfall of a tyrant could lead to the creation of Lytosi Umbra to ensure future leadership is reminded of the lessons of the Abic. This focus on one Abic is normally short-lived, mainly until the problem that led to the new umbra being built is solved but these umbras are a good insight into the history of the cities and towns of Abicracy.

Outside of weighing a certain Abic more worthy of adoration than another, which is tolerated but not encouraged, some place Arrasil above the Abics and believe the Abics to be usurpers who have claimed worship despite betraying their father. These believers are called Discordants and are actively shunned, even hunted, so those harbouring these views worship Arrasil discretely. They are fire-worshippers who believe that Arrasil's return will burn away the vices that the Abics failed to cure with their lessons and teachings. They believe that mankind will always turn to vice and Arrasil offers an easier resolution to that compared to the lectures offered by the Abics.

The Decori tell us to heed the lessons of the Abics and the gods will return. Where are their gods? Why have they not returned? They lied to us and they continue to lie to us. Arrasil demands nothing and offers virtue at no cost - not scolding lessons for perceived failures and demands that can never be met. Yet they call us the lost?!

— A Discordant refuting the Abics as the rightful gods of the faith

Abicracy

The Faith of the Twelve

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Practices and Beliefs

Descendance • Katagogi • Dialéxeis

Priesthoods

Decori • Sopho Decori • High Audite

Deities

The Abics • Arrasil

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Founder

Abbas

Foundation Date

c. 110BSF

Demonyn

Abates

Place of Founding

Sarept

Holy Cities

Sarept

Arishat

Perperika

Primary Religion in

Sareptian Republic

Ahiramian Kingdom

Myndoplic Republic

Posilenic League