Religions of Evad

[Wargamer]

Presented below are the religions of Evad, both current and past. Some have grown in strength, whilst others have faded entirely. Also provided is a summary, providing the “Origin” of the religion, it’s current status, it’s symbol, and the chosen weapon for its followers.

Alyx:
Alyx is the King of Evad, and hailed as a god my many.
Born in the village of Evad (meaning “people’s home”), Alyx went on to unite the lands that would become Evadia, and was hailed as their greatest warrior.

Alyx did not become a true “god”, however, until the end of the War of Chaos. After the War, the Temples of Alyx were built, and the first Praetorians trained. Since then, Mages have held little status within Evad, and are largely distrusted.

The Temple of Alyx is very accepting of other religions, providing they are not Chaos cults, or encourage the use of Magic.

The symbol of the Temple is a white Greatsword, although many consider the traditional Evadian Longsword to be an equally acceptable symbol.
Origins: Founding/War of Chaos.
Current Status: Primary Evadian Religion.
Symbol: White Greatsword/Evadian Longsword.
Chosen Weapon: Evadian Longsword.

Andrin:
Like Alyx, Andrin was a warrior-cult. The origins are lost now, as the coming of Alyx largely overshadowed the Cult and its followers. The death-knell for this religion was the founding of the Temples of Alyx, although many believe the cult was long-dead by then...

Andrin was, as far as records show, a warrior of great renown. It is said that the people lived in the mountains, and life was hard and miserable. Disgusted at this, he summed from the sky a sword of steel, and used it to slice the mountains in half, revealing fertile lands for his people to dwell. One half became the Worlds Edge mountains, and the other half became the Vulcan Mountains. The cult believed that Andrin would return for a final, terrible war, a war that was known as the End Times, where he would lead his people to war.
The chosen weapon is the sword, and probably the origin of the Evadian Longsword.
Origins: Pre-Founding.
Current Status: None (Dead Religion).
Symbol: A steel sword.
Chosen Weapon: Sword.

Leviathan:
Leviathan are mighty sea-dragons, growing up to 100' in length. These titanic beasts are said to roam the waters of Evad, destroying the ships of those who do not appease them.

Small wonder then that the Leviathan Cult is so strong, especially within Junon. Few Evadian sailors will journey without the blessings of the Leviathan. Even if these sea-dragons do not reap their revengs on a disrespectful ship, Tal'set might; for he is said to have links with these beasts, and thus their enemy is his enemy.

The symbol of the Leviathan is the Leviathan itself. Normally, this is depicted on a silver talisman, or ring. A Leviathan as a figurehead is also very common.

In an amazing break from social norms, the Leviathan Cult is not a Warrior Cult, although many military sailors have the Leviathan engraved upon their blades.

It is very likely that the Leviathan Cult exists elsewhere. Cathay is known to follow this Cult, and according to Tal'set, Leviathans dwell in their waters too. It is safe to assume, therefore, that the Cult will spring up wherever these creatures are found.
Origins: Pre-Founding.
Current Status: Major Secondary Religion.
Symbol: Leviathan.
Chosen Weapon: None.

[Wargamer]

The Alyx Cult Divide:
Believers in Alyx are not united. Indeed, there are many different variations on the general theme, and new factions spring up periodically.

Listed here are the main sub-cults within the Alyx religion:

The Harladites:
A puritan faction, the Harladites believe that the only true way to fight is with sword and shield, and to eshew ranged combat entirely. Indeed, they often question the very anthem of Evad, claiming "With Bow and with Sword" is a mistranslation, of Brochow, meaning "Reaching Death", a name often used for Harlad Glaives.

Extremist Harladites say that any who use ranged combat is a traitor to Evad, and dishonour themselves. On occasion, such puritans have gone to war with their Kakrian and Essenvage kinsmen. Because of this, those in power always ensure that Harladites, especially extremist ones, never reach positions of too much power...

Harladites are mostly found in the Harlad quarter of Alexhiem, which was built upon the ruins of Harlad. They also have a strong following in Tabberriek.

Modernists:
Founded less than two-hundred years ago, the Modernist movement is strongest amongst the Kakrians, although Alexhiem has many followers (especially in the Guild of Engineers), and Essenvage is known to have a small gathering of these believers.

Modernists believe, as most Evadians do, that war is a holy act, and that to fight and die in battle is the greatest honour a man (or woman) can achieve. However, it is their ethos which differs.

Most Evadians see ranged battle as a necessity. After all, dieing in battle may be glorious, but it is better to win and live. For this reason, men train in the use of bow and blackpowder. However, Modernists believe that there is equal honour in all forms of battle, be it with sword or cannon. This fanatical desire to create new and better weapons is generally viewed as unhealthy, but the Modernists produce the best cannons and fusils, and anyone who has seen their armaments at work cannot doubt their value.