Irukyou

Overview
A religion founded in what is modern day Nim on the continent of Nathea. Those who believe this faith are followers of what is doctrinally defined as Personified Existence. Although the most commonly used title is Great One. Followers are most primarily found in Nathea, although new efforts have seen new communities in the Nellenial Kingdom emerge.

Tenants
All being are in a system of submission and dominance. This includes the many deities whom so many worship.

The final end to this system is one who is not a being, but rather “being itself”

The faithful “cut out the middle men” in the system, declaring loyally to this Personified existence.

Praetorian Variance
In the southern nation of Praetoria the idea of the Great One is commonly accepted, but there is a continued dispute whether or not the gods can still be worshipped in addition. The nobility tends to keep the traditional worship of their ancestral deities. This syncretic faith remains the legal standard.

Holy writing
From the records of Pariah Mercton- (Monks of Irukyou give up their family names and take that of a follower of Talad. Hence Rivel having the same name, no relation though.) On a hill, miles from the battle watched a young man, roughly 25 years of age; his name was Talad. Now Talad had lived under the rule of the cultists his entire life, thus he knew of the evils they committed. His village resided close to that darkest of cities, which provided a sort of security because the Cultists viewed the people there as a strategic supply should a need arise. The cult at this time would take sacrifices from afar, so as not to wipe out the population. Talad had been out tending to goats when he saw the approach of the army. It was not strange that news had not arrived, travel was forbidden. Talad knew not if other villages, but he thought they must exist; where else would those taken to the city come from otherwise. This hill was a far as he had ever gone, much better than below the hill never know what is up top. At least here he could look out afar. It was during such a moment when he spotted the gathering armies. Years ago, when Talad was a boy, a visitor the only one Talad had ever seen, came to the village. The man walked down the streets, but all remained locked in their houses, fearing his coming. Still the village heard the words he shouted out. He told the people to gather hope for the army of the gods would be coming to free all from the cult’s grasp. It didn’t take long before the man was taken by silhouettes, he cried as he was taken, no longer shouted because his tongue had been ripped out. Still his words were whispered among the villagers and some even hoped them to be true.

Looking out Talad wondered if this was the army of the gods finally arriving to throw down the cultists. He watched from afar, one side in shining armor in stark contrast to the easily recognized silhouettes. The battle was fierce, even at this distance Talad could hear the fighting, although visually only rough details could be made out. Magics from both side flew out; divine rays being met with dark pulses. Talad pondered on this event.

After a time gasping breath was heard approaching behind Talad. He turned and saw some men form the village,they were opening weeping in despair. The cult’s minions had come and stolen away those of the village. Only they remained, shamefully having fled. Talad knew nothing could be done, so they sat. For the first time the men looked out and noticed the battle. “What is this happening?” they asked. Talad responded it is the army of the gods come to save us.” One spoke out “save us? It is because of this that our people were taken!” But then a youth spoke “Perhaps our people can still be saved if the cult is defeated!” A faint hope was felt by all. This hope proved short lived however. The battle ended with both sides ravaged. The few remaining silhouettes walked over their fallen, fighting to the end. The other army though was made of men whose nerve finally broke and ran. (Side note like 400 silhouettes remained and maybe like 6000 soldiers ran. Most had known this was a fight to the bitter end so that’s why they people hadn’t broken earlier. I’m thinking that near the end is when the Shinyama leader is killed, so that breaks moral) The men wept anew for they knew no hope remained. Talad however stood in silence. His thoughts racing. ''How could it be that the gods could be so evenly matched by those of evil? How could those who are supposed to rule the land and people be unable to stop those who oppose them? This battle of good and evil also took place among men. (So, Talad’s going to make an assumption based on his knowledge of society. Specifically, that people serve land holders--city rulers—warlord) Thus it must be that the gods were not unlike men, they themselves battled for control on the world. Therefore, One must be greater then they! ''Suddenly Talad knelt down and prayed, “Great One whom even the gods owe their creation, hear me in my need! A darkness has come that even those good deities cannot overcome, thus failing in their duties to those below them, so I now turn to the One whom even they must listen. Then look upon us then and help us for if evil is equal to the gods only one greater can overcome it. I, myself would fight to strike this evil down if only I had the arms (weapons) in which to do so. Then a light came from Talad’s hands, and a voice spoke “You have the arms which I gave you, it is sufficient.” They men around Talad stood back in shock. “You are no magic user how do you do this?” Talad proclaimed “I no longer serve the stewards, but now serve the master. So power has been granted to me!” He then stretched his hands out to the men. The young from before walked forth from the group and grasped the hand and his too began to glow. Slowly the other also began to approach and take his hand. (they also glowed) In total not included Talad the men were 14. The men approached the cultists’ city. Having broken the enemy army and preserving their power; the cultists’ believed all threats gone and were lax. Talad and his companions entered the city. Despite shining, the cult sentries took no notice of the intruders. It was as if their eyes were so clouded by darkness, that they could no longer see light. Once inside Talad’s righteous justice began. The companions struck down many of the cultists as they walked to the city center. Finally, they reached the central pool of the cult. The sight of which would have caused many who abandon all hope and despair. (My image is something like a large pool of blood and remains in the center of the city. The cult would like bath in it to draw power) Despite this a new resolve grew in the companions’ hearts. Many of the cultists had returned to regain their strength after the battle and being catch unaware, were dispatched.

All that remained then was the cult’s high chancellors, who now perceived the light radiating around them. This was so that they could experience the fear they once delighted in creating. Thus was this evil brought to its knees, Talad himself striking the final blow. Captives were freed, even some from the village, and together tore apart all that the cult had built. People dispersed spreading tale of the Hero Talad, who struck down the cult. Work then began on a new city one in which would serve as the center for a new way. Man would now deal directly from That which is above the deities of the world. The city took its name from the hero being called Taladria.