As perhaps the most dominant religion and Pantheon of Ethecorra, I felt it important to let you explore, however briefly, the belief system that defines so much of humen life. As with all religions on this planet, Numenism has its roots in an ancient and archaic religious system that has been lost to time. A few fragments of scripture appear from time to time, but it’s almost impossible to trace this ancient religion that is the foundation of all known religions today.
Numenism is founded on the worship of the Father-God. His true name has been lost to time, but His essence remains the same. His teachings are passed down through doctrine written, interpreted-and enforced- by the Church of the Sanctum of Light.
In its teachings, it is written that the Father-God created humanity and will one day return for the righteous. The righteous are those who embody purity, restraint and devotion. To have power is a sign of divine favour, but pleasure, indulgence and magic are corrupting forces. Sinners will not be taken, and therefore are at the mercy of the Death God, trapped on Ethecorra for eternity.
It may be difficult now to trace the development of Numenism from its archaic counterpart- but I remember the days when the Gods walked the earth.
When Numenism was new, and the tenets were yet to be scribed by Priests, the Father-God still walked the earth. He loved his creations, deeply. Crafted in his image with a spark of something that was uniquely his, he wished to protect his children from the fear, sorrow and pain that came with beauty, desire and love. And so, to protect them, he forbade it all.
I like to think he would be ashamed of his children, all these years later. He forbade pleasure only for them to monetise it. He taught restraint and they turned it into control. I have seen his Brotherhood, sinking into the depths of pleasure behind closed doors. I’ve seen empires fall and new ones rise, founded not on the holiness He taught, but on the power and control they wield in His name.
I try to remain impartial as I witness the sons and daughters of the Brotherhood. But I cannot deny the smile that tugs at my lips when the rebellious ones begin to rise and reclaim their desires.
~ Nerien.