Isharim

Book of Debates

To hold faith without inquiry is to be silent without true purpose.

— Arguments 5:10

  The Book of Debates, also known as "Arguments", is the opening canticles within the Isharim. Arguments displays the theological debates that St. Lucia held with the various theological schools during her time as a scholar and empress about the nature of the Dium and Human. Not only does this book lay out the philosophical nature and foundations of ideals for the Lucian Faith, but also showcases the relevant arguments of her time, as well as her answer to these debates. During his rewrites, St. Bython even illistrated that Arguments be the first book, so that new followers may silence any judgments they may have against the faith first and continue forth with fresh eyes   Arguments condemns enslavement and murder of both Dium and Man, and advocates for sacred pacts built on trust and consent. It also holds that the Dium are beings of nature, and not gods or tools. It refutes the sacrifice of spirits and forced bindings of pacts.  

Book of Pacts

"To bind is to become one with change. To become one with change is to trust that change is neither good nor bad. To trust this, is to risk ones own self in becoming something new.

— Bindings 7:18

  The Book of Pacts, often referred to as "Bindings", but also the "Bythonian Canticle" is the chapter that acts as the theological guide and method process for summoning a Dium and forming the sacred pacts with them. It contains detailed illustrations and clear instructions on the ceremony, as well as senses of within oneself and guide to control emotions. It also outlines in great clarity the responsibilities of both the spirit and the mortal when forming a pact. Within this section, one learns of the metaphysical change that occurs within the mortal upon making a pact, known as "The Binding". While this chapter was originally written by St. Lucia, it was heavily expanded upon, illustrated, and even explored deeply by St. Bython of Karaka.   This chapter also details many of the Dium and their connections to the Changing Realm. It is through this that Pact-makers can see the raw and unbridled power that these creatures hold and can understand what they may be able to achieve.  

Book of Fallen

Even the brightest of fires casts a dark shadow

— Corruption 1:7

  The Book of Fallen, often simplified to "Corruption" is the chapter that illustrates the consequences that occur when pacts become imbalanced and the stripping of ones essence. It describes how the stripping of the essence is equal to the loss of one's own identity. The slow decline in their minds as they become essentially tools to their own desires. The chapter, originally the shortest chapter, was lengthened and detailed by St. Bython of Karaka, who felt the knowledge of this chapter would be benefitical to all who read the book. However, over the last few centuries, it has become less and less mentioned and has returned to the shortest chapter in the Isharim - though no reason has been given as to why.  

Book of Origins

In the beginning, before the light or its shadow, before there was breath or thought, there were two beings: the Great Will, Who is, and the Great Void, Who is Not.

— Origins 1:1

The Book of Origins, often simplified to Origins is the chapter written about the time immemorial which existed before the Changing Realm's existence. It delves into the formation of the Great Will who consumed the vast Void and gave birth to the universe known as Still Realm. It explores the history of the Great Will's first children, the Dium, and how the Dream of Change led to the creation of the world they now inhabit as well as the vast war in heaven between the Watchers and the Rousers, as well as the ever-sleeping Dreamers.   This chapter also covers a brief history of the rise of the Kadian Empire, their conquests over their native Desh territories, and the birth and early life of St. Lucia herself.   While it was written by St. Lucia, and has been held cherished by the Arbiters of the Order of the Seal of St. Lucia, many Luminary Councils this chapter is rarely spoken of outside of intense theological circles during discussions on understanding its meaning.  

Book of Travels

To carry the flame of knowledge to places untouched by its light.

— Travels 12:19

  The Book of Travels, often simplified to "Travels", but sometimes referred to as "Memoirs" in southern Azora, is the chapter that chronicles the creation of St. Lucia's Fellowship and School of Thought. It also briefly covers the early lives of her three acolytes who journeyed across the Kadian Empire, as well as their stories and persecutions they faced. This chapter was not authored by St. Lucia, but was canonized after her death as she had kept these letters and records in her writings during her final days.   Travels is often looked at to also study the aspects and ideas of older religions and how their influence changed the early faith. It also includes many stories, both real and presumed fictional, that act as moral tales and are recounted by the faithful.   The chapter ultimately culminates in St. Lucia return from beyond the Dream and her escape from the Still Realm during the Kadian Collapse.  

Book of Promises

TBA

— TBA

  The Book of Promises, also known as "Madness", "Revelations", "Prophecies", and "Darkness" is the final canticles written by St. Lucia and remains the only one uneditted or unchanged by St. Bython of Karaka. The chapter details the beginnings, ends, and all things of the Dium and Mankind. It explains the Great Will and its powers as well as the deep connections between the two realms. It also details the meeting she had with the Great Will, the promises she made and the promises the Great Will holds for all. It details the reality beyond the changing realm and all things that exist outside of our world.   However, despite the tremendous insight granted by this, many still fail to understand its meaning or some of the hidden meanings it holds due to much of it being untranslateable or lost to the records.   It is noted by Bython that even he, over the twelve years he undertook translating and rewriting, felt he only scratched the theological surface of understanding her message. While the chapter is accessible, much of it has been considered hysterics by Lucia during the end of her unnaturally long life.