Agoyō
No one could ever match the perfection of the celestials, this all followers of Yuiwia knew well. But what of those who, by the manner of their birth or death, or how they lived their lives, reached some state closer to the gods than the common man could ever hope to? These exceptional individuals could be declared Agoyō, or Hallowed, by the grace of the Sō-Thadi.
Requirements
Every Agoyō gained the title due to traits associated with the celestials as a whole or one of their faces, or aspects as they were often called. Whether it was a lifetime of kindness and humility, a single act of bravery and sacrifice or a miracle bestowed upon the ill and desperate, some manifestation of the divine was required in order to bring a person to the attention of the Sō-Thadi, who had the sole power to declare someone an Agoyō.
History
The concept of venerating those who dedicate themselves to the celestials was an old one by the time Agoyō as a title came about. Those who manifested some aspect or skill of old Soyaewa's, or who could perform miracles and magic, were honored as something above the rest of humanity in local communities around these unique individuals.
The first written mention of an Agoyō originated from the time of the fourth Sō-Thadi Alōhsēha, whose eyes were said to see the divine in people. She looked upon a newborn child of a miner and declared him a miracle, a gift from the celestials.
Over centuries, as Yuiwia evolved as a faith and an organization, the title of Agoyō shifted as well. The requirements and rituals related to the declaration of a Hallowed, as well as the support and opposition showed toward them, ebbed and flowed and changed with the birth of every new sect and group within the faith.
The Hallowed of Yuiwia
Lezōho
A boy born to a family of miners, he was declared Agoyō soon after his birth by Sō-Thadi Alōhsēha. He was taken from his family to a secluded temple far from civilization, where he could grow up "in an environment better suited for his destiny".
Decades later a man by the same name appeared in the outskirts of Nīwulā Valley with a lute in his hands and a lifetime of stories to tell. His life inspired others to pick up music and travel the world, spreading a glimmer of joy to those who knew none.
Yōbyagi
He devoted himself to Nui after famine drove him out of his old life. In a small temple he found a new life for himself, and the Moon Mother became his idol and example to strive toward.
He gained the ability to take away all pain and fear, so the story goes, and it was this miraculous gift which brought him to the attention of the seventh Sō-Thadi, and named Agoyō.
Lilae
She lived as a healer dedicated to Sō, wandering towns and cities in search of the ill. She was found by soldiers serving the tenth Sō-Thadi Aezotēwa and brought to the dying king. After her skills brought him back from death's door, Aezotēwa declared her Agoyō.
Ēzabu
He was a soldier for most of his life, following orders of his commanders over any divine laws. He lived during a time of many wars, and wherever he went victory seemed to follow no matter how certain defeat had been.
He was declared Agoyō by the third Sō-Thadi Tēhlebao after his death on the field of battle, where his sacrifice ensured a victory and the lasting conquest of the upper regions of Nīwulā Valley.
Laezalya
She was never declared Agoyō by the Sō-Thadi, but honored as such by the community in the Upper Valley where she lived her life.
Her tale began to grow after her repeated success in divining raids and misfortunes of the small mining village. Because of her, the villagers had time enough to hide their valuables and themselves whenever raiders from the mountains came looking for blood and riches.
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