Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor Part 4

Corgastodmarism in Everos and the Ehrohenod     Corgastor's blood pulses strong in the hearts of his people, as it has since the final days of the Ascension era. It is through his guidance and strength that the Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor has managed to survive and thrive over the dark centuries thereafter. In return, the faithful have forged their society around his example. This close relationship between deity and state is a defining aspect of the Corgastodmar realm and is central to its culture and history. The foremost pillars of the faith are the Temples of Corgastor, ministered by the Solhes of Corgastor, who are his olûndari agents in Qadal. Almost every settlement, from the smallest village to the largest city, or even the most isolated frontier fort has a temple or shrine to their master. Often times, the settlement in which a temple is situated radiates from said temple, just as the blood of life flows from the heart. In times of peace and prosperity, or war and suffering, the people of Everos look to halls of Corgastor for protection.   The venerable faith of Corgastor roots itself deep within the existing traditions of Aebaster worship. It was Aebaster, the creator of Aemarda following the First Feud, who millions of people held high during the centuries prior to Corgastor. In their canon, the eldest of the Eshan created Aemarda from the waters of Qadal, and in that way established the foundation for Qadayen civilization. The faith, therefore, reflects this creation by practicing rituals of holy purification and prayer- engaging with the essential element of olûndari creation. Figures called Oberegest administered these rites and prayers from waterside temples to Aebaster, ranging from small shrines along a winding creek to grand houses perched upon the shores of the sea. Corgastodmar later adopted the same system of worship within chosen structures but dropped the association with water and formalized the hierarchy of the Ehrohenod. In many ways, the two remain quite similar, and Corgastodmarism is considered a successor and ally to Aebaster worship. The lingering difference between them is that Aebaster worshippers continue to hold their master above all other Eshan, rather than yield their esseythu to a lesser successor. Indeed, many worshippers of Aebaster acknowledge that Corgastor possessed a special relationship with Aebaster, and others still agree that Corgastor is the rightful heir to Aebaster’s people. The narrow differences between them allowed Aebaster worship to endure in a Corgastodmar environment, unlike other regions of Qadal.   Amiable relations between the established Aebastadmar faith and Corgastodmarism allowed the nascent religion to survive the turmoil of the Weeping Era that followed the collapse of Étunas. Within the lifetime and shortly after the death of Corgastor, there was no faith at all. Average Evosmar people, peasants and gentry alike, simply considered the exploits of Corgastor to be validation of existing Aebaster worship. When the wars were past, Corgastor retired to Velgishemas and settled among the three towers he had built to house himself and his companions. It was a curiosity to his old allies- the victor of Aemarda’s great conflict against the Etayen, retired and surrendered to obscurity and silence. They did not know about the deal brokered between him and Nassarus Nathroghal during the rebellion, which stated that Corgastor would not unite the tribes of Everos following victory but retire from leadership. Fellows such as Aragos, Salicad, Alyth, Illidra, and others urged Corgastor to crown himself sovereign and forge Everos into a powerful realm of Aemarda in Qadal. When he refused, they plotted among themselves of how to make use of their victory. Schemes of rebellion and assassination were suggested but quickly abandoned.   The question defied clear answer. Whilst the chieftans and lords who followed Corgastor began to disperse back to their respective realms, the close allies of the Liberator strove to rally support around the rapidly crumbling alliance. This deterioration was not caused by internal stife between the victorious leaders, but rather from disunity and a lack of consensus. Those chiefs who hailed from the distant south, west, and east wished to return to life prior to Corgastor’s victory- barring the existence of Étunas. Figures from the north and heart of Everos, such as Illidra, Aragos, and Salicad desired the formation of a unified Aemar realm surrounding Corgastor. In that way, the disparate Aebaster worshipping tribes could gather together under a single leader and repluse future attempts by the Etayen to reassert themselves or prevent the chaos of competing Aemar powers. With Corgastor’s refusal to don the crown of Evosmar rule, those desparate allies began to utilize the reputation of Corgastor to meet their ends, rather than appealing to the man himself. They venerated him, both as friends and followers. A small enclave of Corgastodmar settlements formed in that aftermath period, but the story of Corgastor and his victory silently shifted into the realm of legend. A new era in Qadal’s history followed the Evosmar victory, one in which the enemies and allies of old meshed with uncertainty and fear.   During the Weeping Era, which lasted from zero to 1150, Corgastodmar found refuge among the Aebasterites whom they called bretheren. With Corgastor himself long dead, they became a minority on a continent which embroiled itself in senseless warfare for dominance. However, they held hope. Upon Corgastor’s death, fable states that Aebaster elevated his chosen follower to the ranks of the Ebal’eshan. His close allies held this to be true. Those who followed him strove nobly to maintain the legend of Corgastor, such as Aragos who succeeded him as lord of Velgishemas, which was renamed Ghethemas. They forged a religious association with Corgastor and began work on the first iterations of the Edrasils, penned around the year 25 by Alyth. These Edrasils were the combined lessons of Corgastor himself, the words and opinions of his chief allies, and the blessing derived from Aebaster during his lifetime. Moreover, they were a defense. The reception of Corgastor in the years following his death was mixed, for a great disdain was held among the Aemar who desired unity rather than sectionalism after Atûn’s demise. The Liberator did not grant this but departed to death without guidance.   In the Trident of Ghethemas, which Aragos built during his reign, the Corgastodmar stored and expanded the document. The Aebasterites who favored them assisted by preserving and disseminating the literature among the surrounding Aemar tribes, given that Corgastor was an agent of Aebaster himself. Doctrinal discipline was sorely lacking in this early compliation, named the Velgishemas Edrasils- in truth, nearly anything written by followers of Corgastor or regarding Corgaster was included. The pillars that support the manifold temples of Corgastor and those who keep them became these new, official Edrasils. The name means 'The Lessons' in the tongue of the ancient Evosmar, which is a simple label of their purpose. The lay people of Everos typically follow its teachings closely, but it is not unheard of for members of the ecclesiastical class to debate and closely scrutinize the meanings of the Edrasils. Corgastor may have been a great leader and chosen of Aebaster, but he was far from all knowing, for no being in all the world know everything, not even the great Ácolitus.   While the messages of fairness and goodwill are universally held among Qadayen civilizations, the Edrasils stand as a unique collection of works because of their volumous history. The books form the basis of Corgastodmar theology and theory yet defy authorship by a single hand.   Following the creation of the first Edrails and birth of the nascent Corgastodmar faith, the followers of Aebaster’s chosen master found themselves swept away by conflict between squabbling factions. This is generally known as the Aemardic Schism and lasted from around 105 to the 1100s. At heart, the matter was a dispute between numerous cults. The destruction of Étunas left lands in southern Everos unoccupied that had been closed for centuries. Tribes and kings of every description rushed to take advantage of the sudden power vacuum, trampling over and fighting one another in bitter wars. The Corgastodmar were entirely unable to stem the chaos, and the faithful were driven away from preaching and forced to defend the area around Ghethemas. Aebasterite lords held them in fair esteem, for it was generally considered that Corgastodmarism was a mere sect of the wider worship of Aebaster. This general status quo remained for the following centuries, as the Corgastodmar slowly built up their reputation and base of power around Ghethemas. However, the violent conflicts of the Weeping Era prevented significant developments, and the religion remained a minor player on the geopolitical field. They were compelled to constantly compete with followers of other Nelsorian descendants, such as Alyth, Aragos, Salicad, and others. During that period, the small number of Corgastodmar continued to expand and forment the ideas first penned in the Edrasils and built up the legend of Corgastor as the great savior of Everos. By 300, there were perhaps some 3,000 faithful Corgastodmar in Everos. Those that existed were scattered across the continent, often isolated within their own bastions.   While the Corgastodmar struggled to survive during the turbulent era, the aforementioned temples of his allies flourished in strength.   Around the year 500, well into the era of the Weeping Era, the Corgastodmar faith had grown sufficiently with the assistance of Aebasterites to warrant other, competing versions of the Edrasils. While the Velgishemas Edrasils remained the de facto collection of Corgastodmar theological works, robust bodies of work appeared in Eroyther, Loryne, and Merindras. All four of them agreed on the same basic principles of Corgastor’s unique divinity as Aebaster’s chosen agent, the de jure lordship he was entitled to among all realms of Aemarda in Everos, and destiny of Corgastor’s faithful to rule over and dominate Everos. The differences between them lie with interpretation and commentaries, or the material that later generations of scholars added to the Edrasils.   Conflict and warfare over the legitimacy of the Edrasils continued for the remaining duration of the Weeping Era, threatening to destroy the Corgastodmar faith from within. It was in those late centuries, around the 800s and 900s, when the Aebasterites began to break with the Corgastodmar. No longer was the faith considering a mere sect within the Aebaster cult, but something entirely separate and dangerous. Villages were abandoned, cities looted, hundreds slain- all in the name of one Corgastodmar sect or the other, waging constant war over abstract theological differences. They gained a reputation as a threat to continental peace and prosperity, reaching the point of villainization by local populations.   Meanwhile, the competing worships of Corgastor’s companions followed a parallel, yet wholly different narrative. A pantheistic mode of thinking rose among the Eshanically educated yet doctrinally adrift thinkers of Everos. Why pursue a single cult- Corgastor, Salicad, Alyth, or otherwise, when victory was achieved through their common efforts? Surely Aebaster favored them all to greater or lesser degrees. Beginning in the 900s, these new holy figures capitalized on the fresh religious chaos to peddle the new ideology, garnering much attention and success.   The new Ehrovelgisûn faith thrived throughout the remaining century and into the 1100s.   The all-pervasive chaos and devastation of the Weeping Era and Aemardic Schism ended in 1164, when Solhesunbast Hemogar proclaimed the Ascension of Ghethemas. This bold assertion of Eshanic canon claimed that Corgastor was proven, once and for all, to be the deity uplifted by Aebaster. He was thus the master of Aemarda and the guide toward its prosperous future. The evidence was written through the visions of Ghet Horst Goldheart, his conquests and victories, along with the Eshara granted unto him by Corgastor. The other cults dedicated to the Nelsorians were thus moot relics unworthy of faith. However, Solhesunbast Hemogar was wise and perceptive. Denouncing the other Nelsorian cults and shaming their members would serve to exacerbate the existing tensions between them. He wished to cultivate an Ehrohenod, or Community of Faith, which could speak for the Aemar population of Everos and grant it power.   In 2122, the Ehrohenod surged in strength.   The Ehrohenod reached its maturity after 3304, with the collapse and conquest of Grathem.   Calamity struck the Ehrohenod in 3451. The Etayen invaded the Evosmar continent in the early months of the year, bringing death and destruction with them. In all, the host numbered some 30,000 esseythu. Gallant Corgastodmar defenders stood against them but were brushed aside with unrelenting force. These enemies settled themselves around the ancient city of Drakar, which was once the capital of Jeqasghal during the Ascension era.   In the aftermath of Corgastor’s death, the realm which his followers created broke into religious disunity. Two natural factions existed in those early days, being those who remained faithful to Corgastor, despite acceptance or denial of his true death, and those who drifted from the Ehrohenod. The former boasted great powers, and they reigned without significant challenge throughout the 3450s into the 3480s. Both Solhesunbast and Ghetunbast continued to wield equal powers and the enemies of this status quo were branded as enemies of Everos’ heritage. However, the dissenting voices remained. As circumstances became more dire, including civil wars, famine, economic depression, and foreign incursions, the opposing faction of the ‘faithless’ grew. These individuals did not turn against the memory of Corgastor out of disdain for their former religious master, though the Grathon did, but rather a pragmatic desire to perceive the future.   Following the crushing defeat against the Yrd in 3485, the religious landscape fragmented further. Veneration of Mesian, who remained living and offered generous terms of protection to the Corgastodmar, became popular. This brought the Elivas and Aemarda closer together. In short time, the orphaned Aemar increased their love for Mesian to greater heights than the Elivas themselves. Temples were built in Beyren, Calathem, and other southern localities where the ancient faith of Corgastor was weakest. In the north, strange cults derived from other sources arose. Worship of the Ezontach became somewhat accepted around northern Erehem and among the settlements north of the Balendorn mountains. Strains of Ácolitus worshipped, dreaded as it was, appeared in Eroyther as well, most vigorously around region assailed by the Yrd.   Ehrohenod’s Hierarchy   Like most institutions within the Corgastodmar Empire, the Ehrohenod is as well stratified. The bureaucratic nature of the church allows of the word of Corgastor to reach the masses, along with the material boons that the church's charity delivers. The highly organized nature of the church allows the Empire, which intrinsically combines church and state, to communicate a coherent message to its faithful for political as well as religious reasons. It would be impossible, for example, to justify the various purges executed by the Nerod against alleged heretics without there being clear religious laws to follow. The Edrasils of Corgastor stands alongside secular law to compose the Empire's overarching legal system, which bleeds its way into the roles of the Ehrohenod hierarchy.   It must be noted that in the Corgastodmar Ehrohenod, unlike those of other faiths, there is a relative equality between men and women. They may serve as Solhes and Canast, and as itinerant preachers as well. Women may teach the lessons of the Edrasils, gathered from the words of Corgastor and the many great thinkers that followed his legacy. The position of Solhesunbast, the Voice of Corgastor, is open to them as well. In Eurobia, these freedoms are not allowed, nor in the archaic theocracy of the Axokari, nor in the Ancestor worship of the Vestanir. In those faiths, men dominate every level of the hierarchy.   Weshen   Not actually ordained preachers of the faith, these people none the less travel the world spreading the holy word of Corgastor. The name derives from the Evosmar term for walker or traveler, which aptly describes their mode of faith. Often, they have their own twists and tastes that make every experience with a weshen unique. The reception of these itinerant preachers by the mainstream religious institution is mixed. Some weshen are seen as wise men, free to wander and learn the secrets of the Eshan and divinity. Others are known as charlatans and madmen who skew Eshanic knowledge for their own devious purposes and benefit.   Solhes   The most common agent of Corgastor. These men and women preach the holy word according to the canon of the mainstream religious institution. They are the rank and file of Corgastor's faithful, bearing the greatest amount of work. They might operaten a Corgastodmar Ehrohenod or be assistants to higher ranking members of the faith. Their name derives from the terminology of ‘people of the voice’ and refers to the special relationship between the Eshan and olûndi.   Solhesghet   This rank of the hierarchy is in charge of the church as an independent institution on the local level. Holds of Faith, which are the most common ecclesiastical settlements, are run by Solhesghet. In these places books are written and records are made, charity is extended to local populations, and Sermons of the holy word are preached.   Canast   These individuals are the religious heads at the county level. They are either the ruling figure of that county, it being ecclesiastical territory, or they are top official of the county assisting the reigning count or countess. They are often highly respected theologicans who contribute regularly to the collective knowledge of the faith.   Ehronis   These men and women are the religious executors of Corgastor’s will on a provincial scale. In practical terms, the Ehronis operate in a manner similar to nobles and kings, yet they maintain the secular and religious balance of power in Corgastor’s realm. Unlike their secular counterparts, however, the Ehronis answer directly to the Solhesunbast of Corgastor rather than the Emperor. Indeed, even resources such as taxes and soldiers are governed by the Solhesunbast, though with the consent and consideration of the Ghethemas government. This status quo is one of the enduring legacies of the Great Nobles Rebellion of 2124, when the dual monarchy was established.   Their name derives from the ancient Evosmar word Ehron, which refers to the Eshan. During the Awakening and following periods, the term Ehronis was used to describe religious officials of any faith- Etayen, Daorhu, Odryzid, Othosar, or others. However, the etymology began to shift following creation of the Corgastodmar kingdom by Ghet Horst of Nossen in the 1150s. The new government organized the cult of Corgastor and separated it from Aebasterism, of which it was a sect throughout the Weeping Era period. Shrines were built of stone, Solhes were appointed, and a hierarchy was designed to control the hybrid church and state. Within this changing environment of the Twilight era, ancient religious terms took on new meaning. The word Ehronis became a term used for those subordinate to the Solhesunbast in the Corgastodmar Ehrohenod, thus making the etymology of ‘people of the Eshan’ more poignant. Following the Great Nobles Rebellion of 2124, the Ehronis were named as the governors of the newly branded ecclesiastical provinces. It was then that the Corgastodmar fully secured the term.   Solhesunbast   This figure, alternatively known as the Voice of Corgastor, is the representative of Corgator himself, and the bearer of his will on Qadal. The position was established by Ghet Horst the Blessed following his conquest of Ghethemas in 1150. He made Baregest, the man who brought the word of Corgastor to him, the first Solhesunbast. The position allows the individual to take the reins on worship and the activities of the Ehrohenod for its benefit. The Solhesunbast lacked practical power, however, and had no bearing over secular government without the support of the emperor. This changed following the Great Noble's Rebellion of the 2000s, where the unlimited power of the emperor was curtailed in favor of the Divine Monarchy. In the new system, the Solhesunbast was co-emperor along with the titular office holder. The two of them held equal power, though in different capacities. Under the banner of the Emperor are the Amaderin Lorvelgiss of Corgastor, the regular military, and the secular landholders. For the Voice of Corgastor, there are the eccleisiastical provinces, the Army of the Ehrohenod, and control over the Ehrohenod itself. One half controls the spirit, and the others controls the body. One cannot live without the other, and one cannot work without the support of the other.   The Eshesmar of Corgastor   While there are many who follow the words of Corgastor, there are few who live up to expectations in an extraordinary way. These individuals are known by the church as Eshesmar, or people of the faith. Their role in the church is as honored figures, exemplars of the faith, to be invoked in times of need or grave danger. Just as Corgastor had led his people to victory against Étunas, the Eshesmar continue to pass the torch of leadership between generations, keeping alive the dream that Everos should rule as an empire, rather than be ruled by an empire. Those who bear the title hail from diverse backgrounds and boast unique achievements, some as commanders, and others as Aemaritarians, others as thinkers, and some as zealots. The list continues to grow with the years, as the faith of Corgastor drives people to greatness.   The historical existence and position of the Eshesmar was a matter of intense debate throughout the Weeping Era period. It began in the year 105, with the death of Aragos III Wologhest, being the final direct connection between the Nelsorians and Ghethemas. The moral authority of the asserted Corgastodmar faith began to waver without a standard bearer. In its place came numerous cults dedicated to the other Nelsorians- Furenaw, Elotha, Alyth, Salicad, Aragos, and others. It must be remembered that this was prior to Corgastor’s zenith of strength as an Eshan. He was uplifted by Aebaster, but weak and unable to assert his might upon Qadal. It was akin to the plight of Aebaster after the creation of Aemarda, weakness which blossoms into helplessness. The Nelsorian cults thrived throughout Everos for centuries. They came into competition with one another, fought in bloody feuds, and developed strange rites which the tribes crafted for themselves. These practices continued unabated over the course of 1,000 years, so that they become synonymous and inseparable with the tribes themselves. The Corgastodmar, though know to history as the victors of this contest, struggled to survive amidst the constant pressure.   A shift in the Eshanic balance came with the triumphant conquest of ancient Ghethemas by Ghet Horst Goldheart in 1150. He was guided by the words of Corgastor, allegedly spoken from Vussalas after centuries of growth from infantile Eshor to Eshan. His armies successful smashed through the defenders of ancient Velgishemas with the assistance of Eshara as granted by Corgastor, proving beyond question the divinity of the once-ruler. As news spread, the legitimacy of the other cults came under threat. They did buckle, but they did not fall. For the next decade, Corgastodmar established themselves in and environs surrounding Ghethemas, preparing to spread across Everos. Around 1164, they were sufficiently settled to turn outward. However, a great task was ahead. The Corgastodmar were compelled to win more than battles against their neighbors but include them within the wider community known as the Ehrohenod. This could not be done while spirits were torn between competing masters. For that end, simply rejecting the ancient cults was unacceptable for those ancient socities. Solhesunbast devised an ingenious strategy. She sought to acquire the loyalty of the surrounding tribes by implicitly including them within the religious community. Later that same year, she proclaimed the Ascension fo Ghethemas. It announced for all that Corgastor was the living Eshanic master of the Evosmar liberated from Etal. The dynasty ruling in Ghethemas was his representative in Qadal. However, there was a second aspect to it. Solhesunbast Gehemed asserted that the companions of Corgastor for whom cults were created had a place in the Ehrohenod. They were paragons of the traits espoused by Corgastodmarism. People could venerate them as was done during the Weeping Era, but with the acknowledgement that Corgastor was their Eshanic master as well.   The first generation of Eshesmar included only the close companions of Corgastor during the Velgasid Etag. In Weeping Era histories and mystic cults, these individuals were portrayed as equal or superior to Corgastor in strength and cunning. However, the apparent ascension of Corgastor from olûndari to Eshan was proven by the Eshara which he granted. It was no longer a debate nor question. The Nelsorians, then, were of some outstanding quality yet resigned to olûndari existence.   In the year 2306, the nature of the Eshesmar changed once again. Times were grim. The Great Conflict which destroyed Nathrovas had recently ended, carrying with it numerous Corgastodmar lives. Morale for the common people wavered and faith was shaken. No reasoning individual could fathom how the all-invested Eshan could allow such a calamity to befall the world. In response, Solhesunbast – attempted to bolster spirits with an appeal to ceremony. He decreed the Acension of Aemarda for the purpose, which sequeled the centuries old Ascension of Ghethemas which brought Corgastodmar to the forefront. This new ascension was meant to elevate the common people, men and women, young and old, to the revered ranks of Evosmar heroes. The expansion of the Eshesmar’s definition stirred a new wave of retroactive and future cults of veneration. As one might face hardship in health, they might invoke the name of Myrana to grant them strength. In battle, one might invoke the name of Lodorus to carry them through alive.   Several of the Eshesmar, the honored faithful, are listed enumerated below for comprehension’s sake. The first names are those of the original Eshesmar, being the companions of Corgastor during the Velgasid Etag. After them are newer Eshesmar, once common people elevated to positions of prominence. Others number in these ranks, but to name them all would surpass attention and necessity.   Nelsor   He was a close companion to Corgastor and first martyr of Aemarda war against Etayen. He was a guide to the young Corgastor, being a few years his senior. The wisdom and knowledge he offered proved invaluable in forming the progenitor of Aemarda's Empire into a strong adult, mentally as well as physically. He was tragically killed during an attack by the Etayen on a gathering of prominent families of the heartlands region. Corgastor and survivors swore vengeance, which sparked their revolutionary movement which removed the Etayen from Everos in the year 0, after years of war. His religious cult became immensely popular in the aftermath, perhaps only second to Corgastor himself.   Alyth   The cult of Alyth grew a healthy margain in the wake of Corgastor’s death. She was his stalward second in command, and this the peoples of the Balendorn’s were honored by her memory. Temples were erected throughout Loryne, facilitating the popular engrainment of her cult. As the centuries continued, Alyth was second only to Aebaster, equal to Corgastor, and superior to the other members of Corgastor’s companions. Her image was emblazoned upon everything and her words were kept as holy tenet.   Aragos   The cult of Aragos has the destinction of being the farthest south temple of Corgastor’s companions. His people maintained their connection to the north long after his death. This was in spite of the Etayen of Nathrovas to the west and Aebastadmars to the south. This bastion of the Wologhest dynasty became became a militant frontier of differing ideologies. Constant back and forth raids and caravans maintained a tense spirit between Aragos’ followers and their neighbors. As this became more intense in the middle Weeping era, however, the resilience of Aragos’ people only increased. It was such that when Ghet Horst the Blessed came to power in 1150, the peoples of Aragos were eager to untie with the Corgastodmar.   Salicad   The people of Eroyther took to honoring the memory of Salicad after his return and successful reign. Temples were built in his honor, and as elsewhere the veneration of these companions overtook the worship of Aebaster in popularity. The masters of Eroyther took to the practice of connecting their lineage, truthful or not, to Salicad to legitimize themselves. His cult was the only one among the companions to carry a distinct political element, rather than just an influence.   Furenaw   The warrior Furenaw was a steadfast companion to Corgastor in the darkest years of the Velgasid Etag. He led the masses in battle time and again, until he himself was selflessly slain. His cult during the Weeping era was particularly interested in the continued ejection of Etayen from Everos. They erected no temples, but instead called forth Furenaw’s name as a warcry. Etayen enclaves in the southern reaches were assailed time and again throughout the era with hideous bloodshed.   Elotha   The adherence of Elotha in Everos was minor throughout the Weeping Era. It was most common that wherever her written accounts of the Velgasid Etag were proliferated, followers appeared. Her cult did not erect temples nor gaudy images in her honor, but instead took her passive observation of a terrible conflict to heart in their own lives. Indeed, all Everos was then collapsing into its darkest age. Wars were commonplace, massacres were rote. The adherents to Elotha endured their tribulations with a calm demeanor, helping communities when possible and recording the history. Much of what is known of the Weeping Era in Everos comes from them.   Rhelored   The cult of Rhelored in central and northern Everos died terribly. His followers in those regions were few, and ever silenced as traitors by adherents to other companions. Years and much ink were spent attempting to justify Rhelored’s departure from Corgastor. It was such that thinkers of his cult travelled to Ghethemas to argue their points but were silenced wherever they travelled.   Ghetunbast Haradus   It was he who defeated Tyrphos during his tenure as Nerodhûnbast. He pursued his fallen judge upon Kovûl after the former slew himself to escape judgement. He fought alongside Corgastor on that neutral domain to defeat Tyrphos utterly. When they were victorious, he watched as the vile nemeshari's esseythu was torn asunder and exiled to the olûndari realm. Upon exiting the realm of Corgastor through the portal Tyrphos had made with Vanarion, he steadfastly refused to say what he had seen, or divulge the physical image of Corgastor. This was maintained until the day he died, a remarkable 95 years old.   Myrana the Good Mother   Self proclaimed holy woman of Corgastor renowned for her kindness and generosity. Before her lifetime, from 2331 to 2387, there had never been means to deal with the urban poor who lived regularly in the Empire's cities, and the rural poor that migrated to said cities during the winter months. She, in following the tenet to ensure the well beings of her brothers and sisters in faith, organized the system of alms houses and rest homes that Service the poor to modern times. Those in troubled financial times often invoke her name in their prayers to Corgastor.   The most famous story of Myrana's faith was the climax of her infamous dispute with Velhronunbast Farrien in 2365. The feud between the two was legendary, spanning decades after the Great Conflict of 2304. It all began in 2348, when Farrien was appointed Velhronunbast by Emperor Harrus II, of Dothen's line, whose father Harrus I had first ordered the formation of the Sanctuary of Corgastor. He had ambitions to build a home for the Sanctuary, which in his time was spread across Everos in small conclaves. Beyond that, he young Velhronunbast wished to have the Sanctuary be a regulating force in Qadal, stomping out the malign and unpredictable energies of Vojûn and Áckesh from the world. In the latter pursuit he came in conflict with Mother Myrana, who was making her own name as a healer in the name of Corgastor. From her home within Ghethemas, caught beneath the shadow of the Trident, she took in the wounded and ill, curing them of their ailments with extraordinary power.   Lodorus the Redeemer   Only Eshesmar from Othos in the Evosmar canon. He is famed for purging the Tombwood of the followers of Admaris and his Nemgarotirs. When the land came under threat, he rallied together a host to combat it. Soldiers, lords, and commonmen all came to his cause, inspired by his conviction and theological wisdom. He led them to victory, albeit at heavy cost, against Admaris' prohpet, Sadon. His victory brought peace to the region until the middle years of the 3400s, when Admaris's new prophey, Anthor, once again brought evil and Nemgarotirs to the region. It must also be noted that Vehod Lohas wasn't known by that name during Lodorus's campaign but was called by its ancient name of Zorídas. After his victory, the land was renamed in his honor, reflecting the magnitude of what he had achieved.   Lodorus was not always a follower of Corgastor, for in his time none of his kinsmen followed him. In his youth Lodorus had been a follower of Aebaster, the Old Faith of men, who worshipped their deity in the fens and forests of the southwest. Lodorus learned of Corgastor from an itinerant preacher named Jan the Gold, who was a pilgrim renowned for his evangelical travels across Qadal. The man had come to Lodorus's village of Timbergard, deep within the Great Forest, to preach his faith. The people of the town shunned him, and took no interest in this new deity, but held true to their faith in Aebaster the Creator. Among the people only Lodorus took interest in this deity who smote the evil of Tyrphos and fought for Aemarda's freedom from the might Etayen. Before the man left, Lodorus took him by the arm and bid he tell him more of Corgastor, as the worship of Aebaster left him begging for purpose.   Jan told him the legends and preached to him the tenets, and by that very night Lodorus was so enthralled by the pilgrim's words that he asked to be converted. Under the light of the moon the ceremony was completed, it was simple during that time, no more for than a spoken vow. He lived under Corgastor's guidance throughout his youth and onto manhood, when he fought Sadon and liberated the Tombwood. His place among the Eshesmar is for his achievements as well as his status as first Corgastodmar of Vehod Lohas. In time the whole land would come to follow him in Corgastor's faith.   Illidra the Maddog   Warrior woman of Erehem known for her skill in battle. She successfully challenged and defeated several Karthuuzar warriors during their invasion of the Imperial north. She claimed that her faith in Corgastor is what brought her victory. What was impressive beyond her abilities as a commander was her ability to simultaneously inspire those around her while striking crippling fear into her enemies. While the traditions of Imperial society wouldn't look on her Serious as a military figure because of her gender, the less gendered Karthuuzar knew a fearsome opponent when they saw one. Through her tireless work the Karthuuzar were barred from entry into Erehem, instead diverting to the other provinces. She was posthumously canonized among the Eshesmar for her skill and faith.   Tenets and Canon of Corgastor   The Edrasils are the chief collection of text concerning the Corgastodmar faith and civilization in Qadal. In the tongue of the ancient Evosmar, the ‘Edrasils’ simply mean ‘the lessons’ in modern diction. Within this comprehensive collection lies the Tenets of Corgastor, or the explicit guidelines of should and should not be done by the Corgastodmar faithful. Typically, this enduring list rests at the front of every copy of the Edrasils- the first note of the multi-volume Series. It is a useful guide and is the core of the religious aspect of law that ties in with secular courts within the Ghetunbalastod ast Corgastor. What the introduction of religion into the secular law means is that violations of these tenets can and will be punished with equal zeal as other crimes. Church and state are one in every regard, and the law is no exception. The long volumes of the Edrasils speak at length on the matter.   “The words of Corgastor were not long saved by scholar’s hands. Those who followed him in those ancient days passed word from mouth and mouth, and interpreted those words in their own ways. As the messages spoken by Aebaster’s chosen spread and captured worshippers in every realm of Everos, the meaning was altered and adhered for their own purposes. This worked for both good and ill. Kings looked upon their subjects and said to them ‘my rule over you has been justified by the words of him who broke the power of Étunas and freed Aebaster’s children’- these words were spoken to prove every manner of evil and unworthy deed, from tithes to slavery. Our ancient people strove to right the reputation and teachings of their master, protecting it for the Service of unifying the Evosmar people. This has been to our great benefit. Alyth of Alorend, who allied with great Corgastor during his campaigns, was the first among his followers to place pen to paper on his words and teachings. It is from her that we understand Corgastor’s brilliance; he was more than a warrior and leader, but an intellectual before all other things. She began work once the days of battle had long passed, and when Corgastor, son of Ghedelaster had retired once more to old Velgishemas. Aragos worked with her, as did Illidra and Kosmas of Merindras, along with Salicad, who ruled over his southern Evosmar tribe. These noble esseythu of our liberation guarded the words that defined our culture and existence. For this, we owe them great praise as Eshesmar. They put to words the first books of the Edrasils which you read now, built upon by succeeding generations of Corgastodmar scholars ever after. These are the lessons of which the companions of Corgastor spoke chiefly. Amongst them all, the few chosen were meant to best guide the Everos liberated by our lord. The words are holy, towering above all other considerations of the mind. The faithful must not spill the blood of fellow brothers and sisters. The faithful must protect their brothers and sisters from destruction. The faithful must sacrifice goods and Service to bolster the Ehrohenod. The faithful must recognize Corgastor as the chosen heir of Aebaster. The faithful must embrace not other Eshan than Aebaster and Corgastor. It is by those words that the faithful live, and from that path which they cannot falter. Five tenets, decided upon by the closest companions of Corgastor who knew him best and the legion of scholars who wrote after his passing. Read them and reflect upon yourself and Qadal, faithful reader, and strive to fulfill the mission which Corgastor and his tribe began centuries ago. Devise the realm of men which they sought to create.”     The Nossenite Edrasils Archive of Gledgast – 2243   The Tenets of Corgastor, as salient as they may seem, have changed over the long history of Everos. During the Weeping Era, where no enduring realm of Corgastor existed, the tenets were debated upon, expanded, shaven down, or expanded again based upon the collective works of the faithful. They were not unified, however, and failed to create a cohesive narrative. Other versions and iterations of the Edrasils, including the Lorynese and Larnic collections, have different tenets beyond the modern five. It was not until the year 1150, when Ghet Horst of Nossen united his realm and Valgorod to form the Corgastodmar Kingdom that the Edrasils took on official airs. He and his descendants worked tirelessly to forge a lasting interpretation of the Edrasils, including a consistent enumeration of tenets for the people of his dominion to obServe. The modern Nossenite Edrasils, which stand as the dominant religious text of Everos, contains only the five discussed tenets rather than 10 or more as in other versions.   The faith and tenets are not inherently racist, but it is certainly true that the vast majority of Corgastor's faithful are of the Aemar race. This was created an ideological interdependence between Aemarda and Corgastor that has often been used by Corgastorism to target other individuals and groups. This has manifested itself most recently in the form of violent discrimination against Etayen, who have been seen as enemies of Corgastor’s realm since the days of Étunas. This, of course, ignores the fact that many Etayen don't hail from Etal, but such reasoning is beyond the attention of most common folk- must less so when they are afraid of an ancient enemy. The tenets thus have a complicated and divisive history of adherence.   The signs of Corgastor are the right hand of mercy and the left fist of wrath, which depict that duality that exists between peace and conflict in the Corgastodmar faith. In the temples and shrines of Corgastor the hand of mercy is the most prevalent sign, for is symbolizes the hope and resilience of the faith that has carried it throughout the centuries. In practical terms, it means peace and protection for those wearing it, like a sign of good will to the world at large. Those from the holy men and women down to the common people wear the symbol to gain the favor of Corgastor, for in that regard there are no restrictions. The vanity of these items does differ, however, from emblems of pure gold to brooches of steel, and even down to crude icons of wood held in the pockets of the impoverished faithful. The opposite end of the spectrum is the fist of wrath, which is traditionally worn by those who fight in the name of Corgastor. The Warriors of the Eshyod Dhenest were the first to adorn themselves with that symbol, and upon their demise the Amaderin Lorvelgiss that succeeded them adopted that tradition.   Over the following years, it became common for officers, nobles, and other ranking individuals to put the fist upon their banners. Within a military context the fist of wrath appears in many different places. The tabards of warriors are emblazoned with it, necklaces bearing the fist dangle around the necks of the faithful, and it is even common for the pommels of swords to feature the fist of wrath as an icon and practical weapon. Like the open hand, the fist of Corgastor is not banned from the lower classes, though by custom and tradition it is frowned upon for the unworthy to carry it.   In terms of religious doctrine, theologians agree that Corgastor is not the one who created the universe, nor the world of Qadal. Corgastor is among the Eshan, arguably the most powerful beneath the Alor'eshan, but he is not all mighty. There are limitations to his power, which became clearer in the years following the collapse of Étunas, when the knowledge the Etayen had gained on Vussalas through Atûn began to diffuse to the rest of the world. That concept was not a simple of common agreement and was the cause of a divisive schism during the early days of the Corgastodmar faith. In those early years there was no official Ehrohenod of Corgastor or institution of faith, and even the veneration of his life was seen by the primarily Aebaster or ancestor worshipping Evosmar to be an offense. Those who bore the torch of Corgastor were those who had been close to him, men and women such as Aragos and Emeline, who had seen his connection to Aebaster and his ascension upon death.   The faithful of Corgastor split on the exact theology of how their master actually became an Eshan. Two theories are dominant, and the two sects of Corgastor's Faith revolve around them. The first is that Corgastor is the son, or at least a son of the All Father, known as Aebaster in the tongue of the ancient Evosmar. This is the favored explanation for the followers of Corgastor in Othos, who believe greatly in the inherently divine nature of their deity. The church of Corgastor in Everos adheres to the idea that Corgastor was an olûndari man, born of olûndari parents. It was through his extraordinary deeds that he ascended to deityhood, watching down on the realms of Aemarda in spirit. This idea prevails because it combines nationalism with the popular idea that an olûndari man can achieve divinity through great deeds. This disagreement on the specific of Corgastor's deityhood has driven a wedge between the two sects of the faith, which deepened further when Vehod Lohas was reconquered by Eurobia. The two sides eye each other with disdain from across the Wolonorends.   Amadhest Ehrod Edras   The bitterly embattled Ehrohenod is constantly assailed by forces of heresy and dark corruption. This is how it has been since the earliest days of the faith and will be the sad fact of life for all time. The church, however, cannot afford to show weakness in the face of these threats. To contend with these threats the church has two militant forces it can call upon, being the Ehrohela Gastis and the clerics. The former falls in with the Amaderin Lorvelgis of Everos and in that context, finds its place, but the latter group is more complex. The Brotherhood of the Blessed Word is the hybrid organization between the Solhes of the Ehrohenod and holy warriors such as the Eshyod Dhenests or the Ehrohela Gastis.   The average cleric is similar to a priest in that he spreads the word of Corgastor whenever he goes; he is different from a priest in that his brand of preaching is more often than not communicated through fire and steel rather than through words. It is not to say that they are all psychopathic killers, but they are typically who the church calls upon in times of conflict to maintain the purity of Corgastor's people. They are lightly armed and armored, usually only wielding a blunt weapon such as a mace or a hammer and clad in leather or a few plates of steel. While this means that their prowess on the field isn't equivalent to a professional soldier, and certainly not a fully armored Lorvelgis, they possess Vojûnic abilities that make them useful additions to any unit. Detection nemeshir, wards, and some offensive spells are all tools on the belt of a cleric that make them invaluable. Their symbol is an upright open hand with two upright fingers and emblazoned in gold.