Tweledism
Tweledism is an offshoot of the Kosmevair faith, associated primarily with the region of Cloriadme and also know by Levelondism by its detractors. It takes many of its theological positions from the religion of Oumaderen while following the gods of Kosmevair, as well as having a strong resemblance to Golynien practices. Tweledism is considered heretical by the Kosmevair clergy for three main reasons:
The Tweledist movement first developed after the exposure of the Cloriadmen peoples to the Kosmevair faith. During this time, the Kosmevair presence was light within the region and most rulers were unconcerned with rooting out practices considered heretical by the clergy. This is what led to the blending of the various Oumaderen practices with Kosmevair teachings. This mix of ideas from both religions eventually syncreticized into Tweledism, though most early interpretations were very loose and differed in many details. As the movement was largely limited to rural regions, the faith was not initially codified due to the illiteracy of most involved. However, by the 1330s, the faith attracted the attention of several learned men, who began convinced in the truth of Tweledism, and assisted the peasantry in codification and spread of the ideas. From there, it spread rapidly despite condemnation by the Kosmevair, and by the 1500s had probably become the majority religion in most of the region, though most elites remained Kosmevair. It also spread to parts of Fraspika, primarily in the southern regions which had trade relations with the Cloriadmen.
Increased interest in fighting heresy and the slow dispersement of religious orders into Cloriadme by the Kosmevair would halt the spread of the faith after this, and several efforts to root out the practice were undertaken in Fraspika in particular, with Tweledism being all-but eliminated by the 1800s, though a few pockets remain even today. In Cloriadme, the process of rooting out Tweledism was much more violent. During the 1600s, demons escaped from the Cursed Wood, which had been protected by the Egrivalad. In the Tweledist canon, many of those who helped maintain the magical shield around these woods were Heroes (the Tweledist term for avatars), and their failure dealt a blow to the religion. Had the gods abandoned them? Had these supposed Heroes been false? Some even proposed that the Heroes were actually in league with the demons. The lack of answers would seriously harm Tweledism's perception among the people, and many turned to Kosmevair instead. Inspired by the Kosmevair clergy, these new converts were filled with religious fervor and marched to oppose the demons in what is known as the Cloriadmen Crusade. In this, they were eventually successful. However, the religious fervor inspired by the clergy led to violence against their own people. Those who had not assisted with the crusade were conflated with the enemies of the crusade, and therefore led to the prosecution, execution, or exile of those forced to produce Cambions as well as the remaining Tweledists. Tweledism became synonomous with demon worship for these fervent Kosmevair, encouraging further repression of the religion. This was especially pronounced in the Republic of Terales due to that nation taking the brunt of the demonic invasion. The south of Terlaes, known as Alfumerra, remained Tweledist-majority due to not being in the path of the invasion and subsequent crusade, and despite efforts to convert them (even though these were largely successful) it was never quite believed that its people were "True Kosmevair". Following the events of the Alfumerran Rebellion, Tweledism has re-emerged among the population there.
In the present day, Tweledism is largely a minority religion, only practiced by groups which have been downtrodden or treated poorly by the ruling Kosmevair and thus turned to other teachings. Adherants may be found in the south of Fraspika, most of Alfumerra, and the islands and backcountry of the Cloriadmen saltmarsh, as well as small pockets within Verderén lands, but beyond this its influence is limited.
- Tweledists believe that mortals may be divine
- Tweledists believe that these divine mortals deserve worship
- Tweledists do not believe that such mortals are blessed due to their worship of the gods
The Tweledist movement first developed after the exposure of the Cloriadmen peoples to the Kosmevair faith. During this time, the Kosmevair presence was light within the region and most rulers were unconcerned with rooting out practices considered heretical by the clergy. This is what led to the blending of the various Oumaderen practices with Kosmevair teachings. This mix of ideas from both religions eventually syncreticized into Tweledism, though most early interpretations were very loose and differed in many details. As the movement was largely limited to rural regions, the faith was not initially codified due to the illiteracy of most involved. However, by the 1330s, the faith attracted the attention of several learned men, who began convinced in the truth of Tweledism, and assisted the peasantry in codification and spread of the ideas. From there, it spread rapidly despite condemnation by the Kosmevair, and by the 1500s had probably become the majority religion in most of the region, though most elites remained Kosmevair. It also spread to parts of Fraspika, primarily in the southern regions which had trade relations with the Cloriadmen.
Increased interest in fighting heresy and the slow dispersement of religious orders into Cloriadme by the Kosmevair would halt the spread of the faith after this, and several efforts to root out the practice were undertaken in Fraspika in particular, with Tweledism being all-but eliminated by the 1800s, though a few pockets remain even today. In Cloriadme, the process of rooting out Tweledism was much more violent. During the 1600s, demons escaped from the Cursed Wood, which had been protected by the Egrivalad. In the Tweledist canon, many of those who helped maintain the magical shield around these woods were Heroes (the Tweledist term for avatars), and their failure dealt a blow to the religion. Had the gods abandoned them? Had these supposed Heroes been false? Some even proposed that the Heroes were actually in league with the demons. The lack of answers would seriously harm Tweledism's perception among the people, and many turned to Kosmevair instead. Inspired by the Kosmevair clergy, these new converts were filled with religious fervor and marched to oppose the demons in what is known as the Cloriadmen Crusade. In this, they were eventually successful. However, the religious fervor inspired by the clergy led to violence against their own people. Those who had not assisted with the crusade were conflated with the enemies of the crusade, and therefore led to the prosecution, execution, or exile of those forced to produce Cambions as well as the remaining Tweledists. Tweledism became synonomous with demon worship for these fervent Kosmevair, encouraging further repression of the religion. This was especially pronounced in the Republic of Terales due to that nation taking the brunt of the demonic invasion. The south of Terlaes, known as Alfumerra, remained Tweledist-majority due to not being in the path of the invasion and subsequent crusade, and despite efforts to convert them (even though these were largely successful) it was never quite believed that its people were "True Kosmevair". Following the events of the Alfumerran Rebellion, Tweledism has re-emerged among the population there.
In the present day, Tweledism is largely a minority religion, only practiced by groups which have been downtrodden or treated poorly by the ruling Kosmevair and thus turned to other teachings. Adherants may be found in the south of Fraspika, most of Alfumerra, and the islands and backcountry of the Cloriadmen saltmarsh, as well as small pockets within Verderén lands, but beyond this its influence is limited.
Founding Date
Unclear, 13th-14th centuries S.C.
Alternative Names
Levelondism
Demonym
Tweledist
Permeated Organizations
Comments