Seekism

Seekism is a mystical, philosophical faith organized around competing schools of thought, each founded by a revered teacher or saint. It is especially beloved in the Dragon Valley and among marginalized mystics of the old Zani world.

Schools and Saints¶

Rather than a single pantheon, Seekism venerates the founders of its philosophical schools:

• Sidian - patron of the impoverished and needy, whose followers emphasize charity, hope, and kindness. He is remembered as a man of supposed mixed heritage.
• Astonixia - a school beloved by Seekers of the Dragon Valley, teaching liberty and respect for all peoples.
• Chisitesa - advocate for marginalized mystics within the Zani Empire and defender of the sanctity of human life.
• Amaltar - the "Lady of the Learned Folk," a wealthy yet humble woman of Ytalo-Zani origin who emigrated to the colonies of Weaglia.

Seekism's tolerant and liberal character sets it apart from many imperial and monotheistic faiths, though its political expression can be far harsher than its philosophy suggests.

The Way and the Seeker State¶

About seventy years before 1000 LC, the shepherd Cerwain the Hermit was tending his flock when the ground trembled and a voice spoke within him: "The Way will be revealed." His encounter on Hill Ganara, outside a city in Celtica, gave birth to the faith of The Way That Is True.

The early Seekers waged the Northern Hebric Crusade against Copper Dwarven, or Hebric, town-dwellers of Celtica. Pious kings surrendered authority to the faith, producing a militant theocracy of Grand Masters and Councils united under one ruler.

Inquisition and Magic¶

The Seeker state maintains a Seeker Inquisition and secret police to hunt heretics and forcibly convert the unwilling. Though magic was blamed for the Great Collapse, the Seekers do not ban it outright. Instead, they regulate it through a Warlock Academy.

Their great ambition is to proclaim the Holy Order of the Seekers and spread the Way to all the apostate kingdoms of Omniluxia.

See also: Religions, Zani Empire, Great Collapse, Magic, and Copper Dwarves.