Difference between revisions of "Vorinism"

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'''Vorinism''' is one of the primary religions of [[Roshar]]. It is most prevalent in [[Alethkar]], [[Jah Keved]], [[Kharbranth]], [[New Natanan]] and [[Thaylenah]], collectively known as the Vorin kingdoms, and becomes less common further west.{{book ref|sa3|28}} The religion worships the [[Almighty]], a deity based on [[Honor]], and the ten [[Herald]]s.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

 

== Beliefs ==

 

{{image|Chasmfiend_old.jpg|side=left|width=250px|Artistic representation of a Desolation.}}

 

=== Creation Myth ===

 

 

 

=== Morality ===

==== Calling ====

 

In the Alethi variety of Vorinism, fighting is considered the most important Calling, as the Almighty depends on Alethi to join the Heralds' army in their afterlife and win back the Tranquiline Halls.{{book ref|sa1|18}} The ardents are supposed to help someone follow their Calling, helping them to set goals for them to achieve in furtherance of it.{{book ref|sa1|18}} When one furthers their Calling enough, they '''Elevate''', one goes through multiple Elevations in the pursuance of their Calling.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa4|22}}

 

===== Known Glories =====

 

==== Telling the Future ====

 

Due to this, Vorins look down upon gambling and games of chance, seeing them as immoral, heretical, and dangerous.{{cite}}

 

==== Oaths and Marriage ====

 

 

==== Sex and Sexuality ====

 

=== Life After Death ===

The Heraldic Forces were a believed to be the army of the [[Herald]]s that fought the [[Voidbringer]]s for the [[Tranquiline Halls]]{{book ref|twok|15}} in what was called the War for Heaven.{{book ref|sa1|59}} It was said that the sound of a horn would call the Heraldic Forces to the field of battle.{{book ref|twok|17}} Joining the Heraldic forces was the considered to be highest Calling of men.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

 

 

 

=== Belief in Symmetry ===

 

=== Temples ===

Traditional Vorin temples are circular and domed, with a sloping mound in the center. Usually, the dome is exactly ten feet tall at its highest point. They are often filled with statues and pictures of the Heralds.{{book ref|sa1|18}} A major city is expected to have a separate temple for each Herald.{{file ref|Thaylen City.jpg|Map of Thaylen City}}{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}} Additionally, wealthy lighteye families will often have private chapels, and the ardentia maintains monasteries throughout the continent. Such monasteries, like [[Jokasha Monastery|Jokasha]], are often seen as highly desirable postings, with many ardents working decades to get into one.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}

 

=== Prayer ===

The original purpose of the [[Oathgate]]s has been lost to time, though they are still considered sacred. In the present day, it's believed that the eleven lamps stand for the ten [[Silver kingdoms|Epoch Kingdoms]] and the [[Tranquiline Halls]], while the huge keyhole is "the need for ardents to ignore borders, and look only at the hearts of men".{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}

 

 

== Culture ==

There is some crossover among different groups within Vorinism, such as with Essential Theology, which is known to be used by ardents, scholars, and Soulcasters, and is related to polestones.{{book ref|sa3|109}}

 

 

=== Law ===

The Vorin priests are called '''ardents'''; the entirety of them is referred to as the '''ardentia'''. In matters of faith, they are led by a '''council of Curates''', operating out of the Holy Enclave in the [[Veden]] city of [[Valath]]. This council has the authority to excommunicate members of the church, including the leaders of Vorin countries, for heresy -- a right given to them by the Covenants of Theocracy, an unspecified, but centuries-old document. They can be recognized by their blue robes, as well as gem-encrusted staves, far more ornate than is considered proper post-Hierocracy.{{book ref|sa3|100}}

 

 

=== Slavery ===

 

=== Soulcasting ===

 

=== Devotaries ===

 

Ardents are separated into Devotaries, sects devoted to different aspects of Vorinism. Devotaries come in different forms: some, like the Devotary of the Mind, are monastic, sequestered away from civilization to devote themselves, while others permit their members to remain in touch with the rest of the world.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}{{book ref|sa1|7}} This being said, ardents are generally not allowed to marry outside of their orders, though at least some orders allow them to marry each other.{{book ref|sa1|42}}{{book ref|sa1|8}} Overall, their chief purpose is to aid in nurturing the believers' Callings.

 

Known devotaries include:

 

* {{anchor|Devotary of Denial}}'''The Devotary of Denial''' seems to emphasize the denial of desires to the point of asceticism.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}

 

* {{anchor|Devotary of Mind}}'''The Devotary of the Mind''' is a monastic devotary with its home at the [[Jokasha Monastery]] on the western slopes of the [[Horneater Peaks]]. It is devoted to historical and linguistic study, with the focus on literature.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}

 

* {{anchor|Devotary of Mercy}}'''The Devotary of Mercy''' is a devotary with a presence in [[Urithiru]]. Their ardents care for those who have trouble with their minds.{{book ref|sa4|25}}

 

 

== History ==