Luminism is the dominant religion of Ur'vael and the spiritual underpinning of much of humanity on the continent. It teaches that the human soul is born into the world to experience its wonders on behalf of the gods. Those who live in a way that embodies the ethos of a Luminarch, take that light to them when they die, strengthening the light of the god, who they join in heavenly afterlife. Rather than being derived from a single holy text, Luminist doctrine is shaped by centuries of scholarship, revelation, and divine guidance. Luminists recognise a pantheon of revered figures known as the Luminarchs. Each entity governs a fundamental aspect of civilisation and embodies a set of virtues. There are two main denominations of Luminism - Divine Luminism and Imperial Luminism, and while the Luminarchs and their virtues are similar, the hierarchy within the pantheon is not.
Divine Luminism is the dominant denomination among Kalais and its neighbouring coastal nations. It teaches that the Luminarchs are manifestations formed from collective faith and desperation during moments of great need. In this view, no Luminarch is above another and all are equal expressions of mortal belief given shape, purpose, and power by the devotion of the faithful. Imperial Luminism however, believes Luminarchs were once humans who achieved ascension through their great works, discipline, and sacrifice, and are therefore the highest exemplars of what humanity can become. Imperial Luminists recognise Strava as the High Luminarch and the first among them, who revealed and perfected the path beyond mortality. The remaining Luminarchs are venerated as her most accomplished disciples, each embodying a distinct domain of mortal excellence. Imperial Luminism is the official religion of the Stravin Empire, though it is accepted throughout the wider realm.
Monuments to Luminarch worship can be found continent-wide. Adherents to Imperial Luminism tend to have a single church or cathedral dedicated to the worship of Strava and her Luminarchs. Divine Luminists are often more specific, dedicating shrines or halls to specific Luminarchs and their worship. For all faithful however, Luminism's most sacred ritual is the annual pilgrimage to Luminseat, which takes place at the height of summer. At its culmination, Divinists gather at the Luminspires to pray to their chosen Luminarch, either hoping their prayers may be answered, or that their prayer may empower another's. Imperialists gather to see the Most Luminous, the head of the Imperial Lumination, enter into communion with the Luminarchs themselves. The wisdom imparted by this divine audience guides the proper interpretation of doctrine and shapes the future course of the faithful. Most Luminists would have made this pilgrimage at least once in their lives, usually as children, returning with tales of the warmth and light of the Everlasting Flame that has lit the tower of Luminseat since time immemorial.
The Luminarchs
Strava, The Lightbearer
Luminarch of Enlightenment
Strava is the light that pierces the veil of fear and ignorance, lighting the way for humanity to prosper. She is righteous, determined, and often depicted as a young woman holding aloft the sun.
Aspects:
- Discipline
- Wisdom
- Leadership
Lathwyn, The Shepherd
Luminarch of Agriculture
Lathwyn is the helpful neighbour, watching over the field you could not, or finding those who had lost their way. She is depicted holding a shepherd's crook, ever watchful over the horizon.
Aspects:
- Patience
- Community
- Stewardship
Ratha, The Tactician
Luminarch of War
Ratha is the weary warrior who has seen the cost of violence, but knows that it is necessary. He is depicted as a soldier nursing his own wounds.
Aspects:
- Strategy
- Duty
- Sacrifice
Fendaran, The Artisan
Luminarch of Craft
Fendaran is a smith that seeks mastery through practice and perfection. He is depicted as a man with two faces, looking both back at his legacy, and forward to the work to come.
Aspects:
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Perseverance
Jia, The Mother
Luminarch of Civics
Jia holds her family together with fairness and compassion, and reminds them that both are only earned through living up to your obligations. She is depicted as a woman with a scroll in one hand, and shackles in the other.
Aspects:
- Justice
- Order
- Responsibility
Sankari, The Voyager
Luminarch of Journeys
Sankari is the traveller, racing storms to sheltered ports, and always eager to set forth again to see what lies beyond. They are depicted as a hooded figure with a tattered cloak billowing behind.
Aspects:
- Discovery
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
Lura, The Minstrel
Luminarch of Arts
Lura is the performer who inspires through the story shared, rallying hearts to act. They are depicted as a form draped in ribbons of colour, often holding a lute.
Aspects:
- Empathy
- Memory
- Inspiration