Board Thread:Custom Lore Development/@comment-26535281-20170405002534

Meh it's about time I did major religion stuff for Xin.

Firstly lets look at how 'powerful' religion is in Xin. In some nations the gods are nothing but old icons to which one can invoke their name without consequences Xin is much different. To offend the gods is to offend the State, the Emperor, and the Ancestors (Holy triad of ass whippen'). The gods are never to be talked down the gods are to be respected and feared.

The Religion of the Empire is split into three main branches that of Zhu/Zhia worship (Kinda like Buddhism), Ancestor worship/veneration, and finally the worship of the 'old' gods (Elvish gods). The latter is mainly practiced by Xinese elves while common peasants prefer the other two. (A list of gods will come later)

Xin also has plenty of minor spirits that are only worshiped in certain regions like the 'Lady of Kufo Lake' is only worshiped around Kufo and certain Zhia saints (Zhia lacks gods of any sorts) are more popular in northern Xin then southern Xin. This is the same for the cult some are far more popular in other cities while some are spread all across Xin.

The major cults in Xin are as follows: Pingheng, Heilong, Siwang, and Zhanzheng. Each has it's own symbol and different rules and such. These are the four sanctioned cults and thus are given Imperial attention some lesser cults do exist and banned cults are a thing.

Pingheng is the worship of the 'Eternal Dragon' one that holds it's tail in it's mouth and keeps balance in the world. Pingheng revolves around keeping balance in the world and is a major factor in Xin politics (Think of it as Yin and Yang). It has followers all around the world and is considered a staple of religious life in Xin. This concept of Pingheng has been transported to the west with small cults appearing throughout the known world.

Heilong is a sanctioned cult but just barely it revolves around the 'Black Dragon' (This is where the Black Dragon pirate group gets it's name). It teaches literally about piracy and is only sanctioned as long as the pirates work for Xin. In a way the cult is only around because the pirates were seen as valuable to the state. Actual laws and such for the cult have been under way and is known as the 'Pirate Code', this in the very least the pirates tend to keep.

Siwang is a death cult. Not in the demon sorcery type (Seeing as that is banned for good reason) it is more about accepting death as a necessary part of life. The cult is also one of Dreams and Prophecies. Fortune telling comes from the Siwang cult and has been introduced to the west. The cult is not one that is looked upon with a positive light and is generally frowned upon and at times persecuted yet the Siwang don't care for everyone will come to death's gates in time. Siwang as a cult is also known for it's dedication to the dead making sure everyone gets a proper burial and such as this is Necromancy is the chief sin one which the cult will not tolerate.

Now Finally Zhanzheng which is pretty much Emperor worship.

Now when it comes to outside religions Xin is generally pretty open but they do occasionally ban some gods and cults. The opposite is also true with some Xinese cults flourishing outside of Xin or at other times being persecuted (In most major cities in the east and south of the world a small Xinese population can be found) 