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Religion is entwined within the very essence of Qaddisa, being a theocracy founded by religious pilgrims and all. So without further ado:
Zephyria
Zephyria is a polytheistic religion practiced by the Kingdom of Qaddisa. It is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the kingdom and governs all aspects of life, blending spiritual beliefs with political governance. Zephyria centers around a small pantheon of gods and a larger pantheon of minor deities. It emphasizes the importance of faith, harmony, and power.Zephyria
Creation myth: According to Zephyrian myth, the world was once barren and inhospitable, a planet with no life. But the world did not wish to be this way, and through the concentration of all the world's power and energy arose from the sand the First God: Zephyr. And Zephyr filled his lungs with the dry air, filling himself with heat like a furnace and he produced the Great Breath of Zephyr, the first wind. And his lungs converted the heat into the essence of life itself, and upon the exhale of the Great Breath it brought life to the barren lands. Plants sprouted, animals rose from the sand, and the many races of the world were birthed unto Sorras. And it was Good.
Pantheon: Zephyrian belief holds four gods among all others. These four are said to be a part of a polyamorous relationship as a family of the four highest gods.
- Zephyr: The Supreme Deity, God of Gods, the Winds of Creation and Change, the Creator and Sustainer of Life. Zephyr is the highest god in Zephyrian myth, he is said to be the God of Gods and the creator of life. He is also seen to embody wise, change, winds, and storms.
- Dinja: The Mother of the earth, Goddess of the Sea. Dinja is the goddess in charge of the natural, nonliving parts of the world. Abiotic factors, if you remember that from your high school biology class. She is also the main goddess of the harvest as well as motherhood.
- Solara: Godess of the sun, light, and warmth. Solara also acts as the goddess of death and rebirth. In Zephyrian belief, the afterlife is the sun.
- Lume: God of the Moon, magic, and unknown. Lume is Zephyr's intermediary through which he issues prophecy and magic.
Key Rituals: There are many rituals within the Zephyrian faith. Some important ones include:
- Morning Invocation: Every morning, whenever able, a good Zephyrian will meditate and utter incantations to Zephyr. These meditations focus on breathing and relaxation to focus more on the divine essence of the Great Breath within. This is believed to bring the meditator clarity in life, a heightened sense of awareness, and be an avenue for Lume to communicate should he choose to.
- Dance of Seasons: During the changing of seasons, vibrant festivals are held to celebrate. These festivals often celebrate Zephyr, Dinja, and many more minor deities. These events involve music, food, dance, and elaborate processions. Any events held in the Free Ports are open to those outside of the faith as well, so long as they celebrate only the changing of seasons and not any of their heretical gods.
- Solstice Sunrise: On the morning of the winter and summer solstices, Zephyrians gather at the nearest highest point to witness the first rays of the sun. These gatherings are usually accompanied by prayers, offerings, and divination by priests.
- Lunar Communion: During the full moon, Zephyrians gather to honor Lume and Zephyr and embrace the energies of the night. These festivities are usually accompanied by storytelling, the creation of sacred works of art, singing, and divination.
Structure:
Qaddisa is ruled by a Theocratic monarchy, with the Monarch also being considered to be blessed to rule by the gods themselves via the Decree of Zephyr. The Decree legitimizes the Monarch's rule if they are just, and encourages them to be removed from power if the Gods see it fit. Beneath the Monarch are the High Priests and Priestesses, the most powerful priests and the best at interpreting the will of the gods. Below them, is your average priest and priestess, believed to be the intermediaries between the people and the gods. Priests guide religious practices and interpret the will of the Gods. Below the priests is the people, as they still have connection to the gods as well.
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Hi, this is a more OOC post than usual and is mostly just here so I remember the sizes of the islands. Also the islands names are here 
Northern Island (Devozzjoni): 7,847 km^2 (about the size of Wrangel Island)
Central Island (Rigal): 11,142 km^2 (about the size of Jamaica)
Southern Island (Pietà): 19,516 km^2 (about 5% larger than Shikoku)
Northern Island (Devozzjoni): 7,847 km^2 (about the size of Wrangel Island)
Central Island (Rigal): 11,142 km^2 (about the size of Jamaica)
Southern Island (Pietà): 19,516 km^2 (about 5% larger than Shikoku)
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The Order of The Holy Quartet (Ordni Tal-Kwartett Waddis, commonly referred to as Waddis Knights) is a Zephyrian military order hailing from Qaddisa. It seeks conversion to the Zephyrian faith abroad and the protection of Qaddisa. It owes its name to the four most prominent gods in Zephyrian faith, the so called “Holy Quartet”. Most Waddis Knights are able to channel some form of the arcane, though strength and proficiency varies. Some particularly low ranking members who have yet to make a pilgrimage or done service in a church may not be able to channel the powers of the gods yet.
Despite the stereotype of Zephyrians being Xenophobic and discriminatory against other religions (yes I’m retconning that a bit), the knights of the order believe charity and good actions are more likely to lead to conversion than threatening someone or putting their family to the sword. Despite this, knights are routinely armed for their own safety.
Although headquartered in the Qaddisan capital city of Rigal, Knights can be found across the world if you look hard enough, they don’t tend to stay in ken spot for too long. Knights may range in activity from assisting hospitals to preaching the faith on the corner. Their current leader is Duke Mateo Reinhild of the Duchy of Rigal. Although traditionally the order is led by the Duke of Rigal, it’s not a rule and successors may come from any place within the ranks of the Order.
Despite the stereotype of Zephyrians being Xenophobic and discriminatory against other religions (yes I’m retconning that a bit), the knights of the order believe charity and good actions are more likely to lead to conversion than threatening someone or putting their family to the sword. Despite this, knights are routinely armed for their own safety.
Although headquartered in the Qaddisan capital city of Rigal, Knights can be found across the world if you look hard enough, they don’t tend to stay in ken spot for too long. Knights may range in activity from assisting hospitals to preaching the faith on the corner. Their current leader is Duke Mateo Reinhild of the Duchy of Rigal. Although traditionally the order is led by the Duke of Rigal, it’s not a rule and successors may come from any place within the ranks of the Order.
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The Shadow Pantheon: In opposition to the (Usually) benevolent Zephyrian deities, there exists a dark and malevolent pantheon known as the "Shadow Pantheon." This pantheon comprises evil gods and entities that represent chaos, destruction, and corruption.
Nyx, Lord of Shadows: Nyx exists as the antheses to Zephyr; where Zephyr embodies creation, the good storms, and change, Nyx embodies destruction, pointless violence, and stagnancy. He also is the god of darkness, deception, and manipulation. He is typically shown as a shadowy, cloaked figure with four piercing, glowing red eyes. His holy animal is said to be the panther.
Maelisara, Lady of Corruption: Maelisara is the goddess of disease, decay, and moral corruption. She is the embodiment sin in Zephyria. She thrives on the temptation and the suffering among mortals. Her followers, as few as they are, are known to be especially cruel. Many a serial killer or murderer has worn her symbol on their neck: a rat's tail. She appears typically as a sickly woman shrouded in linens.
Vorgath, the Warbringer: Vorgath is the god of chaos, suffering and destruction. He revels in causing natural disasters, plagues, and provoking needless war and conflict. He is commander of the evil forces that threaten the world from above and below.
The Hordes: The Shadow Pantheon and its evil gods command legions of demons, vampires, and all forms of malevolent spirits. Those who break the holy cycle of death and rebirth will find themselves here: immortal, yes, but in service to dark forces. They are continuously assaulting the lines of minor deities and spirits that serve the Holy Quartet in the night sky and below the earth. Some of these efforts may break through into the world and wreak havoc but are typically contained by Qaddisa's holy warriors.
The Eternal Struggle: The Holy Quartet and the Shadow Pantheon are at war and have been since they have existed. You see, there used to be an incredibly powerful god that Zephyr created from his Great Breath at the start of time, as a companion and to help him in his functions. That god's name has been since lost to time and now is simply referred to as the Slumbering One. He was treacherous though and sought to usurp Zephyr's throne. For this he was slain, as dead as an immortal can be, by the Holy Quartet and sealed away within the earth. There he slumbers to this day. The Shadow Pantheon seeks to awaken him and to help him achieve his goal of overthrowing Zephyr. Should they succeed, they would plunge the world into a truly terrible state. Therefore, they cannot succeed lest demons and pestilence overrun the world.
Nyx, Lord of Shadows: Nyx exists as the antheses to Zephyr; where Zephyr embodies creation, the good storms, and change, Nyx embodies destruction, pointless violence, and stagnancy. He also is the god of darkness, deception, and manipulation. He is typically shown as a shadowy, cloaked figure with four piercing, glowing red eyes. His holy animal is said to be the panther.
Maelisara, Lady of Corruption: Maelisara is the goddess of disease, decay, and moral corruption. She is the embodiment sin in Zephyria. She thrives on the temptation and the suffering among mortals. Her followers, as few as they are, are known to be especially cruel. Many a serial killer or murderer has worn her symbol on their neck: a rat's tail. She appears typically as a sickly woman shrouded in linens.
Vorgath, the Warbringer: Vorgath is the god of chaos, suffering and destruction. He revels in causing natural disasters, plagues, and provoking needless war and conflict. He is commander of the evil forces that threaten the world from above and below.
The Hordes: The Shadow Pantheon and its evil gods command legions of demons, vampires, and all forms of malevolent spirits. Those who break the holy cycle of death and rebirth will find themselves here: immortal, yes, but in service to dark forces. They are continuously assaulting the lines of minor deities and spirits that serve the Holy Quartet in the night sky and below the earth. Some of these efforts may break through into the world and wreak havoc but are typically contained by Qaddisa's holy warriors.
The Eternal Struggle: The Holy Quartet and the Shadow Pantheon are at war and have been since they have existed. You see, there used to be an incredibly powerful god that Zephyr created from his Great Breath at the start of time, as a companion and to help him in his functions. That god's name has been since lost to time and now is simply referred to as the Slumbering One. He was treacherous though and sought to usurp Zephyr's throne. For this he was slain, as dead as an immortal can be, by the Holy Quartet and sealed away within the earth. There he slumbers to this day. The Shadow Pantheon seeks to awaken him and to help him achieve his goal of overthrowing Zephyr. Should they succeed, they would plunge the world into a truly terrible state. Therefore, they cannot succeed lest demons and pestilence overrun the world.
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The Promised Archipelago has been inhabited for at least two millenia, long before it was Promised to the Zephyrians. The first people to live there were a group of giant humanoids, ogres one might say, the Brugara. In 0 WP (567 years ago), the Zephyrian god of the night, prophecy and magic (see above) Lume issued a prophecy to a poor farmer in [insert place here]. The prophecy consisted of a two headed eagle made of metallic gold told this farmer to gather as many followers as the one true religion as he could and set off to a promised holy land. To assist with this task, he was granted powerful magic by the gods. That man would go on to be named Chosen Brother Qaddej tal-Allat (Servant of the Gods).
The pilgrims arrived at their promised land, the archipelago, 561 years ago (6 WP). They at first lived peacefully with the pastoral Brugara but conflict was inevitable. By the year 100 WP (467 years ago), almost every Brugara on the islands had been slaughtered by the Zephyrians. Only those who chose to convert would be spared and their population was so low they were eventually doomed to extinction.
The Kingdom of Qaddisa was founded 552 years ago (15 WP) and Chosen Brother Qaddej tal-Allat would become King Qaddej the Great of Qaddisa. Over time his powers would fade and he would be felled in battle against the Brugara in 30 WP, ending the story of the great Prophet-King of Qaddisa.
The pilgrims arrived at their promised land, the archipelago, 561 years ago (6 WP). They at first lived peacefully with the pastoral Brugara but conflict was inevitable. By the year 100 WP (467 years ago), almost every Brugara on the islands had been slaughtered by the Zephyrians. Only those who chose to convert would be spared and their population was so low they were eventually doomed to extinction.
The Kingdom of Qaddisa was founded 552 years ago (15 WP) and Chosen Brother Qaddej tal-Allat would become King Qaddej the Great of Qaddisa. Over time his powers would fade and he would be felled in battle against the Brugara in 30 WP, ending the story of the great Prophet-King of Qaddisa.