Batu Shamanism

Batu Shamanism
Batu Shamanism is a religion native to and primarily only practiced within the land of Batu, or the ETC.

The Mirza
The religion is split into houses, which house you adhere to influences what Spirit of Batu Shamanism you follow. While Mirza are ever-changing as families rise in power and decline in prominence, current Batu society is dominated by the following 4 major Mirza, representing the dominant lifestyles of the practitioners of Batu Shamanism:

The Altercast Mirza: Born from centuries of conflict over the scarce resources of the tundra, the Altercast are highly skilled warriors. Preferring to always be prepared for any situation, the Altercast have a tendency towards living in highly fortified settlements and always training for battle in their free time, they work as a security force of Batu, watching the borders for threats in their grand towers and keeping the peace within Batu itself. Altercasts worship Ama'rah, known to favour warriors, protecting them in battle and guiding their swordarm. Ama'rah often makes itself known as a glacial wolverine. There is also Arron, brother to Ama'rah. Arron also serves as a patron spirit to the Astercast Mirza. Arron often manifests itself as a falcon, and is said to be embodied in the fierce and agile warriors that the Astercast Mirza often host.

The Rickerstein Mirza: This family is known for the prominence of its architects, the bravery of its miners, and the skill of its smiths. The Lords of the AundaIine, or Underlands in common speech, the Rickerstein were molded by the great caverns of their ancestral home, filled with buried treasures and ancient ruins from empires of days gone by. The Rickerstein tend to be warm and welcoming to travelers seeking refuge in their hearths due to their commitment to the importance of family and kinship. Rickersteins worship Chet'a. Favouring craftsmen, burrowers and bravery. Chet'a is known for taking the appearance of an arctic fox, often causing trouble among the spirit guardians with its mischief and trickery.

The Eriki Mirza: Known for the influence of its merchants in international commerce, as well as the fertility of the lands where their farmers produce their crops, the Eriki are influential suppliers of essential supplies for the Khaganate. This family is known for having a tendency towards isolationism and protectionism, often finding themselves arguing against the belligerent attitudes of other Mirza. The Eriki are warm and welcoming to fellow Batu, however they have found themselves being accused of being cold to foreigners. The patron spirit of the Eriki is Gan, Stout and proud, they serves as the Patron Spirit of the Eriki Mirza. Gan often manifests itself in the form of a Moose, often protecting and guiding merchants in their travels and watching over the fields of farmers. Gan is known for being reclusive, and often disappears from view when seen by others.

Ukok Mirza: Made up primarily of religious functionaries, wisened scholars, and gregarious diplomats, this Mirza feels most at home socializing with foreign individuals and teaching them about their faith and culture. Members of this Mirza typically prefer to maintain friendly relations with their neighbors. Pass-times of this Mirza include drinking and socializing with folks, as well as eating good food over an interesting conversation around the meal table. They may have a propensity to being on the heavier side. The Patron Spirit of the Ukok is Kutsal, known for its fierce love of its family and congeniality towards those whom aid them. Often seen as a white bear, is highly defensive of its cubs, and is never seen roaming the tundra without them following close behind.

Aput
The figurehead of the religion is Aput, the Ice Maiden known to roam the frozen landscape that is the traditional Batu homeland. Aput is viewed by the Batu as a defender of their home, protecting them from foreign invaders, however her wrath towards those who destroy the tundra is the subject of epic tales of blizzards and avalanches wiping out villages in the night. There is a temple dedicated to Aput at the cultural heart of the Batu tundra.

Temple of Aput
The temple of Aput, built on a mountain, is the only religious building dedicated to Batu Shamanism. It is regularly visited by nearby worshippers of Aput, and tourists, as the building itself is quite beautiful, although it is also quite mysterious, as there are ridiculously many floors beneath the first. It is rumoured that there might not be a bottom floor, only the Shaman, who built and operates the building, knows the truth about the temple.

The Shaman
Not much is known about the Shaman, except for his name; Carado Spheniscidae. He is not native to Batu, and has not shown his face to the people of Batu. The Shaman often conducts rituals within the temple for whoever asks for one. For more information on what the ritual entails, you must partake in it.