Neo-Boatism

Neo-Boatism / Boatism refers to the Boatism religion on Eldham.

What is Boatism
Boatism is a religion in the world of Eldham that reveres boats as a symbol of power, freedom, and connection with the sea. It was founded by Cheeks Gardyloo, also known as the "Boat Pope," who is considered the spiritual leader and guide of the faith.

Beliefs
The core belief of Boatism is that boats are not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. According to Boatism teachings, mastering the art of boating and sailing can unlock the secrets of the sea and bring its followers closer to a higher spiritual state. Boatists, as the followers of Boatism are called, believe that the sea holds great power and wisdom, and that by sailing on it, one can tap into that power and gain insight and understanding. They also believe that the sea is a living entity, with its own consciousness and spirit, and that by respecting and honoring it, they can gain its favor and protection.

Practices
The Boatism religion has its own set of rituals and practices. The most important of these is the "Blessing of the Boats," which is performed before a boat sets sail. During this ceremony, the Boat Pope or a designated Helm of the Fleet will bless the boat and its crew, offering prayers and offerings to the sea to ensure a safe and successful voyage. They also have a ritual of "Boat burials" where the boat is buried in the sea, with the belief that it would return to the sea, to be reborn in another form, in the next life.

Community
Boatism has a strong community aspect, with many Boatists coming together to share their knowledge and experiences, and to support each other in their spiritual journey. They also have a strong connection to the Eldham community at large, often hosting events and gatherings to promote boating and the Boatism faith.

History
The origins of Boatism are hard to fully trace back, it is believed the practices began in another world, far away from Eldham, but soon the ideas where brought over. The founder of Boatism, Cheeks Gardyloo, was a young pigmen who was always fascinated by boats and the open water. He spent his childhood building small rafts and sailing them on the nearby rivers and lakes. As he grew older, his passion for boats only intensified, and he began to study the art of boat building and navigation in earnest. He quickly became known as a prodigy in the boating community, and his boats were highly sought after by sailors and merchants.

It was during this time that he began to develop the teachings and principles of the Boatism religion. He believed that boats were not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of freedom and connection with the sea. He also believed that by mastering the art of boating, one could unlock the secrets of the sea and find true spiritual enlightenment.

Cheeks Gardyloo eventually became known as the "Boat Pope" among the boating community, and his followers began to refer to themselves as the "Boatists." He founded the Boatism religion, which is dedicated to promoting the boating culture and preserving the knowledge of ancient boating techniques. The religion also serves as a community for those who follow the faith, with Cheeks Gardyloo as their leader and spiritual guide.

Today, Boatism continue to thrive and inspire many boaters and sailors in the Eldham world, and its teachings and principles continue to guide them in their spiritual journey.

"The Boatsman's Creed"

 * 1) We believe in the power of the sea, and the strength of the boat.
 * 2) We honor the Navigator, who guides us through the treacherous waters.
 * 3) We worship the Boat Builder - Daedalus, who crafts our vessels with skill and care.
 * 4) We praise the Wave Maker - Vortex, who tests our mettle and hones our strength.
 * 5) We bow to the Storm Bringer - Thor, who reminds us of the power of nature.
 * 6) We follow the Sea King - Triton, who rules over all the waters.
 * 7) We pledge our loyalty to Cheeks Gardyloo, the Boat Pope and founder of Boatism.
 * 8) We shall live our lives by the code of the sailor: respect the sea, respect each other, and respect the boat.
 * 9) We shall always remember that the sea is both beautiful and deadly, and that we must always be prepared for its challenges.
 * 10) We shall strive to improve ourselves and our boats, for the glory of Boatism and the honor of the sea.

"The Book of Boats"

 * 1) In the beginning, there was only the sea and The Ancient Mariner.
 * 2) And the sea said, "Let there be light," and the boat was born.
 * 3) And The Ancient Mariner, "Let us explore the sea," and the Navigator - Eudoxus was created.
 * 4) And the Navigator - Eudoxus said, "Let us build better boats," and the Boat Builder - Daedalus was born.
 * 5) And the Boat Builder - Daedalus said, "Let us test ourselves," and the Wave Maker - Vortex was created.
 * 6) And the Wave Maker - Vortex said, "Let us remember the power of nature," and the Storm Bringer - Thor was born.
 * 7) And the Storm Bringer - Thor said, "Let us have a leader," and the Sea King - Triton was created.
 * 8) And the Sea King - Triton said, "Let us have a religion," and Cheeks Gardyloo, the Boat Pope, was born.
 * 9) And Cheeks Gardyloo said, "Let us live by the code of the sailors," and Boatism was born.
 * 10) And thus, the sea, The Ancient Mariner, Eudoxus, Daedalus, Vortex, Thor, Triton, and Cheeks Gardyloo, the Boat Pope, were all created, and Boatism was born.

Structure

 * 1) The central belief of boatism is that boats are sacred objects that possess spiritual power and represent a connection to the divine.
 * 2) Followers of boatism believe that by building and caring for boats, they can tap into this spiritual power and improve their own lives.
 * 3) The religion also includes practices such as meditating on the water, offering prayers to the spirits of the boats, and participating in boating rituals and ceremonies.
 * 4) There is also a strong emphasis on community and connecting with other followers of boatism, as well as a respect for the natural environment and the waters that the boats traverse.
 * 5) There may also be a belief in ancestor worship or veneration of the spirits of sailors and boats.

The First God

 * 1) The Ancient Mariner: This god is said to be the first god of the seas and oceans, and is believed to have been present at the dawn of time. It is said that it was the first being to traverse the seas and chart the waters, and that it is the embodiment of the sea itself.
 * 2) Appearance: The Ancient Mariner is said to have the appearance of a grand and ancient boat, crafted with ancient woods and adorned with symbols that are said to hold deep spiritual meaning. It is said to be the size of a temple and it is said that it is able to change its shape and size, depending on the will of the god.
 * 3) Powers: The Ancient Mariner is said to possess immense powers that can be used to protect, heal, and guide its followers. It is said to have the ability to create and control the winds and the waves, and to have the power to calm the seas during storms. It is also said to have the ability to heal the sick and injured, and to grant wisdom and knowledge to its followers.
 * 4) Worship: The Ancient Mariner is said to be worshiped in a grand temple built in its honor, where its followers can offer prayers, make sacrifices, and participate in religious ceremonies. It is said that the Boat Pope, The Mariner's Council, and The Helm of the Fleet: are the only ones who can enter the temple, which is considered the holiest site in the religion.
 * 5) Significance: The Ancient Mariner is considered the most important and powerful god in the religion, and is said to be responsible for the protection and guidance of all seafarers and sailors. It is said to be the ultimate symbol of the unity and interconnectedness of all life in the sea, and is believed to be the source of all power and wisdom in the religion.

The Other Gods

 * 1) The Sea King - Triton, is a god of the sea, who is said to have been a mortal sailor who became a powerful ruler of the seas. He is known to be a powerful and majestic figure, who controls the waves and the winds, and who governs the sea creatures. He is also known to be a patron of sailors and explorers, who helps them to navigate through the seas and to discover new lands.
 * 2) The Sea Queen - Amphitrite, is a goddess of the sea, who is said to have been a mortal woman who became a powerful ruler of the seas. She is known to be a beautiful and powerful figure, who controls the waves and the currents, and who governs the sea creatures. She is also known to be a patron of sailors and explorers, who helps them to navigate through the seas and to discover new lands.
 * 3) The Storm Bringer - Thor, is a god of thunder and lightning, who is said to have been a mortal sailors who became a powerful ruler of the storms. He is known to be a fierce and powerful figure, who controls the storms and the lightning, and who governs the winds. He is also known to be a protector of sailors and ships, who helps them to survive storms and to overcome any obstacles they may face while at sea.
 * 4) The Wave Maker - Vortex, is a god of the sea, who is said to have been a mortal sailors who became a powerful ruler of the seas. He is known to be a powerful and majestic figure, who controls the waves and the winds, and who governs the sea creatures. He is also known to be a patron of sailors and explorers, who helps them to navigate through the seas and to discover new lands.
 * 5) The Navigator - Eudoxus, is the god of navigation and sea travel. He is said to have been a mortal sailor who became a powerful ruler of the seas. He is known to be a wise and knowledgeable figure, who possesses a deep understanding of the stars, the winds, and the currents. He is also known to be a patron of sailors and explorers, who helps them to navigate through the seas and to reach their destinations safely. He is also known to be the creator of the first map of the seas, which is said to be able to guide sailors even in the most treacherous of waters.
 * 6) The Boat Builder - Daedalus, is the god of shipbuilding and engineering. He is said to have been a mortal sailor who became a powerful ruler of the seas. He is known to be a skilled and innovative figure, who possesses a deep understanding of the materials and techniques used in shipbuilding. He is also known to be a patron of sailors and shipwrights, who helps them to build ships that are strong, fast and seaworthy. He is also known to be the creator of the first ship that is able to sail the seas, which is said to be able to withstand even the most violent of storms.

More Gods
These gods are not considered omnipotent and benevolent. They are believed to have both good and bad aspects, and followers of Boatism must be respectful and offer them sacrifices and offerings to try to avoid bad luck and harsh weather.
 * 1) The Fisherman's Friend - Marlin, is a god of fishing, who is said to have been a mortal fisherman who was so skilled at catching fish that the other gods took notice and made him a god. He is known to be a jovial and friendly deity who helps fishermen to find good catches and protect them from harm. He is also known to be a patron of sailors and travelers.
 * 2) The Harbor Master - Haven, is a god of harbors and port towns, who is said to have been a mortal sailor who after a shipwreck, survived by building a shelter and a village that later became a port. He became a god after he saved many ships from the same fate. He is known to be a stern but fair figure, who protects ships and sailors while they are in port and ensures the prosperity of port towns.
 * 3) The Seafarer's Companion - Sirene, is a goddess of companionship and good luck on the seas. She is said to have been a mortal woman who was loved by many sailors, but was also known for her ability to predict weather and help sailors navigate through storms. The sailors prayed to her and after many successful voyages, the other gods made her a goddess. She is known to be a beautiful and kind deity who helps sailors to overcome loneliness and boredom on long voyages, and to bring good luck to their endeavors.
 * 4) The Wave Tamer - Calmus, is a god of calm seas and mild weather, who is said to have been a mortal sailor who was able to calm rough waters and quell storms with his songs and prayers. His legend was so powerful that the other gods made him a god. He is known to be a wise and serene figure, who helps sailors to navigate through dangerous waters and to enjoy peaceful voyages.
 * 5) The Ship's Guardian - Leviathan, is a god of ship safety and protection, who is said to have been a mortal sailor who was able to shield his ships from harm and guide them through dangerous waters. His legend was so powerful that the other gods made him a god. He is known to be a fierce and powerful figure, who helps sailors to protect their ships and to overcome any obstacles they may face while at sea.

The Gods have strong connections to Greek and Norse mythology.

Listed below is the structure of leadership within Boatism.

 * 1) The Boat Pope; The leader of the religion, responsible for overseeing the spiritual practices and interpreting the teachings of the religion. They are considered the most spiritual and knowledgeable person within the community. They are in charge of leading ceremonies, rituals, and making important decisions for the community. They are also the one responsible to communicate with the gods, interpreting their will and acting accordingly. They are elected by The Mariner's Council, and serve a life term.
 * 2) The Mariner's Council: A group of senior followers who advise the Boat Pope and help make important decisions for the community. They are experienced sailors, shipwrights and navigators who have spent many years within the community and have demonstrated their knowledge and devotion to the religion. They are chosen by the Boat Pope and the community for their wisdom, knowledge and experience. They serve a term of 5 years, and can be re-elected.
 * 3) The Helm of the Fleet: Leaders of individual congregations or "boat crews" who are responsible for the spiritual well-being of their members. They are in charge of organizing and leading spiritual voyages, ceremonies and rituals. They also serve as the main point of contact between the community and the Boat Pope. They are responsible to lead by example, not just in spiritual matters, but also in the community's daily life. They serve a term of 3 years, and can be re-elected.
 * 4) The Shipwrights of the Ocean: Experts in boat building and maintenance who are responsible for constructing and caring for the sacred boats. They are responsible for maintaining and repairing the boats, in addition to training other shipwrights and apprentices. They are also responsible for the construction of new boats and for the design of the boats themselves, which should reflect the community's beliefs and cosmology. They are appointed by The Mariner's Council for a term of 6 years, and can be re-appointed.
 * 5) The Guides of the Sea: Experienced sailors who are responsible for leading the boats on spiritual voyages and ceremonies. They have a deep understanding of the sea and the winds and are responsible for navigating the boats safely during voyages. They also assist the High Priest/Priestess in leading ceremonies and rituals, and in communicating with the gods through divination and other spiritual practices. They are also responsible for the education of the sailors and navigators of the community. They are appointed by The Mariner's Council for a term of 6 years, and can be re-appointed.
 * 6) The Young Seafarers: Young sailors, shipwrights and navigators who are learning from the experienced members of the community. They are appointed by The Mariner's Council, and they are trained and educated in the various aspects of the religion, such as sailing, ship-building, navigation and spiritual practices. They serve under the guidance of the navigators, The Shipwrights of the Oceans, and the The Helm of the Fleet, and are expected to serve the community after they complete their apprenticeship.

Please note: All information is subject to change. More stuff will be added as deemed fit.