The Diouist Faith

Diouism
The diouist faith (Diouism) has two gods. DioKru, and DioTilgi. DioKru, the creator made the universe, the world, and the home of the Dioui (The gods). With few restricting rules, and much room for advancement, the faith became very popular in it's region around the holy land. The Holy land lays in Falkreath, a viking like kingdom in the Erinnian Empire.

The Purpose of Diouist Scripture
Diouist scripture has many written parts, and evolves as revelations are made. The purpose of this holy scripture is to educate the reader on the origin of the domain in which we live, and how this knowledge can be applied to our every day lives.

Diouist definitions:
Diou- A god (singular)

Dioui- Gods (plural)

Proclaiment- One ordained by the Diouit who teaches the faith to the people of his/her/their community

Scout of the Chiefdom- One who teaches and spreads the faith to people around the world, outside his/her/their own community.

Diouist slang words (So far):
Dio- A god (singular)

Dios- Gods (plural)

A "Dicer" (derrived from "Dioer")- Someone who acts godly. (i.e egotistically, selfishly, or narcissistically).

A "Three-header"- One who worships a false idol, shows poor civility, or short temper. (Much more severe insult, considered derogatory to those who have knowledge of the phrase)

A "Stag Prayer"- A prayer made to DioKru

An "Armor prayer"- A prayer made to DioKru

A "Domain prayer"- a prayer made to both the Dioui

"Prologue and Cerimonial reading": (As read in the Diouist scripture)
"And the Diou said unto thee, 'leap into these waters as I bestow mortality unto thee, and thy will drown in pain if your leep is ill-willed'. So, DioTilgi jumped into the waters, and waves crashed without a current, storms thundered, and DioKru, Diou and creator, knew the loyalty of DioTilgi, and the storm settled. DioKru proclaimed unto the first-born, all who wish to show loyalty of my word, will make this great leap, and so shall be called, the leap of the first-born."

"The Creation": (As read in the Diouist scripture)
"DioKru struck, with hammer and sword, carving into creation his chiefdom. For three days and one second, DioKru struck with hammer and sword, carving into creation, his dark domain in which he spoke of silence, and fought for peace. And for five days, and two seconds, DioKru, with hammer and sword, carved into creation the stars, and light. As with the first star bestowed upon his Chiefdom, a figure holding chisel and shield burst out of this light, and said unto DioKru, 'I am DioTilgi, made of your creation'. For seven days and one second, with hammer and sword, DioKru made a chiefdom of gold and stone, for those who are ones of glory, for a plan yet to come. In the fourth second, the creator made fire, so he could melt and mold the gold in his image. As the creator struck the stone, however, the rock and cobble did not bend nor melt. A crash rang throughout the chiefdom, as the first defiance was beset in his domain. And so, First-Born DioTilgi set unto the stone his chisel, and parried with his shield the sword. And following the command of his creator, with chisel and shield, his, the creator's domain was carved. This domain of the creator's word was the home of these Dioui, these gods. And for nine days, and three seconds, with hammer and sword, and now with chisel and shield, Tremons his domain was carved."

"The Second Defiance": (As read in the Diouist scripture)
"And after a millennium pass, DioTilgi hath grown lonely and tired. Carving the creator's domain in his image. Craving for contact of others than his own, he carved in his own image, man. Made out of what DioTilgi perceived  as his own beauty, he hath disturbed the peace his creator had set. All was quiet, until man made his first word. At first an incoherent mumble, was then heard and understood to be by DioKru, his second defiance. In Anger and fury, DioKru set Tremons ablaze with his blade, and bestowed mortality unto man, so he would burn. And the Diou said unto thee, 'leap into these waters as I bestow mortality unto thee, and thy will drown in pain if your leep is ill willed'. So, DioTilgi jumped into the waters, and waves crashed without a current, storms thundered, and DioKru, Diou and creator, knew the loyalty of DioTilgi, and the storm settled. DioKru proclaimed unto the first-born, all who wish to show loyalty of my word, will make this great leap, and so shall be called, the leap of the first-born. As his loyalty was known, DioTilgi asked for forgiveness from he the creator, and so it was bestowed upon him by DioKru as DioKru proclaimed unto thee, 'All man hath be made in your image, DioTilgi, and so he is born of your past ego. And so they shall worship my name, and my mercy shown unto you, and if properly repented, they shall be welcomed into my domain of gold and stone like us the Dioui. And if man will fight for my domain and spreadeth my word, he shall prosper. For in order to prevent his world from being turned to ash from my sword, he shall spread my word, and defend my domain'. DioKru set unto Tremons greenery, trees, and life. Amongst this life, however, he beset monsters, and beasts of past man to act as a reminder of the two defiances in which he profits. But with this greenery, challenges were made for man, so they may remain humble to his lord. DioKru made mountains for man to climb, metals for which man may use to create, and volcanoes, in which the original blaze of the second defiance is held. And with all of this, DioKru said unto first men, 'These waters in which your Diou showed repentance shall be known as the holy waters in which to find loyalty, and the wisdom of us, the Dioui. And so climb my mountains, claim my ore, all in furtherance of my domain, and my word”."

"First of Man": (As read on Diouist scripture)
"As made in the image of DioTilgi, the first of man was tall and muscular, and large in stature. First man was made by his creator to entertain his lord, and so was made to be intelligent, in order to converse with DioTilgi. Throughout thousands of years, DioTilgi set unto mankind the knowledge of the Dioui origin. DioTilgi, Diou of repentance, conversed with mankind often but grew tired of besetting the same knowledge again and again. So, for each new invention, creation, or revelation, DioTilgi made one last man in present time in his image for whom to tell of these events. And so for every revelation made, DioTilgi set unto his creator’s domain, a prophet who was to be named Anaphase_Andy. And so knowledge set unto DioTilgi would be Knowledge set unto his prophet and mankind thereafter."

"The Prophet of the Waters": (As read on Diouist scripture)
"For one-hundred days and one-hundred nights, a man lay in the waters. The refraction of the light hitting his eyes in conjunction with debris aiming for his sight as if a bow on a battlefield. Though not soil nor stone covered these waters, the man dared not to rise. Until the hundred and first night, in which he arose, one eye struck white from stone and debris barraging his sight. Throughout these hundred days and nights, a deity spoke to the man, and with each word came a breath for which he may use to live another night. For the wisdom of the deity’s word gave life to the man in the waters. And so the word of the Dioui was taught to the prophet day and night, for not a breath was taken by the prophet’s divine teacher. And after the prophet arose, a figure in armor of a gold helm, diamond chest, and iron legs and feet formed from what seemed to be the trees and said unto thee, “for I am your god, your Diou. I am DioTilgi, divine chief of your repentance, forgiveness, and your life. And with the knowledge you bear, you shall know my word unto thee, mankind, spread my word and heed what I proclaim”. The lord DioTigli arose once more, now defying the very laws of nature he hath made as he burdened the prophet with his commands. “For my maker is yours as well, no other maker exists and no other maker shall be said to exist as mercy has been shown by DioKru and shall be returned in favor. For I am your crafter, and my maker yours, mankind shall not enact acts of poor will unto the name of the Dioui. My word is bound by sword and chisel, and so it shall not be amended by false actors of whom I do not give this authority that I bear unto you, prophet. Furthermore, prophet, no false actor of whom I do not bear this authority may misconstrue my great word, nor interpret it from an unsainted mind. And of this authority I speak unto thee, I bear it unto you, Andy, and so you shall spread the word of us Dioui. For I, DioTilgi, bear unto you the authority to change the names of the living under my creation, to expel any who oppose or contradict my absolute word, to lead your fellow man into faithful knowledge and prosperity, and to teach others to aid in your efforts of divine education. And for your devotion under these holy waters, I grant thee not only this authority as Diouit prophet, but the honor of sainthood for you have heard my word first hand, and have devoted yourself to my demands. For all must see that all who follow my divine word, will see its fruits”."

The Stories and legends of Diouism:
These are legends told by members of the faith to teach valuable life lessons to the listeners. Often, they also provide context to other stories within the church. These stories are believed to be true, of course, by diouists, and they are a major scource for church doctrine. The only difference between these stories and the holy scripture, is that diouists are tasked by the Dioui to spread scripture, which is the word of the Dioui directly, not these stories, which are stories told by mortals.

"The Great Chasm"
After the first men had begun to prosper, civilization soon rose with the guidance of DioTilgi during his lord’s many communications with mankind. Kingdoms around the world had risen to great heights, and grew stable after centuries of learned rulers and their endeavors. A kingdom had risen in the land in which DioTili had proven his loyalty to his creator. And this imperial territory was named “Fallunheim”. This kingdom had two kings, King Jhornhei, and King Svanheld. A kingdom of might, the diarchs ruled with matter over mind, and sword in hand. “God hath no place in my righteous land”, proclaimed Svanheld. God was believed to be a sign of weakness, and disloyalty to these diarchs.

People grew restless. There were no answers to how the world around them worked, and what the point of this “loyalty” the kings so desired was. And so, the diarchs convened and thought up a plot. They were to make their own gods. And so, they got their scribes to write what the men dictated to them. The kings decided that they were to make two gods. One, a monster with many heads, who would keep the people in line out of fear, and anger. The second, was to be of the likeness of a beloved sea creature, to get their people to love their gods out of awe, and joy. And the diarchs decided that they themselves would be more than kings, more than emperors, but gods. They were to be worshiped everyday by their subjects. All this, to more efficiently demand loyalty. The kings aimed to manipulate the people’s humanity, fear, anger, and minds for the kings’ benefit. It worked. For decades, temples were built, and people groveled at the feet of their rulers turned gods.

DioKru, in his golden domain, had let this go on for long enough. And so he descended. A glorious Stag with antlers of gold and hooves of iron. He hath held his flaming sword with his will, defying the laws of nature he and his son hath set. He said unto the kings with anger and fury, “You wish to be gods? You? You two mere men? Then I, your one true King, Jarl, and chief, king of kings, and Diou of Dioui shall see how you may defend the domain you hath claimed”. The kings’ creator charged forward with such grace and speed, that fire and smoke were left in his wake. The sword of flame and iron descended upon the kings as if from the Dioui’s domain, and struck the two kings until their death. The glorious and holy stag turned, and galloped out of any mortal sight, and appeared in the mortal world no longer.

Only three nights hath passed after the people heard of their kings’ passing. The men who they believed to be gods. But on the fourth night however, there was no grief. But, instead, there was joyous celebration. As these people had been liberated from their false idols. The kingdom of Fallunheim had descended into tyranny and dictatorship under the regime of the diarchs, but that was no longer. Chants of worship had been replaced with cheers of praise “Hail the liberator! Hail DioKru! Hail the Golden Stag!”. And with this, and with the work of the Saint and Diouit, the faith of Diouism was born in the holy land.

However, not all in the holy land rejoiced. Those who gave into the anger, fear, and totalitarianism moved eastward, and worshiped their three headed god in anger and disgust of the liberation. Whilst those who had been taken by awe and false loyalty, had migrated away and founded a cult to continue the worship of their dictator-born deity and not only continued their worship, but the tyranny that it had been invented from.

This foundational discord in belief is what caused the “Great chasm of wisdom” or simply “The great chasm” to occur. The people of the three headed idol were those who advocated things of anger, and hate. The people who worshiped their authoritarian dictator derived from the seas, were those of tyranny, and totalitarianism. Whilst those of the Diouist faith remained in the holy land. Hailed the liberator and future liberations against tyranny, and strived to be a learned peoples. They strived to aim for the prosperity of not just themselves, but even those who may not be in residence DioKru’s domain after passing. And so they strive to this day, to mend this great chasm.

The Structure of the Church:
The Diouist Church is structured in a way that best aid the Diouit (Pope) in educating and spreading the word of DioKru and DioTilgi.

The Diouit, Head of church, ordained by the gods:
The Diouit is head of the Diouist church, and is specifically chosen by the Dioui to lead and command the church the followers thereof. The Diouit of the church is the only person who may declare acts or beliefs that contradict the holy word and it’s teachings, and is the only person who may excommunicate one who violates the word of the church. The Diouit is also the only person who may appoint or impeach any high member of the church. The first Diouit appointed by the gods is a man by the name of Anaphase_Andy, who lives in the holy land..

The Proclaiment:
A proclaiment, as priest to the Dioui’s word, must teach, enforce, and endorse the word and teachings of the Dioui and their church. These proclaiments must also make all efforts to convert those in which they conversate if they are not of proper faith.

Scout of the Chiefdom:
As scouts of the chiefdom, these high members of the church must go to the far stretches of the Dioui’s domain and spread the word of the Dioui and the church to those who have not yet heard it. These scouts must also make all efforts to convert those in which they conversate if they are not of proper faith.

Saints:
A saint is someone who has either heard the word of the Dioui firsthand, or has shown total, unwavering, and absolute devotion (often to the point of selflessness) to the Church and the Dioui. Sainthood may only be assigned by the Dioit.

Mortal Defiances:
Mortal Defiances are acts that are demanded or forbidden for mankind.

The first: A follower of Diouism may not worship any false idols.
"“For my maker is yours as well, no other maker exists and no other maker shall be said to exist as mercy has been shown by DioKru and shall be returned in favor'."

The second: Do not commit acts of poor ethics or morals in the Dioui's name.
"'mankind shall not enact acts of poor will unto the name of the Dioui'."

The Third: Anyone not chosen by the Dioui may not ammend or change holy scripture or doctrine
"'My word is bound by sword and chisel, and so it shall not be amended by false actors of whom I do not give this authority that I bear unto you, prophet'."

The Fourth: If you are not chosen by the Dioui, and are not a saint, then you may not levee contradicting interpretations of the scripture.
"'Furthermore, prophet, no false actor of whom I do not bear this authority may misconstrue my great word, nor interpret it from an unsainted mind'."

Holy Rituals:
Holy rituals in the Diouist faith often serve the purpose of solidifying faith.

The leap of the first-born:
The leap of the first-born is a replication of the leap that DioTilgi took into holy waters to prove his loyalty to Diokru, after he was given mortality for the duration of the jump. For important events, this is done in the holy land in Falkreath, as that is where the holy waters are. However, a proclaiment may, if he/she so wishes, designate a natural or man made body of water (I.e a lake) "Holy water", making it viable for this ritual."'all who wish to show loyalty of my word, will make this great leap, and so shall be called, the leap of the first-born'."

The reading of scripture:
The reading of scripture is often done for the initiation of proclaiments and scouts of the chiefdom, to ensure their knowledge, and to show their devotion to its contents."'And if man will fight for my domain and spreadeth my word, he shall prosper. For in order to prevent his world from being turned to ash from my sword, he shall spread my word, and defend my domain'."

Holy Mass:
Holy mass is a public reading, discussion, and our teaching of the scripture, what it means, and how it can be applied to our lives. Holy Mass aims to educate all who attend in the teachings of the faith, whether the attendees follow Diouism or not.

Pilgrimage:
A pilgrimage is when some who believe in the faith or not travels to holy sites, or the holy land in order to strengthen faith, worship the Dioui, or learn more about the faith.

1: Do no harm to Diouists' physicall health
-Do not attack any Diouists

-Do not Kill any Diouists

-Do not intentionally and negatively impact a Diouist's physical health

2: Do no harm to Diouists' state of thought and mind
-Do not harass Diouists

-Do not mentally/emotionally manipulate a Diouist in a manner against his/her/their own interest.

-Do not intentionally and negatively impact a Diouist's mental/emotional health.

-Do not unjustly prosecute, or aid in the unjust prosecution of Diouists.

3: Maintain the sanctity of Diouist rituals
- Headwear that can be taken off, must be taken off during Diouist rituals

-Hands are to remain empty when possible during Diouist Rituals

-One may not move around the location of the ritual freely whilst the ritual is occurring

-Talking/comments must be kept to a minimum throughout the ritual except for those who are conducting the ritual, and/or those who are invited to speak by those who are conducting the ritual

4: Maintain the sanctity of the holy land
-One may not swim in the holy waters unless during the proper ritualistic practices of the Diouist church

-One may not build in, on, or around the holy land without permission from the Diouit

5: Maintain the sanctity of the church
-Act with civility and respect with high members and clergy of the church

-Refer to High members of the church with proper titles. This may consist of either their role, or "Holy father", "Holy Mother", or for longer titles, things like "Holy scout" (For the scout of the chiefdom)

-Respect, and heed to decisions and judgements made by the church.

-Do not slander of defame the church, or any of it's followers

-No Diouist may coerce non-Diouists into Diouism through violent means or methods

-Do not go against the teachings of the church or advocate for others to do this

-Malicious compliance would be viewed as a violation of these edicts

6: Aim to educate
-Aim to educate those unaware of the Diouist faith when the opportunity rises

-Do not force conversion

-Do not impede one's search for knowledge or wisdom

Diouism beliefs in summary
In the Diouism faith, it is believed that DioKru made the universe, the stars, and our world (Tremons). In the faith, it is believed that a second god, born out of the first ever star, made humanity, and our characteristics. DioTilgi is the God of forgiveness, repentance, and is the crafter of humanity. DioKru is the God of war, glory, mercy, and creation, and is the creator of the conditions in which we live. It is believed that those who spread the word of these two gods, and/or follow their word, will enter the home of the gods upon death for their efforts, and may even become a high member of the church and prosper in life. Members of the Diouist faith teach the scripture not necessarily to spread the religion, but to ensure prosperity for his fellow man, as it is believed that this is necessary for mankind to prosper, lest DioKru punish mankind for any misdeads.