Shej-vosej Faith

Shej-voshej, meaning "To love to sing" in Najer, is a sect of the Lost Gods faith practiced primarily in the city of Hadu'Jira and its surrounding lands. The faith primarily revolves around Shevarro, the lost god of Fertility, love, and poetry, along with some other things. The people within this faith have a deep understanding of love and mysticism, and herb lore. They also highly revere other gods within the Lost Gods pantheon, and even outside of it, such as Afton at times.

Shevarro
Shevarro was discovered in 115 AB when a man by the name of Dernavos Asdrubal-faj niv Bacri had found a very old and ancient chest burried in the sand. When Dernavos opened the chest, out came the knowledge and wisdom of Shevarro. His main symbol is the Jalev tree, although he is represented also by love, roses, potatoes, bees, and emeralds.

The god Shevarro, as Dernavos read about from these ancient articles, was the god of love, fertillity, poetry, music, attraction, and art. He is the son of Duyani, and is the patron god of Hadu'Jira. Shevarro is often praised in the bedroom, as he is sometimes very scandalous, and has a festival for him known as the Festival of Emerald Roses.

Shevarro aids those who despair and are infertile.

Duyani
Duyani was discovered in 64 AB when a mysterious plant grew from the ground bearing Najer writing in Kigea'jad. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. Her symbol is sunflowers, specifically the desert dandelion, which is a type of sunflower. This dandelion is an important symbol for many Najer that connects the various gods together, and is the national flower of the Emirate of Najer.

This god has many associations, including plantlife, creation, and beauty. Flowers in particular symbolize expressions of aesthetic, color, and passion. These connections tie the Najer love of life to their deep respect for nature. Duyani is commonly venerated at festivals, celebrations, and other lively events.

Duyani aids those who lack willpower or inspiration, as well as those who love nature.

Koshaf
Koshaf was among the group of gods discovered by the cracking of the ancient Najer script. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. Although the least-understood god, his symbol is the quill pen (or feathers in general).

This god is associated with prediction, foresight, knowledge, and innovation. The sky can foretell many natural phenomenon, and holds the keys to many secrets. While the sand represents remembering what was, the sky represents finding something new.

Koshaf aids those who lack knowledge.

Mayassioh
Mayassioh is a very ancient and mysterious god. It was worshiped by the ancient Noxnorrian people as they migrated north, following the north star, Afton. They are strongly associated with the Noxist deity Baldemar. It is thought that they constructed an underground cavern for the purpose of worshiping this god, then passed the tradition onto the Najer, who built temple Tala'ii and the surrounding structures. The symbol of Mayassioh is a bowl, used to burn incense and to scry.

This god is associated with dreams, visions, and the night. It is said to protect all those who sleep, and brings dreams to everyone, regardless of their faith. On rare occasions, visions can also be bestowed by Mayassioh, which are often vague and easily misinterpreted.

Mayassioh aids those that need rest and those that something revealed.

Blossoming of Hadu'Jira
One day, when Dernavos was wandering about Phinos, trying to resettle the ancient ruins, he discovered an ancient chest burried within the sand. Upon the lid of this chest, was a powerful and even more ancient emerald encrested within. When Dernavos had opened the chest, out poored all of Shevarro's wisdom and knowledge. Out came his magic, inwhich allowed the old dusty and sandy ruins of Phinos to turn into a tropical and emerald island, that Dernavos would name Hadu'Jira, meaning "Emerald Isle." Out came grass of an emerald hue, flowers over the island's rolling hills, especially roses, and the most important one, the Jalev Tree. The Jalev tree was an ancient and forgotten tree that was most dear to Shevarro. It had a reddish wood, and leaves of an emerald hue, and bright pink flowers blossomed in bunches on this tree.

Core Beliefs
The creation story of Shej-voshej closely mirrors the creation story of the Mae-Ahso faith. The followers of Shej-voshej value love and nature above all else, believing that it is the most belevolent force, and is the reason for why they value anything at all. As such, Shevarro and his mother Duyani are highly revered in this faith. Despite this, the Vosejeru also revere the skies and a more mystical side of nature. The Vosejeru also highly revere Mayassioh, and Koshaf, believing that they are the most knowing above all. The Vosejeru are also one of the more persistent faiths of the Lost Gods, and unlike many within the Lost Gods religion, the Vosejeru are not afraid to preach, although they will never force.

Hili Ahjen Spirit
The Vosejeru believe that the river dividing Hadu'Jira from the mainland is controlled by the Hili Ahjen Spirit, meaning "Seductive RIver Spirit." Hili Ahjen is the son of Shevarro. The Hili Ahjen Spirit is revered, and feared. The Hili Ahjen Spirit is a very rogue spirit, and is one of the more powerful spirits in the Lost Gods pantheon. The Vosejeru believe that if you look into the Hili Ahjen's eyes, he will seduce you, and make you do whatever he wants you to do, and this is not just the case for mortals, many other spirits and powerful entities also fall to his snare. Due to this, many Vosejeru pray to him as a vengeful spirit, and hope that he will carry out revenge on your foes, but the Vosejeru believe you must be careful, as he may just seek to harm you instead. Despite these flaws, the Hili Ahjen Spirit does provide the Hadu Region with large fertile lands, so the Vosejeru pray to him aswell for his blessings.

Bash Menaj Spirit
The Vosejeru believe that the Northern Star as most know it, is a spirit that serves Koshaf and Mayassioh. This spirit is the most knowing spirit out of all the spirits, and it is believed that he is the messenger of the gods, and that he will appear in your dreams if the gods should like to tell you something and are too lazy to do it themselves. He is often viewed as a symbol of knowledge and magic.

Visions
As Mayassioh and Koshaf are heavily revered in the Shej-voshej faith, it is common for the Vosejeru to obtain visions from these deities, aswell as from Shevarro. These visions are often obtained in sleep, as it is when you are closest to Mayassioh and his plans. What people learn from these visions are unknown, and it is believed that the closer you are to said god, the more visions you shall obtain. Usually these visions are subject to one's own life, and will tell of the future. Despite this, there are an infinite kind of visions you may obtain, and Koshaf or Mayassioh could see fit to show you the past, and it should be up to you to decipher the meaning.

Pledges
Those of the Shej-voshej faith, believe that you can pledge yourself to one specific deity, and you will be granted their blessing. Some on rare occassions have received multiple blessings from different gods, although this is extremely rare. When pledging to a god, you will have to go through a ritual that should fit their district of divinity, and sometimes, a god shall reject you. If you are accepted, the gods will sometimes make their will known, and some of those who are pledged may glow infact, based on the main color of the deity. If somebody is pledged to multiple gods they will almost always be glowing, along with this, you will probably receive a blessing or two.

Shevarro Pledge
The way to pledge yourself to Shevarro is rather simple, and he is one of the most belevolent and trusting gods within this sect of the religion. In order to pledge yourself, you must arrange a circle of pink candles around yourself, and then you must kneel once all candles are lit. After saying the words, "Vo aleoj lak leh Haduverjah." whilst burning rose incense. Shevarro often blesses his pledgers with good luck and a talent for art.

Duyani Pledge
In order to pledge yourself to Duyani, you must plant a circle of sunflowers in midday, once this has been completed, you must speak the words, "Vo aleoj lak leh Yezaf'Verjah." Duyani often blesses her pledgers with good harvests, and protection from dangerous animals.

Koshaf Pledge
Koshaf is the most reluctant god to approve of followers, as he is very wise, and only chooses the wisest of his followers to accept. In order to pledge to him, you must be floating on the sea on a ship during night time. Then you must proceed to go to the highest point of the ship, and to light a silver candle in the direction of Bash Menaj. Once these are completed, you must speak the words, "Vo aleoj lak leh Keesh'Verjah." with a holy text in your hand. Koshaf often blesses his pledgers with immense wisdom.

Mayassioh Pledge
It is unknown how to pledge yourself to Mayassioh, as he is the most mysterious entity we know of. Some believe that you pledge to him by sleeping in the highest tower with an open roof at night, some believe he just chooses who pledges to him and not, and some believe that there is no pledge for him. Despite this, many account becoming pledged to him, and gaining abilities such as not having to sleep, or may have visions whenever they please. All anybody knows is that Mayassioh is mysterious, and his pledge is the most powerful pledge of the Four.

Pledge Denial
If you are trying to pledge yourself to one of the Four, then there is a chance that you will be denied, depending on who you are pledging to, the chances could be increased or decreased. It is believed that you are more likely to be accepted by a god that is similar to you, and shares your philosophy, and visa versa. If you are denied, then you shall be struck by a thunderstorm, and the god's will shall be made known. Although it is very unlikely that you should be killed by a denial, the god's are lenient, although there are a few cases of people dying due to denials.

Worship
The Vosejeru heavily revere Shevarro and his related deities, and as such carry out a plethora of worship. They believe that if Shevarro and his related deities are content, that they will bring mercy to Hadu'Jira, and allow the island to continue to flourish.

Emerald Worship
One of the categories for worshipping Shevarro is by means of using emeralds, which is one of Shevarro's symbols.

It is thought that if you place an emerald within a Jalev tree, that Shevarro will grant a blessing and his protection. The surrounding area around the Jalev tree will be protected, and none to minimal harm shall come to the area.

Vosejeru believe that if you place an Emerald on a hearth, bed, or anywhere that might serve as an important location, that Shevarro will bless the room it is located in, and allow for happiness and love to blossom there.

Bee Blessings
It is believed that if honey is served at ever Vosejeru meal, that Shevarro shall be there to bless the food, and seek to make sure your food is not poisoned.

Sunflower Pots
It is believed that if you plant Sunflowers within your gardens, that Duyani will defend your garden from rabbits and other animals that might seek to eat and harm your plants without your approval.

River Rose Petals
A way to seek approval from Shevarro and his son the Hili Ahjen Spirit, is to grab a basket of rose petals, and have a picnic along the bank of the Hili Ahjen, and to spend quality time, this could be reading, spending time with your family, eating fruits, or other methods of enjoyment. Once the picnic is complete, you must sprinkle the rose petals onto the river, and say the words, "Awabadaj, seluej, kiwej, lohaj, shej."

Potato Planting
As potatoes are the most sacred food to Shevarro, it is common for the Vosejeru to plant potatoes in their gardens. They believe that if there are potatoes in your home, Shevarro will protect you from the Hili Ahjen's seduction.

Reading
Simply by reading shall you gain the approval of Koshaf, as he is all knowing, and loves when wisdom is spread.

Praise
One of the most common and easiest way to worship is simply by praying in a Lost Gods temple or an area that has a link to the Lost Gods. Many times you may just speak to the gods and praise them, such as saying, "Tabah aj Shevarro, leh verjah niv val shev." Meaning, "All be Shevarro, the deity of greater love."

List of Common Praises:

 * "Tabah aj Shevarro, leh verjah niv val shev." - "All be Shevarro, the deity of greater love."
 * "Anahanaj Koshaf kasejit leh shafan jik men." - "Forever Koshaf will rule the skies and knowledge."
 * "Anahanaj Shevarro kasejit leh shev niv reneiin." - "Forever Shevarro will rule the love of people."
 * "Duyani jazelijit von tan sa votu aj hazi." - "Duyani shall bless our fields if we are lucky."
 * "Votu aj hazi sa Koshaf jazelijit von ed ju jeradh." - "We are lucky if Koshaf will bless us with his existance."
 * "Tabah aj Mayassioh, leh verjah niv val pekmen suweya." - "All be Mayassioh, the deity of greater unknown art."

Shej-Voshej Magic
After receiving the blessing of said god, if the god has willed it, you shall be able to proceed in Shej-Voshej magic. This shall allow you to complete a plethora of things, with each god granting different aspects of magic. Only a select few people can actually use Shej-Voshej magic after pledging themself, the rate is typically 1 / 50, and the rate for somebody to have powerful magic would be 1 / 10 of those who were lucky enough to even be granted the powers.