Berrism

Overview
Berrism is the worship of the god "Da Berry," a giant eldritch being that presents itself as a sentient berry bush. The religion was re-discovered after the 3 founders of Lutum -- Clarky, 36reaper, and UnSabrosoHuevo-- were starving, Da Berry then blessed them with berries, one of the only food that could grow in the desert.

Ancient History
The oldest records of Berrism date back to before the Gnomes came to Onthukhan, when Goblins and Catfolk still roamed free. It is believed that Berrism's religious center resided where Nyavashire stands today, which would explain the town's heavy emphasis on nature, large amounts of Berries, and strange religious objects found there. Not much is known about early Berrist's religious practices, but it is believed that many sacrifices were held in the name of Da berry.

Re-Founding
When Lutum was founded originally in the desert, the founders hadn't realized what a big mistake they had made; They somehow oversaw the fact that plants needed water to grow, so they begun to starve. At their lowest point, as they were about to starve to death, Da Berry appeared before them. Da Berry blessed Un_Sabroso_Huevo, showing Sabroso his true form, changing him forever. When Sabroso was zapped out of his trance, there were berry seeds sitting in front of him. Sabroso quickly planted them, as they are one of the only foods that didn't need water to grow. The 3 founders lived in the desert alone for a while, planting and replanting berries to survive. This was until visions were seen of the "Holy Land," where Lutumshire is today. Lutumshire was a place that had naturally spawning berries, meaning that they no longer had to farm them to eat; they could now properly thrive instead of merely survive.

Resurgence
As time went on, and Lutum grew, more religions came in; Berrism became less prominent in the region and in general. Eventually, Berrism was only being worshipped by a couple founders and one or two citizens, Even the Bope --founder of Berrism-- spoke a lot less and become distant as time went on. Eventually, the Bope --fed up with having such little followers-- began meditating, and trying to learn about Da Berry. This meditation was so deep, that the followers of Berrism say that he's in a "Berry coma," with berry vines growing all around him to this very day. This is when Berrism "died" for the longest time. This was until somewhere during the era of Vespera, Sepet, Clarky, and Ember, tried bringing back Berrism via making crimson wine out of berries; attempting to get the entire nation addicted to it. This plan was never put into place however, and after Ember trapped Clarky in a prison under the Solonian temple, Clarky left the group entirely.

Resurgence part 2
A while later, in the times of Diregon, another attempt to rebuild Berrism appeared; Sr. Presidente --the new Bope after Sabroso-- became more active, fully stepping into the role of the Bope. The few remaining Berrists --which only consisted of certain members of House Lutum-- quickly gathered in a server, establishing roles for everyone. The Bope was of course, Sr Presidente; the head knight, was Clarky; and a while later, Sepet joined as the head of the inquisition. Since the followers of Berrism were only members of House Lutum, the family and religion were basically intertwined with one another. The religion slowly began growing once more, but this was not the end of the resurgence...

Resurgence part 2.5
Eventually, there was a new convert to the faith from House Lutum, Nyava. Nyava was converted after wedding his two fathers, 36reaper, and Clarky; He immediately began hearing voices after the conversion, but they weren't just any voices, it was Da Berry. Da Berry demanded that the religion become more officialized and organized, so quickly, the followers began to work.

Hierarchy
Nyava immediately began to restructure the hierarchy of the religion to Da Berry's will, and so, it was separated into two unified denominations; the first being the redberry sect, the second being the glowberry sect.

The hierarchy is laid out from most important to least important positions.

Bope
The Bope has full say on what the rest of all followers do, their word is final on all matters. Both sects of Berrism must abide by the Bope's word. The Bope's commands may only be overruled if agreed upon by all head knights and Inquisitioners, along with at least one of the prophets.

Prophets
The prophets are the writers of holy scriptures and speaker on behalf of the Bope. The prophets may receive visions of holy lands, new scriptures, future events, and more. The prophets are second in power to the Bope, having the same authority as head knights and inquisitioners.

Dryads
The Dryads are keepers of Berrist temples and hold holy ceremonies in Da Berry's name. They have full say within their temples, unless the Bope or a Prophet says otherwise. All Dryads must meet with the Bope (or a prophet if the Bope is too busy) every Berrist year to ensure that they are still teaching the true word of Da Berry.

Head Knight & Inquisitioner
The head knights are the protectors of the Redberry sect, head knights may be appointed by either The Bope, the prophet, or another head knight. head knights are not offensive, they defend the holy lands, shrines, and temples of Da Berry; however, they may attack if provoked, or they agree to help the Glowberry sect if called upon. head knights have authority to command followers and holy knights, though they may be overruled by The Bope if required. Head knights act much like generals to holy knights.

The inquisitioners are much like their Redberry brethren, though their job is not to act as protectors, but rather as commanders of the army of The Berrist Church, the crusaders. Inquisitioners' daily jobs are to find and destroy --or repossess-- anything deemed heretical by The Bope or prophet.

Holy Knight & Crusader
Holy knights are an army of sorts that are a part of the Redberry sect, though they are for protecting holy lands, shrines, and temples, unless called forth by the head knights.

Crusaders are the main army of Berrism and part of the Glowberry sect, they serve under the Inquisitioners and protect Berrism through offence instead of defense.

Follower
Da Berry does not ask much of it's followers, it only asks for their loyalty to Berrism, and to spread word of Da Berry. Although not much is required to be a follower, some choose to erect temples and build shrines for Da Berry.

Berrble
The Berrble is the sacred text of Berrism, with many different versions of the Berrble being written as time has passed.

Currently, there are 2 Berrble's that are known of (excluding the ancient Berrble); the one written during Berrism's re-founding at the start of Lutum, and the one written during its restructuring & resurgence.

Calendar
The Berrist Calendar works as follows; one irl month is one Berrist year, one irl week is one Berrist season (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring), one irl day is one Berrist month (Berrism has seven months). The first day of Da Berry Calendar is February 6th, 2021 (Summer of 33 TE); the very first time Da Berry's voice was heard. As of September 5th, 2022; the year is 19 ADB (After Da Berry), Summer season.

Inauguration
To become a true Berrist one must pledge to not only have a piece of Da Berry with them at all times (editing their skin to have berry related stuff), but must also spill their blood to a field of berries to keep Da Berry fed.

Beliefs
- Da Berry's true name is "Sa'ant fre'es," which very vaguely translates to "Holy Berry" in travelers tongue; but, the original gnomes of the region were still learning this new language, so When it spoke to them, their strange pronunciation and low understanding of the language caused them to call it "Da Berry"

- Berrists believe that the earth is Da Berry's true body; they believe it's when Da Berry went to take a long celestial nap.

- Berrists believe the sun is a big glowberry in the sky, placed by Da Berry to keep him warm. They also believe it works as an alarm clock of sorts; exploding when Da Berry's nap is over, awakening him.

- Berrists claim that the moon is a large redberry, similar to the sun; but, they believe it didn't have as much time to grow, and is an original failed version of the sun, explaining its dull and dead color.