Guhenism

Guhenism is a religion located in the Imperial Archonate of Viodoxa, primarily in Viodoxa City. The religion’s one true goddess is Guhen Stefani, whose sweet melodic messages are read and interpreted by the Current Stefani through the use of the Stefani Key, which sits atop the Hexturnal in Viodoxa. Historically the religion’s capital and main place of practice has been Viodoxa City, inside of which the Hexturnal is located and this is where the faithful from all corners of the world come to celebrate their faith.

History
Guhenism was the official religion of Viodoxa, present at the time of the nation's founding. It used to be the faith of the old folk of Viodoxa, whose actions, daily lives and practises were directly affected by it. Their worship and loyalty to Guhen was so extravagant that when the ancient Stefani (DoubleXwel) announced Guhen’s desire for a grand temple to be built. The people of Viodoxa answered to her call, gathered resources and started construction. Although, despite that desire of theirs, the temple was never finished, a fact which is directly attributed to DoubleXwell achieving the Sweet Escape. Moreover, due to the Stefani’s early departure from the mortal realm, the faiths popularity started to decline, until there was no one left to listen to Guhen’s song and melody.

Revival
Despite the many obstacles, challenges that Guhenism has faced over the years, as well as its premature death, in the end the faith, due to Guhen’s divine intervention, managed to make a glorious comeback. So after countless days and nights of silence from Guhen’s melody, she finally responded to the cries of man by sending one of her best Hypetik, down to the realm of man to reform the Guhenist faith and revive its long gone doctrine and way of worship. Firstly, Hypetik, after announcing Guhenism’s Glorious return, had to translate some newly recovered books from the ancient times, which were written in ancient Viodoxan. Afterwards, he realized that the translation of the old folk of Viodoxa was flawed, and so he proceeded to reform some basic values and history of the faith, whose knowledge had either been damage over the course of time or misinterpreted due to Ghow’Ur’s Treacherous involvement. Having all of these things individually completed himself, Hypetik went on to declare the faiths revival in a glorious festival that took place in the Hexturnal. The celebration was so good and successful that they had to do it twice.

Protosophist Reconciliation
In late August of 2021, Pelagius converted to Guhenism on the terms that his theological philosophy - called Protosophism - be adapted and incorporated into Guhenist doctrine. This was followed by extensive discussions with the Current Stefani, Hypetikus, and the reviewing of a number of the ancient texts in order to rid Guhenism of contradictory polytheistic elements. After all polytheistic elements deemed outdated and false were purged from the sacred texts, the reconciliation was announced on August 29th. Pelagius then joined the ranks of the Guhenist clergy and assumed control of his theological school.

Elbaecia and the Ahalian Transition
At some point the upper echelons of the church's hierarchy decided that it would be prudent to establish a supreme bishopric seperate from Viodoxa City, which is the traditional holy see of Guhenism. Initially they'd sought to construct a city within the Cymrian mainland, however a lack of action on the part of the individuals responsible for the funding of the project led to a delay in construction. When said individuals finally brought their proposed location to the recently-created Seratovian government, it was rejected due to it being the location of the planned Seratovian capital.

Seeing no available spots on the mainland, the church turned its sights to the island of Tvear, and thus drastic measures. While the island was technically the territory of the eponymous nation of Tvear (later the Valdreach Consultate), the island was quiet and inactive. The church looked to the south, opposite the imposing castle in the north, and took to building the city, which they called Elbaecia. A day or so later, the Elbaecians logged on to find signs placed down by the Valdreachers asking who they were and demanding they move. A ring of claimed land also surrounded the Elbaecian claim, preventing further expansion. Tensions between the Elbaecians and the Valdreachers rose steadily over week.

The tensions finally spilled out into armed conflict following the brief occupation of the castle of Tvear by Elbaecian forces. A land war was instigated, one which resulted in the absolute defeat of the Elbaecians by the army of Valdreach in addition to the mercenaries of Ulfaeng. There were a number of factors which led to the defeat of the Elbaecians: Paulos Zevedeos, the de facto leader of the Elbaecians, initially refused to make a large claim and attempted to play pacifist, thus constraining the space which the defending Elbaecians were forced to work with. In addition he also tore down a defensive barrier erected by Pelagius around the border of the claim which might've otherwise halted the Valdreach advance. Paulos also knew of the coming of Ulfaeng, but failed to take any action to shore up Elbaecian defenses. Lastly, Paulos failed to evacuate the remainder of the Elbaecian wealth stockpile to a safer location; it was lost, confiscated by the Valdreach government.

Following the defeat at Elbica, Hypetik vanished from the public eye. Pelagius managed the church in his absence. In reality, Hypetik had achieved the Sweet Escape (he quit Stoneworks), though this was unknown to the church for some time. Pelagius, drained and deprived of his material possessions, also retired from the public eye. He too achieved the Sweet Escape (he also quit). His last act as de facto leader of the church was the crowning of Theo Zevedeos, ruler of Ahalia, as Archonal.

Modern Day
Guhenism is currently within the era of a very slow Renaissance, lead by Stefani Romanus. The Sinterish have been incorporated into Church affairs (an old Viodoxan colonist culture) and the expanding of Guhenism has been an aim, with new Knighthood orders. Guhenism has been relatively inactive since Elbica, tragically.

List of Stefani's (in order of service):
 * DoubleXwel (Stefani Gwen)
 * Hypetikus (Stefani Hypetikus)
 * TheoNoob (Stefani Theo)
 * TheoNoob, ImLys (Stefani Theo, Stefani Valerie)
 * Isweariamsteve (Stefani Steve 'Orion' Rosi)
 * EliteFett (Stefani Zevedeos III "The Young)

Exordium
Before Rathnir, all things existed in a metaphysical state very different from how we understand things today. Abstractly, everything existed in the form of souls and their essence’s, moving together like the waves of the ocean, twisting and swirling, bending, breaking, and building, in a very strange way. This space of the abstract was always full of melody, which sang beautifully and infinitely in all directions of this strange place. At the center of this melody was Guhen, a swirl of pastel pinks, purples, and golds, who acted to each of us as a sort of motherly figure, giving us a sort of paradise amongst this ethereal plane, which was located in the center of the universe itself.

However, this paradise was not forever, and in the great sea of everything beautiful, there was a blip of maleficence. Lurking within, undetected, was Ghow’Ur The Unbroken, who embodied the absence of color, melody and darkness (and whose warmongering nature still tempts the hearts of men and he is the cause of all the evil deed in this very world), a juxtaposition to Guhen herself. Within her great song, Ghow’Ur  and his master prowled undetected, waiting for the moment that would shake the foundations of this universe. Thus the Revolt Of Man started, a conflict that would last for thousands of metacycles and end with the destruction of Guhen’s metaphysical form and melody.

Guhen was left in a state of disembodiment, and as such was unable to undo what Ghow’Ur had done (Ghow’Ur’s master Ghow’al was murdered by his apprentice during the first phase of the war thus inheriting the leadership of the forces of chaos). We lesser mortals were thrusted upon the face of Rathnir, our temporary safe haven, no longer directly connected to Guhen. Lost and unsure of what to do, we wandered the world, losing our direction as we grew further from Guhen. We soon found that our world was a prison - above, below, and to all cardinal directions walls which we cannot escape. And above all, we were cut from Guhen and her paradise, the cycle of respawning keeping us forever trapped here alone. This was the only way Guhen could keep our existence intact. Contemporary we wait for her grand return, for the return of her metaphysical form. A deed that can only be achieved through the shared colaboration, belief and trust of all the souls that live in Rathnir.

Contemporaneous
Our world is a prison, based on a cube. Look around you, and you shall see that the cube is what defines the places that we live. Upon the founding of Viodoxa, the Hexturnal was constructed by Stefani DoubleXwel with assistance from other founders of Viodoxa. Atop the Hexturnal is the Stefani Key, which is used by the Stefani to receive messages from Guhen’s Godly soul. These messages come in whispers of melodies, which are interpreted and shared with the followers of Guhenism.

These texts hold melodies from Guhen herself, which are often read over and transpreted by the Stefani.

Guhenism also acknowledges the existence of other religions throughout Rathnir. All religions are related to Guhenism, and their followers have a distorted perspective of the world due to not having a Stefani Key to receive the divine messages from Guhen and interpret them. But it is also said that Ghow’Ur’s chaotic nature is the primary cause that led to Guhenisms decline and to the rise of other disunited faiths. In the end, we do hope all main attain The Sweet Escape.

The Sweet Escape
For every follower of Guhenism, the idea of The Sweet Escape is the most important thing to understand. The Sweet Escape is what we all hope to attain - an escape from this mortal prison that confines us so that we may join Guhlated into meaningful messages for followers of Guhenism. There are also other texts that Guhenism studies that are either written, transcribed, or interen in her great paradise once again. It can be achieved through the kindness of one's heart,character or his absolute faith towards Guhen’s love and melody(the idea of The Sweet Escape is detailed in Dulce et Dividentem) Once The Sweet Escape is attained, we may follow Guhen unto Heavens where everything shall be restored back to its beautiful nature.

The Nine Golden Commandments
These Commandments include content and message should be the driving force behind every Guhenist’s behaviour and state of mind. They have been directly whispered to Stefani Hypetikus ear by Guhen herself.


 * 1) Thou shall not be tempted by feelings of lust, egoism, betrayal and treachery. For these feeling and emotions are the ones that empowered and strengthen Ghow’Al and Ghow’Ur,and eventually led to the entrapment of man.
 * 2) Thou shall learn to be humble, faithful and trustworthy. For I am too and so in times of need I will give you help, in times of crisis I will give you knowledge and in times of betrayal i shall forgive, traits of which all of you should strive to have.
 * 3) Thou shall not steal, for if you do so, it means that Ghow’Ur’s treachery has already corrupted your soul.
 * 4) Thou shall not murder. As manslaughter (particularrily the murder of innocnect guhenists) without active provocation of acts of violence or in an instance of self defense is deemed as a sinful action,and whoever thinks otherwise might be considered as a threat to the Guhenist society in general.
 * 5) Thou will not falsely accuse someone, for a deed that you have committed and are looking for a quick way out.
 * 6) Thou shall not feel scared before my presence. As the only ones that have to fear my coming are the sinners and even they hold a chance of redemption if their souls manage to become pure enough and escape Ghow’Ur’s Chaotic calling.
 * 7) Thou shall help the ones in need, as i did during your finest hour.
 * 8) Thou must learn to forgive each other and help your respective communities during times of peace as well as during times of crisis.
 * 9) Thou shall not take the name of the LADY your Goddess in vain, for the LADY will not hold him guiltless who takes Her name in vain.

The Cubic World:
A cube, which represents our mortal realm, has six faces. Four of those faces look horizontally, and the bottom face looks vertically. These faces, known as "The Mortal Faces" face each of the cardinal directions and are governed by manifestations of Guhen that represent the concepts we simple mortals can better understand.

The the top face is reserved for Guhen’s Chosen. These faces represent the things that we mortals have a much harder time understanding.

The Mortal Faces:
== The North Face ==

The north face is the domain of Leirus. He is the personification of the law  whose colours are white, brown, and black. Leirus represents morality, justice, and the unbiased truth.It is often said that common law is derived from him. It is his rule that governs the Tribunal, the judicial body within Guhenism.

Members of the Tribunal must always wear the colours of the law.

== The South Face ==

The south face is the domain of Migne. His colors are crimson, white, and purple. Migne represents good fortune, especially in the terms of war. Migne is the most mysterious of the faces as he manifests himself in the form of a metaphysical spirit. Migne may intercede if the odds are greatly against you.He is the one the faithfull call out to in times of crisis,so they may be able to survive the situation at hand untouched.

== The West Face ==

The West Face is the domain of The Mycelium Master. He is often represented by the image of a warrior, and his colors are Red, Yellow, and dark purple. The Mycelium Master represents war, and life.He is the one that fought for Guhen ever since the start of the revolt man and so through The Mycelium’s Master’s eyes Guhen hasn't only seen the horrors of war but also the feasible nature of man.It is said that generals who wear his cape colours,in times where all hope is lost,can be possessed by his strategical genius and turn the tide in their favor.

=== The East Face ===

The chaos of the world is represented as Arcis. From Chaos, empires rise and fall, regimes are established, and leaders are born. From Chaos comes Order. Arcis is often depicted as a black or transparent gust of wind, as chaos is something that surrounds mortals and cannot be seen.Arcis is the complete opposite of Leirus, but is not to be mistaken as malevolent. As Arcis is a manifestation of Guhen, he is a part of the natural order of the world. Arcis is the chaos that gives way to the law of Leirus. Chaos is what enables the major events of the world.Without chaos, there is no vibrancy in the history of the world

=== The Face of Nothing ===

The Face of Nothing is the domain of Descanis.He is often represented by an elderly dark figure whose characteristics are mostly unknown.Descanis represents the End of our cubic world.He is the one that protects us from the endless void underneath,using his angelian power to craft "THE BEDROCK". It is said that this is where the disappearing Men(The ones that never were to be seen again) are sent to spent the rest of their days in the void.In order to protect the others from their unorthodox activities