Hukar Sharud

Hukar Sharud is a religion native to the lands of the Yimmu-Audal. The faith believes in the all-including divinity Aradusu Aderrid. The subconscious aspects of the Araudu Aderrid include all gods known to mankind known as the Yimmu Laharae. These aspects compete for influence in the collective consciousness. Under the guidance of the messenger aspect Hukar Sharud, followers of the faith seek to keep balance between the Yimmu Laharae, thus preventing divine conflict creating strife in the corporeal world. The Esbitum (Priesthood) of the faith conducts worship practices to these aspects and maintains the Audalad Dynasty, which is believed to derive its divine right over the holy lands from periodic visitations of the Hukar Sharud.

Prime Beliefs
Hukar Sharud believes that all gods and deities of the worlds Paxia, Jagdas, Rathnir, and Eldham are true and coexist. These gods are referred to as the Yimmu Laharae (Many Aspects). The faith believes that the Laharae are in actuality competing parts of one greater consciousness, the Arudusu Aderrid. They coexist together in an eternal struggle, their greater communication forming the consciousness of the Aradusu, while they are the subconsciousness. Furthermore, not only is the Aradusu Aderrid the greater consciousness made by all divinities, but it is the fabric of the universe itself, a dreaming being dreaming itself.

As each Lahar gains devoted followers, it is able to influence more of its will within the collective consciousness of Aradusu Aderrid and thus steer reality in its favor. The process of competing for the will of the collective consciousness of divinity can be brutal and may result in widespread strife in the corporeal world.

However, within the Aradusu Aderrid there exists a messenger Lahar (Aspect) known as the Hukar Sharud (Golden Albatross) which may communicate the state of the divine consciousness. In exchange for maintaining balance between the Yimmu Laharae such as to reduce the pain of the corporeal world, the Hukar Sharud had come to the Prophet Narahashu to grant divine right over the holy lands of Yimmu-Audal. This lead to the establishment of the Audalad Dynasty, a holy line of succession of to lead the faith. This event is chronicled in the First Revelation.

In this manner, the followers of the faith exist in a pact with the Hukar Sharud. Under its guidance, they work to keep the many Laharae in balance and reduce the strife placed upon the corporeal world. This may include worshipping either a vast array of deities, or instead worshipping none and merely honoring them. The Audalad Dynasty and its supporters are also tasked with providing peace and prosperity to the holy lands.

As gratitude for the success of their initial service, the Hukar Sharud brought forth the Second and Third Revelations, resulting in an expanded understanding of the universe and providing more prophecies.

The faith has several holy texts including the Yimmu Alshud Dezum Autai Dar Shur (The Many Tablets of Water and Gold) which contain translations of the Kair Dez Istar (True Histories) and the Four Revelations, the Nen Shair, the Liber Sanguinis (followed exclusively by the Sangadi), and the texts of the former Korvaini Faith. Additional tablets exist which have been written by members of the Audalad Dynasty with commentaries on the nature of power and statecraft which are called "Urdae Dezum Naddar Ori" (The Living Words of Divine Wind). The Urdae Dezum Naddar Ori are known to be kept secret, only available to the true members of the Audalad Dynasty and only comprehensible by those touched by Naddar Ori.

View of The Afterlife
Within the Hukar Sharud faith it is believed that all people ascend into Aradusu Aderrid upon death or when dreaming, merging their consciousness with that of Aradusu Aderrid (Tenebrous Paradise) to become parts of its Yimmu Laharae (Many Aspects). The exact Lahar whose consciousness a person joins after death depends on whichever Lahar they demonstrated true allegiance to in the corporeal world. Oftentimes, to join a Lahar means to experience the afterlife of a particular religion, which exists as a dream of the respective god or deity within the greater dream of the Aradusu Aderrid dreaming itself. In the case of true atheists, their consciousness dissolves into nothingness within the dream of the Aradusu Aderrid. Sometimes, the consciousness of a mortal may be divided amongst different Laharae after death. Mortals of extreme willpower have been known to join the Laharae themselves, or as in the case of Mónath, sneak into the Aradusu Aderrid through unknown backdoors to attain immortality.

Sharudi (Followers of Hukar Sharud), however, are touched by Naddar Ori (Divine Wind). They can do more than simply ascend and merge with Aradusu Aderrid like all others. Instead, they are capable of ascending to a sub-realm of Aradusu Aderrid called Aradusu Uturad (Shining Paradise) in which the true nature of the universe is revealed to a degree depending on the strength of their piety. While it is impossible to imagine this for mortals as it takes place outside of three-space linearity, existing in Aradusu Uturad can be metaphorically interpreted as riding the beams of light from the shining wings of crystal clear water and liquid gold. This happens as the Hukar Sharud soars over the infinite sea of all other Laharae. It is said that the Lahar Narahashu sometimes appears as a ray of light that joins alongside the riders.

It is also possible to subtly affect the corporeal world as a being within Aradusu Uturad. The degree of such influence that one may wield differs depending on the willpower of the ascended individual. However, while some individuals of exceptional willpower not touched by the Naddar Ori may even affect the corporeal world from the normal state of Aradusu Aderrid, it is only through ascending to Aradusu Uturad that the true nature of the universe can be revealed to them.

Naddar Ori and Bi'Amel Unshi
Periodically, the messenger Lahar of Hukar Sharud, which usually appears as a impossibly large albatross of crystal clear water and liquid gold, whose wings span from one end of the horizon to the other, appears to Audalad leaders and provides holy revelations. Followers of the Hukar Sharud Faith and those in general who help preserve the corporeal world are called Orissaradae (Ascended Ones). Orissaradae are considered to have the Naddar Ori (Divine Wind) which is said to come from the beating of the Hukar Sharud's wings. The Naddar Ori provides good fortune and success in enterprise.

The believers of the faith seek to furthermore demonstrate their merit and rise to become members of the Audalad Dynasty, a non-hereditary line of succession. The line of leaders was established by the messenger aspect of the Aradusu, Hukar Sharud (Golden Albatross), when it granted the first Audalad, Stori, the right of Bi'Amel Unshi (Divine Permanence). Bi'Amel Unshi entails divine right and the guarantee of the Aradusu to support the leaders insofar as they do their best to support the stability of the world and protect all Orissaradae.

The Sangadi and Korvaini
The Sangadi are a subset of Sharudi (Believers) who believe in the Fourth Revelation and the Liber Sanguinis.

In their account, following the Fourth Revelation it became clear that among the Yimmu Laharae, one force had become the strongest. This force is the Lahar of Yara-Sanguid, commonly known as the Blood God. Yara-Sanguid seeks to destroy the world. For this reason, the Sharudi (Believers) conduct material, animal, and human sacrifices to prevent placate the Lahar who seeks blood and prevent the absolute end. By doing so they carry Naddar Ori (Divine Wind), which improves their spirits, productivity, luck, and competence in their actions. The Sangadi interpret fullfilling Naddar Ori and Bi'Amel Unshi by placating Yara-Sanguid with material and blood sacrifices (animal and human) at holy sites to either stop or bring upon total annihilation, depending on their preference. Similarly, the Korvaini are a subset of Sharudi who worship the Lahar of Korvort, the Pale Servant, master of the deep sea and the uknown, the bringer of Haz Iranori (Divine Punishment). The Korvaini primarily reside in the sacred city of Kordania and honor the tale of Korvort and Zeos of the former Korvaini Faith. The Korvaini are lead by the Archpriest of the Pale Serpent, a member of the Dynami Dynasty, a line of succession chosen by the Lahar.

Gods and Deities
Although the faith believes all gods and deities to be real within Aradusu Aderrid, the dreaming being dreaming itself which is the universe, some Laharae are given special attention. Due to their their immense power or historical roles in the history of the Sharudi, the Esbitum (Priesthood) officially recognizes and monitors the worship of these beings.

Worshipped Yimmu Laharae

 * Hukar Sharud - The messenger aspect of the Aradusu Aderrid and the source of Naddar Ori and Bi'Amel unshi. Appearing as a great albatross or phoenix of crystal clear water and liquid gold, it provides revelations to devout followers. Sharudi believe that Asi, Sylene, and others are one and the same with the Hukar Sharud. It is the god of water, balance, stability, and rebirth.
 * Yara-Sanguid - Represents a dissatisfaction with creation, a face to the many spirits who feel that the world should be unmade instead of improved out of shame because of the failures they see in mortals. Violence and sacrifice are seen as representing that wish because they help march towards an inevitable end. Colloquially known as the blood god.
 * Solyrean - Deity of the sun, fire, and deserts. Theios, Sakrelith, and Solaris are all deities worshipped through Solyrean. The name Solyrean originates from ancient histories of the Geshemi.
 * Narahashu - Ascended spirit of the former Opkaituru Narahashu, Stori Audalad who is the progenitor of the Audalad Dynasty and Yimmu Audal. Representing Stori's corporeal legacy, Narahashu is associated with ambition, vigilance, persistence, vanity, and guiding light.
 * Mónath - Sleeping devourer and hunter of the Yimmmu Laharae. Technically not a Lahar themselves, Mónath had been a mortal who snuck into Aradusu Aderrid with the intention of killing gods. Due to their corporeal past, the being is associated with family, guardians, and hunters.
 * Korvort - The Pale Serpant, the bringer of Haz Iranori, the master of the deep sea and the unknown. Subject of the Korvaini followers of Hukar Sharud.
 * Sauj Dalkad - The sentient force of delusions, barriers, and sorcery; the source of purturbation within Aradusu Aderrid.
 * Agönfassari - Warden of the garden of imagination. Also known as Gonf, it is the deity of death, rebirth, and vegetation, and opulence.

Scriptural Figures

 * Stori - The founder of the Audalad Dynasty. Was granted Bi'Amel Unshi from the Hukar Sharud after decrypting the ancient Audalad language mysteriously left on a birch tree
 * Brot - First true citizen of Shyr-Arrak, the undying Jagdasian, most devout of all Sharudi
 * Caleb - Stori's brother and legendary diplomat who helped create the Empire of Yimmu Audal
 * Dex - A former Chief Diplomat of Yimmu Audal who founded the Blood Cult and discovered the Liber Sanguinis
 * Mistic - A powerful empress who fulfilled the prophecy of the First Revelation after being given the Third Revelation
 * Fox - A ruler to whom was revealed the era of Yara-Sanguid on the Day of the Red Sun

Holy Places & Relics
The Hukar Sharud faith has traditionally had several holy cities and sites, and has accumulated a number of different unique artifacts important to the faith. A Holy City or relic must be declared by the Opkaituru after a formal request from any Orissarad (Ascended One). A Holy Site may be consecrated by any Hukar Sharud Priest.

Sacrifices to Yara-Sanguin can be conducted at either a Holy City or Holy Site. It is believed that the power of these sacrifices is strengthened when relics are involved in one way or another.

Holy Cities

 * Shyr-Arrak - Home to the first Sacred Pool and Ziggurat of Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur. May only be visited through Aradusu Aderrid. (Annihilated in the Jagdasian Collpase)
 * Urnu-Arrak - Home to numerous holy sites and temples, historic birthplace of the Rathnirian Audalad Dynasty. (Yimmu Audal)
 * Amos - Home to the temple of Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur. (Yimmu Audal)
 * Eldal Adadi - Home of the great Kai'Yi Audalad Dynasty member GrayIsYes (Yimmu Audal)
 * Theiotokos - Home of the venerable prophet of Theiosism LethalMuffin Audalad.
 * Maereta - Home of the great Ningal Mistic Audalad, reformer of Yimmu Audal and signatory for the creation of the Empire of Aldovir.
 * The Last Bastion - Place of the historic Battle of the Last Bastion, constructed by the Kai'Yi Audalad Dynasty member and Nergassi Dexter OG.
 * Ardat Mosul - Founded by the Dajir Audalad member Dalatra Mosulia—serves as a reminder against her mistakes.
 * The Abyssal Isles - A holy city of the Sandagi, it is a sacrificial site of the former Red Cult and former home of DexterOG.



Holy Sites

 * Ziggurat of Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur (Shyr-Arrak) - Place of worship and location of the Avaebrr Hukar artifact. May only be visited via Aradusu Aderrid.
 * First Sacred Pool of Hular Dezum Autai Dar Shur (Shyr-Arrak) - Offerings would be made in exchange for good fortune. May only be visited through Aradusu Aderrid.
 * Second Sacred Pool of Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur (Urnu-Arrak) - Place of worship and offerings.
 * Former Imperial Throneroom of Yimmu Audal (Urnu-Arrak) - Site of the Red Coronation and the Usurpation of Yimmu Audal.
 * Lighthouse of Urnu-Arrak (Urnu-Arrak) - Former home of the first Opkaituru Stori, associated with the Lahar Narahashu. Known as the lighthouse of two realities within the Nen Shair holy scripture.
 * Temple of the Blood God (Urnu-Arrak) - Sacrificial site of the former Red Cult
 * The Barrel (Urnu-Arrak County) - Alchoholic manufactory of the venerable and renowned Ankidi Dotto21.
 * Temple of the Holy Golden Seabird at Amos (Amos) - Place of worship and ceremonies.
 * Utal Lugalad (Urnu-Arrak) - Royal Palace and throne room of Yimmu Audal.
 * Tree of G0nf (Urnu-Arrak) - Syncretic Holy Site alongside with Gonfism.
 * Dur-Sharrukin - A temple complex located in Theionikos honoring the Hukar Sharud



Holy Relics

 * Abaevver Hukar Totem (In possession by the Aradusu Aderrid) - Suggests the history of the Audalad Dynasty predates even Jagdas, possibly Paxia, having originated as a different name within a mysterious city known as Imoldien.
 * Ullarah Urdussad (In possession by ViewedMarquis) - Divine sword of the first Opkaituru Narahashu Audalad. Possesses the power to revive StoryStudio who was canonically slain by the Ferrymen.
 * Imperial Crown of Yimmu Audal (In possession by Yimmu Audal) - Holds purely ceremonial significance. Passed on from the Emperor BlueMarble and onward.
 * Imperial Golden Apple of Astroria (In possession by Yimmu Audal) - Gift provided by Duke BuiBui as a sign of loyalty at the first Jagdasian Emperor StoryStudio Audalad's coronation.

Clerical Hierarchy
The Hukarad Faith is governed by the Esbitum Hukarad (Priesthood) which headed by the Opkaituru. The Opkaituru is a prophet of the faith who exists completely in the immaterial world and leads the clergy through their words from Aradusu Uturad (Shining Paradise). The Opkaituru must be a member of the Audalad Dynasty who is already dead and can see the true nature of the universe from the Aradusu Uturad. Below the Opkaituru exist various ranks of priests who share administrative responsibilities within every nation where Hukar Sharud is present.


 * Opkaituru - The one and only head of faith, the sole individual capable of reforming the faith after having had revelations in visits of Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur (The Bird of Water and Gold), the messenger form of the Aradusu Aderrid.
 * Custodian of the Faith - The most powerful priests which represent the largest Hukar Sharud sects, such as the traditional and Sangadi. The Custodians have veto power of the clergy and keep the faith from changing rapidly without thought.
 * Sharrulad Overseer - The head of the Hukar Sharud faith in a given dynastically Audalad Sharrulad (Nation).
 * Hukarad Scholar -  An Hukar Sharud Priest who has been designated the venerable title of Scholar by their respective Sharrulad Overseer or by the Opkaituru. Scholars work in order to discern the histories of the faith and dynastically Audalad states.
 * Hukarard Archpriest - A Priest of the Esbitum Hukar Sharud who has been appointed by the Opkaituru to manage other priests, expand the clergy, and lead conversion efforts. Achpriests are assigned to geographic administrative regions known as Esbitumads.
 * Hukarad Priest - A priest of the Esbitum (Priesthood) may propagate the faith, admit new Sharudi, and conduct the Ullarah ceremony. A Hukar Sharud Priest may be appointed from any Sharudi who has undergone Ullarah.

Regional Administration
The Esbitum Hukarad is divided into Sharrulads (National administrations) and subsequently into Esbitumads (Regional Administrations). Examples include the Clergy of Yimmu Audal, the Clergy of Anoshphéy, the Clergy of Tálor, the Clergy of Theiónikos, the Clergy of Coltmaere, and the Clergy of Azuria.

Sharrulads are lead by a Sharrulad Overseer that have command over Archpriests within their respective Sharrulad.

Esbitumads are subregions within Sharrulads which are lead by Archpriests who manage religious affairs: conversions, the building of holy sites, events, etc.

Edicts of Faith
In addiction to the core tenets and holy scriptures, the Esbitum (Priesthood) of the faith periodically updates its theological interpretations of the universe and internal structures of clerical management.

Proclamation of Amos of 551
In the sudden absence of the Opkaituru shortly after following a period of instability and the breakup of the Dajir Empire of Astyllea, the leaders of the two major sects which emerged following the Schism of the Red Sun, Mistic and Foxmunk came together to formally end their divides, blaming disunity on the Opkaituru who had been unable to comment on the corporeal world's affairs, busy engaging in dialogues with the Yimmu Laharae. The pair, now self-declared Custodians of the Faith, issued the Proclamation of Amos 551 to resolve their differences, clearly determining the Hukar Sharud theology, ending the faith's "Audaladau" name, and introducing the title of Sangadi to Sharudi devoted to Yara-Sanguid.

Proclamation of Amos of 556
The Proclamation of Amos 556, passed by the Esbitum Hukarad, further defined theological concepts introduced in the Proclamation of Amos 551, as well as additional concepts that had been up to interpretation until this point including views of the afterlife, metaphysics, and an declaration of application to the Celestial Concordat.

Edict of Urnu-Arrak 562
The Edict of Urnu-Arrak 562 returned power from the Custodians of Faith to the Opkaituru and accepted the Lahar of Narahashu as an officially acknowledged Lahar within the Hukar Sharud faith. The edict accepted the second Opkaituru, Seramida, and outlined the faith's dynastic policy towards the regions of Anoshphey and Azuria.

Rituals
The following lists the various ritual practices of the Hukar Sharud faith.

Clerical Rituals

 * Ullarah - Ullarah is the ritual of entry conducted at an Hukar Sharud Holy Site. The exact details of the ritual are up for the Priesthood member conducting the ceremony. Formally undergoing the ceremony is a requisite for anyone who wishes to join the Esbitum (Priesthood).
 * Haz Iranori - Divine Punishment inflicted upon an Orissarad by the Opkaituru directly or after petition, usually due to their incompetence, where a temporary stripping of all Hukar Sharud titles and privileges occurs.
 * Holy Site Consecration - An Hukar Sharud Priest shall visit an area with the permission of the Opkaituru and conduct a formal introduction of the Lahar of Hukar Sharud to the area. Typically, a bottle of water from the Holy Lands of the Geshem Bay or the rivers of Amos will be brought and sacrificed to Hukar Sharud.
 * Coronation - Depending on where an Audalad Coronation is taking place, the local nobility or Audalad leadership may have various traditions in place. Within the Dynasty's ancestral homeland of Yimmu Audal, the former leader passes on a ceremonial crown to their successor within the Utal Lugalad (Royal Palace) under the coordination of a high ranking Hukar Sharud Priest such as a Scholar or Sharrulad Overseer. The newly appointed leader should state the holy words, "Ihn Ori'al El Aradusu Aderrid". I shall Ascend into Tenebrous Paradise.

Peaceful Celebratons

 * Peaceful Offerings - Traditionally, any Sharudi or any Orissaradae may offer the Laharae of Hukar Sharud or Yara-Sanguid an offering at a Hukar Sharud Holy Site or in the waters of the Holy Land of Yimmu Audal. Such offerings could be minor and are usually aimed at acquiring better fortune and good luck. Theologically speaking, an offering is made to the Aradusu Aderrid in exchange for further blessings of the divine wind Naddar Ori to move one's life along according to one's sincere desires. The offerings are usually physical items such as valuables or foods. Most frequently they are provided via their deposition into water.
 * Haz Arcanoh Festival - A festival conducted annually on August 16th, the date of visitation of the Prophet Narahashu by Hukar Sharud, which celebrates the successful passing on of Bi'Amel Unshi within one's nation. During this time, followers may feast within a Hukar Sharud Holy Site. Large quantities of alcohol are expected to be consumed. During the festival, sacrificial killings to the Aradusu are encouraged. The festival's name means Garden of Chaos, referring to the nature of politics which should be carefully tended to by those with Bi'Amel Unshi in leadership positions. The festival should be organized by local Esbitum Hukar Sharud (clergy) members.
 * Hukarad Greeting - A Sharudi states, "Ihn Ori'al (I shall ascend)". Another replies, "U'Allu! (You shall!)".

Sangadi Sacrifices

 * Human or Animal Sacrifice - 1. Bring your offer to an altar in order to appease Yara-Sanguid. 2. Chant "Blood for the Aradusu". 3. Slay your sacrifice.
 * Material Goods Sacrifice - 1. Bring your goods to an altar. If they are armaments or armour, they are more worthy of being sacrificed. 2. Solemnly describe why your item has meant something or has worth, and then cast it away for destruction. 3. Draw blood at the altar, chanting to appease the blood Lahar, Yara-Sanguid.

History
Long ago in the central ocean of the world Jagdas, a man named Stori was visited by a divine messenger. A great albatross of crystal clear water and liquid gold foretold a prophecy that Stori would create an empire "across the seas and the sands" and that this empire to "fall only to rise again" as will the albatross itself. Together with his brother Caleb, Stori founded the Empire of Yimmu Audal (Empire of the Many Islands). Some time later, Jagdas fell, only for the Empire to rise again in Rathnir. It fell once more, only to rise again. And it did so again and again, often under various names. Thus the prophecy came true. The Empire would be lead by members of the Audalad Dynasty who carry Bi'Amel Unshi (Divine Permanence), passed down from the Hukar Sharud (Golden Albatross) to subsequent members, creating a continual transition of power. Over time, these leaders would receive the Three Revelations, finding out that the Golden Albatross was just one aspect of a greater, all-powerful and all-encompassing, omnipresent divinity known as the Aradusu.

Schism of the Red Sun
Following the Borther's War and the formation of the Empire of Astyllea, a ruler of the Audalad Dynasty known as Foxmunk was granted the Fourth Revelation by the Hukar Sharud. The messenger Lahar revealed that its time as a prominent aspect has come to an end. At last, the era of the Blood God has begun. The Lahar of Yara-Sanguid (Blood God), which seeks to plunge the world into void, had overtaken all other Laharae in power on that day. Yara-Sanguid demanded absolute submission.

The Fourth Revelation issued what became known as the Audaladau (Islander Blood) era. In this time, many followers of Hukar Sharud adopted practices of Red Cult in order to prevent the end of history, believing the prophecies of the Fourth Revelation. The Opkaituru Narahashu Audalad resurfaced from a silence of many centuries, officiating the reform of faith such as to recognize the Lahar of Yara-Sanguid as superior to that of Hukar Sharud. At this time, Sharrulad Overseer of the Kingdom of Yimmu Audal and scriptural figure Mistic Audalad was declared as Dajir (False) for her rejection of the Fourth Revelation, which had caused a temporary schism in the faith known as the Schism of the Red Sun.

Dawn of the Sangadi
Upon the dissolution of Astyllea and the re-emergence of Yimmu Audal as a High Kingdom under the Imperium, with the Triumvir Yazov Audalad and, subsequently, the Triumvir Centurion Audalad in command, the schism was ended by Mistic and Foxmunk Audalad finding a common ground for the good of the faith. This was corroborated officially in the Proclamation of Amos of 551 decreed by the Esbitum Hukarad, and expanded upon in the Proclamation of Amos of 556 with consent of the once-again resurfaced Opkaituru (Head of Faith) Narahashu who had gone to deal with issues of the Aradusu Uturad during times of the Astyllean instabilities, too bogged down to be involved in the corporeal world. Consequently, although not all Hukar Sharud followers believe in the Fourth Revelation, those that do are accepted within the faith nonetheless. These followers are known as the Sangadi, whose belief centers around the chaos Lahar of Yara-Sanguid.

Mastery of Fate
In the year 562 after the fall of Jagdas, the first Opkaituru Narahashu left two texts known as the Reveries of the Schism of the Red Sun and The Nen Shair (The First Servant). The latter scripture is a metaphorical account of the first Opkaituru's dissolution into the Aradusu Uturad to become Opkaituru no longer, but now the Lahar Narahashu. Prior to taking this step, resulting in the loss of Narahashu's individuality, the corporeally-known Mistic Audalad was guided to join Narahashu to the Aradusu Uturad, wherein she was enacted the second Opkaituru of Hukar Sharud, taking the holy name Seramida (Who Has Mastered Fate). The Edict of Urnu-Arrak 562 was decreed soon after, reviving the Esbitum Hukarad to account for these changes as well as outlining a direction for the faith's dynastic policy.