Eriszetsu

Eriszetsu is a religion originating from the Crownlands of Yaszuma and a distant relative to the Twin Dragon faith. The faith is only practiced by the Yaszumatti, who deem it more as a lifestyle than an organized religion. The entirety of Eriszetsu's faithful population is based in the Crownlands of Yaszuma, where it's the undisputed state religion.

It was brought to the area of modern-day Yaszuma following the arrival of the Umarín some 1500 years ago. Since then the religion has grown and changed greatly into what it is today.

It believes that the universe, although created imperfectly, can be bettered through the pursuit of self-improvement and a purified lifestyle.

History
The first instances of modern-day Eriszetsu appear following the First Unification of Umakwa and Kaszara in the year 1 F.U. The beliefs and traditions of the Umarín and the Humans would begin to clash and blend, beginning to form an early kind of Eriszetsu.

As the three races native to Yaszuma began integrating closer to each other, Eriszetsu itself would expand in order to accomodate the new society it was practiced in.

Beliefs and Traditions
Eriszetsu believes that worlds are forged by "Celestial Gods", whom populate their new domains with spirits. A few of these spirits are granted an object known as a "Fruit of Knowledge", allowing the spirit to ascend above the other spirits of the world and becoming protector gods of the world they call home.

Spirits and Environmentalism
Every kind of animal, plant, fungus and living being in general is guided by a spirit. Spirits are entities whom shape the various characteristics of the species they protect. The health of a spirit is instrumental to the survival of the species its bound to, its mood and state of mind also influencing the species.

Harming a spirit can only be achieved by enacting unnecessary cruelty on its child species and is considered to be the worst possible deed that can be carried out by a mortal being. This mentality of a strict prevention of harming spirits has given Eriszetsu a level of environmentalism to it. Its practitioners are raised to be friends with the natural world around them, hesitate from eating meat unless essential and to refrain from slaughtering animals for other resources such as leather.

Bonds with animals are strongly encouraged, most practitioners of Eriszetsu live with one or more pets that help them connect with the spirit world and achieve a more pure lifestyle.

Fruits of Knowledge and Sentience
The aforementioned Fruit of Knowledge is an object allegedly granted to a spirit in order to ascend to near-godhood and become a protector god of its world. Each world is thought to only be given two of these fruits, but Eriszetsu mythology sometimes state that this world was generously granted a third (and possibly fourth) Fruit of Knowledge.

These three fruits created the Protector Gods of Netsukaru, Kirutawa and Aniteren. They are the forerunners of the Umarín, the Yaszumatti Humans and the Tetszo Dwarves respectfully. These three species are the only ones that are thought to have achieved "True Sentience". While other kinds of sentience have evolved naturally and on the surface seem to be identical, Eriszetsu believes that these sentient species are unable to perceive the spirit world around them and thus cannot achieve a lifestyle as pure as the Three Core Races.

Imperfect Creation
The Celestial Gods could not create every individual perfectly, imperfections arise left and right and trouble their bearers. Imperfections are inevitable but not eternal, practitioners of Eriszetsu are able to purify themselves through the help of their protector god by granting the god something of equal value.

This can be applied to any kind of physical imperfection: Disease, wounds, Gender Dysphoria, etc. There is no concrete definition for what is deemed equivalent to what a practitioner desires, but it usually involves a contribution of their own blood, patches of skin or other parts of their body. There is no universal definition of equivalence, what is deemed equivalent depends on what you're striving for, which god you're asking for help, etc.

These rituals of sacrifice are called Azutti ngo Eri and are carried out at shrines that can be found all around the country of Yaszuma. Praying individuals are urged to pray silently in order to not disturb those around them, as while the mortal world might not be able to hear them, the spirit world can.

Deities
Eriszetsu's deities are the Three Protector Gods of Netsukaru, Kirutawa and Aniteren. They represent the Umarín

Netsukaru
Netsukaru, otherwise known as the Silver Raven God, is the protector god of the Umarín, knowledge, rainfall, etc. They are associated with a Silver Raven, the Moon, rain and snow. They are a smart, cunning but also soft and caring god, usually the nicest of the three.

Kirutawa
Kirutawa, otherwise known as the Scarlet Fox Goddess, is the protector goddess of the Yaszumatti Humans, the heart of battle, the harvest, fire, unity, etc. She is represented by a Scarlet Fox and is associated with the Red Star, war, fighting, etc.

She is usually portrayed as fiercely protective and maternal, but also easily entertained and swayed by skill and strength. She is the patron goddess of Yaszuma as a whole and can be seen on the country's flag.

Aniteren
Aniteren, otherwise known as the Golden Toad God, is the protector god of the Tetszo Dwarves, labor, determination and the passing of time. He is represented by the Golden Horned Toad, the Sun, gold, wealth, drink, etc.

He is a god of entertainment and riches, interested in the accumulation of wealth and the spending of it in order to better yourself and the kin around you.