The people of Ghia have never experienced religion in the same way as much of the rest of Voreld. While most regions worship pantheons of gods, or single gods in the cases of Imardin and the orcs of Kurnhuelde, the inhabitants of Ghia recognize the existence of various spirits. These spirits take the forms of animals, and are said to have some amount of control over the specific animal whose forms they take.
The spirits each represent one or multiple traits and abilities, and people who epitomize certain traits are said to be connected to the related spirit. As such people rarely actively worship spirits, though they do tend to offer sacrifices (typically coin or other small tokens of either personal or economic importance) to ones they are connected to or would like to be connected to. Some sects actively devote themselves to certain spirits, constructing grand temples to them and forming monastic orders in their honor. More commonly, small shrines can be found around villages or in homes, dedicated to spirits important to a person, family, or locality.
In the past, prior to the Great War that split the region into two rival nations, the Tenjun was worshipped as a living god – the closest thing to a ‘normal’ deity that the Ghians ever had. The Tenjun was viewed as the spiritually-ordained ruler of men, one whose power was not just due to the support of mortals, but to the support of the immortal spirits as well. This view waned as the Tenjun failed both to conquer Akiro and to quell the Amkharan rebellion, and since then the position has been viewed merely as a title rather than a godlike figure.
The Kaijun, or Spirit Lord, maintains a standing similar to that of the Tenjun in the past. The Kaijun had always been viewed by Akirans in a similar vein to the Tenjun, but rather than a ruler of men the Kaijun was seen as the living bridge between man and spirit. Said to be in tune with all of the spirits, the Kaijun is looked up to for their oneness with the world and as the epitome of divine wisdom. It is due to their oft-significant magical abilities that Akiro remained separate from Ghia for millennia, though the nation did eventually fall to Ya-Jarang. This failure to defend the holy land from the ‘barbaric’ Jarangii has led to the Kaijun’s mythos deteriorating somewhat, though not nearly as much as the Tenjun’s.
List of Spirits
The Dragon – spirit of power, both physical and magical. The Dragon is often associated with rulership and the Tenjun (and the ruling dynasty as a whole). Dragons are rare and impressive creatures, and said to be both immortal and invincible. The few that exist are believed to be the closest thing to living gods, after the Tenjun. Apart from royalty, the Dragon is extremely popular among those studying magic. Some believe that the Dragon is the source of all magic, with physical dragons merely representing aspects of its massive power.
The Lion – spirit of pride and nobility. The Lion is unique in that it was originally known as the Tiger, before the imagery of lions became popular to the Amkhara family’s influence. It is the spirit most admired by lords and those seeking to serve them, and has strong cultural connection the the Amkhara royal family. Many who strive to better themselves will invoke the Lion’s pride in hopes that it will propel them forward in life.
The Owl – spirit of knowledge and wisdom. The Owl is another spirit commonly associated with rulers, especially ones more concerned with domestic affairs than militaristic ones. Nobles of such inclination, as well as many advisors and local village elders, tend to turn to the Owl for guidance in all things, that they may always ruler wisely for their people. Scholars are the other main group who follow the path of the Owl, seeking ever more knowledge that they may one day glimpse the truth that the Owl already knows.
The Horse – spirit of perseverance. People look to the horse as an inspiration during hard times, and is especially popular among peasants. The Horse continues on through whatever hardship it must face, suffering for its master yet always carrying on. Those who have lost hope in their situation can look to the horse and see that any struggle can be overcome, and eventually rewarded, if one only pushes forward with vigor and determination.
The Hare – spirit of family and fertility. Hares breed rapidly and often, a trait any seeking to start a family would like to emulate. Though rarely a spirit people think about their whole lives, most give offerings to the Hare when the time comes to begin conception and throughout a pregnancy. Those more attuned to the Monkey tend to shun the Hare, preferring the pleasures of life to the burden of family that can come about as a result.
The Fawn – spirit of innocence and trust. The Fawn is often associated with children and, more specifically, childhood innocence. However, many also invoke the Fawn when seeking to make a deal or a promise. Many have come to view the Fawn in a negative light, claiming that its true aspect is naivete. Devotees deny this, claiming that it is our ability to trust in one another – even if only briefly, or only in certain contexts – is the only reason society can even exist.
The Tortoise – spirit of patience. There have been people who have claimed that the Tortoise is just the Horse by another name, but it is not true. The Horse is about physical struggle, while the Tortoise is about mental peace. Perseverance may often require patience, but the reverse is not always true, and so the Tortoise represents those who seek to meditate and reflect on life in order to achieve inner peace. Many advisors to lords adhere to the Tortoise along with the Owl, and several monastic orders are dedicated to it as well.
The Hound – spirit of loyalty. As in most cultures, the Hound represents a loyalty between man and man, or man and an ideal. The Hound is favored among the military and bodyguards, but also among families as well. Loyalty to the family is important in Ghian culture, and most families with means will have a shrine to the Hound amongst keepsakes from their ancestors.
The Spider – spirit of cunning and deception. The Spider is most associated with spies and assassins, mainly due to the Tenjun’s own spy network being named after the spirit. However, it is common to see the Spider invoked by merchants and diplomats as well, its influence lending to more than just espionage. Actors and other performers are often strong adherents to the way of the Spider, the particular skills lending well towards mastering their craft.
The Monkey – spirit of debauchery. While holding little regard in ‘polite society,’ the Monkey is still one of the most popular spirits. Representing enjoyment of one’s base desires, the Monkey is invoked often in brothels, bars, and songs. The term for a ‘lecher’ in Ghian society is simply a ‘monkey’ as a result, a title some men and women wear proudly. Many brothels are quick to incorporate its imagery in their decor, many odes are sung to the spirit, and there exists one monastic order in its honor: the Fraternity of the Monkey, a glorified swinger’s club that aims to free the mind from the shackles of monogamy. Adherents of the Hare are usually at odds with those more attuned to the Monkey, seeing them as degenerates and ‘all that is wrong with society.’
The Swine – spirit of gluttony and greed. Perhaps one of the least popular spirits among civilized people, the Swine is still incredibly influential. Often invoked – either in public or in private – by lords and merchants, the Swine’s true benefits are for those with selfish desires. People connected to the Swine are often looked down upon, Lords especially, but it has its place. In times of famine peasants often turn to the Swine to plead for some of its abundant resources, but these prayers are in vain and against the very nature of the spirit. The Swine, after all, is most connected to those who help themselves, usually at others’ expense.
The Serpent – spirit of agility and precision. Snakes are well-known amongst Ghians, a common creature to be feared more than loved. The Serpent represents the great speed and precision with which these creatures strike their foes, as well as their knack for evading would-be captors. Many martial artists, especially those wielding weapons that require finesse, adhere to the Serpent. Dancers are another common form of adherent, as the art requires both traits in equal measure.
The Bull – spirit of wrath and vengeance. Much as a bull will charge any to disturb its herd, so too does the Bull represent man’s desire to punish those who’ve wronged him. Some see the Bull as a source of justice, though most would disagree with that assessment. Like the Hare it is rarely invoked as a constant part of one’s life, but rather when an event arises that causes one to seethe and seek bloodshed. Many rebellions were fought due to the influence of the Bull, though the most successful – the Amkharan Revolt – was a notable exception.
The Bear – spirit of bravery and guardianship. The Bear is fearless in the face of adversity, and relentless in the defense of its charge. Like a mother bear protects her young, someone connected to the Bear will do anything to protect the one(s) they serve, and do so without fear of bodily harm. The Bear, along with the Hound, are common spirits invoked by bodyguards and those of similar professions. It is also popular among the military, as bravery is more important there than in most aspects of life.
The Bee – spirit of kindness and generosity. Small and seemingly insignificant, bees produce honey freely for human consumption. The Bee represents this spirit of generosity, where size matters not, only the act of giving to those who are in need. Many monastic orders are fond of the Bee, and most wise rulers recognize the importance of its generosity for maintaining a peaceful society. It finds its most followers in the peasantry, though – those who give their time and effort for the better of their society, expecting little in return but enough food and shelter to continue to work and provide for those they care for.