Religions of Drak

To Minet's Chronicles of a Wandering Mind

Religions of Drak

Religions on Drak are not generally seen as a reason for division and conflict, but as a unifying and cooperative force. It would be reasonably accurate to describe most of the Gods as being part of a "greater pantheon". Most of the Gods and sects tend to reflect aspects of peoples lives, the occupations they pursue, or particular cultures. With only a very few exceptions, there is little concept of "one God" or "a God superior to other Gods". A particular adherent of one religion will generally feel quite comfortable in praying or visiting the cleric of another religion if a need arises. For example, a Razdalian who devoutly lives his life in accord with his dreams, if taken ill, will feel no conflict in visiting a Mithran cleric for healing. In fact, this is sufficiently engrained, that he may well interpret his dreams as telling him to do just that!

One exception to the cooperative attitudes comes where a particular God or sect is seen as favoring or overseeing something very evil. A religion whose tenets might favor torturing others, killing harmless animals for fun, or building hatreds against specific groups of people would be looked down upon by average Drakians of most cultures and beliefs. This is not to say that "necessary evils" or aspects of life not quite "legit" don't have their own quite acceptable Gods. Cradgism emphasizes military conquest, and famous warriors are its heros. Believers in Gods opposing war harbor few antagonisms toward Cradgians, and vice-versa. There are Gods for Thieves, Drunkards, Gluttons, Laziness, and Sexuality (several aspects, in fact!), but these are considered as fully acceptable "members of the heavenly hosts".

Sects are "specialized subdivisions" within an established religion. Members of all sects of a given religion tend to share the same beliefs, but may implement them in different ways or among different cultural groups. When a particular religion is referred to as a "cult", this indicates that its adherents tend to live together in religious communities rather than in the community at large. That a particular religion is "extinct" generally means that it probably doesn't exist in any organized form at the present time. It may, of course, have individual believers here and there, and organized religions may have inherited many of its beliefs and may indeed have descended from it. Because there is such a large portion of Drak (the Unending Ocean) which is virtually out-of-contact with the rest of the world due to difficulties of travel, organized bodies of religions thought to be extinct may well exist on isolated islands.

Images or icons of Gods are not considered as powerful objects. Most Gods are represented in different ways depending on the race and culture of the believer, and the representation of a favored "human" God as a dwarf or feline is simply taken as a reasonable depiction of that God in the eyes of a different beholder. There are a few Gods who traditionally are depicted as being of a certain race (e.g., Dvergos is seldom seen as anything but a dwarf, but artistic depictions will often show him surrounded by followers other races.) Many religions have symbols and badges, worn mostly by clerics, and colors that they favor, but these are primarily seen as symbols of pride in the way an individual lives and believes, and there is nothing either mandated or considered unusual about wearing them.

"Theological" discussions tend to be limited to high-level clerics who seek to research and more clearly understand the details of their Gods, their religion, and its history in the timeline of the history of the planet. Probably the longest standing debate among theologians tends to be centered around classic images of Drakatoj vs. Katoj, both of which are extinct. The problem here is that the Katoj and the Vespers are genetically different branches of the Drakatoj, and those who favor a katoj-like image of Gods tend to be selecting out vesper-like features and cultural attitudes, which, rightly or wrongly, can be seen as anti-vesper racism. Because the vespers have been traditionally the least liked of Drakian races, both in appearance and in cultural mores, this argument can get ugly at times. It is to be noted that no known cross-racial war has ever been fought over this mild racism, although a war within the vesper community over traditional vesperian cultural attitudes was very nasty, and resulted in the continuing division and conflicts on Vesperio. Also See Dy-Oh-Ku below.

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Aergian A religion honoring Aergus, God of metalworking and blacksmithing. Aergus is usually pictured as a giant being carrying a torch and a hammer. Many of the best armor and weapon smiths on Drak, especially in Gaiavio, tend to be Aergian clerics.

Aganathan A religion that glorifies Aganatha, the Goddess of Pain. Though not a popular religion, many of its adherents are famous warriors. The Aganathan philosophy is to train the body to ignore pain, endure it as energizing, and to defeat it by natural, mental means. Aganathan clerics are skilled at teaching self-hypnosis, and methods of exercise and body building. They especially shun the use of herbal remedies and magic.

Alanian An ancient religion, centered on Arkramio, that follows Alane, the Goddess of Seduction.

Alcatian A religion devoted to Alcates, God of Thieves. True alcatians actually practice a "Robin Hood-like" philosophy of sharing the wealth of the rich with the poor. Most Alcatian clerics tend to be experienced burglars and pickpockets. They seldom identify themselves!

Amrodian A minor religion that follows Amrodion, the God of Bowhunters.

Angelicism Religion, primarily among Spirits, that worships the winds and the sky. The followers, often called "Angels", tend to wear all white, with decorations made from feathers. The headquarters of the sect is Nyaxx Island, in the Ghost Islands.

Bard, Company of the (Bardic) Religion that believes that music, poetry, theatre, and art are inspired by and are a form of worship of all the gods.

Bastian An extinct religion that existed among felines and orcs in ancient Ark-Cram.

Borat Religion based on a unique hypnotic and herbal ecstasy, in reverence to the Drakatoj god, Borat. Boratis control the interior of Folith Island where their shrines are located.

Calianian A religion dedicated to Caliana, Goddess of Same Sex Love. Followers are of both genders and all races. Homosexuality and bisexuality are far more common on Drak than on Earth, and there is no particular aversion to the practice, which is considered to be normal.

Carian A globally popular religion that follows Caria, the goddess of learning and knowledge. Members tend to favor dark blue clothing and cloaks. Carians are also strongly pacifistic, believing that war destroys knowledge by killing people who have something to offer the world had they lived.

CCI See: Conference of Clerical Intercession

Conference of Clerical Intercession (CCI) A monastic sect of clerics founded on Efailen Island in 2212 to pray for an end to the Great Earthquakes.

Cradgism Religion that follows Cradgion, the god of military conquest. The highest ranked leader in the Cradgian religion is the "Holy Commander". This religion is popular among professional military and warriors, especially human. Cradgion is generally pictured as a well armed human male, although female and feline images are frequently encountered, and are not considered to be heretical.

Danian A cult begun in Caridia, but spread to many nations on all continents. Devoted to Dana, Goddess of Visions and Insanity, Danians live in communal villages, usually at a fair distance from other places. They offer a permanent home and lifetime care for non-violent, seriously mentally disabled people who wish to live among them. Such people are treated as full members of their villages, participate as fully as their condition permits, and helped by non-disabled Danians as needed. They often marry and raise families, again with whatever help is needed by others in the community. The philosophy of the Danians believes that the statements of insane people hold truths that normal people cannot fathom, and they record these statements for future study.

Daphilian Dedicated to Daphilia, Goddess of Ale and Spirits. Daphilia is usually represented as a voluptuous, scantily-clad young tavern wench (of whatever race is appropriate for the audience.) Many taverns, in fact, have pictures of her in many racial forms on their walls. A very loosely held belief, Daphilians claim to see predictive value in severe intoxication.

Dian (Dee'-Ahn) An ancient, extinct religion that appears to have worshipped the God, Dio, traditionally the God of the Drakatoj when they arrived on Drak. Little is known of the actual workship, as it was almost exclusively practiced on Ark-Kram, and the only known remnant of the religion is the long deserted monastary on Efailen Island, known as Diane.

Dikan Followers of Diko, God of Eating and Cooking. Dikans believe that eating is the supreme activity of life, and that finding new foods and recipes is their contribution to the world. Besides their own food needs, however, Dikans often raise, cook and provide food to hungry, poor people in their area, saving many lives.

Dragonhunters, Cult of the Ancient, extinct religion that appears to have followed the gods of darkness and evil.

Dvergian Religion that follows Dvergos, the dwarven god of the mountains and hills.

Dy-Oh-Ku Literally, "God's Words", the ancient religion of the vespers of Vesperio. The practices and beliefs are very detailed, consisting of many ritualistic requirements and taboos that affect most common activities of daily life. Believers (Sa-Dy-Oh, or "Godly People") are extremely devout, and quick to take offense at lapses in faith and practice, even by strangers and visitors unfamiliar with the rituals. There is no particular aspect of life that is emphasized, rather, the religion is simply a total way-of-life for its believers. It appears to have evolved as an alternative to ancient Dian practices among communities of vespers.

Efailianism A little understood, ancient religion, a handful of whose followers founded the CCI in 2212.

Embinic Small religious cult devoted to Embinal, god of silence. Adherents live as isolated hermits and remain mute.

Eurystan A cult, most popular among the Eastern Unending Ocean Islands dedicated to Eurysto, God of the Human Body. Eurystans live in separate communities, mostly on small tropical islands, are nudists, and participate in many bodybuilding and athletic activities. Their clerics are recruiters, both for people to join Eurystan communities, and for people who would be willing to pay to live in Eurystan communities undergoing intensive physical training for athletic, military, or other reasons.

Kiism An extinct religion that existed in ancient Ark-Cram, following the god, Ki. Ki was the grandfather of the Ark-Kram pantheon, and was considered the overseer of the elderly, the wise, and the knowledge of the past.

Lamic Religion honoring Lam, the God of Gambling and Fate. Its adherents put great stock in chance. Lamic clerics often conduct gambling and fortunetelling in the villages they visit. There is something about their skills at fortunetelling that hints that they are actually clairvoyant. They are known to be scrupulously honest, as they believe that attempts to intentionally cheat at games and life is an offense against Lam, as it distorts true chance. Lamic clerics who are not honest, even in small ways, and people posing as Lamic Clerics have been known to permanent disappear!

Lumegan Religion following Lumes, the God of the Sun. The highest leader in this religion is the "Prime".

Magemeloj, The Ostensibly, believers worship the twin Gods, Snill (God of Beneficial Magic) and Ondo (God of Evil Magic). This has actually become a religion worshiping magic itself, and few actually personify it. Magemeloj clerics, who favor purple cloaks, are normally highly experienced mages who promote the belief that all mages should use both beneficial and evil magic as it is called for, and that those who specialize in one or the other are misusing their abilities. Needless to say, not all mages are Magemeloj!

Medean Dedicated to the worship of Mede, Goddess of the Oceans and Storms. This is the religion most favored by mariners the world over. Medean clerics, who tend to wear light blue clothing, often sail aboard ships on long voyages of trade and exploration.

Meletian Sisterhood Religion worshipping Meletia, Goddess of Physical Beauty. This religion is popular among artists, male and female. Meletian clerics, all female, have knowledge of herbs and techniques to mask and sometimes heal physical disfigurements. The secrets of the Meletian Sisterhood are closely held, and results of their blessings and ministrations are considered by many to be magically induced. Their most devoted followers are often people who have been healed by them, and their families.

Mithran A globally popular religion, one of the largest on Drak, that follows Mithras, the God of Healing. The highest leader in the Mithran religion is the "Blessed Herald", and the second most powerful rank is the "Elder Herald". Members favor dark red, and clerics often wear dark red cloaks.

Dedication, Sect of
Sect of the Mithran religion that serves the poorest of the poor.

Healing Touch, Sisterhood of the
Sect of the Mithran religion that works among women and children in need. Clerics are all female.

Saving, Order of
A military-trained order of battlefield healers. They are specialists in the treatment of injuries and the use of herbal remedies. They began as an all-male order within the Mithran religion, but now allow both genders, who must meet the same physical and military requirements. They are known to be very politically involved in many countries.

Paernian A religion, mostly practiced in the Morgel Islands, Tofu, and Nagel. It follows a Goddess named Paernia, a human woman of great beauty who was deified many millennii before the drakotoj arrived on Drak. She was said to have lived on a star known to the Drakatoj, and her life is unique because it is intertwined with a race of large, intelligent flying reptiles, counterparts to the Drakatoj. Paernians believe that they exist, and are relatives of the Drakatoj. The story of Paernia apparently came from an ancient manuscript that was lost during the first ondego.

Paladins Religion following Paladius, the God of Justice and the Rule of Law. The adherants, as their name suggests, tend to be independent seekers of justice, either with warrior skills, or as negotiators using wisdom gained through a lifetime. Many warriors who are uncomfortable with the "conquest" nature of Cradgism, become Paladins.

Polyxan Religion dedicated to the worship of Polyxa, Goddess of Death and Release from Pain. Many Polyxan rituals have found their way into the funeral rites of other traditions, especially their insistance on burning rather than burying the dead. Polyxan clerics, usually dressed in black clothing, capes and hoods, are often trained healers and herbalists who provide care to the dying, counseling for their families, and have the special knowledge of drugs that can halt pain, and can also euthanize those patients beyond hope who wish to be released from suffering. Most polyxan clerics are young and female. They are recruited as children based on their attitudes toward death and dying people and animals. The life of a polyxan cleric is often shortened by constant exposure to deadly diseases.
Razdalian Religion that follows Razdal, the God of sleep and dreams. The traditional religion of Zhatonya, and very popular in Chaton as well. Believers feel that dreams are communications from Razdal, and have very real meaning and predictive power, though rather than revealing the future, they are instructions to the person having the dream as to what path to follow to attain maximum happiness and success. Heads of Razdalian Monastaries are the "Father Abbot" or "Mother Abbess", and they are considered skilled at dream interpretation. Abbotts and Abbesses record their own dreams in extensive logbooks from the time they become a cleric (a practice also followed by pious lay Razdalians). One technique commonly used to interpret mysterious dreams is for the abbot/abbess to compare their own dreams of the night the dream to be interpreted occurred, and also the cleric's and petitioner's dreams of the night after the interpretation request is made.

Solstism A small, little known religion based on many closely held "secrets" having to do with the sun, moons, and stars, and the angles and distances between them in the sky. Rites are very mysterious, and are performed at various levels open to adherents of specific ranks only. The center of this faith is the city of Solstico on Nenie Island. (Masonic Astrology??)

Stellan A religion, popular in Chielio and in isolated places throughout Drak, that believes the stars in the sky are planets like Drak that are home to millions of other civilizations. They have many strange tales they tell, although they are disbelieved by most other Drakians.

Strophianism Religion following Strophi, the God of Beasts. Strophi is often depicted as a very tall, feline-looking orc, and indeed the believers tend to include many orcs, who also favor lives dedicated to husbandry and service as rangers. Their clerics, usually favoring brown garments and fur hats, are said to be able to communicate with animals of all kinds. Strophians favor treating animals with respect, killing animals only if they are to be fully used for food, clothing, or other purposes, and never intentionally causing pain to animals.

Surasian Religion, popular among farmers and rural folk, that follows Surasia, the goddess of the earth and fertility.

Thyleptic Religion dedicated to Thyleptos, God of Humor and Optimism. Thyleptic clerics are the natural psychologists of Drak, working among the depressed, bereaved, and ill. They often partner with Polyxan clerics in serving the dying. Many clerics also serve as traveling bards and players, especially among the poorer populations who seldom have access to entertainment. Thyleptics and their clerics favor yellow clothing.

Xanthyyn A cult of felisprits, phantoms, and spirits that encourages living under primitive conditions in isolated high-mountain locations. Most settlements contain fewer than 10 residents, including all three races, and polygamous sexual relationships between all members of the settlement, regardless of gender. Children are communally raised, and at the age of 15, are given the option to take up life either in a normal community, or become full residents of another Xanthyyn settlement. They are not allowed to stay in the settlement of their birth.

Ysyddian Religion primarily among elves that follows Ysyddia, a nature goddess. Similar to Wicca on Earth.

Aergian	A religion honoring Aergus, God of metalworking and blacksmithing. Aergus is usually pictured as a giant being carrying a torch and a hammer. Many of the best armor and weapon smiths on Drak, especially in Gaiavio, tend to be Aergian clerics.
Aganathan	A religion that glorifies Aganatha, the Goddess of Pain. Though not a popular religion, many of its adherents are famous warriors. The Aganathan philosophy is to train the body to ignore pain, endure it as energizing, and to defeat it by natural, mental means. Aganathan clerics are skilled at teaching self-hypnosis, and methods of exercise and body building. They especially shun the use of herbal remedies and magic.
Alanian	An ancient religion, centered on Arkramio, that follows Alane, the Goddess of Seduction.
Alcatian	A religion devoted to Alcates, God of Thieves. True alcatians actually practice a "Robin Hood-like" philosophy of sharing the wealth of the rich with the poor. Most Alcatian clerics tend to be experienced burglars and pickpockets. They seldom identify themselves!
Amrodian	A minor religion that follows Amrodion, the God of Bowhunters.
Angelicism	Religion, primarily among Spirits, that worships the winds and the sky. The followers, often called "Angels", tend to wear all white, with decorations made from feathers. The headquarters of the sect is Nyaxx Island, in the Ghost Islands.
Bard, Company of the	(Bardic) Religion that believes that music, poetry, theatre, and art are inspired by and are a form of worship of all the gods.
Bastian	An extinct religion that existed among felines and orcs in ancient Ark-Cram.
Borat	Religion based on a unique hypnotic and herbal ecstasy, in reverence to the Drakatoj god, Borat. Boratis control the interior of Folith Island where their shrines are located.
Calianian	A religion dedicated to Caliana, Goddess of Same Sex Love. Followers are of both genders and all races. Homosexuality and bisexuality are far more common on Drak than on Earth, and there is no particular aversion to the practice, which is considered to be normal.
Carian	A globally popular religion that follows Caria, the goddess of learning and knowledge. Members tend to favor dark blue clothing and cloaks. Carians are also strongly pacifistic, believing that war destroys knowledge by killing people who have something to offer the world had they lived.
CCI	See: Conference of Clerical Intercession
Conference of Clerical Intercession	(CCI) A monastic sect of clerics founded on Efailen Island in 2212 to pray for an end to the Great Earthquakes.
Cradgism	Religion that follows Cradgion, the god of military conquest. The highest ranked leader in the Cradgian religion is the "Holy Commander". This religion is popular among professional military and warriors, especially human. Cradgion is generally pictured as a well armed human male, although female and feline images are frequently encountered, and are not considered to be heretical.
Danian	A cult begun in Caridia, but spread to many nations on all continents. Devoted to Dana, Goddess of Visions and Insanity, Danians live in communal villages, usually at a fair distance from other places. They offer a permanent home and lifetime care for non-violent, seriously mentally disabled people who wish to live among them. Such people are treated as full members of their villages, participate as fully as their condition permits, and helped by non-disabled Danians as needed. They often marry and raise families, again with whatever help is needed by others in the community. The philosophy of the Danians believes that the statements of insane people hold truths that normal people cannot fathom, and they record these statements for future study.
Daphilian	Dedicated to Daphilia, Goddess of Ale and Spirits. Daphilia is usually represented as a voluptuous, scantily-clad young tavern wench (of whatever race is appropriate for the audience.) Many taverns, in fact, have pictures of her in many racial forms on their walls. A very loosely held belief, Daphilians claim to see predictive value in severe intoxication.
Dian	(Dee'-Ahn) An ancient, extinct religion that appears to have worshipped the God, Dio, traditionally the God of the Drakatoj when they arrived on Drak. Little is known of the actual workship, as it was almost exclusively practiced on Ark-Kram, and the only known remnant of the religion is the long deserted monastary on Efailen Island, known as Diane.
Dikan	Followers of Diko, God of Eating and Cooking. Dikans believe that eating is the supreme activity of life, and that finding new foods and recipes is their contribution to the world. Besides their own food needs, however, Dikans often raise, cook and provide food to hungry, poor people in their area, saving many lives.
Dragonhunters, Cult of the	Ancient, extinct religion that appears to have followed the gods of darkness and evil.
Dvergian	Religion that follows Dvergos, the dwarven god of the mountains and hills.
Dy-Oh-Ku	Literally, "God's Words", the ancient religion of the vespers of Vesperio. The practices and beliefs are very detailed, consisting of many ritualistic requirements and taboos that affect most common activities of daily life. Believers (Sa-Dy-Oh, or "Godly People") are extremely devout, and quick to take offense at lapses in faith and practice, even by strangers and visitors unfamiliar with the rituals. There is no particular aspect of life that is emphasized, rather, the religion is simply a total way-of-life for its believers. It appears to have evolved as an alternative to ancient Dian practices among communities of vespers.
Efailianism	A little understood, ancient religion, a handful of whose followers founded the CCI in 2212.
Embinic	Small religious cult devoted to Embinal, god of silence. Adherents live as isolated hermits and remain mute.
Eurystan	A cult, most popular among the Eastern Unending Ocean Islands dedicated to Eurysto, God of the Human Body. Eurystans live in separate communities, mostly on small tropical islands, are nudists, and participate in many bodybuilding and athletic activities. Their clerics are recruiters, both for people to join Eurystan communities, and for people who would be willing to pay to live in Eurystan communities undergoing intensive physical training for athletic, military, or other reasons.
Kiism	An extinct religion that existed in ancient Ark-Cram, following the god, Ki. Ki was the grandfather of the Ark-Kram pantheon, and was considered the overseer of the elderly, the wise, and the knowledge of the past.
Lamic	Religion honoring Lam, the God of Gambling and Fate. Its adherents put great stock in chance. Lamic clerics often conduct gambling and fortunetelling in the villages they visit. There is something about their skills at fortunetelling that hints that they are actually clairvoyant. They are known to be scrupulously honest, as they believe that attempts to intentionally cheat at games and life is an offense against Lam, as it distorts true chance. Lamic clerics who are not honest, even in small ways, and people posing as Lamic Clerics have been known to permanent disappear!
Lumegan	Religion following Lumes, the God of the Sun. The highest leader in this religion is the "Prime".
Magemeloj, The	Ostensibly, believers worship the twin Gods, Snill (God of Beneficial Magic) and Ondo (God of Evil Magic). This has actually become a religion worshiping magic itself, and few actually personify it. Magemeloj clerics, who favor purple cloaks, are normally highly experienced mages who promote the belief that all mages should use both beneficial and evil magic as it is called for, and that those who specialize in one or the other are misusing their abilities. Needless to say, not all mages are Magemeloj!
Medean	Dedicated to the worship of Mede, Goddess of the Oceans and Storms. This is the religion most favored by mariners the world over. Medean clerics, who tend to wear light blue clothing, often sail aboard ships on long voyages of trade and exploration.
Meletian Sisterhood	Religion worshipping Meletia, Goddess of Physical Beauty. This religion is popular among artists, male and female. Meletian clerics, all female, have knowledge of herbs and techniques to mask and sometimes heal physical disfigurements. The secrets of the Meletian Sisterhood are closely held, and results of their blessings and ministrations are considered by many to be magically induced. Their most devoted followers are often people who have been healed by them, and their families.
Mithran	A globally popular religion, one of the largest on Drak, that follows Mithras, the God of Healing. The highest leader in the Mithran religion is the "Blessed Herald", and the second most powerful rank is the "Elder Herald". Members favor dark red, and clerics often wear dark red cloaks.
Dedication, Sect of	Sect of the Mithran religion that serves the poorest of the poor.
Healing Touch, Sisterhood of the	Sect of the Mithran religion that works among women and children in need. Clerics are all female.
Saving, Order of	A military-trained order of battlefield healers. They are specialists in the treatment of injuries and the use of herbal remedies. They began as an all-male order within the Mithran religion, but now allow both genders, who must meet the same physical and military requirements. They are known to be very politically involved in many countries.
Paernian	A religion, mostly practiced in the Morgel Islands, Tofu, and Nagel. It follows a Goddess named Paernia, a human woman of great beauty who was deified many millennii before the drakotoj arrived on Drak. She was said to have lived on a star known to the Drakatoj, and her life is unique because it is intertwined with a race of large, intelligent flying reptiles, counterparts to the Drakatoj. Paernians believe that they exist, and are relatives of the Drakatoj. The story of Paernia apparently came from an ancient manuscript that was lost during the first ondego.
Paladins	Religion following Paladius, the God of Justice and the Rule of Law. The adherants, as their name suggests, tend to be independent seekers of justice, either with warrior skills, or as negotiators using wisdom gained through a lifetime. Many warriors who are uncomfortable with the "conquest" nature of Cradgism, become Paladins.
Polyxan	Religion dedicated to the worship of Polyxa, Goddess of Death and Release from Pain. Many Polyxan rituals have found their way into the funeral rites of other traditions, especially their insistance on burning rather than burying the dead. Polyxan clerics, usually dressed in black clothing, capes and hoods, are often trained healers and herbalists who provide care to the dying, counseling for their families, and have the special knowledge of drugs that can halt pain, and can also euthanize those patients beyond hope who wish to be released from suffering. Most polyxan clerics are young and female. They are recruited as children based on their attitudes toward death and dying people and animals. The life of a polyxan cleric is often shortened by constant exposure to deadly diseases.
Razdalian	Religion that follows Razdal, the God of sleep and dreams. The traditional religion of Zhatonya, and very popular in Chaton as well. Believers feel that dreams are communications from Razdal, and have very real meaning and predictive power, though rather than revealing the future, they are instructions to the person having the dream as to what path to follow to attain maximum happiness and success. Heads of Razdalian Monastaries are the "Father Abbot" or "Mother Abbess", and they are considered skilled at dream interpretation. Abbotts and Abbesses record their own dreams in extensive logbooks from the time they become a cleric (a practice also followed by pious lay Razdalians). One technique commonly used to interpret mysterious dreams is for the abbot/abbess to compare their own dreams of the night the dream to be interpreted occurred, and also the cleric's and petitioner's dreams of the night after the interpretation request is made.
Solstism	A small, little known religion based on many closely held "secrets" having to do with the sun, moons, and stars, and the angles and distances between them in the sky. Rites are very mysterious, and are performed at various levels open to adherents of specific ranks only. The center of this faith is the city of Solstico on Nenie Island. (Masonic Astrology??)
Stellan	A religion, popular in Chielio and in isolated places throughout Drak, that believes the stars in the sky are planets like Drak that are home to millions of other civilizations. They have many strange tales they tell, although they are disbelieved by most other Drakians.
Strophianism	Religion following Strophi, the God of Beasts. Strophi is often depicted as a very tall, feline-looking orc, and indeed the believers tend to include many orcs, who also favor lives dedicated to husbandry and service as rangers. Their clerics, usually favoring brown garments and fur hats, are said to be able to communicate with animals of all kinds. Strophians favor treating animals with respect, killing animals only if they are to be fully used for food, clothing, or other purposes, and never intentionally causing pain to animals.
Surasian	Religion, popular among farmers and rural folk, that follows Surasia, the goddess of the earth and fertility.
Thyleptic	Religion dedicated to Thyleptos, God of Humor and Optimism. Thyleptic clerics are the natural psychologists of Drak, working among the depressed, bereaved, and ill. They often partner with Polyxan clerics in serving the dying. Many clerics also serve as traveling bards and players, especially among the poorer populations who seldom have access to entertainment. Thyleptics and their clerics favor yellow clothing.
Xanthyyn	A cult of felisprits, phantoms, and spirits that encourages living under primitive conditions in isolated high-mountain locations. Most settlements contain fewer than 10 residents, including all three races, and polygamous sexual relationships between all members of the settlement, regardless of gender. Children are communally raised, and at the age of 15, are given the option to take up life either in a normal community, or become full residents of another Xanthyyn settlement. They are not allowed to stay in the settlement of their birth.
Ysyddian	Religion primarily among elves that follows Ysyddia, a nature goddess. Similar to Wicca on Earth.