COME CRAWLING — STYXISM GUIDE

Note that this is an entirely IC religion.

Despite being the primary religion of the Styx River Order, Styxism is open to new followers and is accepting new members, regardless of group, age or species, at all times. Though all Order members must be Styxists, not all Styxists must be Order members. Established by the first Holy One, Toxicwaste Daremo, the goal of Styxism is to create a safe, habitable world free from sin.

the faith.
Styxism, its followers named "Styxists," is a polytheistic religion consisting of four deities and one primary "king" or father of the gods and the world itself.

the gods:

Halosis is the first - the goddess of conquest, disease, fertility and luck. She is an immense albino Kodiak bear who promised strength and power to struggling groups, families and new leaders. To corrupt governments and people in power, she unleashes her rage in the form of catastrophic events and plague. Those who are unjust and cruel face her wrath. She keeps the peace between the brothers Fames and Letum, who bicker constantly when in the same room.

Fames is the god of hunger, harvest, hunt and torture. He is a very skinny melanistic mule deer who bring forth food and wealth to those who deserve it. Greedy people and those who hoard items that are valuable to others are driven into famine and unlucky harvest. He also specializes in gruesome torture. Despite this, he has a great hatred for death, and therefore constantly argues with his brother Letum whenever together - Halosis must keep them apart and quiet.

Letum is the god of death, disorders, chaos and strife. He is a massive lion who bears the pale green color of a rotting corpse. Working with his quiet brother Mars, he aims to bring peace to groups who deserve stability and power. Corrupt societies and unorganized Clans are brought into bedlam and sheer madness as punishment. As he is the god of death, he desires that those dying are killed quickly, and therefore hates his vengeful brother Fames for keeping suffering animals alive.

Mars is the god of war, strategy, security and peace. He is a smaller red dire wolf who brings the gift of strategy and useful tactics to those who wish to create resolutions. He also grants luck to those who desire peace in the world. He is more silent than his siblings, but can be very vocal when he speaks. Those who make offerings to him before battle will receive a boost of vigor and adrenaline for fighting.

And finally there is the king and father of all deities - Tahroven. His precise form is unknown, as a long black cloak hides his body completely, save for his paws that are mere bone and nothing more. He rules over the world and commands the four deities to do as he pleases. He is generally a fair ruler, but many fear him to start an immense apocalypse that could destroy the world as it is known. This is why he is worshipped primarily, due to his power and grip on the world and to quench his thirst for loyal followers and true believers of Styxism.

The religious meeting place of the Styx River Order is in a glade in the midst of a serene evergreen forest. There is a high rock for the Holy One and the Great Paladin to speak just above the followers. Every Sunday, Styxists are free to gather here to make offers to the gods, as well as reflect on their lives and ask for the deities—and their fellow Styxists—for assistance.

traditions.
victoria. january 26. Also known as the Festival of Halosis. Reflects on accomplishments and strength. Adult Styxists make small cuts on either their left arm or their left flank. Various races and contests are held, and gambling with sacred bone dice is encouraged.
messis. october 4. Also known as the Festival of Fames. Bountiful feasts are set up with all kinds of food, desserts and drinks. Parts of the meal must be sacrificed to the gods in a bonfire. Messis also acts as an equivalent to Halloween, in which Styxists wear full-on costumes. They light up skulls instead of pumpkins and pass out sweet treats and various items.
amentia. december 14. Also known as the Festival of Letum. Family members honor the dead and burn corpses in a bonfire. Some may choose to bury bodies as well. They exchange gifts and have private ceremonies respecting their fallen comrades.
acies. july 22. Also known as the Festival of Mars. Styxists engage in mock battles and tests of strength, intelligence and teamwork to honor the god of war. They also make offerings of prey bones to ask for fortune in battle and personal strife.
basileus. may 20. Also known as the Festival of Tahroven. Styxists spend the day fasting before meeting to pray and make offerings in complete silence. After that, they offer the bones of enemies and slain prey and have a huge feast. They decorate themselves with pale face paint and wear black cloaks to honor their most powerful deity and the gods he has created.
weddings. Weddings are not to be taken lightly. Every Styxist is meant to attend a wedding, and it is to be decorated lavishly with the finest materials and resources. Non-Styxist brides or grooms are also to be honored, despite their difference in beliefs. Then there is a brief prayer for fortune to the newlyweds before a massive party involving custom masks and dancing, as well as games and contests.

hierarchy.
In Styxism, everyone is considered equal. There are a few religious officials said to be blessed by the gods and chosen to speak to their siblings on the faith.

the holy one.
The primary preacher of Styxism, and possibly the leader of the Styx River Order as well. Allegedly decided by the gods through visions and dreams.
Toxicwaste Daremo - psychosocial.

the great paladin.
The secondary preacher of Styxism, and possibly the second-in-command of the Styx River Order. Trusted by the Holy One and the gods to preach Styxist beliefs and represent the religion.
tbd

monks + nuns.
Both monks and nuns are involved in Styxism. They are referred to as "brother" or "sister" respectively. They are under the instructions of the Great Paladin and offer support and assistance for worshippers.
tbd