Orthodox Arzalism: Difference between revisions

===Raideron===

Raideron is the deity that governs humanity, and his commandments form the bulk of Arzali doctrine regarding government, "ethics", and the social order. Unlike the other Arzali gods, whose relationship to mankind is generally limited to granting divine favour in exchange for sacrifices, Raideron prescribes how his followers are to behave. Most Varshani social institutions, including the caste system, slavery, the policy of perpetual aggression, and compulsory military service, are believed to have been established by Raideron.

Raideron created the Varshani race, and a plurality of Varshanites claiming divine ancestry believe themselves to be descendants of Raideron. All ethnic Varshani (even slaves) owe worship to Raideron. The "Martial among Gentiles" also worship Raideron, and their devotion to him forms the religious basis of their more privileged status in society. However, they can only make sacrifices to Raideron collectively, in order to obtain divine favour for their race as a whole, whereas Varshanites can petition Raideron as individuals. Non-Varshanites who do not belong to the martial races are forbidden from sacrificing or praying to Raideron, and doing so is punishable by enslavement (for free persons) or death (for slaves and repeat offenders). People enslaved for this reason become the property of the temple system.

Raideron only accepts human sacrifices. Historically, victims were required to be captives of war, but due to constraints on the supply of captives in more modern times, it is now permissible to sacrifice slaves descended from war captives. The priestly caste has created a fairly extensive bureaucracy to certify the captive lineage of slaves and regulate the supply of acceptable sacrifices to Raideron.