Ohrmam
The Faith of Life and Purity Ohrmam stems from the Book of Ohr, detailing the visions of Vye'mis, the Ohros of Life, imparted to Cain Himayathor. His followers spread the Ohrmam Teachings across the world, promoting the worship of Vye'mis through the celebration and protection of all life, daily prayer, mental discipline, yearly fasting, and pilgrimage to Enoch.
Two Minds of Faith
Though Cain's original teachings focused more on mental discipline and honoring of all life, one of his students turned rival known as Al-Faasil shared his own interpretation of the Book of Ohr believing there was a reason Vye'mis shared this knowledge with the Shal'kut first and foremost.
Modern followers are divided between:
Cain's original teachings (inclusivity, honoring all life). Al-Faasil's interpretation (genetic purity, Shal'kut superiority).
Relationship with Lumindra
Lumindra, the Realm of Life Energy, is revered as the epitome of divine creation. The Book of Ohr refers to Lumindra as the "Heavenly Garden", and it's believed virtuous Elohims may be granted passage to this realm in the afterlife.
Lumindra's vibrant ecosystems and bioluminescent flora reflect the ideal world the Ohrmam strive to create and preserve.
The Five Boughs
The Book of Ohr teaches that faith is a living thing, and a living thing must be kept green. As codified by the High Priesthood of Enoch, the faithful are bound to five duties, the Five Boughs. Ohrmam communities beyond the Kingdom tend them in their own way. In Enoch, they are law.
The First Bough: Life is one growth, shared by all that breathes. To take a life without need is the gravest wound a mortal can deal to Vye'mis, and the faithful are sworn to guard life wherever it is threatened. The Second Bough: At dawn and at dusk, the faithful tend the White Flame in temple and home and recite from the Book of Ohr. The Flame is Vye'mis's life kept burning. To let it gutter untended is to turn from her. The Third Bough: Each of the faithful keeps something alive and growing, a garden, an orchard, a healing house, a life placed in their care. Those who cannot grow must give, so another's growth continues in their name. The Fourth Bough: For one Interval each year, the faithful take no life at all. No meat, no felling, no harvest of the living, no violence save in defense. It is a season of restraint, so the hand that takes may remember what it is to only give. The Fifth Bough: Once in a life, the faithful walk to Enoch, to the Great Temple of Life and Einsol's Obelisk, to kneel where the first Bough took root and renew their bond with Vye'mis.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Life's Dawn — Anointing newborns with sacred oils and inviting the Ohros of Life's blessings.
The Unification of Elohim — Exchanging vows before a consecrated altar and lighting a single candle symbolizing the merging of two lives.
The Great Pilgrimage — Journey to Enoch, the holiest site, to perform rituals and strengthen one's bond with Vye'mis.
Festival of Bloom — Celebration of life's abundance during the Interval of Bloom, with feasts, prayers, and community gatherings.
Rite of Passage — Ceremony marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing life's sacred nature.
Symbols and Artifacts
The White Flame — Represents Vye'mis's life-giving energy, kept burning in temples and homes.
Botanical Staff — Sacred staff adorned with living plants, symbolizing the connection between the divine and natural world.
The Book of Ohr — Holy text containing Vye'mis's teachings, read during prayers and ceremonies.
Lumindra Seeds — Rare seeds believed to come from the Heavenly Garden, planted during important ceremonies.
Leadership and Structures
The Empress and High Priesthood (HKE) — Control the official interpretation in the Holy Kingdom.
Prophets of Ohrmam — Religious scholars who advise the ruling elite.
Kaerë-vadra — Religious enforcers ensuring obedience to faith-based laws.
Inquisitors — Investigators rooting out heresy and threats within the faith.
Sentinels of Lumindra — Protectors of artifacts and rituals related to Lumindra.
Sacred Locations
Riya Tor — The capital of HKE, center of Ohrmam faith and pilgrimage destination.
The Great Temple of Life — Massive temple complex in Riya Tor, housing the most sacred relics.
Gardens of Remembrance — Peaceful gardens where followers meditate on life's sanctity.
Pilgrimage Routes — Sacred paths leading to Riya Tor, marked with shrines and rest stops.
River of Essence — Site for purification rituals involving the life essence from Lumindra.