A Look Into Volkainism

The following introductory note is attached to all the copies of this account. Due to the writing, it is clear the author is elven, yet by using a commonplace human name, they are forever obscured. A brief enquiry into the identity of "John" was made, but it was cancelled rather quickly when it was realised that the author did not want to be found.

Lir'iel Margren, Librarian, Eriatarn Library.

In an effort to spread the winds of knowledge across the face of Fou Lu, I have taken it upon myself to write an account of the religion of Volkain, Lord of the Wind. This religion is known as Volkainism, and we are known as the Volkainites.

John Eriatarn 491AR

Volkainism:
When compared to the other religions, Volkainism is at once the most spiritual, and almost the least(though it in no way approaches the near total lack of faith Diomes practice). Despite this, the ultimate goal of Volkainism is the same: the truth. In this, they are like the Aidonites, with their goal for beauty. Unlike Aidonism, with its one path in three stages, Volkainism has two paths with separate stages. These stages, known as "classes" among Volkainites, and each class is dependent on the achievements they have attained.

Due to the nature of the religion, practitioners of Volkainism are considered among the finest philosophers, mages and scientists on Fou Lu, as well as being almost as ready to fight in the name of their faith as the Mercuvian Zealots. Though, unlike the Zealots, Volkainites usually fight among themselves about their religion.

One Wind, Two Directions:
In Volkainism, the mind and the spirit take precedence over the body. For after all, the body is nowhere near as important as the spirit or the mind in order to be enlightened by the winds of truth. Like the body is secondary, so too are matters material or mundane. These things are not of a lasting nature, so little importance is placed upon them.

That isn't to say that a Volkainite will forsake everything else but those that contribute towards their own advancement in Volkainism. Rather, it means that should they be given the choice of a new book possessing information they've yet to see, or eating, the book will be the first choice.

Unlike the other religions, who have priests(the followers of Thanatos eschew priests in favor of direct communion with their God), Volkainites have no need of priests. Instead, they act as their own, as it is their own duty to lead themselves in the pursuit of knowledge. While Volkainism is an organised religion, it is more on a personal level then any form of consistent congregating.

As stated before, Volkainism is divided into several classes, which dictate where a Volkainite is in terms of accomplishments. They are as follows.

1. Initiate: From birth, any born to the element of Air are known as Initiates, since they are born under Volkain. The direction they go from this point on is entirely their choice.

2. Aspirant: This is the class reached after learning the basics of everything they wish to know. This is where the paths diverge, as an Aspirant chooses from this point which path they want to follow. It is not necessary for an Initiate to go on and become an Aspirant, but the general majority of Air elementals do.

3. The Atheistic Method: Aspirants who choose this path become initially known as Terratores. Having researched and experienced both science and magic, they choose in favor of the sciences, thinking they are the best way to the truth. This is not to say that they are totally against magic and the spiritual side of things. They view it as the path best left untaken. Many Terratores choose one area of science(geography, weather, etc), and begin a lifetime of study and work to become an expert in that field.

After years of this, Terratores become known as Scientists. Having devoted their time and energy, they are considered masters of what they have studied, and believe that this will lead them to their truth. Some Scientists have been known to branch out at this point, and study other fields, usually in an effort to incorporate other techniques to their own field. Also, after having focused everything to science, many start to become distrustful and even anti-religion and magic, though their belief in Volkain does not lessen.

4. The Theistic Method: Aspirants who traverse the path of Theism take on the title of Aeratores. Aeratores also devote their life to study and research, but they focus on magic, theology, and other areas which cross paths with the realms of the Gods. Like Atheists, they do not oppose it, just ignore it.

Aeratores advance through their ranks faster then their Terratore counterparts, quickly becoming Aerathines. After a few years, they advance to the rank of Adeptus Minor. At this point, they are considered masters of their field of interest. Most who follow the Theistic path find their end at this point. However, some Adeptus Minors are gifted with what they call "Volkain's Brilliance." They become enlightened. And though how is not known, it is definitely seen. Adepts are the only people within Volkainism that can be considered somewhat analogous to the priests. They are the ones who lead the very few congregations of Volkainites.

While Theists worship Volkain openly, and Atheists barely do it at all, Volkain loves both paths equally, for anyone intellectual is worthy of his praise. As previously mentioned, the differing sides tend to argue, and physical fights between them are not unheard of.

Volkainites have a lot of freedom within their religion, and due to the nature of it, it is not uncommon for them to look into other religions and adopt certain practices that they find. Many Theist Volkainites practice Aidonite meditation in their rituals, while some Scientists make use of Mercuvian blood sacrifice rituals as part of their experiments.

When Winds Meet:
Volkainism is a religion that does not place a lot of faith in gathering together to give praise to Volkain. Only one festival is written in Volkain's sacred texts. It reads as so.

"On the Spring Equinox shall Volkain's children come together, and give unto him praise where the wind may touch them, and carry their joyous cries to him. Let music fill the air that is his domain, and chanting be borne upon swift winds! Let them burn incense, so that the scent shall be inhaled by him! Let magic be unleashed to call forth and control his kingdom! They shall dance around hurricanes of their creation; sing to the sound of lightning! Let them show their devotion to him!" Body of Air Vol. 2: The Ways of Volkainism

Due to their religious nature, however, most Volkainites do not attend this festival. Only the most faithful among them practice this celebration annually.

Spire of Storms:

The above diagram details a typical Volkainism temple. Usually, they are constructed on top of mountains to be surrounded more readily by the ever flowing winds. The preferred method of building them is in a spiral, though it is not necessary to do so. Each level of the temple can only be reached upon attaining it. For example, an Aeratore, cannot access the Aerathine level, or any above it. Magic wards prevent the passing of any who have not earned that level.

The blue level is known as the Aspirant Hall. As the name suggests, this is where the Aspirants gather to practice.

Above it is the Perch of the Aeratores(depicted in red), where the Aeratores come together to pray and delve further into their mysteries.

The third level (colored green), is known simply as Aerathine, named for those who may access it.

The fourth level, cast in yellow on this diagram, is for the Adeptus Minor. No name is given to this level.

The final level, shown in black, is known as The Vault. This is the gathering place of the Adeptus. This level does not actually exist within the temple, but a part to represent it has been placed on the diagram. Said to contain "truth" by the Adeptus, it seemingly does not exist in the same realm as Fou Lu. Whether it exists in Volkain's realm or another entirely has been debated for millennia.

Whispers of the Wind:
The holy words of Volkain are inscribed in several books, all of which are collectively known as the "Body of Air." Penned by a hero or a prophet (accounts vary on what the author was), the total count of volumes comes to fifty six separate books. In order:
Nine volumes of theology, rites, practices and laws.
Seven volumes dealing with magic.
Twelve detailing history and mythology.
Three of hymns and prayers.
Eight containing information on the other religions.
Two featuring a selection of riddles deemed "unsolvable."
And fifteen filled with everything else that did not directly belong to one of the above categories.