The World of Samoth
Religions - AEtonism
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Message Boards		 The Mythic History of the AEtonist Faith: 1
Creation: How was the Universe Created?
AEtonists hold that the universe and everything in it was created by AEton, the Universal Creator.  He is often depicted in religious paintings and sculptures as utilizing architectural tools to construct the universe out of a ball of clay (which represents the initial chaotic state of nothingness from which AEton created the world). 
What is the shape of the world and the universe?
All AEtonists believe that the world itself is shaped like a round ball.  After centuries of discussion, denial, and debate, the leaders of the AEtonist faith have determined that the world actually revolves around the Daystar (and not the other way around, as previously thought).  The leaders have also documented the existence of seven heavenly bodies and two moons that orbit the world. 

The reader should note that most of these "discoveries" are not unique to the AEtonist faith; rather, the AEtonists have just confirmed what others (mainly scholars from Buchlayne Minor and the Far East) that came before them had previously found. 
Characteristics of the Gods: Are they immortal or indestructible?  What is the pantheon? 
As far as AEtonism is concerned, there is only one god, the Immortal AEton. He is not a "person" but more of a force and he cannot be harmed or killed.

AEtonists also pay homage to a host of "Patrons and Matrons" who are typically thought to be spirits of the early converts of the faith who have some influence of the daily lives of the faithful.  Each member of the AEtonist faith goes through a ceremony shortly after birth where he or she is "assigned" a Patron or a Matron (depending on the particular date of birth of the worshipper).  There is a group of 336 Patrons and Matrons (one for each day of the year) as well as the "Hallowed Sixteen" (sometimes called the Enlightened Sixteen) who are the most powerful of the divine prophets of the faith.  The days of the Hallowed Sixteen correspond to the four great festivals that mark the change in seasons.  Anyone born on one of the "Hallowed Days" or on "Hallowed Eve" is said to have incurred special blessings from AEton and will be able to call upon his Hallowed Prophet for special favors.  All of the Patrons and Matrons are typically invoked for different things, from the fantastic (help in defeating evil spirits) to the mundane (assistance in being able to pay the tax man). 

It is important here to distinguish between Universal AEtonism and Eastern AEtonism.  The Eastern AEtonists do not honor the Patrons and Matrons in the same way as their Western counterparts, as they see the veneration of beings other than AEton to be contrary to the guiding principals of their faith.  In fact, it was precisely for this reason, as well as the Eastern AEtonist belief that the religion existed long before it was claimed to be "founded" by Dorren, that caused the initial split in the two faiths centuries ago. 
How much direct influence do they have in the world?
Members of the faith feel the influence of AEton (and, for Universal AEtonists, also the Patrons, Matrons, and Hallowed Prophets) in their daily lives.  The faithful say prayers each day and also invoke the Patrons and Matrons for help or guidance in all types of endeavors. 
How much interest do they have in the world?
AEtonists believe, with every fiber of their being, that AEton is extremely interested in the world and his "flock".  Of course, there are varying degrees of this "blind faith" but, for the most part, the members of this religion are satisfied that AEton (and his host of Prophets, Patrons, and Matrons) is watching over all of his faithful with a concerned, fatherly eye.
AEtonism Page 1
AEtonism Page 2
AEtonism Page 3
AEtonism Page 4
AEtonist Priests: Page 1
AEtonist Priests: Page 2
AEtonist Priests: Page 3
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