Shadventism

Shadventism (also known as Magus Adventism) has been the primary religion in Medina since before the days of Ozzie, dating back all the way to the Dark Ages.

Core Beliefs

The basic tenets of the faith are simple: Magus is the true god and master of Medina, and he will come again. The church surrounding these beliefs has never been very organized, though most Mystics in Medina would passively consider themsevles to be Magus Adventists. The faith both grew out of and fostered the study of the Shadow Magics, which members of the faith are quick to point out are not inherently evil (shadow magics are not synonymous with dark magics, in other words). The shadow magic espoused by the Shadventists concern themselves mostly with the elements of gravity and void, and the strongest users of the shadow can also summon the primary other elements (thunder, fire, and water) through the shadow magic itself. As such, traditional Shadventists have always been inclusive towards the other magical elements, and generally tolerant towards the other Gatian faiths. The Shadventists, in addition to claiming the eventual return of Janus Zeal (Magus) focus on the two primary aspects of their god. First, the are worshippers of magic, and it is not unusual that the most powerful users of Shadow Magic are usually Shadventists. Second, they pay homage to what they refer to as “the Search.” Mythically, this refers to Janus Zeal’s search for his lost sister, Schala, but the Shadventists use “the Search” as a symbolic gesture towards striving for a balance between devotion to their god and to their own selves.

Among the core beliefs of the Shadventists is the timeless realm of magic wherein their god dwells eternally, referred to as the Mystique. This is not unlike the Guardian belief in the End of Time, where Spekkio is believed to reside. Alongside Magus are his eternal helpers, Flea and Slash, and his sister Schala. Shadventists believe that, just as their god Magus shall be reborn and bring glory to the land, he also dispatches his helpers Flea and Slash at random intervals to guide the faith. Schala, Flea, and Slash are all considered holy saints among the Shadventists, but are not worshipped as iconically or as regularly as Magus himself.

Effect of Janus Cage

The arrival of Janus Cage had an explosive effect on Shadventism. Many Shadventists overwhelmingly joined his cause almost as soon as Cage arrived and began gobbling up parcels of land and declaring himself to be the Magus reborn. Older Shadventists cautioned against joining with Cage, proclaiming that he was a false Magus, and the faith split along those general lines. Those who maintained that Janus Cage was the God Magus reborn sought to impose his will and dark reign over all of Medina. These were prominently Mystic, though there were a few humans as well. Those who renounced Cage as a false imposter maintained their Shadventists roots, and were heavily persecuted during his reign.

Modern Day Shadventism

The restoration of the Republic of Medina saw a new wave of secularism sweeping the country. Many Shadventists still maintain that Janus Cage, the god reborn, will return to Medina and claim it as his own, but their numbers have fallen off significantly. The Shadventists have organized their own church following the fall of Cage to spread their true beliefs and fight against the preception that Janus Cage was a representation of the tenets of their faith. Their new teachings have placed less emphasis on the second coming of Magus, and more on the virtues of a harmonious existence, with less focus on magic as a way of life. Their ceremonies still, however, focus on the elements of the shadow.