Rainericism
Rainericism
Note: Variants of Rainericism exist, but many have common themes. This is primarily focused on the strand practiced mainly in Tasnica, sometimes called Libertarian Rainercisim.
Background and History Rainericism formally begins its existence relatively recently, in 24 WR. It would be unfair to describe it as a young religion, however, as it grows out of the Web Pantheonism common in Tasnica much earlier and it contains many themes common in older religions in the continent. Popularly Rainere became the patron of Tasnica for Tasnica’s contributions in the Great War. Rainere herself is an ascended mortal, Terra Branford of the Esper dimension. What makes Rainericism unique among most of the religions from the Mana dimension is its focus on introspection, something found neither in Elementalism, Aesimond, Chrystianity or Dorastrianism, the religions usually associated with the region. Rainericism’s focus is on helping each individual find the best way for them to live, rather than prescribing a universal set of rules. Rainericism, of course, still has ethical commandments and constraints; it doesn’t believe that people find the Best Path by being serial killers. It’s description as ‘the religion of the big sister’ or ‘religion for people who don’t care about mystical crap but appreciate getting a goddess’s advice’ are both reasonably accurate. Rainere helps those who help themselves.
Main Figures Rainere, is, of course, the dominant figure. Rainericism is a polytheistic religion. Rainere is not viewed as all-powerful or even the chief of the pantheon; just the most personable god of the pantheon. Most Rainerics readily accept the existence of gods outside their traditional pantheon, such as Spekkio. Rainericism’s principle pantheon includes Tahran, the God of Light, Chrystalis, Goddess of Mana, and UL, God of Creation. Rainere is a Goddess of Magic and Trade. She is usually represented by two statues, one in her green-haired, beautiful human woman form and the other as a blazing effigy of energy. The first is said to represent trade, form, ‘What do you want?’; the second as magic, essence, ‘Who are you?’. Rainere rarely interferes with the affairs of the mortal world directly. She is considered a mentor or guide. When she does intervene, she typically uses a deft hand, working through coincidence or slight alterations in luck. Rainericism’s central text is the, Apocrypha , a collection of tales and fables, many of them seemingly unrelated. As the name implies, the religion makes no claim as to the truth of these fables. They are meant to cause people to reflect on what makes the good life and help set them on the Best Path. Rainere’s symbol is the ankh.
Beliefs and Tenets
Rainericism is a religion strongly biased towards man’s free will; as such, coercion is often considered one of the greatest evils. Shades of the ethical hedonism of the older Elementalist religion appear here: it is generally considered permissible only to use force or coercion on someone that threatens to harm others. This relative freedom and lack of many restrictions has accounted for Rainericism’s rapid growth in Tasnica. Where it differs from Elementalist philosophy is that Rainericism acknowledges that although you are free to make choices, some are better than others. Rainericism’s purpose is to help people determine the best way to live, believing that it is different for each person. In other words, Rainere helps people find the Best Path. The Best Path is Rainericism’s term for the best possible life you could lead, ie, a life where your full potential is met. Although hedonism is rarely considered part of the Best Path, people on the Best Path are said to be made naturally happy from such self-actualization. Striving for the Best Path, that is, becoming a healthier, happier, and more productive individual is a huge part of Rainericism. That which is to be avoided is that which tends to detract from the Best Path, ie, those activities which are unhealthy or unproductive. For example, Rainericism proscribes excessive drinking not because alcohol is inherently sinful but because it is unhealthy. This is, incidentally, where Raineric notions of charity and good works come from; if you're a true Raineric, you want everyone to reach their full potential. Obviously, someone who is starving is far short of the Best Path. Further, for some people the Best Path IS helping others. Rainericism is typical of Mana religions in its lack of an afterlife. People live on in their words and deeds, and in the memories of others. This is part of why the religion as practiced in Tasnica so often emphasized reputation. As a consequence of this lack of an afterlife, justice for misdeeds must be meted out in this life. Although Rainericism explicitly denies a belief in fate as conflicting with man’s free will, it also emphasizes that decisions have consequences. Karma holds that a good deed is rewarded, and bad deeds are punished. Most of the time mortal agencies are considered adequate this task. Rainere is seen as virtually never intervening in a heavy-handed fashion, and when she is, it’s usually working through the instruments of the corporeal world; a policeman investigating serial killings might have a sudden flash of insight, for instance. What goes around, comes around. Repairing past misdeeds is possible, but often difficult. (Rainericism is too pragmatic, too down-to-earth to talk about 'redemption' of 'sin'). Wrongdoing is harming others or preventing them from attaining the Best Path. One of the worst misdeeds in Rainericism is coercion, taking away someone's freedom of choice; most Rainerics, in theory, would suffer death rather than slavery. Followers of Rainere with magical ability are advised that magic ought to be seen as a tool rather than a weapon, something meant to improve people’s lives rather than destroy them. More than a few people have suggested that to use magic as a weapon is inherently corrupting. Tasnican interpretations apply Rainericism’s aversion to coercion as powerful arguments for trade and markets. This seems consistent with Rainere’s standing as goddess of trade. Contracts are seen as mutually beneficial and almost sacrosanct; this is the source of Rainericism’s ban on divorce. People get what they earn by their own efforts in Rainericism. Both of these sentiments are unsurprising for a religion originating in the birthplace of capitalism. The Raineric Church’s extensive charities network is to help people who are in some way deprived of the chance to succeed on their own efforts.
Clergy and Places of Worship
Clergy is loose-knit and poorly organized. Being a Raineric priest is often a part-time job. People usually become priests by acclamation, as such, they are often trusted and respected members of the community. They often give advice, sermons, and serve as marriage counselors.
Servitors are magic-users who serve the Church of Rainere. They spend their lives dedicated to charitable works, working to elevate the condition of the downtrodden in the world. Poverty, and its consequent lack of opportunities, is a chief concern of the Servitors. People are supposed to get what they deserve, the real world is unjust, and the Servitors are trying to work to right some of the wrongs. Servitors carry on orb, which augments their power and supposedly helps guide them.
Raineric Churches, particularly those in Tasnica, tend to be built in a neo-gothic style and cast in a golden splendor. Stained-glass windows are common. The High Church in Tasnicaport is by far the largest and most grandiose.
Days of Worship
Sunday is the day most Rainerics go to church. Raineremass is the biggest holiday, supposedly celebrating Terra’s ascent to godhood. It’s since become incredibly commercialized. More rarely observed but more important to devout Rainerics is Seeletag, a day of fasting and inward focus. It is meant to be a day of reflection and introspection. One is supposed to stop, think about where one’s life is, and where one wants it to go.
Following
Rainere is considered Tasnica’s patron, so it is the most common religion in Tasnica; about sixty percent of Tasnicans consider themselves Raineric. It is widely practiced elsewhere in the Web, as well, sometimes with some variations. It is one of the Web’s largest religions.
