Aamanians
A stern folk, Aamanians live by the strict tenets of Orthodoxism – as handed down by the great god Aa in the Omnival – which promotes the ideal of “oneness in body and spirit.”
Personality: Aamanians live by a rigid caste system based on the acquisition and accumulation of spiritual purity (measured in aalms of mana). Advancement in status is a major preoccupation of Aamanians, since they believe that their position in the Orthodoxist hierarchy at the time of their death determines how they fare in the afterlife. The most reliable method of gaining mana (assuming one can afford the high cost of tuition) is to enter the priesthood. A less costly alternative is to enter the ranks of the Theocratic Order, the militant arm of Orthodoxy. Knights of the Order serve as protectors of the realm and serve as officers in all branches of the Aaman military. The Aamanian Witch Hunters are specialists of the Order who hunt down “enemies of the faith” including demons, necromancers, and black magic in any form.
Physical Description: Aamanians stand about 5 ½ to six feet in height and weight from 140 to 250 pounds. They have topaz skin, green eyes, and lean physiques. As part of their goal of “oneness in body” they remove all facial and body hair regularly with an extract of bald nettle. Dress is modest and severe, and always white.
Relations: Aamanians divide the world into three types of people: the Faithful (themselves), Infidels (the non-Faithful), and Heretics (Faithful who have fallen into heresy). The middle group is looked down upon and to be converted to the Faith if possible. They are allowed to enter Aaman so long as they abide by all the laws and strictures of Orthodoxy. The latter are to be hunted down and killed without mercy. Zandir are automatically considered heretics.
Alignment: Aamanians are all Lawful Neutral (unless they are renegades or heretics)
Aamanian Lands: Aamanians live in Aaman in Western Talislanta.
Religion: The Orthodoxist faith traces its roots to a group of astrologers who claim to have been visited by Aa Himself. He told them that in order to avoid a future cataclysm, the people had to follow certain strictures of behavior and thought. He recited these guidelines and then returned to the heavens. The astrologers wrote these down, creating the first Omnival, and set out to teach others of this miraculous warning.
Today the Omnival is a vast collection of books. The first volume contains Aa’s actual revelations. Each subsequent Hierophant has added his own “insight” as time and whim has dictated.
Language: Talislan. The clergy use High Talislan exclusively, while the rest of the population uses Low. A few scholars may know the disused Phaedran language as well.
Adventurers: Clerics and fighters are the most common. Aamanian wizards (called archimages), are rare as magic is looked down upon in general. Aamanian Paladins (called Marshals) are even rarer, and are the most feared and powerful members of the Theocratic Order. Aamanians outside Aaman could be hunting for heretics, on a secret mission, or on a pilgrimage or quest.
Roleplaying Notes: As one of the faithful, your life revolves around the Orthodoxy and its precepts. There is no doubt in your mind that Aa is the greatest of the gods. He is a jealous deity, strict and difficult to love, but you belive that if you live in accordance with his requirements, he will honor his promises to you.
Uniformity is stressed and conformity desired. As a follower of Aa, you strive to think and behave just like all the other Faithful. There is great evil in the world and only be strict adherence to the faith will it be destroyed. You always dress in white, and fashion is limited to holy icons, veils, and charms.
Mana, the measure of your importance in the afterlife, is your obsession, more than gold or worldly success ever could be. While Aa commands you to seek out and destroy evil wherever it may be found, you always take care to have appropriate witnesses or documentation of your deeds available.
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