Path of the Light



History

Is an Ancient religion founded around 174 M.E., which at the time was extremely popular with the people of Cadia, but as time went on its popularity declined mostly due to its commandments and rituals, leading to many temples being abandoned, it focuses on the worship on an ancient deity known as Kot-larraniel often referred to as "her" either due to respect or the difficulty in pronouncing her name. She is a forgiving and benevolent goddess, considered by her followers to always be protecting them. In the scriptures she is depicted as a young woman, inhumanly tall, long flowing hair and no eyes. She is usually portrayed as wearing an odd ceremonial robe that is mostly amber in colour with intricate patterns. Kot-larraniel is also believed to be the creator of the path of light Fighting style which is thought to be the original style of Zendo Fighting.

Current Worship

In recent times the worship of Kot-larraniel has almost become non-existent, only being taught in one very remote monastery in the lands of Ki. The path of light Fighting style is quite well known due to its unique practitioner but is taught in only one location. This art has an unearned reputation for using violence as a last resort, and focuses on the use of weapons in blind fighting and meditation. To become a true worshipper of Kot-larraniel and learn from her teachings, one must learn how to "see" without the use of sight a feat that is always accompanied with stories of Kot-larraniel appearing in dreams, only once this feat is achieved can one enter the monastery, once inside however each member must undergo a ritual and remove their eyes, so they can truly be connected to the Goddess. For obvious reasons some members retain their eyes, so they can interact normally with society and teach others.

People who cannot inherently see are considered 'Blessed'

Rites and Practices A follower Kot-larraniel is required to meditate at least once a day, the basic purpose of these meditations is to still the mind and refresh oneself from fatigue of daily activites and to realise important truths. Meditation is often accompied by various mudras used symbolically during a blessing or in practice to invoke certain ideas in the mind during meditation.

Followers may also invoke various mantras which are sacred sounds believed to have a "supernatural power", mostly used in times of danger or crisis to protect an individual from illnes, harm and misfourtune.

Once a worshipper of Kot-larraniel has gone through the ritual to remove their eyes, the individual undergoes a strict training regime, which includes learning the art of Zendo staff fighting and a 20 day fast outside of the monsatry in the extreme tempretures. When the masters decide that a student is ready he is forced to leave and go on a sacred pilgramage across the land of Cadia visiting many shrines.

Twelve Commandments

1. You shall not lie.

2. You shall not kill the innocent.

3. Do not flee from battle.

4. You shall help the needy

5. You shall be modest in your clothing, and give any material wealth to the needy.

6. You shall follow the law and customs of a land.

7. You shall not betray others.

8. You shall not aid criminals knowingly.

<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">9. You shall honour all oaths.

<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">10. You shall not treat a peer with disrespect unless they are deserving.

<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">11. You shall not break your word to your peer or ally.

<p style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal">12. You shall only fight in defence of yourself or others.