Gaeanism

Gaeanism (Ozian: Գւաժոն tr. Gaeazhon) is an animistic and monotheistic religion indigenous to the O Strait region with unclear origins. Scholars believe the religion is at least 8000 years old and was born after the Libian Fre'zhi cultures clashed with Ennorath Praemian cultures. Before the time of Zhadae Sankta, it was a popular religion that spread through oral tradition among the first Ozian tribes with a focus on women. When Revia assumed her role as Zhadae Sankta in 921 BCE, she wrote an autobiographical account of her ascension to power to all the way until her death along with philosophies, laws, and traditions. She also commissioned several religious leaders to write down oral traditions at the Grand Meet of Ozi'pol. Although schisms in the religion existed from 1000-1900 CE, it managed to close all the schisms with the liberation of Ozia after the Great War. Today, 650 million people consider themselves Gaeanist, but the religion only has significant populations among St Oz, the Diamond Coast, and Ozian communities.

History

The First Listener

Main article: Zhadae Sankta

Gaeanist Concepts

Warfare

The 17 laws of Warfare

According to the Chronicles of Zhadae Sankta, the First Listener likened warfare to being torn apart from Gaea, but those on the Righteous Path must also use it as a tool to create peace. She writes 17 laws that those on the Righteous Path must follow.

1. Warfare should only be used in self-defense.
2. All strategies and tactics are permissible. The best are those of deception.
3. Best battles are won in which one does not fight.
4. Killing in warfare is not the same as murder.
5. Keep true to the laws of the Righteous Path.
6. Do not betray allies and never forgive traitors.
7. Soldiers are not pawns but people. Always minimize losses.
8. Honor the dead, but only for as long as your enemy will let you.
9. Maintain your supply lines.
10. Rest those who are sick when permitted.
11. Accept all those who surrender and feed them at three quarters what you feed your own soldiers and treat their illnesses and ailments when permitted.
12. Never execute prisoners of war that do not violate the conditions of surrender.
13. Free prisoners of war to their native lands immediately when warfare ends.
14. Always feed your soldiers twice a day when permitted.
15. Always pay soldiers at least twice what is subsistence when permitted.
16. Never harm the citizens of an enemy that do not harm yours.
17. Free any slaves met in warfare and never force labor unto other peoples for your benefit.