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A melting pot like most aspects of the culture here, there is great tolerance for freedom of religion and it is so decreed by edict. While highly diverse it is still primarily "pagan" with honor paid to sprawling pantheons - some aspects of more ancient precursor cultures have survived and with them their gods. What other alternatives exist include the equivalent of neo-platonism, buddhism, and an abundance of cults.
This is an alternate history where Pagan roots remain strong and the monotheistic religions of Abraham never quite took on the same influence - there was no Constantine or Theodosius, the changes of their time never took place and the Constantinian dynasty never began. While 'barbarian' kingdoms still drove what would have been the 'Roman' empire into the east and Byzantium became a major city, it developed under rather alternative inspirations. The bulk of monotheistic religions have remained small and secluded, with something like Zoroastrianism probably the most likely to be around. The existence of magic and greater cultural diversity has instead influenced polytheistic religion in a notably different and arguably more 'modern' direction.
In addition to certain races being longer lived or more magically enabled in longevity and travel, there is more mixing of belief systems and cultural quirks. This has also helped certain belief systems survive and even thrive.
Notes:
- It is old temples, not churches, that are turning into places of learning and higher education.
- The dead are generally burned on funeral pyres on the beaches - there is an underground crypt, but it doesn't hold so many bodies as it does bones and ashes.
- There is a growing problem with cults, of which there are a competitive many seeking recruits among the younger population. There is a trend of 'god switching' from week to week that annoys the more dedicated of older citizenry.
The bulk of 'pagan' deities to be found in the area are parallels to those of ancient Phrygian, Greek and Roman deities, followed by Egyptian, remnants of the Minoan-Mycenaean, and to a lesser extent other nearby related cultures from the east. Without Christianity being established across the 'Roman' Empire, old religions have thrived and spread, mixed cross-culturally with much greater influence. They are largely the same or very similar with 'monstrous' twists to their nature.
The Taur people feel that most deities are analogous to one another and explain them in light of their own in a strangely accommodating fashion - they are very fond of every 'aspect' in the world having a related deity of some kind, just as diverse as mortal kind. They're even willing to recognize the foreign deities of man as power hungry and meddlesome spirits - they find the elemental gods of the elves pleasant enough in comparison, especially in that they seem to lack agenda, keeping to themselves.
The Lares and Penate
Trivia
Also known as Hecate, this three-aspect deity of protection is the main goddess of the city. In this world she is an anthropomorphic chimera with parts cat, dog, and horse. It is said she transformed from a single-faced form long ago to better protect her people. She is strongly associated with dogs and it is said that among the stray packs of the city there are members of her pack keeping evil at bay. It is great luck to be visited by one of her hounds.
PotniaThe 'Pure Mother Bee', the 'Mistress'. She takes the form of a great and strange bee taur.
Arachne
(hundreds more here) -
Instead of any churches there are an abundance of temples, palaces, and holy places for honing and practicing elemental magic.
Temple of Trivia
The Web Temple
Archne here is more than just a proud mortal woman cursed by Athena to spin her web as a spider - she is a figure of penance, who now follows Athena's path of war to collect the fallen and nurse them to health in her webs should they feel the guilt and shame she does.
If they have no penance in their heart, she judges and devours them. So it is also said of the Archieunuch who runs the place.
This temple produces some of the finest weavers, spinners, and dye makers in the entire empire. It is one of few places you can even purchase spider silk. If you're looking for rare and expensive tailored clothing, this is the place for the discerning and deep-pocketed customer. They are also are custodians of the giant silk worms and moths, whom are protected and looked over by disciples of the temple.
It is one of the single most protected places in the city, constructed in a cavern deep underneath one of the larger hills and reached through a series of difficult to find and ominous tunnel entrances - further protected by well constructed wards and unknown creatures that patrol the darkness.
It is a special haven for those of nocturnal and insect or arachnid based nature, plus many other creatures of the night - as long as you harbor no ill will in your heart and can handle the creepy crawlies, you are welcome to find peace and safety in the cool caverns. There is no incense burning here or light by fire, which would produce smoke to irritate the insects and spiders, as well as stain the silk.
The Abjurer has made it his work to help others who have found themselves fallen from grace as he once did - new shifters, survivors of tragedy, refugees, the falsely accused. If you are guilty however, prepare to seek repentance - the wicked at heart have no place here and no thief has ever come back out.
The Temple of Experience
See: THE UNDERWORLD
CULTS
The Cult of Dionysus
The Cult of Dunamai
