Wistaljan

Meaning “zeal for creation,” Wistaljan is an orthopysis religion commonly practiced by the Tuonic Crusade. It contains clear influences of ælfin philosophy mixed with classical pantheon beliefs.

Orthodox Wistaljan makes a clear distinction between “Wheitswaurd” (white magic) and “Ikskalkwaurd” (black magic). Wheitswaurd is a complex set of principles that define where and when magic is allowed, akin to a code of chivalry, and is not limited to direct manipulation of supernatural energies. Study of the boundaries and implications of Wheitswaurd is a valued scholastic exercise for Wistaljanians, and considered a lifetime endeavor to work through the nuance and wisdom required. Examples of Wheitswaurd include:

• Casting a magic spell to heal an injured child.
• Casting a curse on an enemy army on the orders of the general.
• Performing a mathematical analysis to estimate if future weather conditions will be kind for a village festival.
• Winking at a person when you tease them, to give a hidden signal that they should take it as a joke.

Counter examples of Ikskalkwaurd would then include:

• Casting a magic spell to heal a fugitive murderer.
• Casting a curse on an enemy army on one's own initiative.
• Performing a mathematical analysis to estimate if future weather conditions will be kind for robbing a merchant.
• Winking at a person when you tease them, so they do not realize you mean them ill.

Magic, as classically defined, is permitted for study as long as it is performed for the benefit of others, and only in public with the consent of those present. To meet these requirements a practice developed of assigning a long-term, often life-long, raginauth to each magi. Raginauth are half assistants and half supervisors, meant to provide a witness for the magi so they may practice magic when needed, but acting as a check and conscience on how the magic is being used. Many Raginauth often trained magiologists.

A branch of Wistaljan influenced heavily by Anthord, which in turn is based on Hoshania. The philosophy and rituals closely match pantheistic Wistaljan, except worship and invocation of spirits other than The Creator is prohibited and considered the root of Ikskalkwaurd.

A militant order of Ainjan orthophysi, eschewing the itinerant lifestyle of most Wistaljan in favor of a quasi-guild structure meant to defend their communities from the corruption of magic and idolatry. Seen as a priestly order and sworn against holding political office, Angharjis nonetheless often favor military participation if the state's cause is just. Unlike the classic Wistaljan war magi, the Angharjis prefer organized battlefield that fight together.