polemos:4th_age:religions:wistaljan [Earth Sphere]

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====== Wistaljan ======
Meaning "zeal for creation," Wistaljan is an orthophysis religion commonly practiced by the [[..:..:3rd_age:events:tuonic_crusade|Tuonic Crusade]].
It contains clear influences of [[..:..:races:aelfkin|ælfin]] philosophy mixed with [[..:..:religions:classical_pantheon|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.

===== War Magi =====
Wistaljanian orthophysi are not barred from military service, but are except from any military draft to prevent magic use compelled by the state. 
Some do volunteer to serve as war magi, either temporarily for a campaign or as a professional career.
In these cases the Raginauth often serve as battlefield bodyguards for the magi in addition to their typical role.
Important cultural limitations are imposed on Wistaljan war magi, however:
  * Multiple magi should not fight in the same area of a battlefield to prevent unintended interaction of their magic. If enemy forces use magic, the war magi must strictly limit themselves to counter-spells. To prevent accidental breach of this rule, many Wistaljanian war magi will refuse to serve in an army that already has another one, leading many Tuonic armies to reserve a single war magi as an army-level office that directly serves the king or army commander.
  * Strategic-level use of magic, such as terrain manipulation, may only be performed before a battle, not during it.
  * Accusations of Ikskalkwaurd on the battlefield are typically adjudicated in a tribunal held in the army camp, and all but the most minor of infractions carry the death penalty if convicted. Commanders may delay the trial for the duration of the war, but this leads to a civilian trial by Wistaljanian elders instead. Unlike peacetime Ikskalkwaurd convictions, court sentences are automatically applied to the Raginauth as well. Thus Raginauth are encouraged to slay their war magi on the battlefield if they witness the use of black magic.

===== Ainjan =====
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 [[..:..:celestials:creator|The Creator]] is prohibited and considered the root of Ikskalkwaurd.

==== Angharjis ====
A militant order of Ainjan orthophysi, eschewing the itinerant lifestyle of most Wistaljanian magi 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 favor military participation if the state's cause is just.
Unlike classic Wistaljanian war magi the Angharjis prefer organized units that fight together, with armored Raginauth forming a retinue to provide cover for the magi.
Strategic-level spells are a specialty for the Angharjis, and they reject limitations on their use beyond the prevention of friendly casualties.
Angharjis are sworn only to the use of personal magic power, however, and injuries sustained for the purpose of powering battlefield spells is seen as an honorable sacrifice.
More elite Angharjis units purposefully combine magic together, casting spells cooperatively.