Laykohism

Laykohism (Aryhtus: Laykohdin) is a Faltiran ditheistic religion based on the teachings of Rab-Bail and the Laykoh. Adherents of Laykohism are known as Laykohists (Aryhtus: Uch Laykoh), of which there are approximately 3.2 million adherents, who primarily live in Faltir, but with sizable communities in Nongba and eee. Laykohism is the majority and state religion of the Empire of Faltir, as well as the official religion of the Kingdom of Nongba.

Beliefs

Laykohists believe that Rab-Bail received visions from the sun god Sirkrot, proclaiming that He and the moon goddess Gepkrot were the only true gods. These revelations were recorded in the Laykoh, and serve as the basis for Laykohist beliefs and rituals. Laykohists perform two prayers a day, known as the Dahdslu and Letslu. The Dahdslu is performed during daylight hours and is dedicated to Sirkrot, it is considered best to pray when the sun is visible, if possible. Letslu is performed after dark (it can be performed before sunrise, but this is uncommon), and is dedicated to Gepkrot, it is considered best to pray with the moon in view or when it is raining. Laykohists often chose to perform their prayers and make offerings at dedicated buildings known as Rorsh'm, which are overseen and maintained by priests known as Layuch. Rorsh'm strive to have a balance of male and female Layuch, believing that a male-dominated or female-dominated temple will anger the God and Goddess. In the Laykoh it is stated that those who lead righteous lives will be rebirthed by Gepkrot as a star in the night sky, able to watch over and guide their descendants, while those who live impiously will be consumed by Sirkrot, destroying their soul. Laykohists believe that the dead must be burned in order to free their souls quickly. As such methods of preserving the dead, such as mummification, are seen as trapping the souls of the dead on Earth.

Societal Views

According to mainstream Laykohist thought, men and women, whilst serving very different roles in society, are equal. Men are seen as providers, soldiers, and leaders in wider society; women are seen as caretakers, life-bringers, and leaders in the family. As such, whilst not forbidden from doing so, Laykohist women rarely enter politics or enlist in the armed forces (one major exception was during the reign of the Holy Republic of Faltir, where a council of Layuch, half of which were women, held immense influence in politics). Marriage is considered sacred and a lifelong commitment, and sex before marriage is explicitly forbidden. Divorce is allowed under specific circumstances, but it is not something that is taken lightly, and divorcees are not allowed to remarry. Homosexuality, polygamy, gender transitioning, incest, bestiality, pedophilia, and large age gaps (while there is some debate over what qualifies as a large age gap, the vast majority agree it is at least ten years) are considered to be among the most vile sins. Fertility is incredibly important in Laykohism, and the waxing and waning of the moon is heavily associated with pregnancy. A full moon is considered the best time to conceive a child, while sexual relations are prohibited during a new moon.

Sects of Laykohism

Layfirism

Layfirism is a heretical sect of Laykohism that preaches that Firkrot (The name given to Sirkrot by Layfirists) is the supreme god. They believe Gepkrot is subervient to Firkrot, and similarly view women as being inferior to men. They have their own version of the Laykoh, which alters much of the original text. Practicing or preaching Layfirism is punishable by death in the Empire of Faltir and the Kingdom of Nongba.