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Stripping Path

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Stripping Path (Bassaridianism)
Straitofhaifamermaid.png
Theology: Bassaridianism
Polity -
Origin 33.96 PSSC
Split from Pallisican Religion
Countries
Congregations TBD
Members 112,007,907 (38.60 PSSC)

The Stripping Path, otherwise known as Bassaridianism, is the most widely practiced religion in the Micrasian east, and is perhaps the most rapidly expanding religion in the world. Since its inception in the remote cities of the Strait of Haifa in central Keltia in the later period of the 33rd era PSSC, the Stripping Path has spread around the world with relative rapidity, owing in large part to the adoption of the religion by the Crown of Passio-Corum. A highly subversive and violent religion that in recent years has been fostered by the world's markets which rely upon the Post-Standardized Currency, the Stripping Path, whose practitioners are known officially as Bassarids, and pejoratively as "Strippers," is the subject of extreme controversy around the world, in particular in nations affiliated with the SANE alliance such as Natopia, which was disproportionately impacted by widespread religiously-motivated violence in Elijah's Rest during the Strait of Haifa Campaign.

Overview of Beliefs

A convert to the Stripping Path prays at the Shrine of the Satyr King.

To the extent that it recognizes the Triality of the Oversouls, or the relationship between the universal forces of order, chaos, and mystery, the Stripping Path is regarded by most scholars as a variant of the Pallisican Religion. It is not, however, regarded as a formal branch of the Pallisican Religion, for the primary reason that there is not within the Stripping Path a tradition which places an emphasis upon any notion of a struggle between the Universal Forces of order and chaos. In contrast to the religion of the Pallisican peoples, which promotes the destruction of chaos by means of the creation and preservation of order, the Stripping Path regards chaos as the supreme, indestructible, unavoidable governing force of the universe. Whereas in the Pallisican Religion, order is regarded as the absolute highest end, or the thing which most closely resembles the divinity which existed at the beginning of time, the Stripping Path regards the universal force of order as an ephemeral, illusory force, which in many ways serves to distract humanity, and other forms of life, from the actual nature of the chaotic universe. While the Pallisican Religion reveres the pursuit of order as the highest of all spiritual aims, the Stripping Path approaches the concept of order from a much different perspective, instead viewing it as an almost insidious illusion which prevents spiritual beings from finding meaning in a chaotic universe.

This difference in views relating to the exact nature of the Triality of Oversouls manifests most prominently in the fact that while the Pallisican Religion is an agnostic religion which does not formally recognize the existence of any particular god or set of gods, the Stripping Path is a theistic religion whose adherents worship Bacchus, an extra-Micrasian god who, the religion maintains, embodies the most prominent spirits of chaos: madness,intoxication, and violence. The worship of Dionysus is a fundamental component of the belief system of the Stripping Path; virtually all of the religions various ceremonies, rituals, and individual practices, honor each in their own way one of these three aspects of chaos, and are aimed at cultivating a relationship between practitioners of the religion and Dionysus. The worship of Dionysus is the element of the Stripping Path regarding which the authorities of the Pallisican Religion have historically expressed the greatest amount of aversion, even despite proclamations by the Oracle Ruler, Opyeme Amor, that it was the Pallisican Host Spirit which ushered the worship of Dionysus into central Keltia. The worship of Dionysus, furthermore, also contributes to a significant degree of lawlessness around the Strait of Haifa. Among the most devout practitioners of the Stripping Path, and the most radically committed of the worshipers of Dionysus, are the pirates who constitute organizations such as the Bacchian Vine Fleet, and the notorious priestesses of the Cult of Maskmakers whose illegal operations exercise considerable influence across the Haifan, as well as the Pallisican spheres of influence.

Beliefs

In the region surrounding Lake Morovia and along parts of the northern Strait of Haifa, Dionysus is often depicted as a fearsome, satyr-like figure known as Tar.
Category -
Notes


Creeds TBA
Theology Bacchus

Provided the chaotic nature of the universe, which is defined by the breakdown of systems including that of the mortal coil, the dissolution of nations, and the occurrence unforeseen and mysterious events, practitioners of the Stripping Path maintain that despite their most basic intuition, every human strives in futility until the moment of death, to resist the imposition of chaos by constructing for themselves a false barrier of perceived order and comfort, thus destructively inhibiting their own abilities to adapt to the chaotic world as it actually exists. Failing to recognize the futility of its effort to maintain the barriers of order which it believes surround it, that is to say, humanity binds itself to suffering. This self-imposed "binding to suffering," according to the Bassarid Faith, is the nature of the tragedy, which is described in the Wisdom of Silenus, and which defines human life as a whole. To this end, practitioners attempt to derive maximum spiritual and social value from the suffering which they experience, attempting at every opportunity to resist the urge to oppose the imposition of chaos. So as to accomplish this spiritual goal, practitioners emphasize the worship of Dionysus, the god of chaos, madness, and tragedy, who embodies the spiritual essence which enables man to derive true value from his suffering. With that said, there is to practitioners of the Stripping Path no clear distinction between madness and enlightenment. At the moment that one realizes the spiritual essence which is embodied by Dionysus, one loses their sense of individual self, and is rendered functionally insane. Thus, insanity is prided in Haifan culture, and the insane are revered as being spiritually attuned to the true nature of the universe.

The Infinite Vine, according to the Bassarid Faith, is the term used to describe the nature of reality as it is understood by those who have lost their minds in a state of enlightenment. Having lost a sense of personal self-hood, the insane - known in Bassarid traditions as the Wandering Ones - are regarded as being incapable of dying, and have thus achieved a state of immortality.

Hermes

Recognizing the extent to which the economic system outlined in the essay "A Sustainable Economy" had contributed to the rapid growth and considerable stability and versatility of nations such as Passio-Corum, and the Maritime Markets, proponents of the Stripping Path during the era 36 PSSC increasingly began to regard the system of commerce devised by Opyeme Time, as having been divinely inspired by the half-brother of Dionysus, Hermes. To this end, practitioners of the Bassarid Faith during this period, in particular in the Keltian far north and in Apollonia, began to regard themselves as the chosen people of the god of commerce, and the patron of thieves. This belief was affirmed by the effective role which the Post-Standardized Currency played in bringing about an end to the Harpy War, and to the War of Lost Brothers as a whole.

Apollo

An ancient of subject of reverence within the Pallisican Religion, Apollo is the only Bassardian god whose worship on Micras predates that of Dionysus, the premier god of the Stripping Path. Regarded as the embodiment of the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, the occult worship of Apollo within the Pallisican Religion has long contributed to extensive support for the scientific ventures led by the University of Port Brent and the New Zimian Space Exploration and Settlement Agency. The worship of Apollo, furthermore, has long played a central role in guiding the outward facing, radically expansion oriented political focus of the Pallisican and Haifan nations.

Artemis

The patron goddess of Agripinilla, the capital city of the Bassaridian faith, Artemis is revered within the Stripping Path as the embodiment of the values and principles which have traditionally given rise to the matrilineal and matriarchal customs which define the political and social structures of Haifo-Pallisican society. While some nations have characterized the Bassarid religion as being misogynistic in nature, the religion regards itself as an advocate for women's liberation, and indeed most practitioners of the religion, and the majority of its leadership, are women. Most of these practitioners hold their relationship with Artemis on par with that of their relationship with Dionysus himself.

Mother of the World Fungus

Known in most parts of the world as the Green, the Mother of the World Fungus is, within the Stripping Path, the embodiment of the conquering force of nature which threatens the existence of all nations. The eternal struggle of all nations, the Stripping Path maintains, is the misguided struggle to overcome the Mother of the World Fungus.

The World Fungus The World Fungus is the essential, mysterious aspect of humanity which appears to prevent its complete obliteration at the hands of the Mother of the World Fungus. Modern Bassarid theology connects the idea of the World Fungus to the existence of the so-called Haifo-Pallisican race, which thrives on its ability to prosper in environments, and under conditions, which others associate with death and decay. In ritual practice the World Fungus is celebrated in the form of the Stand-In, a type of wedding guest who attends celebrations in place of another person who could not attend. The stand-in is expected to play the part of the person they are replacing, adopting their appearances, mannerisms, styles of speech, and even personal anecdotes. In the period following weddings, Stand-Ins are expected to formally relay the details regarding wedding celebrations to the person they represented, acting out their own parts as well as the parts of others.
The Host Spirit and the Oracle As is the case in the Pallisican Religion, the Host Spirit is regarded within the Stripping Path as the supernatural entity which sustains the existence of the Haifo-Pallisican nation. While the Stripping Path acknowledges the existence of other host spirits, which sustain other nations and peoples, the Host Spirit itself is the spirit which sustains the Bassarid nation, and which manifests itself in the world through the actions of its chosen representative on Micras, the Oracle.

While the Pallisican Religion traditionally regards the Host Spirit as a benevolent figure, the Stripping Path portrays it as being dark and demented. This perception was affirmed by the brutality of the Strait of Haifa Campaign.

The Harpy Oracle The fifth ruler of the Pallisican nation, and the third of the nation's Oracle Rulers, Kan Zen is regarded as the first prophetess of the Bassarid Religion on Micras. As such, she is responsible for the rapid development and expansion of the religion in Keltia, Eura, and Corum, and for the unification of Passio-Corum and the Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa.
Death the Entertainer Death the Entertainer is the spirit of death, whose appearance forebears the coming of the Mother of the World Fungus. It is believed that prior to collapse, Death the Entertainer appears in the capital city of every nation in the form of a ravenous, murderous, horned clown. The notion of death as an entertainer is closely associated with the belief in the connection between Dionysus and tragedy.
The Other Hosts The Other Hosts are the premier non-deified supernatural entities which sustain the non-Bassarid nations of the world. Although there are many host spirits which have existed throughout history, and which continue to exist. Particularly notable among the Other Hosts is the Craitgod, who is responsible for maintaining and updating the Map, and the Heavenly Light, who rules Jingdao.
The Map Given their belief in the tragedy of life, some practitioners of the Stripping Path regard themselves as occupying a type of quasi-fictional existence which is not truly constrained by the perceived limitations of reality, such as death. Those who hold such beliefs also typically maintain that the basis of their existence is The Map, which is the graphic representation the world which they inhabit. This belief in The Map is closely tied to belief in an event known as The Schism, the event which gave rise to the Mother of the World Fungus, in which Micras was separated from the known universe after the temporal reality of the planet collapsed in upon itself.
Mistress Mugwort The ruthless and wicked queen of the Realm of Sleep, Mistress Mugwort is regarded as the keeper of man's hopes and dreams. A jealous and angry spirit, Mistress Mugwort offers in exchange for the soul of man, the gifts of the flower of remembering, and the flower of forgetting.
Tar Although not recognized within the Bassarid religion as a whole, some Bassarid cults in the region surrounding Lake Morovia worship the god of the Alperkin religion - known as Tar - as an aspect of Bacchus. Such Bassarid cultists may or may not engage in the ritual consumption of Noctic-Rabrev as part of their worship of Tar.
Scripture TBA
Eschatology TBA

Worship

The planet Thalassa and its moons play a central role in the Bassarid Astrological practices which are associated with the worship of Ariadne.
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Notes


Sacraments The Bacchanal The Bacchanal are community-oriented religious festivals carried out by the Bacchanalia, which center around the initiation of new members into the Mysteries. The exact nature and characteristics of Bacchanalia festivals vary from community to community, and region to region.
Sacramental Oils

Following their initiation, new members of the Bassarid religion are anointed with a holy mixture of essential oils which includes the list of ingredients shown below. This mixture is known to sometimes leave chemical burns which if left untreated can cause permanent scarring. The permanent scars left by this anointing oil are called "Scars of [1].

  • Mandarin Orange (3 drops): This oil is exclusively produced using the mandarin oranges which are grown in abundance in the archipelago of the southern Captive Sea. Orange oil is added to this sacred mixture as a show of reverence to the gods in general - not only to the gods and goddesses of the Stripping Path, but to those gods also who are worshiped in other religious practices.
  • Myrrh (3 drops):This oil is exclusively produced in the Myrrh forests of western Norasht. Myrrh is added to this anointing oil as a gift to the gods and goddesses of the Stripping Path.
  • Mugwort (7 drops): This oil, which is added in honor of the fearsome lesser goddess of the Stripping Path, Mistress Mugwort, is derived from the leaves of the mugwort plant which grows in abundance around Jangsong.
  • Pine (3 drops): Traditionally derived from the leaves of the leaves of the unique species of pine which is native to the region surrounding Mylecia, the pine oil used in this anointing oil is today also extracted from the Tiji-Oname, and the Nightmare Pine found in parts of the Iron Cult of Leng. This is the first of three oils added to the mixture specifically in honor of Dionysus.
  • Cinnamon (7 drops): Arguably the most important of the oils found in this mixture, cinnamon oil, which is produced using cinnamon grown in the expansive Cinnamon Plains of Rouge, is the second of the oils added in honor of Dionysus. According to Bassarid traditions, certain members of the retinue of Dionysus are known to use sticks of cinnamon as "smudge sticks" as they travel in his divine company.
  • Storax (3 drops): Storax is the most sacred ritual crop of Dionysus save for the grapevine itself. The location where storax oil is produced is a secret closely guarded by the highest ranking leaders of the Bassarid faith.
  • Rose Petal (3 drops): Rose petal oil is added to this anointing oil in honor of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and sexual desire . The roses which are refined to produce this oil are grown by traditional local farmers int he region surrounding the city of Jogi.
  • Lettuce (7 drops): Like Rose petal oil, lettuce is added to this anointing oil as a gift to Aphrodite. The most recent addition to the cocktail of oils which go into this anointing oil, lettuce is also regarded as one of the most important - at least as important as mugwort or cinnamon.

In an addition to this anointing oil, practitioners often burn or diffuse, as part of ritual worship, a mixture of oils using the same list of ingredients as shown above, but in different proportions. This mixture is burned or diffused on a nightly basis by the most devout practitioners of the Stripping Path, but in general is reserved for celebrations and festivals.

  • Mandarin Orange (7 drops)
  • Myrrh (7 drops)
  • Mugwort (21 drops)
  • Pine (14 drops)
  • Cinnamon (21 drops)
  • Storax (3 drops)
  • Rose Petal (14 Drops)
  • Lettuce (21 drops)
Liturgical Calendar Sprói (Spring)
  • City Dionysia
  • Anthesteria
Sümamaz (Summer)
  • Lenaia
Wintaz (Winter)
  • Rural Dionysia
Symbols The Vine/Ivy The Vine is believed to symbolize the presence of Dionysus in the world. The appearance of a new grape vine, or the emergence of flowers on an existing grape vine on one's property, is regarded as a demonstration of the favor of Dionysus.
The Serpentine Beast Similar to the vine, the serpentine beast represents the reality of Dionysus. Serpentine beasts may include reptiles such snakes and lizards, fish such as eels and rays, insects such as centipedes and millipedes, and mammals such as otters and weasels. Reptiles in particular are highly symbolic in the Bassarid faith, insofar as they represent the dual-nature of Dionysus.
The Mermaid/Melusine The mermaids who inhabit the Strait of Haifa are believed to be the descendants of the first pirates to inhabit the Strait's waters. Having repented of the sins of their fathers, the mermaids now constitute much of the retinue of Dionysus as he travels the Strait. Their queen, Melusine, is believed to be the most faithful companion and servant of Ariadne, the bride of Dionysus. According to Bassarid tradition, it was Melusine and her consorts who comforted Ariadne until the arrival of Dionysus on the island where she had been abandoned.
The Clam Shell or the Conch Clam Shells and conchs are believed to be the homes of the mermaids. Pearls, furthermore, are believed to be mermaids who have transformed themselves so as to avoid capture.
The Agave Plant The Agave Plant serves as a constant reminder of the fate of those people and nations who reject the Bassarid faith.
The Labyrinth and the Minotaur The Labyrinth and the Minotaur represent the fundamental relationship, according the Bassarid tradition, between the forces of order and chaos. The labyrinth itself, to this end, represents order, insofar as it is designed and constructed to contain chaos, the minotaur. At the heart of order, the Stripping Path holds, is the consuming need to contain chaos.

In the 39.50's the image of the minotaur was adopted by the infamous Alperkin pirate known as the Bull-Roarer

The Goat Goats are often ritually sacrificed during Bassarid religious celebrations, in commemoration of the rending of Dionysus at the hands of the titans.
Holy Planets The planet Thalassa plays a central role in Bassaridian Astrology. Festivities celebrating the worship of Thalassa occur in early Autumn, following the arrival of the season's first rainfall in the city of Mylecia. These celebrations involve gatherings of costumed friends and neighbors, who come together to drink, and to share stories of the dead. During these celebrations, furthermore, altars to Dionysus are moved from private to public spaces, such as from bedrooms to living rooms, or from homes to communal worship areas. Large amounts of fish are eaten during these celebrations, and wine is typically consumed earlier in the day, often in place of coffee. In some Bassarid traditions these festivities are followed three months later by a three day fasting period in which altars to Dionysus are returned to private spaces, as members of the religion honor the planets Indigo and Momiji. These planets, which comprise the Indigo System, differ from the other major bodies of the Atos System insofar as they are believed to lack physical substance. They are not actual planets, but the ghosts of planets which were violently destroyed millennia ago.
The Aceti Often portrayed in Bassarid dramatic theater as comic or tragic figures whose role in history is foretold by the gods, or by mysterious cosmic forces, the Aceti is a group of notable historical individuals who inadvertently, indirectly, and/or unknowingly contributed to the development and expansion of the Haifo-Pallisican sphere of influence. The most notable Aceti in modern times is the Constancian pirate Captain Poldark, whose effigy is a central party favor at almost all Bassarid celebrations.
Religious Paraphernalia Clothing
  • Laurel Crown and Cloak
  • Hunting Attire
  • Persona Masks
Utensils
  • Kantharos
  • Krater
  • Liknon
Musical Instruments
  • Bullroarer
  • Pan Flute
  • Tympanon
  • Salpinx
Tools
  • Thyrsus
  • Stave
  • Scourge
  • Minoan Double Axe
  • Retis (Hunting Net)
Meditations "Hed Appanal Il Däknos" (The Appeal to Darkness)
"Hed Appanal Il Sazht"(The Appeal to Illusion)
"Hed Appanal Il Wanalth" (The Appeal to Wealth)
"Hed Appanal Il Epï" (The Appeal to Prey)
"Hed Appanal Il Danaß" (The Appeal to Death)
Hymns "Invocation of Dionysus" The Invocation is a hymn commonly recited at Bacchanalia, which is meant to invoke the spirit of Bacchus. A recording of the Invocation, produced by the band Creatures of Corum can be heard here.
Famous Locations Temple of the Arriving Satyr King The Temple of the Arriving Satyr King is an underground temple near the city of Agripinilla, which is world famous for the gargantuan statue of an ejaculating satyr which stands above it.

History

Date Event Significance
33.96 PSSC (6216 ASC) The Birth of the Stripping Path The Stripping Path sweeps across the Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa, rapidly becoming the predominant religion of Haifans in central Keltia.
34.61 PSSC (6335 ASC) Infiltration of the Pallisican Council of Courts by the Stripping Path With the ascension of Kan Zen to the office of Companion of the Crown, the Stripping Path gains a foothold in the highest levels of the government of Passio-Corum.
34.61 PSSC (6335 ASC) - 35.07 PSSC (6418 ASC) Expansion of the Stripping Path Supported by agents working closely in secret with the Crown of Passio-Corum, the Stripping Path expands its influence into new lands including the island of Rouge, and Vaeringheim. This expansion begins to put pressure on nations along the Strait of Haifa, including Caputia and Natopia.
34.88 PSSC (6384 ASC) - 36.34 PSSC (6634 ASC) Hammish Civil War The Hammish Civil War contributes to the spread of the Haifan religion in central and eastern Keltia, where military and political leaders in the Maritime Markets capitalize on instability to develop the tactics which would later be applied during the War of Lost Brothers. The emergence of the Israati-Haifan Nationalist Movement following the war, prompts the newly established government of Caputia to fiercely oppose the Bassarid Religion.
35.19 PSSC (6441 ASC) - 35.24 PSSC (6450 ASC) Assassination of Opyeme Amor Crown Opyeme Amor is murdered after attempting to interfere in trade relations between the Strait of Haifa and Shireroth, by Companion Kan Zen, who soon after ascends to the Crown of Passio-Corum in what is regarded within the Pallisican Religion as the Miracle of Kan Zen. The ascension of Zen to the crown marks the conversion of the Pallisican monarch to the Haifan Stripping Path.
36.56 PSSC (6691 ASC) - 36.62 PSSC (6703 ASC) Rochefort Genocide The Caputian government renounces the Order of Rochefort following international scrutiny regarding the purported genocide of practitioners of the Stripping Path within the borders of the Kingdom, though it remains steadfast in its opposition to the religion, which it views as deeply insidious and repulsive.
36.69 PSSC (6716 ASC) - 36.92 PSSC (6739 ASC) Strait of Haifa Campaign The Strait of Haifa Campaign, the last major campaign of the War of Lost Brothers, contributes to the radical expansion of the Bassarid religion around the world. Bassarid cults are established by the dozen in northern Keltia, as well as in Apollonia and Benacia - regions where the religion never existed prior to the war. The campaign results in the establishment of the Bassarid Kingdom of New Normark.
36.77 PSSC (6730 ASC) Port of Vines is Established The Port of Vines is established following the ascension of Crown Zen to the position of Priestess of Agripinilla, allowing for the expansion of the Bassarid faith to all corners of the Pallisican sphere of influence.
36.81 PSSC (6737 ASC) Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union is Established The Bassarid Empire is established, in a move which serves to politically unify Passio-Corum and the Maritime Markets. The Crown of Passio-Corum formally adopts the Stripping Path as the religion of the state, prompting the formal establishment of Neo-Pallisican religions.
36.81 PSSC (6737 ASC) Iron Cult of Leng is Established The Iron Cult of Leng is established by enslaved Normarkians, marking the first major expansion of the Bassarid religion in Benacia.
36.87 PSSC (6737 ASC) Emergence of Alperkin A peculiar variant of the Stripping Path emerges along the northern shores of Lake Morovia. The emergence of this variant of the Bassarid religion results in the expansion of the region's illicit Noctic-Rabrev trade.
37.03 PSSC (6737 ASC) Caputian Government Declares Memory of Stripping Path Damnatio Memoriae Citing a deep-seated hatred of the Bassarid religion, and of the Pallisican and Haifan peoples and their nation, the Caputian government declares the memory of the Stripping path Damnatio Memoriae, and attempts with relative success to expel all Bassarids from the Kingdom. The decision places Caputia at the forefront of anti-Bassarid movements around the world. Its example, in coming years, serves to inspire nations such as Constancia and Raspur.
37.52 PSSC (6867 ASC) Constancia Approves Expulsion of Bassarids Following the example of Caputia, the government of Constancia passes legislation aimed at expelling from the nation all practitioners of the Bassarid religion. Similar to the decision by the government of Caputia, the passage of this legislation provides new insight regarding the insidious influence of the Bassarid religion in regions where it had not formerly been widely documented. The decision by the government of Constancia to sever ties with the Bassarid nation, furthermore, highlights insecurity within the Constancian government regarding the influence of the Stripping Path on the nation's people.
37.53 PSSC (6867 ASC) - 38.22 PSSC (6867 ASC) Expanding Prohibitions against Stripping Path The Stripping Path is outlawed in nations such as Kasterburg and Senya, which for its part describes the religion as a a "threat to intellectualism." The passage of anti-Bassarid laws in such nations serves to highlight the expansion of the religion in central Apollonia and southern Benacia.
37.65 PSSC (- ASC) Greater Morovian Independence Initiative is Established The Greater Morovia Independence Initiative is formally established after the Lake Morovia Blockade Fund defects from the Port of Jogi to the Independent Port of Lake Morovia. The Independence Initiative immediately launches a military campaign spearheaded by the Anti-Noctic League, which ultimately results in the capture and occupation of more than half of the lands claimed by the Alperkin nation.
157/02/37 PSSC (TBD ASC) Betrayal of the Oracle Fï Ríoja del Háifa, heir apparent to the position of Priestess of Agripinilla and Crown of Passio-Corum, dies shortly after being betrayed by Kan Zen.
163/3/183 PSSC (TBD ASC) Kan Zen Abdicates Kan Zen abdicates from her position as Crown of Passio-Corum and Priestess of Agripinilla, and appoints as her heir the former Bassarid Chief Intelligence Officer, and High Priestess of the Maritime Guild of the Cult of Maskmakers, Díapaza Bréidle.
38.68 PSSC (TBD ASC) Stripping Path Legalized in Jingdao The Chidao Emperor issues a decree which formally legalizes the limited practice of the Stripping Path in Jingdao.
39.04 PSSC (TBD ASC) Stripping Path Emerges as Dominant Religion in Keltia With the collapse of the government of Caputia and the affiliated Melusinian faith, and the expansion of the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union into mainland Haifa, the Stripping Path becomes the undisputed predominant religion of the Keltian continent.
39.07 PSSC (7152 ASC) Stripping Path Banned in Kalgachia In response to the Haifan Civil War, the government of Kalgachia bans the Stripping Path from its borders. This ban, and the subsequent expulsion of Bassarid practitioners, results in a relatively small scale expansion of the religion across Benacia. Ultimately however, it marks the end of rapid Bassarid proliferation around the world. Although it remains one of the most widely practiced religions in the world, especially in the east, it fails to gain a significant foothold in the west.
39.97 PSSC (7152 ASC) The Host Absence/Silent Period After a prolonged period of expansion across the east, the Stripping Path appears to enter into a period of dormancy as growth slows, and leaders withdraw from the public eye. This period of Bassarid dormancy is celebrated in certain parts of the world outside the religion's sphere of influence, while within the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union some begin to worry that the Host Spirit has abandoned the people, and that society is therefore doomed. Those who express such concerns cite what they allege to be historical precedent relating to the various rises and falls of the early Passasian and Pallisican nations. Others, however, attempt to dispel this concern by arguing that the fate of society does not hinge upon the immediate presence or absence of the gods, but upon the willingness of its members to contribute to the continued well-being and livelihood of their friends, neighbors and community. This perspective is deemed heretical by radical members of the leadership of the Bassarid religion, leading to tensions between certain sets of followers.

Culture

Politics

Structure

Virtually all leaders within the Mysteries, and the majority of members, are women. Men are prohibited from participating in many notable, so-called "ecstatic rituals."
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Notes


Social The Bacchanalia The Bacchanalia consists of individual practitioners of the Stripping Path, and to groups of practitioners on a local or community level.
The Mysteries The Mysteries refer to orders, or sects of Bacchanalia on a regional basis. These orders are often supported by involvement in brokerages featured on the Port of Vines.
Political Mystery Priestesses Mystery Priestesses are the political and social leaders of individual orders.
High Priestesses High Priestesses are those religious official who ascend through the ranks of the Mystery Priestesses to become part of the personal council of the Priestess of Agripinilla.
Priestess of Agripinilla The Priestess of Agripinilla is the head of the Bassarid religion.

Senior Religious Figures

Priestess of Agripinilla

The Stripping Path is governed by a council of high priestesses chosen by the Priestess of Agripinilla, who is believed to be an Oracle of the Pallisican Host Spirit.

Picture Name Title Period Notes
File:Sanak.png Amäz Sanak N/A - 36.77 PSSC
  • The first Priestess of Agripinilla whose name is documented in public record, Amäz Sanak, as High Priestess of the Stripping Path, played a central covert role in the ascension of her protege and eventual successor, Kan Zen, to the position of Crown of Passio-Corum.
Kanzenportrait.png Kan Zen 36.77 - 163/3/183
BréidlePortrait.png Díapaza Bréidle 163/3/183- Present

Geography of the Stripping Path

Status by Country

Country Status Notes
Alperkinflag.png Alperkin Variant Religion Present The Alperkin Religion centers around the worship of a god which is believed to represent a variant of the primary god of the Stripping Path.
Alrig Alrig Religion Present - Limited The Alriggian Republic allows the Bassarid community, mainly merchants, to gather in two unmarked houses in worship, one in Driftwood, the other in Sint Anna. Like in Jingdao, no proselytization efforts are to be undertaken.
Arcadia Arcadia N/A
Batavia Batavia N/A
Beneluccas Beneluccas N/A
Birgeshir Birgeshir N/A
Constancia Constancia Religion Outlawed (Present) Although the Stripping Path is officially banned in Constancia, the religion nevertheless retains a following, due in large part to the efforts of the Ministry of Zartosht.
Craitland Craitland N/A
Çeridgul Çeridgul N/A
Eklesia Eklesia N/A
Florian Republic Florian Republic Religion Present The Stripping Path is one of three primary religions in the Florian Republic.
Freeland Freeland N/A
Goetia Goetia N/A
Haifopallisicanflag.png Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union Religion Present The Stripping Path is one of three major religions in the Bassarid Empire. It is, furthermore, the official religion of the nation's monarch.
Helderbourgh Helderbourgh N/A
Hoenn Hoenn N/A
Inner Benacia Inner Benacia N/A
Iron Cult Iron Cult Religion Present The Stripping Path is the major religion of the Iron Cult of Leng.
Jingdao Jingdao Religion Present - Limited While the Tianchaodao is the only religion that is accepted in the public realm, the Heavenly Light allows the Bassarids to follow the religion of the Stripping Path in private. No proselytization efforts can be undertaken towards Jingdaoese citizens and the simultaneous worship of the Heavenly Light remains mandatory. The Stripping Path is the only religion to have received this special status, all other religions are outlawed in the Jingdaoese Empire.
Juclandia Juclandia N/A
Kalgachia Kalgachia Religion Outlawed
Kasterburg Kasterburg Religion Outlawed
Krasnocoria Krasnocoria N/A
Lostisland Lostisland N/A
Los Liberados Los Liberados N/A
Mercury Republic of Mercury N/A
Natopia Natopia Religion Present The Stripping Path is present in the Natopian territory of Normark, as well as the isle of Leng.
Nova England Kingdom of Nova England N/A
Nova England Kingdom of Nova England N/A
Pacificonia Pacificonia N/A
Palesmenia Palesmenia N/A
Phinbella Phinbella N/A
Ralgon Ralgon Religion Present - Limited The Holy Ralgon Empire, through a display of good will towards their new allies, allowed the small Bassarid community within Adrestia's borders to practice their faith, peacefully and in private. Adrestia is abnormal in which proselytization of another religion towards citizens is decriminalized, although still generally discouraged by authorities within Adrestia. It is illegal in the rest of the Holy Ralgon Empire to proselytize towards any citizens. A very small community of worshippers exists in Glacier City, where private, peaceful worship was also legalized beginning in late 1675 AN.
Réunion Réunion N/A
Saint-Antoine Saint-Antoine N/A
Senya Senya Religion Outlawed (Not present) The Striping Path is labelled as a "threat to intellectualism" and is categorised as a foreign thought system by the central government. Senya officially promotes and endorses state atheism. In territories of Senya such as Ranentsi and Tiana it is not outlawed, however it is not present within either.
Shireroth Shireroth N/A
Stormark Stormark N/A
Tellia Tellia N/A
Thracistan Thracistan N/A
Vi'Ix Vi'Ix N/A
Xang Muang Xang Muang N/A

Demographics

Holy Cities

A man stops for water at a rural Bassarid shrine near the city of Zartosht.

Holy cities are cities which play a particularly important role in the Stripping Path, whether it be political, social, strategic, or otherwise. Generally speaking, such cities are designated by the authority of the Priestess of Agripinilla.

City Flag City Name City Location Notes
Myleciaflag.png Mylecia Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa
  • The birthplace of the Stripping Path, Mylecia is regarded as the religion's most holy city.
Rougeflag.png Rouge Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa
  • The home of the mystical Centauri Rouge, Rouge maintains a status as a holy city on this basis that its rulers, who have since ancient time worshiped the goddess of starvation, known widely as the Green, were the first beyond the Strait of Haifa to convert to the Stripping Path. The conversion of the rulers of Rouge to the Stripping Path is documented in the play entitled The Epiphany of Arachnia.
Flagrivererik.png Zartosht Passio-Corum
  • The center of the the Stripping Path in the Eurani continent, the city of Zartosht is governed by the Basileusa of Zartosht, the high priestess of Dionysus who is responsible for protecting and honoring a statue which is regarded as the religion's most holy relic.
File:FlagPoblenou Poblenou Apollonia
  • The center of the Stripping Path in Apollonia, it is said the the Haifans of Port St.Andre were guided to Poblenou by none other than Hermes himself. To that end, practitioners of the Stripping Path in Poblenou are defined by their pronounced worship of Hermes, as well as their recognition of the Crown of Passio-Corum as the Prophet of Superabundance.
File:Tel-AminandLewisburg.png Tel-Amin and Lewisburg Haifa
  • Located within the borders of the former Free State of Haifa, Tel-Amin and Lewisburg were recognized as holy cities after the Caputian government declared them to be safe-zones for practitioners of the Stripping Path during a period of extreme sectarian violence. The two cities were formally annexed by the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union following the collapse of the Caputian government.
File:IRN.png Normaria Iron Cult of Leng
  • The most northerly land on Micras, Leng was recognized as a holy city of the Stripping Path after Haifan prisoners transported to the island by Natopian slave merchants during the Strait of Haifa Campaign, organized in complete secrecy in the darkest depths of the island's frozen, ancient mines to found the Iron Cult of Leng. The Iron Cult of Leng claimed formal ownership of western Leng following the abandonment of the island by Natopia, establishing as their capital the city of Normaria.

Geographic Distribution of Mysteries

A portrait of the first Haifo-Pallisican Oracle, Fï Ríoja del Háifa, highlights how Bassarids are often depicted wearing purple or red eye-shadow.
Sect Icon Sect Name Sect Capital Sect Description Major Cults
Apollonian Bassaridianism Apollonian Bassaridianism Poblenou Apollonian Bassaridianism is a variant of the Stripping Path which, in contrast to Keltian and Benacian Bassaridianism which worship Dionysus as their primary deity, emphasizes the worship of Hermes, the god of commerce and thievery. This form of the Bassarid religion is commonly practiced across much of southern and central Apollonia, in countries including Jingdao and regions surrounding the Florian Republic, which rejected the Stripping Path after the submission of its government to Raspur-aligned forces. In contrast to traditional, or Keltian Bassaridianism, Apollonian Bassaridianism has grown since the War of Lost Brothers - when the religion first emerged in Apollonia - into a generally moderate and peaceful religion which is practiced primarily by foreign merchants and local, rural converts.
Benacian Bassaridianism Benacian Bassaridianism Normaria The most recent of the three major Bassarid religions, Benacian Bassaridianism blends the Keltian religion with elements of the ancient Dionysian religion which first emerged in the continent in the mid 19th Era PSSC. With this said, practitioners of Benacian Bassaridianism tend to worship Dionysus as the god of the underworld. Rituals and practices associated with this religion are typically extreme and dark in nature. Benacian Bassaridianism expanded very rapidly across the continent following the expulsion of practitioners of the Stripping Path from Kalgachia.
Keltian Bassaridianism Keltian Bassaridianism Mylecia The oldest and most widespread of all variants of the Bassarid religion, Keltian Bassaridianism is commonly practiced across Keltia, Corum, and Eura. This religion, which is highly subversive, and which is regarded for its violent and insidious history, is one of the official state religions of the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union. Since the 36th Era PSSC, the Crown of Passio-Corum has held the title of Priestess of Agripinilla, and has therefore served as the religion's highest governing official. With this said, it is paradoxically the case that of all three continents - Corum, Keltia, and Eura - the Bassarid religion has attracted the least amount of interest in Corum itself, where most Bassarid citizens hold fast to their commitment to the Pallisican Religion.
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