"We have borrowed our existence from Kiitchich. Strive to return it untainted."
- Ah-Tazza's Leaf
Kiitchich
The god of Creation (also referred to as Creator or Sacrifice) of the Zeet-ish`Tchizik . Depicted as a Yam`rii with varying coloring and markings, Kiitchich is gender-less in every reference. Pre-creation depictions of Kiitchich show It with wings, antennae and an abdomen of various sizes.
Devotion to Kiitchich
Reformation
Zeetchich wishes to undo the Sacrifices so he can reform his Eye. Through the destruction of the material components of the Eye, he can vanquish Kiitchich forever. By pitting sentient against each other using Zeet-ish, they unknowingly destroy the Sacrifices that bind all to the Eye. The prevention of the Reformation is the main objective of the religion. Isolating and removing Zeet-ish prevents damage to the Eye, and maintains the structure of the celestial order.
Gathering
The prophets of Zeet-ish`Tchizik foretell a future moment in time known as the "Gathering", where large numbers of Zeet-ish will congregate to engage in a large scale conflict. The Gathering will destroy a large portion of the Sacrifices, speeding the rotation of the Eye and send the remainder into the Void, allowing Zeetchich to reform his Eye. Only through containment of the Force can the Gathering be prevented.
Devotion
While Zeet-ish`Tchizik no longer depends on the original caste system for determining a followers contributions to the religion, it still encourages that clergy and faithful use their strengths to help in the struggle. Zeet-ish`Tchizik has evolved from being strictly a Yam`rii belief, and believers now include many different species, from many differing locales. To allow diversity and free will, congregation members are allowed to choose which path they wish to concentrate their efforts, with the exception of Laaziz and Sughis .
Paths
The structure of Zeet-ish`Tchizik in present times is loosely based on the ancient Yam`rii tribal hierarchy, it is less rigid than other beliefs. Followers may choose any Path they wish, or change paths (which is encouraged by the Chadaanek, who believe that through experiencing all options one can better understand themselves).
Recently, Zeet-ish`Tchizik scholars have have revealed that the Moss and Bark sides may actually be references to Thought and Action. While the topic is still under debate, the idea of Thought and Action seems to appeal more to non-Yam`rii, supposedly because it seems more identifiable.
More information regarding the castes and their history can be found in the Castes section.
Recently, Zeet-ish`Tchizik scholars have have revealed that the Moss and Bark sides may actually be references to Thought and Action. While the topic is still under debate, the idea of Thought and Action seems to appeal more to non-Yam`rii, supposedly because it seems more identifiable.
More information regarding the castes and their history can be found in the Castes section.
Moss Side
Traditionally this half encompasses non-combat roles, such as philosophers, teachers and musicians.
Chayich-ish To you, the preservation of life and health is the most noble of undertakings. You feel that no one should suffer, no matter their transgressions. You have a quiet reverence for the deceased, and give them the respect they may not have had in life.
Chadaanek Through contemplation and self discipline you seek to unravel the mysteries within yourself, and possibly the galaxy itself. When danger threatens, you weigh your options carefully and only act when it is needed.
Azaetzil
You have a deep understanding of sentient personalities, and the charisma to manipulate them to your will. Whether leading troops into battle or preaching your faith, you take pride in your words and those that are affected by them.
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Bark Side
The members of this have tend to have a more physical approach to dealing with problems, and can include engineers, soldiers and laborers.
Inock`Tchizik You realize that everyone in the galaxy is capable of deceit. The difference is you know it. You have no moral issue with blackmailing people, because they created their problem. You can keep a secret until it benefits you. Laws only matter if you are caught, and even then, they expect you to lie. You give them what they want.
Hich-ish You gain pleasure out of creating and destroying, and a well placed trap is better than weaponry. Building grand structures or pointing out a structural weakness, your approach to problems gives others different perspectives.
Tzayal`Chayich Nothing matters but the thrill of the hunt. You are quick to action, and rarely need to explain yourself. Garnering favor with the Scorekeeper isn't a priority for you, but it couldn't hurt in the long run.
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Death
When a being dies, it's consciousness joins the Scorekeeper to spectate the ongoing conflict. They remain aside the Scorekeeper until the cosmic battle is over, and a victor declared. The victor then gains ownership of all "souls", which makes the victory of Kiitchich so important. Zeetchich will most likely devour the spectators, eliminating them permanently.
The exact purpose of the Scorekeeper is unknown, but it is believed that she is an impartial judge of the ongoing conflict and keeps record of the battles not only on a small scale, but across the entire Eye itself. Residing in the Void, she is immune to outside influences, although this may change once a victor is declared.
Zeet-ish, however, present a challenge to the process. Zeetchich's power (collectively known as the "Force") flows throughout the Eye, and constitutes an invisible reality of it's own. Normally, when a Zeet-ish dies, their essence joins the Scorekeeper, where they learn the errors of their decisions. On rare occasions, the bind between the essence and Zeetchich's power is too strong to allow them to join the Scorekeeper. These anomalies (known as Tzayos-ish (Spirit of the Dead)) give credence to an invisible world, comprised strictly of the Force. The debate on how to sever the link between the Tzayos-ish and the Force is still a fervent (yet minor) topic in Zeet-ish`Tchizik congregations.
The exact purpose of the Scorekeeper is unknown, but it is believed that she is an impartial judge of the ongoing conflict and keeps record of the battles not only on a small scale, but across the entire Eye itself. Residing in the Void, she is immune to outside influences, although this may change once a victor is declared.
Zeet-ish, however, present a challenge to the process. Zeetchich's power (collectively known as the "Force") flows throughout the Eye, and constitutes an invisible reality of it's own. Normally, when a Zeet-ish dies, their essence joins the Scorekeeper, where they learn the errors of their decisions. On rare occasions, the bind between the essence and Zeetchich's power is too strong to allow them to join the Scorekeeper. These anomalies (known as Tzayos-ish (Spirit of the Dead)) give credence to an invisible world, comprised strictly of the Force. The debate on how to sever the link between the Tzayos-ish and the Force is still a fervent (yet minor) topic in Zeet-ish`Tchizik congregations.
Remembrance
Ancient Yam`rii tribes regularly engaged in cannibalism, as a way to preserve resources and honor their fallen. In modern times, this has become less frequent for various reasons. Introduction of other races into the Zeet-ish`Tchizik has made the once exalted practice less popular, as they tend to find it distasteful and brutal. The introduction of new species and sentient has also made the practice more dangerous. Numerous incidents of poisoning, muscle loss and other afflictions have been reported over the years by those engaging in the traditional post-hunting feast. To this day, cannibalism still thrives in the more traditional circles, but is a completely voluntary option.
Due to the declining popularity of cannibalism, a new method of disposal for the dead needed to be implemented. Simply, the deceased are placed within a duracrete box, and the box filled with more duracrete. It is then stamped with the name of the deceased and then shipped away to be used as a building material for Zeet-ish`Tchizik temples. This satisfied the populace, as they could see their loved ones still serving a purpose and it helped to preserve resources, as the original Yam`rii tradition did.
Zeet-ish (including Laaziz), no matter how powerful, receive different treatment. The Chayich-ish transport the remains to the Sughis, who then create the box for the deceased. They fill the container halfway with Truthstone, then place the remains inside. The box is then filled near the top and allowed to harden. The remaining space is then filled with more duracrete, and allowed to set. The large duracrete "brick" is then turned upright and a hole drilled to the semi-soft Truthstone. A decorative pipe is then screwed into the slab, and the slab placed into the floor. The Sughis maintain the burial tombs daily by pouring a mixture of wax and liquid gas into the pipe, and lighting it. For the average visitor, the entire process yields only a decorative floor mounted brazier. The true nature of most Sughis structures is that the flooring is constructed using dead Force users as a building material.
One rare occasions, notable contributors to Zeet-ish`Tchizik receive special consideration- They are dipped in duracrete to preserve their likeness and help inspire followers of the faith. The statues are primarily under the care of the Chayich-ish, who tend the statues monthly in a ceremonial procession.
Due to the declining popularity of cannibalism, a new method of disposal for the dead needed to be implemented. Simply, the deceased are placed within a duracrete box, and the box filled with more duracrete. It is then stamped with the name of the deceased and then shipped away to be used as a building material for Zeet-ish`Tchizik temples. This satisfied the populace, as they could see their loved ones still serving a purpose and it helped to preserve resources, as the original Yam`rii tradition did.
Zeet-ish (including Laaziz), no matter how powerful, receive different treatment. The Chayich-ish transport the remains to the Sughis, who then create the box for the deceased. They fill the container halfway with Truthstone, then place the remains inside. The box is then filled near the top and allowed to harden. The remaining space is then filled with more duracrete, and allowed to set. The large duracrete "brick" is then turned upright and a hole drilled to the semi-soft Truthstone. A decorative pipe is then screwed into the slab, and the slab placed into the floor. The Sughis maintain the burial tombs daily by pouring a mixture of wax and liquid gas into the pipe, and lighting it. For the average visitor, the entire process yields only a decorative floor mounted brazier. The true nature of most Sughis structures is that the flooring is constructed using dead Force users as a building material.
One rare occasions, notable contributors to Zeet-ish`Tchizik receive special consideration- They are dipped in duracrete to preserve their likeness and help inspire followers of the faith. The statues are primarily under the care of the Chayich-ish, who tend the statues monthly in a ceremonial procession.