Azztan Shrines

In Azztanism, a Shrine is a place of worship and religious activities. They are local buildings dedicated to Azzta. Almost every town or settlement in Utlia has one or more shrine within it. Along with Azzta, all shrines are dedicated to a Morsote, some shrines are dedicated to specific non-Morsote Sojourners but that is rare.

Belief

Azztanists believe that their body is tied to a specific Morsote and its shrines, after an Utlian dies their body is to be buried near a shrine of that Morsote. After death it is said that decomposition of the body is simply the way in which the Utlian travels to The Deep piece by piece, as the whole body cannot travel at once. It is debated by scholars and cuspmen within the Azz'marin about the nature of shrines role, with many theologians believing that the further an Utlian is buried from a shrine of their Morsote, the longer it takes for them to decompose to The Deep.

Operations

Shrines are run by Ardey, members of the Azz'marin who tend to and manage the buildings. An average shrine will have one or two Ardey in it.

Religious practices

In shrines, religious eating and effigy burning are common forms of prayer that occur.

Offerings

In all shrines it is common to leave offerings in specific offering wells, usually located in the main hall of the buildings. The offering itself depends on the Morsote of the shrine and commonly will relate to the sojourner being honored as well. Offerings to Vyren Kiyrn usually include bread or a compass, offerings to Azzmia are often alcoholic in nature and offerings to Wycalt often feature meat and coins.

Layout

Shrines are usually only a few rooms and a hall, with a second floor for storage and Ardey living quarters. In Tinlea-Ut it is normal for shrines to hit three floors. Shrines always contain a feast hall and a room filled with small wooden crab effigies. Shrines outside of Tinlea are almost always surrounded by a garden. Depending on the Morsote its dedicated to the layout could change, with Azzmia shrines often having a room of swords, containing replicas of Azzmias weapons used in the Restoration. In Wycalt dedicated shrines its normal to keep Brenya in the garden grounds.

Notable shrines

Name	Location	Morsote	Notes
Shrine of Azzin	Tinlea-Ut	Vyren Kiyrn	Largest shrine in Utlia
Shrine of Azgrar-Wycalt	Kelna-Ut	Wycalt	Birthplace of Cyals, the Utlian national sport
Shrine of Syet-Mya	Orena-Ut	Azzmia	Known as the most dangerous shrine on the island, home to a disproportionate number of crimes and terror attacks