Modhes Temple of the New World

the Modhes Temple of the New World (Hapšâw'l:Nilsasal Modêsê-Guade, Deysachni: TBA) is a religious organization and de facto Fishermen tribe operating in the waters surrounding Hapšâw. It was founded in 74 BC by Rišil Yêtârâ (now known as Tsukšuna haNitsi). As of 79 PC the organization had approximately 810 members, making it the second largest tribe of Fishermen, though the Temple does not view itself as a tribe.

Origin

In late 73 PC Rišil Yêtârâ, who was a farm worker at the time, was struck by lightning while returning to his house in Nilyuwl while a storm was raging. Yêtârâ claims that during the strike he was able to communicate with Modhes Ywl, who shared with him knowledge about the truths of the universe, and commanded him to spread the knowledge to the "men of the sea", which Yêtârâ interpreted as the Boatmen of Hapšâw. He later traveled to the Fishermen settlement of Ĥonol, from where he joined the tribe of Hagatê, where he shared his teachings and successfully converted the entire population of the tribe, which included 44 people at the time. During that time Yêtârâ would begin using the pseudonym of haNitsi (scarred one). From there the organization would spread it's beliefs onto members of other tribes, and even convert full tribes at once.

Beliefs

The MTotNW preaches that for all of time the world has been going through a cycle of apocalypse and rebirth. Every 9331 years the oceans rise and submerge every landmass, creating a flood lasting for 43 years, after which the waters recede to uncover new landmasses, all of which are then separated by a raging storm. The members believe that the Grand Calming is a sign that the cycle is coming to an end and that the flood will happen soon. The fishermen were chosen to survive the flood and repopulate the new world which will appear after it by Modhes Ywl, who, unlike in orthodox Modhes, is not believed to have been first born as Muovin Yg Theslhauu but rather exists as an eternal being who takes on mortal forms outside of the flood but returns to his divine form during it, which grants him the ability to reshape the world. Ywl has only realized his godhood relatively recently in this repetition of the Flood Cycle, which is claimed to be another, albeit much earlier sign of the flood happening soon. Modhes Ywl chose the fishermen to survive the flood due to their resilience to the temptations of modern industrial life, which is believed to be a corrupting force on the souls of those who participate. As the emissary of Modhes Ywl the Tsukšuna is the ultimate authority on all subjects, though he may delegate duties to those serving him.

Members of the MTotNW believe that they will be reincarnated after death, but non-believers will not, their souls simply being obliterated after death, however they will not necessarily be reborn as believers, and might have to reconvert after death and rebirth.

The Modhes Temple of the New World rejects the Fishermen tribes, believing them to be unnecessary divisions which only hinder the Fishermen's ability to survive the flood, as it claims that once resources become more limited the divisions will lead to deep fractures as tribes fight over their needed food and materials. The temple also claims that the mainstream Modhes faith practiced on Deysachin and many other places was created by Modhes Ywl to serve him while he is trapped in his mortal bodies, and it's practitioners will be killed in the flood, even if they are great servants.

Practices

Idols

The believers often create small statuettes or figurines of Modhes Ywl, typically out of wood or polished stone. Boats will typically have an idol placed in them, it is also common to wear a small one around one's neck. The idols are often held, touched or turned towards during prayer as they are believed to be an extension of the god's mortal body. A special type of idol, usually made of stone, is placed next to a deceased person during funeral.

Restrictions

MTotNW members are forbidden from consuming "meat of the mammals and birds of land", as well as from drinking alcohol, though traditional substances such as dhaas are allowed. Worship of gods other than Modhes Ywl is considered heretical, many members treat the names of other gods as taboo.

Conversion

It is possible to convert to New World Modhes Faith. The process begins with listening to the introductory teachings either from the Tsukšuna or from a priest appointed by him to share the teachings. After learning the religions dogma if one is not a Boatman they must proclaim that they abandon their sinful way of life for good, and dedicate their body and soul to Modhes Ywl, Boatmen may skip this proclamation as they are already considered Modhes Ywl's chosen people. Following the declaration, every morning and evening for the next 36 days they must recite a prayer assuring their dedication to the Temple with witnesses, preferably a priest, after which they are recognized as a member of the Temple.