A Shattered God
The monotheistic religion of Cayrism is built around the faith that every known deity is simply a different aspect of Careyon. Before The Cataclysm, Careyon was a single entity who ruled as a god emperor of all mortals. However, the queen of the now-dead elves rebelled. She brought her people into war with the rest of the world. And they almost succeeded.
At first, they were losing badly, but eventually they managed to get an assassin with a god-killing weapon into Careyon’s palace. Though she only landed a glancing blow, the power of the weapon was such that the god was shattered into many divine fragments. The instability following the near-death of the most powerful being in the world caused the ensuing cataclysm.
Commandments
Careyon doesn’t speak to his followers very often. In fact, only a single such event is officially recognized by the faith. In the year 12 Y.B., the god revealed himself to all the inhabitants of Eruvia’s capital, Astra and seared into their minds a certain knowledge of his presence along with three commandments. Though the divine words themselves are short and concise, there are unlimited interpretations of them. Following are the commandments and some of the most common ways people choose to follow them:
In shadow, my path is clearest
The simplest interpretation of this commandment is that Careyon will guide his followers when they are lost. That when they need guidance the most, he will send a sign. But there are some who follow another line of thought. By blinding themselves, either with the use of a blindfold or more permanent means, they believe themselves the only ones capable of receiving constant guidance from the shattered god. Among some chapters, these blinded priests are at the top of the hierarchy, leading the faithful with fanatical conviction.
Through strength, deliver my kindness
By generous minds, this is seen as a call for the strong to protect the weak. But many also see this as justification for conquest and subjugation.
With community, discover solitude
Perhaps the most divisive commandment, there is little consensus on how this is interpreted. Most followers simply ignore it in favour of the others.
Unite my remnants
A very clear command to seek out and reunite the pieces of Careyon and recreate his omnipotent form from before The Cataclysm. Many also read into this as a condemnation of other gods, as their divine essences are some of those missing pieces.