Occidental Kaurissem

Occidental Kaurissem (Melkian: Zachodny Kaurysem) is a religion founded by an individual, former aspiring priest of the orthodox church. Sikorski of Dązyn. Most of the doctrine and teachings used by this church originate from the common beliefs held by most kaurissemites. The idea that Iosus Kauriss of Katal was the son of god, and that he would bring salvation to humanity through his sacrifice. The trinity of the father, the son and the holy spirit, and their effects on the daily lives of humanity, and other such doctrines. Sikorskism is said to have origins in the old pagan beliefs of the Melkhi, where they had believed in the concept of a being above them, yet still within reach. A proto Overman myth of sorts. This belief was not the same as the current Zigalese ideology, of ascension. The Melkhi believed that even if such a thing was done, the new god who took his place would be no better. The endless cycle of godhood was a fear, and a root of the Melkhi Civilization's Ambitions. One could say that the entire religion ran on fear. Not fear of any one person or being, but of inadequacy.

In the modern religion of Occidental Kaurissem, the term Root of Ambition is thrown around almost as much. In Sikorskist doctrine it espouses that the Human condition is to want more, to advance. The best thing to do in that case is to nurture that feeling, so that humanity can eventually free the world of suffering, rather than stagnate into a horrendous mockery of man. It is here that Sikorski also espoused a piece of wisdom that is uncommon for the Kaurissemite denominations to mention. That conflict is a viable source of enlightenment. Sikorski himself believed that the true test of men and women is through adversity. There is no truer adversity than in combat. The holy texts of Sikorskism include the holy bible, the original texts as written by the apostles of Iosus Kauriss. The Book of Sikorski, which was written by a 90 year old sikorski, who had enough time to mull over his beliefs, and with the strength of an Overman touched by god, he had completed the Gospel of Sikorski. Wiseman's Affirmation is the final book that Occidental Kaurissem has. The affirmation was written by the apostles of Sikorski and relatives, to corrobrate the facts in his holy book, and many portions of it affirm the tenets of Occidental Kaurissem. To make sure that the followers of their religion would truly understand the meaning of Sikorski's and God's words. The goal of Occidental Kaurissem is to achieve recognition by god, to become a new prophet, or to lead the next generation of gods chosen people.

Led from Sikorski's Home in Dazyn, The resting place of the chosen, what can only be described as a mega cathedral is the seat of power for Kauriss' Hand, a prophet elected from the most pious men across the Occident. Along with this, Patriarchs from numerous sects and Sikorskist organizations gather here for important interfaith business. The faith represents more than 1.1 billion adherents worldwide, and thats only across Melkia, Hyperaustrea, Sikorskia and the USE. The religion has in recent decades been compared more and more to Infernalism, due to its Productivity Cult Leanings. However this is considered factually incorrect even amongst the most fengophile members.

Etymology
Occidental Kaurissem is a religion with Melkian origin, the Saessish name itself derived from a literal interpretation of the Melkian name for the faith, that being Zachodny Kaurysem.

Adherents of this religion are called Occidental Kaurissemites, the demonym similarly being Occidental or sometimes Sikorskist. The second name comes from the founder of the religion, Sikorski. The name Occidental Kaurissem on the other hand, is a rather strange name for a religious denomination, at least when compared to Wahid or Orthodox Kaurissem. But it does follow the latter's style of naming.

Doctrine
Occidental Kaurissem is focused on the understanding of the world around them. But not for spiritual reasons as much as material and 'real' reasons. The belief is that as long as you are on the planet god has given you, you must make sure that you can hold your ground and prosper amidst the sea of iniquity. The main tenets of the religion include a very personal aspect of the faith. The individual member's dreams and achievements. Sikorski as a figure had numerous years of experience in several professions, and members are encouraged to follow their own dreams, just as he did. A happy member of society is a contributing member of society, and also a person who can afford to care and enjoy the company of family. This has a practical use, and has evolved into the modern day where the church has been actively supporting its membership in their endeavors. In church doctrine, there are numerous other factors that play into how the individual and church develops. Working for what you believe in is a cornerstone of Occidental Kaurissem, its all to support your greater goal, which can be anything. Anything that increases your place in society, and most importantly, your self-worth. Another part of church doctrine is the idea of actually enjoying your life to its fullest. Despite the insistence that we must endure to the end, the common idea is that you should instead keep to your principles while enjoying yourself. The idea is that there is no need to feel like you're forcing yourself into an arrangement you dont want. Follow the scriptures correctly and find your way through life. Finally there is understanding, the final stage of Sikorskism. This is where a follower has achieved inner peace and understanding of the lord Iosus Kauriss. If the overman theory is correct, the individual would also have a chance to meet god's messenger, Wiseman, to ascend to a higher form of existence in his name as well.

In Occidental Kaurissem there is additionally a chapter entirely dedicated to War and its conduct in the Gospel of Sikorski. These rules are surprisingly well thought out and reasonable for a man who was born in the 15th century. While this doesnt mean that every follower of Sikorski is a saint during war, and will never commit any of these actions, it is a moral backing for them to fall back on when they're under pressure. Against certain enemies that are not named Fengjiang, these rules had allowed for warlords and Leaders to conquer and fairly administer justice to their new subjects. The biggest rule however is that if your opponent shows you no respect, you are under no obligation to give them any. This was the case during the Serratar war most notably, where the Melkians were erratic in how they dispensed the Wisdom of Sikorski.

"'I say unto my followers to show goodness unto others even during war. To be a leader who must make hard decisions to make his own people prosper is not to be envied. There is no glory in giving in to man's base desires, and there is no glory in choosing murder when it is not needed. In these passages I shall give you the strength and guidance to make sure you maintain faith in the darkest times.'"

"The commandments state that 'Thou shalt not commit Adultery'. Even in the harshness of conflict, a good soldier of God will avoid this vile act against the defenseless and the weak, and shall respect those who took no arms against you. If following the commandments is the path to heaven, those who break this rule are sure to be given the worst punishments by god. In my journeys to the west, I had found the Sundic archipelago, where I encountered a tribe that was willing to listen to my gospel, I had accompanied them on campaigns against their sworn enemies, and encountered a Raid into his territories by a rival tribe of the Bontoc. I saw them dragging the women and children to their own territories and descended upon them with the fury of a thousand suns, bringing their 'spoils' back to where they came from. It is here where I taught these destitute people how to make sure they have drinkable water in these trying times.'

The commandments state 'Thou shalt not kill'. But this is a mistranslation. It says 'Thou shalt not Murder'. During conflicts between men, if one sees a soldier who surrenders, they must be accomodated. To kill someone who had put their trust in you is no different from Murder. If one has prisoners, they shall be treated decently and with honor. During my campaign in the Fengese port cities of the West, I took many prisoners, and the Fengese Ministers always wondered why I did not just dispose of them immediately, when I brought them to the Halls of Ksach. I told them 'Lo, what use is there to a corpse? These men would be better put to use as workers and returned to their old lives. There is pragmatism, and then there is foolishness.'

Likewise, I shall condone no such actions that would result in the unarmed and innocent to perish. If a leader invades another tribe, they must be ready to treat their new subjects fairly. After all, this is the reason these warriors of Iosus Kauriss invaded, is it not? Undue suffering would be against the wishes of our lord Kauriss. I had described this process to U Luat, and while he was a conqueror of men, and a father to his nation, he took these teachings to heart. He did not shy away from conflict, but was always ready to offer people an alternative. This is the ideal form of a conqueror, dedicated, principled, and most importantly, brave.

I ask of you, my brothers and sisters to allow for the enemy to convert, to join us in our community. After all, the convert is one of the most loyal followers of the Lord, and has taken the hard route of understanding. If your enemy decides to take this route, welcome him as one of your own, and treat him no differently. During my travels I have met many people who were hostile at first, but learned to love Kauriss and his gospel, notably the Pirate King of Buhan, a violent man profiting off the crisis in the 15th century, alongside his clan. If I was able to convert such a person, it stands to reason that my followers can do the same. All it takes is effort.

The Final rule I shall share with you, my followers, brothers and sisters in war. These rules will mean nothing the moment you encounter an enemy that does not respect our ways or our mercy. If such an enemy exists, they are to be eliminated for the sake of the greater good. As much as Kauriss weeps for such an action, it is unavoidable. This is not an admission of pessimism, but I prioritize the safety of my flock over those who would seek to tear it apart. There is no dishonor in such a stance. I say unto you, take heed of these words and know when to apply them to your life."

History
The teachings of Sikorski were originally disseminated across the occident during the early 1400s. Where he had banished alongside his retinue to the far flung reaches of the world, partly due to his family's persecution by ruling nobility, and partly due to religious turmoil at the time. As such, had taken to using his new found time by travelling south of the Katal Rift. Here he would find the southern cross upon his travels. The symbol being etched into his mind, and he had demanded that his house crest incorporate this symbol. He had taken to spreading his own beliefs alongside the gospel of Kauriss after this experience. At a very young age of 20, he had taken to sailing west. Eyewitnesses say that they found some sort of newfound purpose, or insanity in his eyes. Current Occidental Kaurissem scholars believe that this is the same blessing that God had given to his prospective prophets and chosen peoples. Sikorski would travel across the capricornian coast, meeting and converting the ruling monarch of the horn, U Luat. The king was wise beyond his years, and despite his ability to go from kind to cruel at a moments notice, there was no doubt that he had taken the gospel seriously, and heeded the word of Sikorski. He had used his journeys to eventually found a colony in the lands of the modern day USE. Using this as a staging ground for his eventual return to Melkia. He would spread his word and overthrow the ruling religious elite, replacing it with his own righteous order. It is partly due to the Bloody Turban Rebellions and his limited involvement in this affair that people believe he was genuinely protected by god. He consistently did the work of a warrior to make sure he would have a stable supply line to continue his journey to the north west. It was noted that he should have died tenfold in these battles alongside his men, but this never happened. Later on, when he had established the Colony of Pomorze, he engaged in combat against the ruling kingdom of Azlatan, a major power on the north side of the continent, and won despite his ridiculous numbers inferiority. After this fabled skirmish, he would rally the subjugated peoples of the north, and march them towards the capital, razing it down to the ground for the glory of The Wiseman. Soon after this colony would prosper, and he would return to Melkia, continuing to prove to people that he was not a normal man.