Midanism - Revision history

Gronk at 03:27, 13 April 2024

2024-04-13T03:27:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 13 April 2024
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	A true Midanite follows Midas' teachings closely, as they do with all laws. Many tenets of the Midanites are based on interpretations of Midas' studies applied to contexts entirely separate from the alchemical research in which they were first written. For example, the priority they place on personal cleanliness is based upon his notes about the importance of not contaminating experiments. This belief has contributed both to the development of central plumbing in many cities in Eretrebus, for personal cleanliness, and the increasing class divides on the islands, as Midanites often view it as spiritually unclean to associate with those who do not follow their faith.		A true Midanite follows Midas' teachings closely, as they do with all laws. Many tenets of the Midanites are based on interpretations of Midas' studies applied to contexts entirely separate from the alchemical research in which they were first written. For example, the priority they place on personal cleanliness is based upon his notes about the importance of not contaminating experiments. This belief has contributed both to the development of central plumbing in many cities in Eretrebus, for personal cleanliness, and the increasing class divides on the islands, as Midanites often view it as spiritually unclean to associate with those who do not follow their faith.

	Midanism is a secular cult - as long as one follows its tenets, worship of any, all, or no gods is permitted. Some Midanites follow [[Khalkeus]], and others venerate [[Triteia]] or deities more broadly popular on the island kingdom. Many Midanites, however, do not profess any faith. For centuries atheism has not only been tolerated but officially sanctioned by the Grand Treasurers.		Midanism is a secular cult - as long as one follows its tenets, worship of any, all, or no gods is permitted. Some Midanites follow [[Khalkeus]], and others venerate [[Triteia]] or deities more broadly popular on the island kingdom. Many Midanites, however, do not profess any faith. For centuries [[atheism]] has not only been tolerated but officially sanctioned by the Grand Treasurers.

	As a mystery cult, prospective Midanites must be approved then inducted into the faith by the Tellers. Knowledge of their greatest ritual continues to be restricted to only the Tellers, kept away from the faithful as a whole. While formally open to all, nearly all who are inducted into the Midanites are already quite affluent.		As a mystery cult, prospective Midanites must be approved then inducted into the faith by the Tellers. Knowledge of their greatest ritual continues to be restricted to only the Tellers, kept away from the faithful as a whole. While formally open to all, nearly all who are inducted into the Midanites are already quite affluent.

Gronk at 23:22, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T23:22:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 17 February 2024
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	Midanism as a philosophy and faith grew out of the worship of Midas, an Eretreban [[hero-god]] who lived in the early tenth millennium. A master alchemist, he was obsessed with learning how to transmute objects to gold, a feat he finally achieved in a limited form shortly before his death in {{Year\|6040}}. Though the veneration of Midas was not unalike that of any other [[Hellea\|Hellean]] hero-god, the cryptic writing he left behind on alchemical matters and the unclear circumstances behind his death brought about an entirely new set of beliefs that have long outlived the hero-god himself.		Midanism as a philosophy and faith grew out of the worship of Midas, an Eretreban [[hero-god]] who lived in the early tenth millennium. A master alchemist, he was obsessed with learning how to transmute objects to gold, a feat he finally achieved in a limited form shortly before his death in {{Year\|6040}}. Though the veneration of Midas was not unalike that of any other [[Hellea\|Hellean]] hero-god, the cryptic writing he left behind on alchemical matters and the unclear circumstances behind his death brought about an entirely new set of beliefs that have long outlived the hero-god himself.

	As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings entitled ''The Transcendence of Wealth'' ~~were~~ published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final revelation, previously unstated by Midas - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal; through his transformation of living creatures to solid gold, he wrote that he had found a method of choosing one's own future after death. Just as transforming the body to gold caused it to no longer tarnish, it did the same to the soul, preserving it in a private [[Plane\|demiplane]] for all eternity.		As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings entitled ''The Transcendence of Wealth'' was published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final revelation, previously unstated by Midas - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal; through his transformation of living creatures to solid gold, he wrote that he had found a method of choosing one's own future after death. Just as transforming the body to gold caused it to no longer tarnish, it did the same to the soul, preserving it in a private [[Plane\|demiplane]] for all eternity.

	Soon after the book was published, a group of his disciples declared they had uncovered Midas' lost notes on how his golden transmutations were performed. Calling themselves the Midanites, they announced they would carry out the ritual for those who proved themselves similarly devoted to the teachings of Midas. Many of the wealthy on Eretrebus flocked to the new mystery cult. While they faced significant resistance from traditional religious institutions and figures, the Midanites nonetheless grew rapidly.		Soon after the book was published, a group of his disciples declared they had uncovered Midas' lost notes on how his golden transmutations were performed. Calling themselves the Midanites, they announced they would carry out the ritual for those who proved themselves similarly devoted to the teachings of Midas. Many of the wealthy on Eretrebus flocked to the new mystery cult. While they faced significant resistance from traditional religious institutions and figures, the Midanites nonetheless grew rapidly.

Gronk at 23:22, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T23:22:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 17 February 2024
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	Midanism as a philosophy and faith grew out of the worship of Midas, an Eretreban [[hero-god]] who lived in the early tenth millennium. A master alchemist, he was obsessed with learning how to transmute objects to gold, a feat he finally achieved in a limited form shortly before his death in {{Year\|6040}}. Though the veneration of Midas was not unalike that of any other [[Hellea\|Hellean]] hero-god, the cryptic writing he left behind on alchemical matters and the unclear circumstances behind his death brought about an entirely new set of beliefs that have long outlived the hero-god himself.		Midanism as a philosophy and faith grew out of the worship of Midas, an Eretreban [[hero-god]] who lived in the early tenth millennium. A master alchemist, he was obsessed with learning how to transmute objects to gold, a feat he finally achieved in a limited form shortly before his death in {{Year\|6040}}. Though the veneration of Midas was not unalike that of any other [[Hellea\|Hellean]] hero-god, the cryptic writing he left behind on alchemical matters and the unclear circumstances behind his death brought about an entirely new set of beliefs that have long outlived the hero-god himself.

	As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings were published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final revelation, previously unstated by Midas - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal; through his transformation of living creatures to solid gold, he wrote that he had found a method of choosing one's own future after death. Just as transforming the body to gold caused it to no longer tarnish, it did the same to the soul, preserving it in a private [[Plane\|demiplane]] for all eternity.		As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings entitled ''The Transcendence of Wealth'' were published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final revelation, previously unstated by Midas - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal; through his transformation of living creatures to solid gold, he wrote that he had found a method of choosing one's own future after death. Just as transforming the body to gold caused it to no longer tarnish, it did the same to the soul, preserving it in a private [[Plane\|demiplane]] for all eternity.

	Soon after the book was published, a group of his disciples declared they had uncovered Midas' lost notes on how his golden transmutations were performed. Calling themselves the Midanites, they announced they would carry out the ritual for those who proved themselves similarly devoted to the teachings of Midas. Many of the wealthy on Eretrebus flocked to the new mystery cult. While they faced significant resistance from traditional religious institutions and figures, the Midanites nonetheless grew rapidly.		Soon after the book was published, a group of his disciples declared they had uncovered Midas' lost notes on how his golden transmutations were performed. Calling themselves the Midanites, they announced they would carry out the ritual for those who proved themselves similarly devoted to the teachings of Midas. Many of the wealthy on Eretrebus flocked to the new mystery cult. While they faced significant resistance from traditional religious institutions and figures, the Midanites nonetheless grew rapidly.

Gronk at 23:20, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T23:20:27Z

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Gronk: Gronk moved page Midianism to Midanism without leaving a redirect

2024-02-17T23:16:40Z

Gronk moved page Midianism to Midanism without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:16, 17 February 2024
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Gronk at 22:44, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T22:44:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:44, 17 February 2024
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	As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings were published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final revelation, previously unstated by Midas - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal; through his transformation of living creatures to solid gold, he wrote that he had found a method of choosing one's own future after death. Just as transforming the body to gold caused it to no longer tarnish, it did the same to the soul, preserving it in a private [[Plane\|demiplane]] for all eternity.		As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings were published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final revelation, previously unstated by Midas - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal; through his transformation of living creatures to solid gold, he wrote that he had found a method of choosing one's own future after death. Just as transforming the body to gold caused it to no longer tarnish, it did the same to the soul, preserving it in a private [[Plane\|demiplane]] for all eternity.

	Soon after the book was published, a group of his disciples declared they had uncovered Midas' notes on how his golden transmutations were performed. Calling themselves the Midianites, they announced they would carry out the ritual for those who proved themselves similarly devoted to the teachings of Midas. Many of the wealthy on Eretrebus flocked to the new mystery cult. While they faced significant resistance from traditional religious institutions and figures, the Midianites nonetheless grew rapidly.		Soon after the book was published, a group of his disciples declared they had uncovered Midas' lost notes on how his golden transmutations were performed. Calling themselves the Midianites, they announced they would carry out the ritual for those who proved themselves similarly devoted to the teachings of Midas. Many of the wealthy on Eretrebus flocked to the new mystery cult. While they faced significant resistance from traditional religious institutions and figures, the Midianites nonetheless grew rapidly.

	Through a set of events known as the Midian Transformation, by {{Year\|6200}} Midianites were influential and powerful enough that effectively all of Eretrebus was at their command, at least indirectly. The monarchy of Eretrebus ~~had become~~ vestigial, with the newly established position of Grand Treasurer functionally controlling the kingdom.		Through a set of events known as the Midian Transformation, by {{Year\|6200}} Midianites were influential and powerful enough that effectively all of Eretrebus was at their command, at least indirectly. The monarchy of Eretrebus became vestigial, with the newly established position of Grand Treasurer functionally controlling the kingdom.

	== Tenets ==		== Tenets ==
	Above all else, Midianites prioritize wealth accumulation as the foremost tenet of their philosophy, as great amounts of valuable material are required as reagents to fuel the ritual transforming oneself to gold. Becoming wealthy, or further increasing one's existing wealth, is seen as the most righteous achievement in life. Methods of coming into possession of riches in ways that counteract their other tenets, however, are seen as far worse than having the status of a pauper.		Above all else, Midianites prioritize wealth accumulation as the foremost tenet of their philosophy, as great amounts of valuable material are required as reagents to fuel the ritual transforming oneself to gold. Becoming wealthy, or further increasing one's existing wealth, is seen as the most righteous achievement in life. Methods of coming into possession of riches in ways that counteract their other tenets, however, are seen as far worse than having the status of a pauper.

	A true Midianite follows Midas' teachings closely, as they do with all laws. ~~Both excessively good and evil deeds are viewed with distaste by Midianites.~~		A true Midianite follows Midas' teachings closely, as they do with all laws. Many tenets of the Midianites are based on interpretations of Midas' studies applied to contexts entirely separate from the alchemical research in which they were first written. For example, the priority they place on personal cleanliness is based upon his notes about the importance of not contaminating experiments. This belief has contributed both to the development of central plumbing in many cities in Eretrebus, for personal cleanliness, and the increasing class divides on the islands, as Midianites often view it as spiritually unclean to associate with those who do not follow their faith.

	Many tenets of the Midianites are based on interpretations of Midas' studies applied to contexts entirely separate from the alchemical research in which they were first written. For example, the priority they place on personal cleanliness is based upon his notes about the importance of not contaminating experiments. This belief has contributed both to the development of central plumbing in many cities in Eretrebus, for personal cleanliness, and the increasing class divides on the islands, as Midianites often view ~~associating~~ with those who do not follow their faith ~~to be spiritually unclean~~.

	Midianism is a secular cult - as long as one follows its tenets, worship of any, all, or no gods is permitted. Some Midianites follow [[Khalkeus]], and others venerate [[Triteia]] or deities more broadly popular on the island kingdom. Many Midianites, however, do not profess any faith. For centuries atheism has not only been tolerated but officially sanctioned by the Grand Treasurers.		Midianism is a secular cult - as long as one follows its tenets, worship of any, all, or no gods is permitted. Some Midianites follow [[Khalkeus]], and others venerate [[Triteia]] or deities more broadly popular on the island kingdom. Many Midianites, however, do not profess any faith. For centuries atheism has not only been tolerated but officially sanctioned by the Grand Treasurers.
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	Midianism has a rigid hierarchy, with the Grand Treasurer seen as the foremost authority on the philosophy and arbiter of the meanings of Midas' writings. The Grand Treasurer also serves a role in Eretreban government. While officially only in charge of the kingdom's finances, in practice the Grand Treasurer has the ability to direct all aspects of the island's governance.		Midianism has a rigid hierarchy, with the Grand Treasurer seen as the foremost authority on the philosophy and arbiter of the meanings of Midas' writings. The Grand Treasurer also serves a role in Eretreban government. While officially only in charge of the kingdom's finances, in practice the Grand Treasurer has the ability to direct all aspects of the island's governance.

	The Tellers, the leaders of the religion below the Grand Treasurer, do not only serve the faith by performing their great ritual. Experts in divination, they are frequently consulted to foresee the best course of action in regards to trade deals and other matters of wealth accumulation. Those ~~that~~ seek their services are strongly encouraged to make generous donations to the Bank-Temples in return. While Midianism is secular, the Bank-Temples treat financial business with almost a sense of reverence, turning loans and other forms of financial services into [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k85_KKTaA8 almost spiritual matters].		The Tellers, the leaders of the religion below the Grand Treasurer, do not only serve the faith by performing their great ritual. Experts in divination, they are frequently consulted to foresee the best course of action in regards to trade deals and other matters of wealth accumulation. Those who seek their services are strongly encouraged to make generous donations to the Bank-Temples in return. While Midianism is secular, the Bank-Temples treat financial business with almost a sense of reverence, turning loans and other forms of financial services into [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k85_KKTaA8 almost spiritual matters].

	== Rituals ==		== Rituals ==
	Upon the conclusion of a Midianite's life, individuals who donated enough to the Bank-Temples and who are considered morally righteous by the Tellers are given the offer to undergo their great ritual, known simply as the ~~Transformation~~. In a complex set of practices, their bodies are cleaned, both physically and spiritually, and placed flat in a reclined ~~location~~ with the gold and other valuables required for the ritual arranged in specific patterns around them. The Tellers maintain a great degree of secrecy about this entire process. In the accounts of one of the exceptionally few people to have viewed the ritual performed, the transmutation to gold appeared to ~~have started~~ at the outside of the body before working its way in, eventually turning the entire subject to solid metal.		Upon the conclusion of a Midianite's life, individuals who donated enough to the Bank-Temples and who are considered morally righteous by the Tellers are given the offer to undergo their great ritual, known simply as the Gilding. In a complex set of practices, their bodies are cleaned, both physically and spiritually, and placed flat in a reclined position with the gold and other valuables required for the ritual arranged in specific patterns around them. The Tellers maintain a great degree of secrecy about this entire process. In the accounts of one of the exceptionally few people to have viewed the ritual performed, the transmutation to gold appeared to start at the outside of the body before working its way in, eventually turning the entire subject to solid metal.

	At the conclusion of the Transformation, while the body is for all purposes deceased, the soul-form continues to live in within a demiplane bound to the now-golden figure. This demiplane is said by the Tellers to be effectively whatever the subject desires, a place where they can continue with their memories and personality for eternity, engaging in whatever leisure interests them.

	Not all Midianites wait until they are on their deathbeds to undergo the Transformation. Some choose to do so to escape severe consequences in life, and others when they believe they have come into possession of as many riches as they ever will.

	~~A significant aspect~~ of the ~~Transformation that appeals to Midianites~~ is ~~how it neatly avoids~~ the ~~uncertainty of~~ the ~~afterlife~~. ~~Not only~~ is ~~one's soul guaranteed to exist with memory of their past life, but also those that adhere to [[Hellean pantheon\|Hellean]] or [[Chaskan pantheon\|Chaskan]] beliefs of~~ the ~~afterlife consider this method~~ to be ~~a convenient way to avoid sending their soul for judgement in~~ the ~~[[Echo]]. Regardless of their deeds or religious beliefs in life~~, ~~wealthy Midianites~~ can ~~die knowing~~ their ~~will enjoy a luxurious afterlife~~, ~~with a strong connection to their former selves~~.		At the conclusion of the Gilding, while the body is for all purposes deceased, the soul-form continues to live in within a demiplane bound to the now-golden figure. This demiplane is said by the Tellers to be effectively whatever the subject desires, a place where they can continue with their memories and personality intact for eternity, engaging in whatever leisure interests them.

	~~Some~~ Midianites ~~that~~ undergo ~~this funerary process have their bodies interred~~ in ~~their opulent residences~~, ~~maintained as if~~ they ~~were still alive for~~ as ~~long~~ as ~~the remainder of their estate lasts~~. ~~The ritual itself is already rarely performed~~, ~~and maintaining an estate in this manner after death is~~ even ~~more so - in any case, this arrangement usually does not last long before~~ the ~~remaining family~~ of the ~~deceased find loopholes in their last will and claw the money back for themselves~~.		Not all Midianites wait until they are on their deathbeds to undergo the Gilding. Some choose to do so to escape severe consequences in life, and others when they believe they have come into possession of as many riches as they ever will. Regardless, even within the ranks of the most faithful Midianites, comparatively few are ever Gilded.

	~~According~~ to the ~~Tellers, it requires far more gold to perform~~ the ~~Transformation than~~ one ~~would theoretically gain by melting down the now metal forms~~ of those who ~~undergo it~~. ~~As such they require large donations over the course~~ of ~~years~~ in ~~order~~ to ~~finance such a ritual~~.		A significant aspect of the Gilding that appeals to Midianites is how it neatly avoids the uncertainty of the afterlife. Not only is one's soul guaranteed to exist with memory of their past life, but also those who adhere to [[Hellean pantheon\|Hellean]] or [[Chaskan pantheon\|Chaskan]] beliefs of the afterlife consider this method to be a convenient way to avoid sending their soul for judgement in [[Echo]]. Regardless of their deeds or religious beliefs in life, wealthy Midianites can die knowing they will enjoy a luxurious afterlife with a strong connection to their former selves.

	The ~~Transformation~~ is ~~a significant part~~ of the ~~draw~~ to ~~join~~ the ~~Midianites~~ - ~~the ability to construct one's own afterlife is incredibly appealing to many~~.		Some Midianites that undergo this funerary process have their bodies interred in their opulent residences, maintained as if they were still alive for as long as the remainder of their estate lasts. The ritual itself is already rarely performed, and maintaining an estate in this manner after death is even more so - in any case, this arrangement usually does not last long before the remaining family of the deceased find loopholes in their last will and claw the money back for themselves. Alternatively, many choose to have their golden forms taken by the Tellers to be securely interred in the vaults of the Bank-Temples.

	~~Knowledge about the intricate details of the Transformation is not public - only the Grand Treasurer and~~ the Tellers ~~fully understand the process~~, ~~and~~ it ~~is never taught~~ to those ~~outside their ranks~~. As such ~~to receive~~ the ~~Transformation Midianites must be on good terms with the authorities~~ of ~~their philosophy and have been prosperous enough for them~~ to ~~take notice~~.		According to the Tellers, it requires far more gold to perform the Gilding than one would theoretically gain by melting down the now metal forms of those who undergo it. As such they require large donations over the course of years in order to finance such a ritual.

			Knowledge about the intricate details of the Gilding is not public - only the Grand Treasurer and the Tellers fully understand the process, and it is never taught to those outside their ranks. As such to receive the Gilding Midianites must be on good terms with the authorities of their philosophy and have been prosperous enough for them to take notice.

	== Bank-Temples ==		== Bank-Temples ==
	Most Bank-Temples are broadly similar in design. Exterior doors usually open into a single, large chamber, typically an cross-arched dome. Fountains or [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaZblDdWAAA-5ap?format=jpg&name=large golden statues of a hand] are frequently used as centerpieces, with the rest of the of the chamber typically dimly lit and divided into areas for seclusion. Those of high standing within the ~~Midians~~ may be invited to the lower levels, below ground, where the vaults can be found.		Most Bank-Temples are broadly similar in design. Exterior doors usually open into a single, large chamber, typically an cross-arched dome. Fountains or [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaZblDdWAAA-5ap?format=jpg&name=large golden statues of a hand] are frequently used as centerpieces, with the rest of the of the chamber typically dimly lit and divided into areas for seclusion. Those of high standing within the Midianites may be invited to the lower levels, below ground, where the vaults can be found.

	{{Deities}}		{{Deities}}

Gronk at 22:15, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T22:15:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:15, 17 February 2024
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	As a mystery cult, prospective Midianites must be approved then inducted into the faith by the Tellers. Knowledge of their greatest ritual continues to be restricted to only the Tellers, kept away from the faithful as a whole. While formally open to all, nearly all who are inducted into the Midianites are already quite affluent.		As a mystery cult, prospective Midianites must be approved then inducted into the faith by the Tellers. Knowledge of their greatest ritual continues to be restricted to only the Tellers, kept away from the faithful as a whole. While formally open to all, nearly all who are inducted into the Midianites are already quite affluent.

			Most Midianites regularly provide monetary donations to the Bank-Temples under the belief that doing so will grant further prosperity. This is by and large true, if only because the Tellers favor and provide advantageous information towards those who support them the most.

	== Followers ==		== Followers ==
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	Knowledge about the intricate details of the Transformation is not public - only the Grand Treasurer and the Tellers fully understand the process, and it is never taught to those outside their ranks. As such to receive the Transformation Midianites must be on good terms with the authorities of their philosophy and have been prosperous enough for them to take notice.		Knowledge about the intricate details of the Transformation is not public - only the Grand Treasurer and the Tellers fully understand the process, and it is never taught to those outside their ranks. As such to receive the Transformation Midianites must be on good terms with the authorities of their philosophy and have been prosperous enough for them to take notice.

	Many Midianites regularly provide monetary donations to the Bank-Temples under the belief that doing so will grant further prosperity. This is by and large true, if only because the Tellers favor and provide advantageous information towards those who support them the most.

	== Bank-Temples ==		== Bank-Temples ==

Gronk at 22:10, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T22:10:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 17 February 2024
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	== Rituals ==		== Rituals ==
	~~{{SideBox~~
	~~\|above='''Cost of the Transformation'''~~
	~~\|text=~~
	According to the Tellers, it requires far more gold to perform the Transformation than one would theoretically gain by melting down the now metal forms of those who undergo it. As such they require large donations over the course of years in order to finance such a ritual.
	}}
	Upon the conclusion of a Midianite's life, individuals who donated enough to the Bank-Temples and who are considered morally righteous by the Tellers are given the offer to undergo their great ritual, known simply as the Transformation. In a complex set of practices, their bodies are cleaned, both physically and spiritually, and placed flat in a reclined location with the gold and other valuables required for the ritual arranged in specific patterns around them. The Tellers maintain a great degree of secrecy about this entire process. In the accounts of one of the exceptionally few people to have viewed the ritual performed, the transmutation to gold appeared to have started at the outside of the body before working its way in, eventually turning the entire subject to solid metal.		Upon the conclusion of a Midianite's life, individuals who donated enough to the Bank-Temples and who are considered morally righteous by the Tellers are given the offer to undergo their great ritual, known simply as the Transformation. In a complex set of practices, their bodies are cleaned, both physically and spiritually, and placed flat in a reclined location with the gold and other valuables required for the ritual arranged in specific patterns around them. The Tellers maintain a great degree of secrecy about this entire process. In the accounts of one of the exceptionally few people to have viewed the ritual performed, the transmutation to gold appeared to have started at the outside of the body before working its way in, eventually turning the entire subject to solid metal.

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	Some Midianites that undergo this funerary process have their bodies interred in their opulent residences, maintained as if they were still alive for as long as the remainder of their estate lasts. The ritual itself is already rarely performed, and maintaining an estate in this manner after death is even more so - in any case, this arrangement usually does not last long before the remaining family of the deceased find loopholes in their last will and claw the money back for themselves.		Some Midianites that undergo this funerary process have their bodies interred in their opulent residences, maintained as if they were still alive for as long as the remainder of their estate lasts. The ritual itself is already rarely performed, and maintaining an estate in this manner after death is even more so - in any case, this arrangement usually does not last long before the remaining family of the deceased find loopholes in their last will and claw the money back for themselves.

			According to the Tellers, it requires far more gold to perform the Transformation than one would theoretically gain by melting down the now metal forms of those who undergo it. As such they require large donations over the course of years in order to finance such a ritual.

	The Transformation is a significant part of the draw to join the Midianites - the ability to construct one's own afterlife is incredibly appealing to many.		The Transformation is a significant part of the draw to join the Midianites - the ability to construct one's own afterlife is incredibly appealing to many.

Gronk at 22:09, 17 February 2024

2024-02-17T22:09:43Z

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	{{SeeAlso\|Midas}}		{{SeeAlso\|Midas}}

	Midianism as a philosophy and faith grew out of the worship of Midas, an Eretreban [[hero-god]] who lived in the early tenth millennium. A master alchemist, he was obsessed with learning how to transform common materials to gold, a feat he finally achieved shortly before his death. Though the veneration of Midas was not unalike that of any other [[Hellea\|Hellean]] hero-god, the cryptic writing he left behind on alchemical matters and the unclear circumstances behind his death brought about an entirely new set of beliefs that have long outlived the hero-god himself.		Midianism as a philosophy and faith grew out of the worship of Midas, an Eretreban [[hero-god]] who lived in the early tenth millennium. A master alchemist, he was obsessed with learning how to transform common materials to gold, a feat he finally achieved shortly before his death in {{Year\|6040}}. Though the veneration of Midas was not unalike that of any other [[Hellea\|Hellean]] hero-god, the cryptic writing he left behind on alchemical matters and the unclear circumstances behind his death brought about an entirely new set of beliefs that have long outlived the hero-god himself.

	As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful continued to pore over his ~~written~~ notes in search of secrets he had never revealed		As with other hero-gods, nearly all faithful of Midas ceased their worship upon learning of his death, but a small handful of them continued to pore over his notes in search of secrets he had never revealed. Almost a hundred years later in {{Year\|6133}}, after a century in which Midas' legend had slowly waned, a collection of his writings were published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained not merely Midas' notes on his studies but also interpretations of them that derived lessons and moral teachings from the otherwise dry and straightforward alchemical observations. All of this was in service of one final teaching - that gold, and wealth in general, was a pathway to the afterlife. This was not presented in a metaphorical way, but rather entirely literal.

			A remarkably brief volume, this book contained letters and short musings in which Midas explained his philosophies, beliefs, and understanding of magic. ''The Transcendence of Wealth'', as the book was titled, was initially regarded by most as only a curiosity, a collection of notes on matters of trade and lifestyle. A small circle of Eretreban merchants, however, saw something more in Midas' writings - they saw hints and clues in how to achieve a form of immortality.



	The name Midianism originated as an homage to Midas, the Eretreban noble whose collected writings shaped the philosophy of the faith. Born in {{Year\|5996}}, Midas had a reputation in his early life as a somewhat idiosyncratic individual. Following in the footsteps of his family, he was a moderately successful merchant, even if he attracted some notoriety for his alchemical experimentation. Despite his wealth, Midas spent most of his life within his estate on [[Mount Theumea]]. In his early adulthood, after an extended years-long period of seclusion on his estate, Midas returned to Eretreban high society with the miraculous ability to magically transmute touched objects to gold.

	For the next few years, Midas enjoyed a position of almost absurd wealth. However, it did not take long before he slowly began to retreat back to his seclusion, eventually refusing almost all visitors and isolating himself on Mount Theumea. When a curious family member attempted to locate Midas in {{Year\|6040}}, they reportedly found him deceased in his overground manor, apparently for years at that point.

	After his death, Midas' reputation became that of a clever alchemist, eventually turning into more of a slowly waning Eretreban legend. Almost one hundred years later, in {{Year\|6133}}, a collection of writings purportedly by Midas was published by an unknown benefactor in [[Iareios]]. A remarkably brief volume, this book contained letters and short musings in which Midas explained his philosophies, beliefs, and understanding of magic. ''The Transcendence of Wealth'', as the book was titled, was initially regarded by most as only a curiosity, a collection of notes on matters of trade and lifestyle. A small circle of Eretreban merchants, however, saw something more in Midas' writings - they saw hints and clues in how to achieve a form of immortality.

	One of the last letters in ''The Transcendence of Wealth'', addressed to an unnamed recipient, obliquely mentions a method of using vast amounts of riches to preserve the body and soul after death. The initial Midianites, as they came to call themselves, seized upon this fragment of information and believed they could complete Midas' notes. Though they initially attempted to maintain secrecy, they were unable to contain the news when one of their members, [[Adrastus]], determined the missing steps and underwent the process himself, preserving his body with molten gold and casting his soul into a personal demiplane.		One of the last letters in ''The Transcendence of Wealth'', addressed to an unnamed recipient, obliquely mentions a method of using vast amounts of riches to preserve the body and soul after death. The initial Midianites, as they came to call themselves, seized upon this fragment of information and believed they could complete Midas' notes. Though they initially attempted to maintain secrecy, they were unable to contain the news when one of their members, [[Adrastus]], determined the missing steps and underwent the process himself, preserving his body with molten gold and casting his soul into a personal demiplane.