The phoenix cult is a religious movement that began in Argengrast after Y9965*. The cult holds that they are guided by a semi-mythical phoenix that they believe to be a manifested spirit of the Argenite people and land. Though the cult has a significant following amongst the laborers and common people of Argengrast, they are particularly known for the actions of the Argenite Phoenixes, an especially zealous group that has played an important role in the ongoing Lamplighter Rebellion against the Tirionite conglomerates that control the colony.
History
To the people of Argengrast, phoenixes and what they represent have long been important. The town of Phoenix Crest, located in the grasslands of northern Argengrast, gained its name from a legend that the first inhabitants of the settlement were guided to that spot centuries ago by a benevolent phoenix who had observed their long struggles. The fiery creatures appear frequently in Argenite folklore, legends, and art - even though none had been spotted in the region since this first semi-mythical appearance, they have remained influential symbols.
By Y9965*, Argengrast was in the middle of a period known as the Long Ten Years. A prolonged drought in the lands around the eastern Chaska Sea had ruined the harvests of Tirionite farmers, and the nation resorted to shipping great quantities of food from the primarily agricultural colony of Argengrast, to such a degree that the Argenite people were left with little to eat themselves. Famine was mitigated only through the services of a great number of sympathetic clerics, but Argengrast suffered greatly nonetheless. Unrest rose across the colony. The situation around the town of Pheonix Crest was particularly bad, as its people barely scraped by. An attempt at an armed uprising had been put down and morale was extremely low. In the middle of this, the town's phoenix is said to have returned, spreading its massive wings in a gesture of hope and solidarity. Renewed, the residents of Phoenix Crest launched a second uprising, this time pushing the forces of the Balanos Consortium out of the town. Phoenix Crest has maintained its autonomy since, something its inhabitants credit to their faith in their fiery symbol of hope.
Accounts from those that were in the town at the time differ. Some say they saw the phoenix themselves, others say they did not. Regardless of whether any such creature actually appeared, the cult spread rapidly across Argengrast, the symbolism of the event far more important than its factual details.
Beliefs and followers
The phoenix cult believes that Argengrast must go through great struggle and upheaval in order to be reborn, independent and in control of their own fate. Adherents to the cult have become critical in the ongoing Lamplighter Rebellion, and are known for being especially zealous in their desire to see Tirione and the conglomerates driven out of the colony. The Argenite Phoenixes, a rebel group formed entirely by phoenix cultists, has established itself across the region and become increasingly influential. Past their immediate goals, members of the cult also believe more broadly in the value of freedom and independence, and many advocate for the reestablishment of a communal agricultural society that was common in Argengrast prior to Tirionite colonization.
Not all phoenix cultists agree as to the nature of their legendary phoenix. Some believe it to be a real creature that seeks to aid them while remaining aloof, while others believe it to be the spirit of the Argenite people given form.
Shrines of the phoenix cult feature sculptures of the magical beast, which are covered in pitch and set ablaze. More fuel is added continuously to ensure the fire never goes out. Prayers are usually offered in quiet contemplation around the burning statue, either silently or whispered to ensure the sound of the flames can always be heard clearly.