| abstract
| - In the ancient days, Ulyssa consisted of multiple distinct monotheistic religions worshiped by each of the kingdoms. When these kingdoms were brought under one banner, these forms of worship persisted. The Tyberian line attempted to implement a pantheon which consisted of an amalgam of these monotheistic religions. Continuing to follow the the singular religions would be grounds for heresy, and heresy could be punished by public floggings and beatings- a second offense risked death. The Pantheon of the Eight, or 'The Eight' informally, is the culmination of this pantheon in modern times. Consisting of eight gods, the Eight seat themselves in the Council, guiding humanity and making all decisions in the world. They are not the only gods who exist, but they are the ones who retain ultimate power in the plane that is Aevonhold. Through struggles of power or contests, the dynamics of the Council may change. The last major change was the ousting of the god Mur, the Provocateur, by the ascendant god Ulyss, the Conqueror. Mur, bitter over the loss of influence, continues to spread magic and undermine the people of Ulyss through trickery and subterfuge. Due to the past conquests of Ulyssa, the Eight's Council is not exclusive to Ulyssa. In other regions, particularly in regions of Auros formerly occupied by Ulyssa, Mur often retakes the place of Ulyss in the Eight's Council. Alternatively, there is a fusion between the dominant nation's religion and the Eight. Consequently, the Eight has many sects, and the greater regional autonomy within Ulyssa itself produces further sects.
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