Savatism

Savatism is a religion or philosophy practiced almost solely by Orcs in the Eastern Hemisphere. It originated on the continent of Penazaduz, and developed from a set of beliefs practiced by the continent's native population. It is the world's oldest non-deity worship religion, as well as the second-largest after Tulkonism.

History
After the Infinite War, the Orcs moved to the Penazaduz subcontinent and began developing their culture even further, along with their philosophy, which came to be known as Savatism, named after the folk hero Savat who allegedly led the Orcs to Penazaduz from the legendary island of Zan Zat. As the Penazaduz Orcs spread southward, they brought their religion with them, making it popular with Gardenian Orcs, as well. The earliest Kepeti and Keghotuhr immigrants also practiced Savatism, although most converted to Tulkonism when Tulkon Darrokh founded the religion.

During and prior to the Immortal War, Orcanth King Zetopa promoted a form of Savatism that came to be known as Zetopan Savatism. It was the state religion of the Immortal Empire, whose wide geographic spread led to Zetopan Savatism being perceived as the standard for all Savatist beliefs by non-Savats. In the aftermath of the fall of the Immortal Empire, this variety of Savatism came to be seen as fringe and extreme, and most mainstream Savatists do not recognize it. It was practiced mainly by the Cult of Zetopa, which were small, decentralized cults that opposed Tulkons Vonha and Ico.

Beliefs
It is a set of beliefs that values battle, honor, and service, as well as ancestor veneration. Savats, as its practitioners are known, believe that obstacles, challenge, and hardship are necessary for personal growth, not always necessarily through combat. Savats often believe that by going through hardship they become kinder, stronger, and more resilient; this aspect of their belief system is known as Nakh Makha, which translates as "the Way of the Warrior." Non-Savats often confuse battle and warfare as being the most important aspect of Savatism's practice, but this perception is inaccurate; battle is just a euphemism for any form of struggle, personal or otherwise.

Savats worship a single god, Savat, who is considered the mother of the modern Orc race within the religion. However, Savats also recognize the Warriors of Old, ancient, nameless warrior gods who chose Savat to become a god, as well as Zan Zat, a deity also recognized within Tulkonism that was part of early deity worship. They also pray to their ancestors for wisdom and guidance. The Savat Afterlife is known as Barzakha. Savat churches exist throughout the world. The Tulkon has no particular place in the religion, although some Savats revere warrior Tulkons for their sense of honor and service.

The core variations of Savatism are Zimel (Northern, practiced in Keghotogh and Kepet), Yevagh (Central, practiced in Penazaduz), Privdech (Southern, practiced in mainland Gogeget), and Phixod (Eastern, practiced on the Rodadzz Islands and Nen Ren). The variations developed over centuries of Orc expansion across the eastern hemisphere. Zimel notably has few practitioners, as most Keghotur and Kepeti converted to Tulkonism. The variations differ in ceremonies, holidays, and some practices. Some common elements to all branches are celebration of Savat's Festival and recognition of Savatum Vedegh as an authority.

Zetopan Savatism is distinguished from mainstream Savatism in that it preaches that glory in warfare and devotion to a state are the most important paths to salvation. Mainstream Savats believe that this is a violation of the central tenets of the religion and do not recognize this minority.