Manaia : The Kuzu Religion and the Mysterious Aklatan
Kuzu is the newest of religions in Manaia, appearing first as a written doctrine around a century after the introduction of Sobanism. The religion's Holy Book is known as the Aklatan and believed to be authored by the great prophet Rhamasi. Rhamasi is said, within the Aklatan itself, to have been chosen by Hehu, Father of all Fathered and Giver of all Given, to serve as an instrument of truth to awaken the people to what is referred to only as the Grand Deception.
Many followers of the Aklatan believe that the Grand Deception mentioned in the scriptures refers to the Sobanite religion and its Holy Book the Libra, which they insist was authored by Slaekin - the dragon, devil and deceiver who takes an active role as antagonist to God in several faiths throughout Manaia.
The origins of the Aklatan are somewhat controversial. There is no corroborating historical records that mention Rhamasi, beyond the Aklatan itself. Furthermore, scholarly analysts have postulated that the Holy Book appears to have been written by several different authors, which contradicts the claims within the book itself that it was penned by one chosen prophet.
The discrepancies are addressed differently depending on which branch of Kuzu one follows. Many believe that Rhamasi was not the original name of the prophet, but a new name given by Hehu upon appointment of his task, and suggest that his true identity can be discerned through studying the records of that period. However, several different men are often accredited with being the great prophet, and other Kuzians disregard the theory entirely claiming that the Sobanite church removed all traces of the true Rhamasi from the historical records in order to bring doubt upon the authenticity of the Aklatan. In regards to the claims that the book has many authors, some outright reject the accusations. Others believe the different styles of writing express the differing expressions of God, and others still teach that Rhamasi was not a person, but many people. Believers of the latter tend to view Rhamasi not as a prophet but as a state of prophethood bestowed upon the chosen to fulfil a specific purpose.
The majority of Kuzians reside in Shevarah, but a community of 2-3 million Kuzu followers also reside in the Sobanite controlled Euchao. There is also a growing anarchist population of Kuzians in the leaderless city of Anakai in the Wetlands.
There is no specific position for an individual leader of the Kuzu faith, unlike the Sobanite religion's Magna, who serves as High Priest of Sobanism and King of Euchao. However, Atras Mo II, the ruler of Northern Shevarah, is a devout Kuzian and has a great working relationship with the most renowned Kuzu speakers and influencers.
Many Kuzians embark on a pilgrimage each year, visiting five Holy cities - four of which are in Shevarah. The tradition is not mentioned in the Aklatan but is upheld by many as if it were. The origins of the tradition are unknown.
Magic is strictly forbidden in the Aklatan, and regarded as one of the three banes - considered the very worst sins against God.
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