Vixism is a Vix-centric polytheistic religion, led by the Heart of Vix, a branch of Holy Order of Vix. Followers of Vixism are known as Vixians, and the majority of Vixians are Xian. Vixism translates to Light of Vix, and is represented with an eternally burning flame.
The Heart of Vix claims Vixism begain in the Age of Gods, when Vix was physically present on Mezia. No records support this claim, and even if it were true Vixism would have been more of a loyalty to Vix than a belief system at that time. Despite the lack of records, Vixism teachings are based on these legends.
Based on existing records, Vixism has remained remakably static through the ages. Many of the legends, teachings, and traditions have survived thousands of years, the most significant of them being the eternal flame.
The eternal flame is a fire burning nonstop in each fire temple. The Royal Flame is the eternal flame burning in Adur Mihr and is rumored to have been lit by Vix herself. The Royal Flame has been under constant watch for thousands of years, protected from the tumultuous transitions between ages by the Holy Order of Vix. The Royal Flame is the first component of a new temple's eternal flame.
The Heart of Vix
The Heart of Vix is the spiritual branch of the Holy Order and the foundation of Vixism. The Heart establishes and maintains fire temples, keeps holy scriptures and records, and spreads traditions, legends, and teachings.
The leader of the Heart is the Phoenix, currently Fua son of Gho, who was reborn 41 years ago. The Phoenix is the spiritual leader of Vixians everywhere, responsible for sanctifying new temples and appointing Phlogistons. The Phoenix lives in Adur Mihr, where he protects the Royal Flame. When a Phoenix dies, their body is cremated in a ritual presided over by all Phlogistons, who pray until the smoke engulfs one of them and the Phoenix is reborn in their body.
A Phlogiston is a leader of a fire temple or protector of the Royal Flame. Phlogistons are responsible for maintaining their temple and eternal flame, fostering Embers, and serving as spiritual advisors in their local governments. Phlogistons also send Embers on missions to spread the word of Vix and establish new temples. A Phlogiston is appointed by the Phoenix when a new temple is established or another Phlogiston dies.
An Ember is a Vixian priest. Embers serve in a fire temple under a Phlogiston, tending to the temple and its eternal flame. Anyone who completes the confirmation ritual can become an Ember, devoting their life to service to their goddess, their temple, and their community, in that order. The highest honor an Ember can recieve from their Phlogiston is to be selected to go on missions to spread the word of Vix. If their mission results in the founding of a new temple, it is very likely that they will be appointed Phlogiston of that temple.
Fire Temples
Adur Mihr, the cradle of the Royal Flame, is the most significant fire temple. It is located in Mihr, the capital city of Xian. The Phoenix and several Phlogistons reside in Adur Mihr.
Fire temples are established places for practicing Vixism. At the center of each temple is a small room with a large censer holding the temple's eternal flame. An Ember or Phlogiston tasked with preserving the flame is always present in the room. Vixians may enter the fire room, one at a time, for short prayers. Each temple also has a large hall with many fires, in which services are held and anyone can come to pray, offer tribute, or simply find warmth. Most fire temples are located on the Xian archipelago, but there are several scattered across Wibzendell and Scalatia.
An elaborate ritual is necessary to establish a new fire temple. 16 sources of fire must be brought together and combined into one to produce a new eternal flame. The sources are:
- The Royal Flame
- Fire started by the local ruling authority
- Fire from a volcano or lava
- Fire from a powder that burns underwater
- Fire produced by atmospheric lightning
- Fire from a burning field or forest
- Fire started in a blizzard or snowstorm
- Fire produced by floating sparks
- Fire from a metalsmith's forge
- Fire from a potter or brick-maker's kiln
- Fire from a baker's oven
- Fire used in burning a corpse
- Fire started by a local beggar
- Fire started by a local Vixian
- Fire from the breath of a dragon
- Fire started with magic drawn from Vix
A prayer is made after each fire is introduced. When the final fire is added, the flame grows, changes colors, and many witnesses claim to see elaborate visions. After a few moments, the flame subsides and a new eternal flame is born.
Though preferred, a fire temple is not necessary to pray to Vix. Any flame, such as in a fireplace, campfire, torch, or candle, can be the focus of a prayer to the fire goddess.