### Concalian Mythology/Religion

The Concalians were a highly religious people, whose culture was heavily influenced by the empire's two patron deities: Ammindur and Iomanae. While the empire allowed the worship of other deities - so long as said deities were not enemies of Ammindur or Iomanae - all citizens were nonetheless expected to also worship the two patron deities, and to hold them in a higher regard than any other deity.

### Ammindur

Holy Symbol of Ammindur

Ammindur was the Concalian Empire's patron deity of might, courage, honor, and valor. He was their god of warfare, honorable and glorious combat, and was seen as the god-patriarch of the empire. It was through his dogma that the Concalians built their principles and rules in regards to war. As a people who put much emphasis on warfare, they put an equal emphasis on the proper way wars should be waged. Wars should be waged with purpose, and should be decisive. A war without purpose was seen as only slaughter, and a slow drawn out war of attrition was seen as senseless. Proper war could not be waged without peace, for a war can serve no purpose if it never ends. Enemies should be treated with dignity and respect, even in times of war. Foul play was seen as cowardly, such as attacking from the rear. Destroying the homes, families, livestock, or crops while the enemies were absent was also seen as cowardly, with such actions being punished harshly.

Ammindur taught courage, that one could retreat from a hopeless battle, but that one should never avoid battle. Those with a smooth tongue and fleet feet that would avoid all strife and never defend their beliefs would ultimately wreak more harm in the long run than even the most energetic tyrant. One should instead stand firm in defense of one's beliefs, even when under the threat of war, lest your values be swept away from you. You should disparage no one, and treat all with respect - for valor may blaze in anyone's heart.

Holy Symbol: A Blazing silver sword, often depicted on a blood-red shield

Titles: The Lord of Battles; Lord of the Battlefield; Foebreaker/Foehammer; Most Exalted Warrior; Glorious One; The Conqueror; God-Patriarch of War

Dogma as bullet-points:

- War is fair - it oppresses and aids all equally.
- War without purpose is but slaughter. Wars should be decisive. Slow drawn out wars of attrition is senseless. War serves no purpose without peace - for a war that never ends is a war that will never serve a purpose.
- Know the weight and consequences of war. Do not wage it recklessly.
- Never avoid battle. Only retreat if the battle is hopeless.
- Remember the dead that fell before you. Remember the dead that fell beside you.
- Defend that which you believe in - lest it be swept away from you.
  - Longer version: Those with a smooth tongue and fleet feet that avoid all strife - who never defend their beliefs - will ultimately wreck more harm in the long run than even the most energetic tyrant. Stand instead firm in defense of your beliefs, even when under the threat of war, lest your values be swept away from you.
- Disparage no foe and respect all - for valor may blaze in anyone's heart. Treat enemies with dignity and respect, even in times of war.
- Ammindur looks with favor upon those that acquit themselves honorably in battle without resorting to craven tricks.
- Cowardice in war is forbidden. Do not destroy homes, families, livestock, or crops while an enemy is absent. Do not trick or backstab an opponent.

### Iomanae

Holy Symbol of Iomanae

Iomanae was the Concalian Empire's patron deity of authority, justice, dignity, and duty. She was their goddess of law and rulership, and seen as the god-matriarch of the Empire. She taught that every citizen of the empire had a fourfold duty to their faith, their family, their leaders, and to the Empire as a whole. The concalians' focus on the status and dignity of one's family comes from Iomanae's teachings. She taught that one's action reflected not only on oneself, but on one's family, one's companions, on the empire, and even on Iomanae herself. Every success would add to their luster, while every failure would diminish it.

She taught that one should stand firm and loyal to the empire's laws and values - so long as these laws and values remained just. A law that was unjust should be improved or replaced. One should always remain alert against corruption, to root out evil, and bring a painful quick death to those deemed traitors. Iomanae preached strength of character. A sword is nothing without a strong warrior's heart. One should stand firm by one's beliefs and honor, stand tall with dignity to one's adversaries, and, and to always defend the dignity and honor of one's companions. One should strive to be a true exemplar, to never tarnish one's dignity or glory; nor tarnish the dignity of one's family.

Holy Symbol: Radiating sword / Sword and sun

Titles: The True; The True Deity; The Hand of Righteousness; Goddess of Duty; Light of the Sword; The Sword of Light; Lightbringer; Paladin's Might; God-Matriarch of the Empire

Dogma as bullet-points:

- Every citizen has a fourfold duty to faith, family, leaders, and to the Empire.
- Your actions reflect on yourself, on your family, your companions, the Empire, and on Iomanae. Elevate them. Do not diminish them.
- Stand firm and loyal to the Empire's laws and values - so long as these laws and values remain just. A law that is unjust should be improved or replaced.
- Salvation may be found in service to the Empire. Strive to maintain law and order.
- Remain alert against corruption. Root out evil. Bring a painful quick death to those deemed traitors.
- A sword is nothing without a strong warrior's heart. If you lose your sword, you have lost a tool. If you betray your heart, you have died.
- Stand firm by your beliefs and honor. Stand tall with dignity to your adversaries. Always defend the dignity and honor of your companions.
- Strive to be a true exemplar. Never tarnish your dignity or glory. Never tarnish the dignity of your family.
- Never surrender those under your command. Never abandon a companion, though honor sacrifice freely given.