Ormazd

Ormazd, also called Ahuramazda, is the all-powerful god of light worshiped primarily in Parsanshar, standing in direct opposition to Ahriman. Ormazd embodies all things good, pure, and just, as well as all forms of light. Some believe he is the basis of the cult of Astra Aeterna, and some believe that the goddess Ma'at worshiped in Kemhet is somehow related to him.

History

The perceived history of Ormazd and Ahriman, as told throughout Parsanshar, runs thus... Long ago, before time was time, there existed two entities: one of light and good, and one of darkness and evil. Prophets and priests of Parsanshar were sent visions of these ancient times by Ormazd or Ahura Mazda, Lord of Wisdom, a being of pure light, and his servants, divine beings called the yazatas. Ormazd and Ahriman have remained the same for countless ages, with Ormazd dwelling high above the heavens themselves even where the many other gods dwell, such as Mount Olympos. Ormazd takes many shapes and bears many names throughout multiple lands, but the people of Parsanshar assert that they serve him most faithfully. Ormazd is claimed by some to do almost constant battle with his opposite, Ahriman, in an attempt to keep evil from overtaking good.

Beliefs

Those who follow Ormazd must absolutely uphold all things good and right. They believe in righteousness, kindness, faith, loyalty, and other such virtues. To commit evil is to empower the will of Ahriman. However, as with all things, mortal Men often twist such beliefs to suit their own needs; following a just god does not necessarily dictate all people of Parsanshar are purely just. Followers of Ormazd have shifting beliefs and virtues; most notably, Ormazd's decrees have never included chastity, but thanks to recent influence from the Achaean Empire and their virgin goddesses, some temples of Ormazd now enforce chastity upon their priests and priestesses. In Parsanshar, the word of a powerful priest or priestess carries almost the same weight as the word of the Shahanshah, King of Kings, himself, and the people of Parsanshar often turn to priests of Ormazd in times of need, wisdom, and guidance.

High Temple

In the Parsanshari city of Insusa lies the High Temple of Ormazd, said to be one of the most holy places in all the mortal realm. There sits the High Priest or High Priestess, the individual decreed to be most sacred and holy of all Ormazd's current mortal followers. Such a being is sent visions and wisdom from Ormazd himself and dwells always in the temple, sought after by countless pilgrims, dignitaries, and royalty across the lands. Ormazd's High Priest bears power and influence that few other individuals can boast.