Ancient Animism

History
Typically viewed as the oldest religion in Pallacia, Ancient Animism has been the faith of the Sharith people since time immemorial. Due to the inhospitable terrain of the Far East, Legionism was never able to gain traction with the Sharith, and they were more or less untouched by the Swareli Church throughout the Second Age.

Beliefs
Animists believe that everything in the world has a conscious spirit, and is sentient. No matter whether a towering jungle tree or a tiny pebble, everything is aware. When something is destroyed, whether dying or being changed enough that it is no longer recognizable as what it once was, the spirit that dwelled within that object or creature is reincarnated. If the object or creature lived a life of sin, it is reincarnated as something lesser to what it once was. If it lived a life of virtue, it is reincarnated as something greater. Because things like rocks, lakes, and mountains have existed in their current form for thousands or even millions of years, they see these things as possessing wise, ancient spirits. Animists worship the Earthgod, the spirit of the world itself as their primary deity. However, most animists worship the spirits of their surroundings more immediately than the Earthgod. When floods occur, Animists give offerings to pacify the wrathful river spirits. When draught strikes, Animists seek aid against the ephemeral and foolish rain spirits. Because Animists see everything has possessing consciousness and sentience, they treat their world with reverence and respect, something that is intricately interwoven with their culture as a whole.

Holy City and Traditions
The holy city of Ancient Animism is Gron Ulra, where a number of Shaman Elders preside. There are 8 Shaman-Elders at any given time, and when one dies a group of dozens of hopefuls are gathered for a Communing Ceremony. In this ceremony, the hopefuls attune themselves to the spirits and make predictions about random things, such as whether an animal would choose one fruit or another identical fruit or what sides a group of marked stones would fall upon. Whoever is able to make accurate predictions for the longest period of time is made to be the new Shaman-Elder. Shaman-Elders act as oracles, and guide Animists who come to seek their wisdom. However, being a primarily folk religion, most people follow Ancient Animism within the privacy of their own lives, rather than according to directives from the holy city like other religions.