Valpirian Kadism

Ancient Origins
Before the Theocracy, Kadism was a prominent religion in the First Age of Man. The few surviving writings of the First Age refer to Kadism as having been the faith of the Valpirian people for generations. Under the Theocracy Kadism was oppressed, but never fully died. It remained as a secret practice, a memory of the greatness Valpirians once possessed and a rebellion against the tyrants that would force them from their faith. When the Swareli Church began to wane, the Valpirians were the first to rise up and free themselves. Since then, Kadism has once again become the primary faith of Valpirians.

Beliefs
Kadists follow the First Ancestors. They believe that the first 100 humans to exist possessed the powers of gods, and they made all other humans in their image, but with none of their power. Kadists believe that the first Valpirians were born of the union between a First Ancestor and a common human, while the other peoples of the world are descended purely from the common folk. Each First Ancestor was god of a certain profession, and modern Valpirians bear the last name of the Ancestor that they trace their lineage to. Newborn boys are given the last name of their father, and newborn girls are given the last name of their mother. It is expected that Valpirians take to the profession that their Ancestor was patron of, though not mandatory. Valpirian society is divided into a caste system, in which different Ancestors are held as greater or less than others. The greatest Ancestor of all was said to be Kadus, king of all Ancestors. Most kingdoms that follow Valpirian Kadism are ruled by descendants of Kadus, and even his kin that do not rule kingdoms are seen as the greatest of Valpirians. However, no matter their Ancestor, all Valpirian Kadists know that they have divinity in their blood, and even the lowest of bloodlines have that pride.(edited)

Recent History
In the early years of the Fourth Age bore the rise of immigration into Valpirian lands, particularly from Girks. This increased exposure gave birth to Neo-Kadism, a new branch of the religion that believes all are descended from the First Ancestors. Neo-Kadism has begun rapidly gaining power, even among Valpirians. However, the classic faith remains staunchly followed by the majority of Valpirians, who see Neo-Kadism as the highest of heresies. The hatred for Neo-Kadism felt by pious members of the classic faith is unrivaled in the various religious conflicts of Pallacia, and contested areas are frequently not far from warzones.