Lore Spotlight: The Whims of Fate

Happy Easter! Today’s Lore Spotlight is all about Zale’s largest religion, The Whims of Fate! Has destiny played a role in your life? We’d love to hear it! Feel free to comment your story below! Now, without further adieu here’s today’s Lore Spotlight!

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In the world of Zale, there are many belief systems, religions, and deities that permeate the lands. However, there are only a few as popular and widespread throughout the land; by far the largest and most widespread of all religions is The Whims of Fate or The Fates.

A Human religion, originating from Prospera, it is the primary religion of the entire Grahtian Empire and beyond, and is the held belief of the Inquisitors Lodge which stands as the strongest organization of the Western Reaches. The symbol of Fate is represented by an Infinitum-Loop. This can take many forms, most often a bracelet or necklace made of silver to grant the wearer divine protection from monsters.

The belief is that the entire world revolves around the Whims of Fate. Everything is as it's supposed to be, and as it always will be. One can't change the future, but can manipulate its path with their actions. If two individuals are not meant to be wed, there is nothing that can be done to make it happen. However, this in no way forbids these same individuals from having a close personal relationship with one another. If one is destined to die of illness, they will die of illness, but living a life of sloth and gluttony can determine if they die of said illness in their 20s or their 60s. The followers of the Fate believe that everything is predetermined, but mendable, and while the Whims of Fate have no plan for anyone beyond randomness, if one is right and just, things will work out on their own. A good person can die young, or an evil person can live to old age for no reason other than the Whims of Fate. However, as the followers of the Inquisitors Lodge believe, that isn't to say that the Whims of Fate don't reward goodness.

As a result of this belief, the Inquisitors Lodge—and most who believe in Fate—are extremely anti-magic during the 9th century of Zale. It is believed that if the Whims of Fate wanted Spellcasters to exist, then they wouldn't be a dying breed, and the Inquisitors Lodge would not exist. Those who follow Fate or serve the Inquisitors Lodge believe that, since there was a time before Aether existed, Aether is a sickness of the planet, one that must be dealt with and destroyed in order to return to a peaceful and prosperous society. If the Whims of Fate didn't desire this, then the odds wouldn't be so far in the Lodge's favor.

The Whims of Fate can often be considered completely random and based entirely on chance, but to many, there is a greater meaning to it all. For what are the odds that two great empires of powerful magic users, such as the Dwarves and Elves, should fall to the Humans? What are the odds that the Inquisitors Lodge should rise and survive the test of time in the face of such power and adversity? What are the odds that one of the greatest and most powerful Spellcasters of an era could be killed by tripping into a bear trap? For those that try to find meaning in Fate, who try to justify anti-magic sentiment, these are the questions they must ask themselves.

Through the Fate, everything is as it is meant to be, determined by chance, with no consideration for the individual. Whatever path Fate may take you on, its destination remains forever the same.

We hope you enjoyed today’s Lore Spotlight all about Zale’s largest religion! How has destiny shaped your life? We’d love to hear about it! Comment your story below and make sure you check back for all things relating to War & Aether!