Introduction to Kinlan
Kinlan is the primary religion of Karia, used to refer to both the religion itself and those who are patrons of it.
The primary belief of the religion is that everybody is equal in their sacrifices, that being furthered by the motto of the country and religion, “Our blood is one and the same”. Kinlans believe that their own equality is kept by blood sacrifices to their gods, and that the gods watch over and bless them because of it.
The primary belief of the religion is that everybody is equal in their sacrifices, that being furthered by the motto of the country and religion, “Our blood is one and the same”. Kinlans believe that their own equality is kept by blood sacrifices to their gods, and that the gods watch over and bless them because of it.
The Gods
Aver is the First, the Blood God of Order. Aver represents everything coming together and an end to chaos. Sacrifices to Aver typically occur during important meetings or before important decisions, whether government, local, or military.
Donya is the Second, the Blood God of Fertility. Donya represents life and rebirth. Sacrifices to Donya typically occur right when planting crops in the spring, and in this occasion the blood is left to seep into the soil where the crops are being planted. Though it’s not always done, sometimes sacrifices to Donya are done at weddings, and when it is done, it’s seen as rude not to participate because it’s essentially a toast to the newlyweds’ health.
Kozki is the Third, the Blood God of Strength. Kozki represents pure strength, whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally, or magically. Sacrifices to Kozki typically occur in times of hardship, whether that be on a small or large level, for an individual person or the entire country, and before battles or any kind of fight.
Donya is the Second, the Blood God of Fertility. Donya represents life and rebirth. Sacrifices to Donya typically occur right when planting crops in the spring, and in this occasion the blood is left to seep into the soil where the crops are being planted. Though it’s not always done, sometimes sacrifices to Donya are done at weddings, and when it is done, it’s seen as rude not to participate because it’s essentially a toast to the newlyweds’ health.
Kozki is the Third, the Blood God of Strength. Kozki represents pure strength, whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally, or magically. Sacrifices to Kozki typically occur in times of hardship, whether that be on a small or large level, for an individual person or the entire country, and before battles or any kind of fight.
Creation
The story of creation is a rather simple one to Kinlans. The world was at first vast nothingness, shape without form, but it was given order and existence when Aver let his blood flow into it, forming the land and water of Hubora. Donya gave the world life with her own blood, letting it seep into the earth, creating plants, animals, and everything in between. Kozki spilled his own blood onto the lands to give strength to the creatures that lapped up his blood, humans being the most prominent thing born from it, but not the sole creature given the gift of sentience.
Bloodletting
There are some sacrifices done that are not tied to any specific god. The most commonly practiced sacrifice that falls under this category is a rite of passage for children growing up, though this can often carry on to be done throughout their whole life. The periods in which this are done can depend on the lifespan and growth rate of the species, but for su-karians and ala-karians with a similar lifespan, the sacrifices occur at the age of 10, then 15, then 20. This can be continued to be every three years after this if the bloodletter chooses to do so, but if done as a rite of passage, this is when it stops.
Some other sacrifices might include sealing some kind of trade or deal by both participants letting blood into a communal bowl, similar to how some people seal deals by spitting into their hand before shaking somebody else’s.
Some other sacrifices might include sealing some kind of trade or deal by both participants letting blood into a communal bowl, similar to how some people seal deals by spitting into their hand before shaking somebody else’s.
Bloodletting Bowls
The bloodletting bowls used for sacrifices are an extremely important part of Kinlan. Most Kinlans carry them around in tiny satchels as well as special knives specifically used for drawing blood for the sacrifices, and these satchels are often marked with the red sun of the Karian flag. The bowl itself is made from clay, being ceramic, and is always created by the person using it. Somebody else buying or making a bowl for you is seen as disrespectful for them to give it to you, and for you to accept it. Using the time and energy to make your own bowl is a sacrifice, the very first sacrifice of a Kinlan, symbolically and literally as the maker’s blood is also left to seep in the material before baking it. Just like in other sacrifices, the amount of blood used depends on age and species.
Decorating and personalizing one’s own bowl is also common practice. Common decorations include writing personal mottos or words to live by on the bowl, symbols or words representing the owner in some way, personal interests, and various decorative patterns and symbols with no particular meaning beyond cosmetics. The shape of the bowl is also different from person to person, but is seen as less significant compared to the rest of the decoration.
Decorating and personalizing one’s own bowl is also common practice. Common decorations include writing personal mottos or words to live by on the bowl, symbols or words representing the owner in some way, personal interests, and various decorative patterns and symbols with no particular meaning beyond cosmetics. The shape of the bowl is also different from person to person, but is seen as less significant compared to the rest of the decoration.