The Cult of Azer

The origins of the Azeryani Empire are fairly obscure, though a substantial number of written records do survive. Popular tradition often differs strongly with these records, and religious history tends to agree more with the popular legends. Some of the more educated priests of Azer will admit that the legends are probably not precisely true, but will insist that they contain a kernel of truth and, metaphorically at least, give an accurate representation of events.

According to popular tradition, the early growth of the empire can be attributed to one man, Azer Urvaen, born to a wealthy merchant's family in the city of Meokolis. At the time Meokolis was one of serval city-states in the Azeryan peninsula, each independent of the other. Azer was a shrewd businessman, and more importantly politician, and had tripled his families fortunes as well as become defacto ruler of Meokolis, all by the age of 40. Once he had secured his position in Meokolis he revamped the standing army and embarked on wars of conquest, subjugating most of the major city-states on the peninsula over a period of 20 years. In the remaining years of his life he consolidated his position and provided for succession to his nephew. When he died at 67 of pneumonia, Azer promised that he would return when the empire needed him most. In honor of Azer Urvaen, the empire became called the Azeryan Empire, and the peninsula became known as Azeryan.

Scholars maintain that they can indeed identify an Azer Urvaen as an early ruler of Meokolis and surrounding territory, though he seems to be one of many. Historical records attribute many of the legendary Azer's conquests to other rulers, though the legendary accounts do seem to have the general sequence of the spread of the early empire correct. This early period of expansion actually occurred over a period of roughly 130 years, again at odds with the legendary version. Scholars are also fond of pointing out that Azer was a popular name in this time period, and that the peninsula was already called Azeryan in most written accounts. Whatever the historical reality, by the 3rd century Azer Urvaen has been popularly attributed with the foundation of the Empire and with giving it his name.

In the late 5th century the fortunes of the empire were definitely waning. Hard pressed by barbarians and exhausted by inconclusive wars with Dalkesh, the empire was clearly in a state of decline. Disaffection with the current rulers led to a series of civil wars as various nobles and generals attempted to seize control of or secede from the empire. The chaos of this period further weakened the empire and dire predictions of the empire's impending collapse were common. However, a general from the province of Gothmir, Hazura Desmarius, eventually emerged as the victor in the civil wars and became the new emperor. In addition to his military capability which allowed him to survive the wars, Hazura showed remarkable good sense as a ruler. During his reign the empire prospered, the economy improved, and Hazura negotiated peace with most of the empire's neighbors. Many credit Hazura's economic and military reforms with both the relative peace of the 6th century and enabling the empire to survive the difficulties of the 7th century. By the end of his reign he was already being cited as the reincarnation of Azer Urvaen, an association he did nothing to discourage. As a side note, "Hazura" is a dialect-variation of "Azer".

Unlike his predecessor however, the bureaucracy of the later empire allows us to follow Hazura's career closely, at least after he joined the military. Hazura was born in Gothmir in a simple farming village in 465. Ethnically he was of the native Gothmiri stock, though by this period Gothmir had been fully assimilated by the empire and was culturally fully Azeryani. It is suggested but unverifiable that his father was headman of his village. As soon as he reached adulthood, Hazura joined the army, signing on for the then typical 25 year term.

Hazura prospered in the army, quickly integrating himself with army life and showing remarkable good sense and leadership. His qualities were recognized and he rose rapidly through the ranks. During the civil wars there were many opportunities for advancement and he quickly rose to the rank of general, in command of the border troops in Gothmir. Hazura was always a popular soldier, with both the enlisted men and the officers, always respected for his abilities and also easy to get along with. By the time he reached the rank of general his troops were fanatically devoted to him, in a large part in appreciation of his successful negotiation of the chaos of the civil wars. In T.R. 502, when the time was ripe, Hazura quickly seized and consolidated power.

Within 10 years of his death in T.R. 524, there are documented instances of soldiers professing to worship Hazura, often with strong references to his being the reincarnation of Azer. This new religion quickly spread throughout the army where it became entrenched. Though he is one of many deities recognized by the general populace, Hazura/Azer remains the primary deity worshipped in the Azeryani legions to this day. It is estimated that better than 90% of the legionnaires worship Azer/Hazura and that an unexpectedly large number are actually initiated in the cult. This is difficult to verify as they are a fairly close-knit group and do not take well to the prying of scholars.

 

Holy days:

Worshippers of Azer celebrate a brief and simple mass called "The Induction" on the 30th of each month. It is a reaffirmation of the soldier's loyalty and devotion to the military life and to following Azer. The format is a ritualized version of normal Azeryani military induction proceedings. These ceremonies are short affairs and last no more than two hours. Generally they are held out of doors, regardless of the weather, in military parade formation. There are two major feasts which are celebrated as well. The first, called "The Ascension", celebrates the death and attainment of godhood by Hazura. It is a two-day affair, running over Kelen 12 and 13. Azerans observe this occasion with solemn services on the 12th, the day of Hazura's death, and wild feasting and partying on the 13th, the day of his ascension. The 2nd tenday of Halane is also a special occasion, celebrated as "The Victory". During this week Hazura won his final battle for supremacy and assumed the title of emperor. The first 3 days of the holiday involve a detailed reenactment of the final battle between Hazura and his chief rival, the 4th day recreates his coronation, and the remaining days are given over to feasting and games held in his honour. These games are primarily athletic though there are also combative events. The combative events are carefully controlled to prevent serious injuries or fatalities. The goal is celebration, not combat.

  July 16, 2001

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