Druidism

Druidism is the Melodist term for the collection of beliefs commonly held by the people of the Kingdom of Arvas before the arrival of Melodism. While not universal in their beliefs, the Druidistic people of Arvas all believed in the Earthmother and followed her teachings through the Druids (for which the Melodists named the "pagan" religion after). While the religion has largely been on a rapid decline since King Lazlo 1's reign, it is still very much alive in the Southern Hills.

History
Long before the first Vagi missionaries arrived, The Brumish were already trading with New Caelus and the fledgling Vagi colonies. High Listener Camilla (the only female High Listener of New Caelus) wanted to begin the Melodist missionary process with the Brumish. She promised King Tark of Bruma lower tariffs and taxes in all Vagi ports in return for conversion. The King easily accepted and then worked to convert his entire population within only two generations. The Ukars converted very rapidly to this new religion mostly due to the fact that their beliefs were already very similar to the concept of the Shadow and Light.

The first Druids to convert were the old Kaltish kings and House Strelok of Arvas. It was confined in Arvas until the Strelok Rebellion and the coronation of the first Melodist king of Arvas, Lazlo. After this, the religion was steadily on the decline as many wished to convert to their rulers' new religion. Druidism, however, remained strong in the Southern Hills of Arvas. The Earl of the Southern Hills is still a Druid.

The Earthmother
The center of all Druidism and the literal ground upon which we stand. Her body is our world, her blood made by manifest in blood silver. She gives life to us although Druids are divided over whether we, as man, are her children or filthy parasites. During the winter, she falls into a deep slumber.

Akatosh (The Sun)
It is said that the Sun, Akatosh, was the Earthmother's husband and was worshiped by the people who lived upon the Earthmother. One man refused to worship Akatosh any longer and he became enraged at the disrespect. Akatosh was going to slay all the humans but the Earthmother could not bear to see this happen so she forced herself to kill her lover. She killed Akatosh with the Sunspear, a legendary mountain in the Southern Hills. From this day on, his lifeless body floats around the Earthmother.

Arliah (The Moon)
The daughter of the Earthmother and Akatosh, Arliah was born with great beauty but because of a horrible curse, she is unable to support life upon her body like her mother. She only appears at night because she can't stand to look upon the ruined corpse of her father, Akatosh.