The common symbol of the Kheionist tradition
Kheionism is the predominant philosophical and ideological tradition among the Kheionai peoples. The philosophy is uniquely atheist in its teachings, as the Kheionai do not believe in the existence of any deities whatsoever. Instead, the Kheionai place their faith in their elected leaders to lead them into the future. The ideology spread with the expansion of Kheionai states during the 15th and 16th centuries. Most notable among these was Ameion, who's “Kheionization” policies in Taychend gave rise to a seperate Taychendi tradition of Kheionist beliefs.
Core Concepts[]
The Place Of The City[]
Kheionism as an ideology focuses heavily on the role of the city-state. In the world view of Kheionism, the city-state is the ultimate form of civilization. It is no surprise then that Kheionist societies are heavily urbanized, with the urban classes holding great influence.
The Republican Ideal[]
Kheionist followers are extremely intolerant of monarchs, characterizing them as nothing more than mere despots, who rule through force alone. Kheionist societies highly value republican institutions, and see monarchies as backwards and barbaric. Republics are the hallmark of a civilized society, and if a people wish to become civilized, they must organize themselves into a republic.
The Role Of The State[]
The state plays a key role in Kheionism. Its duty is to guide its citizens into the future, protecting them from any and all dangers. Many governmental philosophies existed in Kheionism, but the 3 most prominent were the Maederitic Rule, the Dictats Of Iskaropaeus, and the Axierophonic Mandate. Kheionist states followed the governmental philosophy of its head of state. Traditionally, the next head of state would follow a different government philosophy than their predecessor, and 2 heads of state in a row following the same philosophy was quite an uncommon occurrence in Kheionist states.
Maederitic Rule[]
Maederites of Kimanis is best known for his great treatise on government, 'Tides', a series of dialogues on the ebb and flow of the fortunes of elves and their kheions. Maederites argued that every government has strengths and weaknesses that expose themselves in times of acute stress. Of the many forms of government, those that fail to adapt always fail, while those that can grow will minimize stressors on their society and hold the best chance to thrive. As such, Maederitic governmental policy seeks to prevent the entrenchment of static forces that will stop a state from evolving as needed, and emphasizes the importance of destroying special interest groups that will steer a government away from being able to act decisively and responsively to its people.
Dictats Of Iskaropaeus[]
Isparokaeus of Empkheios believed that reality was tethered not to physical things, but to the perception of those things within the minds of each elf. As such it was not the measurable strength of a kheion that mattered, but the perception of said kheion’s strength and prestige, for if all believe a kheion to be honorable, mighty, and just, then such a thing becomes true. Isparokeaen philosophy thus stressed the need to constantly cultivate a potent reputation internally and externally, securing the kheion with aggrandizing words carried on swift ships and silver tongues.
Axierophonic Mandate[]
Axierophon of Lokemeion’s teachings note that the foremost role of a Kheion’s government is to serve the people, and that a people are best served by being made secure. Security is necessary for a people’s rights to be guaranteed, and security from threats internal and external can only be maintained with a strong military and a monopoly on force that can be deployed to crush internal rebellion and dissuade foreign enemies from attacks. Sometimes derided as a philosophy of “might makes right”, Axierophonic governmental policy places military affairs at the front and center of the kheion’s decision making in order to protect its people.
The Question Of Divinity[]
Kheionism rejects the existence of divine beings. The Kheionai do not even have a word for “god” in their language, and lack such a concept entirely. It is common for a Kheionist, when faced with the preachings of the follower of a god, to simply ask “prove that god’s existence”. As foreign religions often fail to meet the threshold of proof required for Kheionists to be convinced, it often leads to much frustration, for Kheionists simply do not understand the concept of worshiping beings that do not manifest themselves upon this plane. This is also partially why Kheionists are much more tolerant of faiths that worship beings that are physically present upon Halann, like the Mystic Accord and the Eordand faiths.