Editing EternalEmpire:Theology (section)

=== Ritual and Worship === 

	As one might expect, the Tylofosti focus on the traditional Arqi deities, but they are no less inclusive than the bulk of the Chingolun, and they readily adapt foreign deities and heroes to pay homage to. Chief among the Tylofosti deities are '''Arqiva''', the personification of Arqi culture, values, language, and accomplishments; '''Senteniel''', a deity associated with the sea and commerce, god of storms and patron of mariners, '''Zylen''', goddess of the home and protector of families; and of course the God-Emperor '''Ionomîs''', the divine wisdom and advocate of mankind. Other important deities include '''Ecospor''', a goddess of fertility, crops, and healing; '''Arcanudo''', the divine archivist and helper of the dead; '''Herpion''', the warrior god; and '''Tulset''', god of gates, transitions, diplomacy, and deception. (It should be noted that while Tulset is important and respected among the Arqi, his personality is much darker than his foreign incarnations. Although he never directly lies, he is often misleading and stingy with the truth. This was one of the reasons that Tylofost took issue with many of the original Chingol doctrines.)

	Arqi rituals tend to reflect their conservative values, and are usually modest and restrained, but highly thorough. “It behooves man,” writes Tylofost, “to be respectful and gracious toward the gods, but be neither servile nor infantile.” Tylofosti are expected to honor the gods and goddesses for their contributions to their well-being and to commemorate divine intervention whenever it is experienced, but to avoid both excessive pleading for their assistance or attributing every event either to their favor or displeasure. As always, the form of worship depends upon the particular deity, but mostly takes the form of brief prayers and some symbolic offering, usually something innocuous like lighting a candle or sprinkling perfumed water. Animal sacrifices and large, public feats are sometimes performed, but are generally rare as they are considered wasteful. It is believed that what is most pleasing to the gods is to utilize one’s good fortune to assist others, dedicate generous or merciful acts to their name, and generally honor them by giving others a good turn.