Editing EternalEmpire:Theology (section)

=== Scripture === 

	As a mystery cult, the Chingolun was passed on orally for centuries before it was ever written down. Consequently, there is some dispute over which of the scriptures were actually divinely inspired and which contain innovations, deceptions, and mistakes in translation. Nonetheless, there are nine volumes of holy scripture that are accepted as the core of the faith by the majority of adherents.

·	'''Olimaca''', one of the original books commissioned by King Analector, Olimaca is also one of the largest. This volume concerns itself with the so-called “Hard Doctrines” of the Chingolun, that is, those tenets of the faith that must be held if one is to be a member of the religion. It is told in narrative format, and rampant with metaphor, as its text is taken almost directly from the original mysteries. The symbolism, combined with its deep, almost lyrical prose, makes Olimaca simultaneously the most difficult of the scriptures and one of the most popular.

·	'''Toluda''', Arqi for compact, recounts the tale of the original cult’s founding by Yuli (Tulset in Arqi), God of Gates. The “compact” referred to in the title is the promise by Yuli to teach the cult members the secrets of the universe if they honor him above all the other gods of their people. There is a great deal of quasi-historical information about the formative years of the early cult, including its organization and the tribulations the followers suffered.

·	'''I & II Litis''' explicity lay out the laws (hence the name) that true followers of the Chingolun must adhere to, and the benefits of such a virtuous life are extolled in detail. Many of the conventions have been abandoned (particularly those emphasizing the worship of Tulset and the avoidance of public worship), but these two volumes are still among the most important to the modern faith.

·	'''Loquadi''', or “Sayings,” is the wisdom of Analector, elucidating on the specific application of the above-mentioned laws. It deals intensively with the “ethics of uncertainty” and is praised for its work at harmonizing the seeming contradictions of early Chingolun theology.

·	'''Tecla, Procupio, & Sinnoreth''' Known commonly by the names of their authors, these three volumes chronicle Chingolun communities suffering persecution. Tecla is attributed to the community in Ostra after that kingdom’s subjugation by Dandreen, while Procupio and Sinnoreth both deal with native Dandrit followers. These stories are not only of interest due to their quasi-historical nature, but also because they lay out the ideal of what a Chingolun community’s beliefs, rituals, and organization should be. Of the three, Sinnoreth is arguably the most important because so much of the story deals with the failed Chingolun revolt of –230 - -228 AGA and its charismatic leader, the prophet Yuron (Utido in Arqi). The persecutors’ mass recognition of Yuron’s otherworldly power and righteousness upon his death is the conversion literature par excellence of the religion. Although there are many other chronicles of Chingolun communities during this time, these three are the most relevant and highly regarded. In addition to their message of perseverance in times of distress and the heroic struggle of Yuron, they provide insight into the transition from a mystery cult to a proselyte religion.

·	'''Grameda''', is a later volume, but highly esoteric, relating various didactic (and exciting) stories of the gods and their relationships, and also featuring considerable detail on ritual divination, healing, and magical lore. Some consider Grameda suspect for the latter, but if any potent sorceries are really explained in it, they are very well obscured.