Spirits of the Light
Followers of the Spirits of the Light believe that life springs from and returns to the earth in a continuous cycle; the soul is drawn from an ethereal pool like a tree draws water from the ground. There is no promise of afterlife, then, but to act as a destructive force sickens and pollutes the soul down to the very ground, while to focus oneself and strengthen bonds begets strength, health, and wisdom.
The Spirits of the Light are aspects of the same divine energy that animates every living thing. Each type of animal Spirit has its own distinct traits (what these are differs by region), and some Followers will develop an intense affinity for one Spirit over others. In the [[Charali Plains]], where Followers are common, the Horse and those in whom it manifests are given special status in religious tribes. Often, a Follower will attempt to glean wisdom from animals who appear to them in moments of trouble, but Followers generally will not pray directly to Spirits as other religions do their deities. A true Follower's religion is not a means to an end.
Despite the persistence of the soul, it is of utmost importance to a Follower that they take the role of caretaker; nothing can be wasted of what they decide to kill, nothing must die in vain, and everything crafted must be cared for. Torture in any form is particularly reviled, which can put city-dwelling Followers at odds with a more ritualistic justice system that employs whipping, washing, and branding. Each group of Followers will have its own story about how human kind came to bear the responsibility: some modern groups believe they must compensate for the destruction caused by civilization, while others believe humans are divine themselves - there is no human-shaped Spirit.
Amongst Davites, stories persist about frightening savage witches who dance around bonfires, ritually drink blood, and change their shape by wearing animal skins. The devout note this in line with magery, magical avatars, and demons. Even those with knowledge of Follower beliefs can regard them with fear, seeing them as wild killers who have no need to value life.
