Deity Worship
There are many different gods worshipped by the various peoples of Planet M - such as the laborer gods of the Jotun, the trickster gods of the Lillia, and the Elementals of the clans. Whether or not these gods actually exist and intervene in the affairs of mortals is open to interpretation, but even after the advent of Zoroanism, belief in them remains as strong as ever.


Zoroanism
History and legend generally agree that at some point during the reign of the Harken there was an intervention by otherworldly beings known as the Phaedrians, who appeared to free humanity and the other races from oppression. The leader of the Phaedrians who engineered the fall of the Harken was called Zoroa. Those who believe that it was some through some divine will and power that he liberated the races, are known as "Zoroans", or followers of Zoroanism. The majority are humans.


Church of Zoroa
Out of this belief in the savior emerged the Church of Zoroa, whose mission since its founding has been to spread the gospel of Zoroa, and to see to the continued prosperity of humankind. The Church over the centuries has become the predominant and most powerful religious authority on Planet M.


Devout Zoroanism
Although there is strong solidarity amongst members of the Church, especially with regards to its world mission, there is a distinct ideological split amongst its members with regards to the nature and existence of Zoroa himself. This has led to the emergence of two subsects - the Devout and the Rationalists. Devout Zoroans believe that Zoroa was and is an actual physical person, who by way of his divine power has continued to live for thousands of years, and who continues to lead them from the Holy Kingdom of Windgrace. For the Devout, the Church itself only exists as a mechanism through which Zoroa transmits his will, and the clergy only has as much power as he has given them.


Rational Zoroanism
Rationalists also believe that Zoroa was an actual historical figure, but that he has long since ceased to exist in physical form. They believe that he ascended to a higher state of being, a divine state, and that he continues to watch over the world in spirit. For Rational Zoroans, the Praetors are the earthly authority on Planet M, who by way of a mystical connection with the spiritual Zoroa, rule the people by his will.


Symbolic Zoroanism
Symbolic Zoroanism, which is rejected by the Church as heretical, contends that Zoroa was never an actual physical being, but a symbol for the abstract powers of divine order and cosmic justice, which ordained that the oppressive reign of the Harken must come to an end. Although their views are controversial, Symbolic Zoroans consider themselves members of the Church, and respect its mission and its authority.


Sect of True Believers
The Sect of True Believers is a heretical organization which also reveres Zoroa, but does not claim with any certainty whether or not he existed as a physical, spiritual, or symbolic entity. For the True Believers, however, Zoroa and the Phaedrians are merely a single aspect of a greater divinity. True Believers preach of a forthcoming day of judgment in which the entire world order will be leveled, to lay the new foundations for an ideal society. Until that day comes, its members devote themselves to moral lives, and often taking vows of poverty. The membership of the True Believers sect is very diverse, with people from all different races, nations, and classes following their ways.


Animism
Animism is the belief that there is a spiritual quintessence present within all things. Animists reject the teachings of the Zoroanism, at least as far as it involves any elevation of humankind above anything else on the planet. The Animists believe that people, animals, plants, rocks, the stars, the ocean - everything has a place in the cosmic order of the world and the universe, and it is only by achieving a harmony amongst these disparate elements that true prosperity can be attained. To be an Animist does not necessarily mean the denial of Zoroa's existence or his role in history or spiritual matters, but that he is only a small part of a much larger process. Animism is most common amongst Elves and Sylvans.


Nationalism
A strange sort of "civil religion", nationalism is a general spirit of reverence for one's place of origin, or current homeland. The best example of nationalistic religion can be found in the Laconian Federation, where the citizens' belief in the sovereignty and greatness of their nation borders on worship. Although most of the people of Laconia would consider themselves secularists, their devotion to the country and their adherence to traditions suggests a sort of spiritual component to their ideology. The President of Laconia, while not worshipped in the religious sense, is greatly respected by most of the country's citizens. Although other nations are often skeptical of Laconia's global agenda, there is rarely any dissent within the nation itself. This kind of national devotion - also present to a lesser extent in other nations - thus becomes its own religion, although not necessarily in opposition to the other faiths.


The Pilgrimmage
The land of Sindel is said to be the place where Zoroa settled after liberating the weaker races from the oppressive reign of the Harken. Following his will, humankind spread out from Sindel Aerie, and began to populate the entire planet, ushering in a new age of advancement and prosperity. The first apostles of Zoroa are said to have been the founders of the great civilizations that followed.

The Pilgrimmage, undertaken by Zoroans, Animists, scientists, and people of all beliefs, from every place on Planet M, is recognized as one of the most meaningful journeys a person can undertake. Even if one denies its sacred significance, there is much to be seen and appreciated in Sindel Aerie. It is a place where barriers of race, class, nationality, and belief all seem to break down - a place where everyone is welcome, and a place where anyone can find sanctuary. Non-believers often attest that there is a definitive mystical quality to the place, and even if they don't, there is no escaping the sense of awe that the place instills.