Shamalism

Religion of Shamalian tribes
Gods teach lessons of different aspects of nature and manifest as animals
- Gods do not grant powers or blessings; they only teach, and a follower is expected to benefit by heeding their lessons
All gods are revered except Majaeatan, who is feared
Practitioners use blood to power spells

Dogmas

Red is color of blood, which powers all (animal) life
Survival of the fittest: the strong and cunning have the right to rule, but must prove themselves

Majaeatan: the chaotic evil god of hunger
- Can manifest as any animal, but always appears starved and with a bloody mouth
- Influences people to commit acts of cannibalism and turn them into wendigos
Almawt: the chaotic neutral god of survival and death
- Can manifest as any injured animal, especially a polar bear pierced by broken spears
- Teaches that hardship may occur unfairly or randomly, but one must survive anyways
Alam: the neutral god of pain and wisdom
- Manifests as a female bear, mammoth, or mountain lion
- Teaches that pain is a means to wisdom, and true wisdom can only come from pain
Takathur: the lawful neutral god of victory, wealth, and sex
- Manifests as a brightly-colored bird or a buck with large antlers
- Teaches that a victor deserves that which they fought to obtain
Zumra: the lawful good god of war, cooperation, and order
- Manifests as a wolf
- Teaches that the group is stronger than the individual, provided the group has a clear hierarchy
Alsabr: the good god of patience and preparation
- Manifests as a squirrel, bee, ant, or web-spinning spider
- Teaches that challenges can be overcome with sufficient preparation and hard work

Top: High Priestess: authority is second only to the gods themselves
- Nomadic, traveling with her servants to each tribe over the course of a many-year cycle
Red Priestesses: lead their respective tribes in religious and political affairs
- A Red Priestess becomes the High Priestess by killing her when she visits, taking her place
- Capable of powerful blood magic
Priestesses: train under their Red Priestess, learning secrets of blood magic
- Promoted to Red Priestess by High Priestess based on merit and when position is open
Acolytes: learn basics of the religion as they serve a Priestess
- Red-haired girls are blessed by gods and pre-ordained to enter clergy
- Eventually graduate to become a Priestess

Top: Red Warlords: lead their respective tribes in hunting or battle
- Title is given by Red Priestess based on merit, and can be revoked
Red Warriors: elite soldiers who can use blood magic to empower themselves
Warriors: competent soldiers versed in religious codes, training under Red Warriors in specialized blood magic
- A Warrior becomes a Red Warrior when the Red Warlord recognizes their skill in battle and promotes them
Acolytes: learn basics of the religion as they serve a Warrior
- Red-haired boys are blessed by gods and pre-ordained to enter clergy
- Eventually graduate to become a Warrior