Religion in Meshanticut currently is largely the same set of core beliefs since pre-contact. Each tribe may have slightly different customs and specific beliefs, but overall the nation follows spiritual belief in Manitou, the idea that all living beings share an omnipresent life force. In addition, belief in Kawtawntawitt as a creator helps to unify these religious beliefs. Aside from the original pantheon of indigenous gods, the gods of cultures within the nation form new figures in this religion. As a result, there is some influence on the religion of Meshanticut via integration of some Christian ideas, as well as beliefs from African religions present in the region. Kawtawntawitt was also believed to have imbued the wampum belt with his teachings in the form of the nine virtues upon the creation of Meshanticut. These virtues are believed to hold together the nation and dimension of Meshanticut, and as a result there are a great number of learners devoted to the guardians of these virtues. Each of the 9 virtues manifested a guardian spirit who embodies the virtue completely, and these guardians may communicate with the people of Meshanticut.
Religion Overview:
Core beliefs revolve around Manitou
Kawtawntawitt created Meshanticut and the nine virtues
Virtues represent the purest manifestation of the virtue
Some individuals have learned to commune with the virtues
A World of Spirits
Meshanticut is an incredibly spiritual world. As it exists in a dimension not quite identical to ours, there are distinct differences between the fundamental way they function. Within Meshanticut, spirituality is reinforced by the physical presence of spirits. Our world's spirits are typically restricted to visions within dreams, while spirits in Meshanticut (typically represented by animals) can be physically present in the waking world. Spirituality is so physically palpable that it can become a learned skill, in that some highly trained individuals can shift into spirit forms and move between worlds. This is how the red-tailed hawk may appear to the player character over the course of their journey.