I. PREHISTORY, ca. RM: Karbea is probably a remnant of some older form of Meroned religion, possibly originating in RM or earlier. Little is known how much of it is based on such a faith and how much only bears resemblance to one.
II. KARBOD, ca. 115-144 DM: The name Karbea dates from the year 129 DM when the prophet Karbod arose in the southern regions of Meron and began recruiting followers to join his newly established sect.
In Karbod’s early years, the region—approximately where the city of Ubro now stands—was the site of decades of strife. Though Awar had united the area and created a dynasty of his own, in the years following his death his lands had split into dozens of small, squabbling fiefdoms, which had sown the region with strife and war.
According to Karbean texts, Karbod received his first vision from the Creator at the age of ten. By the time he was fifteen, massive crowds would gather to hear his speeches and it was said that more than half of Awar’s old lands were under his sway. He eventually united the entire region.
The Myrelyrs, their northern neighbors, were threatened by the power Karbod wielded. They attacked him and he and his followers held the gap and fought off the Myrelyr forces, but Karbod was killed in the battle at the age of twenty-nine.
III. AFTERMATH, ca. 134-190 DM: After some dissent among Karbod’s remaining relatives, his nephew, Vodal, took over leadership of Karbea. He was assassinated some four years thereafter and was never replaced. Karbea did not, however, split off into sects; remarkably, when no strong personality rose to take Vodal’s place, people went on teaching the ways of the religion, but no attempt was made to formalize leadership again. The Awar province returned to secular power, this time in the hands of a capable heir.
IV. ESTABLISHMENT, ca. 440 DM: Certain among the Karbean leaders felt that their religion was becoming too fragmented, so in a famous council meeting they decided to formalize their religion. A priesthood was formed, official books of Karbod’s teachings were commissioned, and the building of many of Meron’s greatest temples commenced.
V. PERSECUTION AND ADVANCEMENT, ca. ZhM: During the 129-year martial occupation of Etanan forces, the entirety of the upper Karbean clergy was four times executed. Many remarkable temples were defaced and others were used as barracks for foreign soldiers or storage sheds. Many Karbeans fought the persecutors but, but finally they were driven underground along with what remained of the ruling class.
Ironically, it was at this time, during their period of greatest persecution, that Karbean popularity took off. Many Karbean leaders found sanctuary in the hiding places of royals who were also being systematically persecuted, and a surprisingly high number of these nobles converted to Karbea. When the Myrelyris family overthrew the Etanans and established sovereignty over Meron, Karbea became firmly established in the upper echelons of the country.
VI. MODERN KARBEA: In the early years of BM, Karbea became more and more ritualized. Rich men and women, searching for something to help them through the atrocities of the past years, were drawn to it and with them brought their heavy purses. Tithing became central to the customs of the religion, and soon only the rich could afford to join Karbea.
The tradition of animal sacrifice is thought to have originated in that period as well. A black cow, killed on the eve of the New Year, was supposed to bring good fortune. This ritual has all but died out in the last century, but it is still possible to find Karbeans who practice it.
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