Melody
The fastest growing religion of this age, the Melody combined aspects from the four major evangelical (this means "spreading" right?) faiths from which it stems. Exnotism, of the Takarzite variety; The Faith, of the Valyrian variety; Zirilism, of the Thloyrn/Koislyu variety; and Bokononism, of Leon.
At the center of the Melody is a recognition of a flawed world. Like Bokononism, singers of the Melody realize the falseness of their beliefs and the faults of their convictions. However, also like Bokononists, they believe that their beliefs can bring them happiness and strength, and the examples of the Melody can make humanity better. The Melody differs in that many of their characters are Gods in the traditional sense, and supersition- recognized but preserved- still line the heart of this new religion.
On the surface, the Melody borrows most greatly from Exnotism and Zirilism. Indeed, the two chief "Deities" of the Melody are superbly drunk and all powerful couple of Exnot and Ziril. Too drunk and too busy arguing with each other to rule, that duty falls upon Takarzi. This god ranges among a young warrior-prince exulting in his unquestionable authority, a middle-aged and self-conflicted king of war, or an old and wise monarch of the countless heavens he had conquered in his youth. Some lines of the Melody continues the tale, as Takarzi became the new Exnot, and fathered a new son to rule his domains.
But beneath the over-structure of the Melody, one can see the deep influences of the Faith. War is an honorable activity, one with as many rules and customs as peace. Respect of mankind, respect of one's honor, respect of one's achievements, respect of one's society and one's place in that society. This individual respect leads to a cohesive, discipled, happy, and stable civilization. These tenants of the Melody derive from the Valyrian Faith, a splinter which has disappeared early during the Winter Wars, with little remaining except for preserved books in Epirus or New Valyria (now Leon). However, many also note that the Valyrian Faith borrowed much from the traditional Ancestor Worship of Cytrian origin, a much more humble and local faith.
There are several theories for the rise of the Melody. Some speak of the Great School of Barcia and the gathering of intellectuals there. Others speak of the revival of Zirilism by Utica, and the return of the Faith along the Rhone, which mixed with the evergrowing tide of Exnotism form Kosa. Still others point to unique situation in Apulia itself. A prosperous republic following the mercantile Thloyrn Zirilism falls under the control of an Exnotist Empire. Meanwhile, a revival of learning and the faith brings forth new light upon old ideas, even as Bokononism gives all a sense of self-justificaiton in studying and brining together the new belief.
The Melody is as of yet still changing. Taking heart in Apulia, it has spread into Koislyu and Epirus, as well as Novaricum. The Bokonist homeland Leon boasts it's share of Melodists, as does the Exnotist homeland of Varna. Each individual has their own take on this as-of-yet oral and shared religion which is increasing tensions all across the central seas. Most notable are the not-quite-silent attempt by the Keepers of the Codex to bring them back into "Orthodox" Exnotism, as well as the xenophobic reactionary fear of the Cytrian homeland.
