Tahlaism (common misspellings - Talaism, Tahlahism, Talahism)

Tahlaism is a monotheistic religon centering around one god known as 'Tahla', and her assisting forces. Tahlaism was interoduced by the dragons to the femarians in their early years of assimilation. Thus, Tahlaism is the only religion the dragons have ever practiced, not counting when 'splinter cults' of Tahlaism sprang up and were struck down.

Tahla [Tah-lah], 'The Mistress of Nature', tends to represent no one trait all of the time. She is said to be the force that controls nature, being not of it. Most of the time, she exists outside of nature so that it does not affect her, and only intervenes when it is of dire importance. There are eight forms that she and her forces appear in: the butterfly, the dragonfly, the dragon, the femarian, the snake, the spider, the fish, and the feline. All other forms are controlled indirectly. According to witnesses, she appears in hues of blue, yellow, and violet in all of her forms, making her unmistakable to any eye. Although it has been recorded that Tahla has been seen in all eight forms, her most common one is the butterfly.

The 'Forces' controlled by Tahla are her underlings which act in accordance with her will, whether they wish to or not. A good example of this is Miu [Me-you], The Force of Strength. Miu always appears as a butterfly— the deceptively weakest form a force can appear in. Miu orginally appeared as a dragon, and was forced into a butterfly after falling out of favor with Tahla when she tried to misuse her force to destroy hatchlings. Miu can now only help by using minimal cause for maximum effect. She accomplishes this by allowing herself to be ingested, giving her consumer  increased health and power. Miu always appears in yellow and pink.

Ryko [Rye-koh], The Force of Skill, is another commmonly manifested force, although not as easy to conjure. Ryko is seen only minimally as a butterfly, and is more likely seen as a long-necked tabby cat.  Ryko is always shown in orange and red, but black may be included as well. Ryko is portrayed as both a clever scholar and a warrior. 

Ryko butterflies will not be found where there is fodder� however, Ryko is always nearby places with powerups,  and can also be found in speedway arenas. Unlike Miu, ingesting Ryko will not give the consumer additional health, but will give the user a special temporary power, such as perpetual gliding (AKA superfly) or enhanced fire breath.

Tahla's Temples appear more like works of art than buildings. The worshipping area is a glass geodesic dome that houses all eight forms of the forces (think big circular greenhouse). Inside is a stone walkway which circles a section of grass, and a pond sitting in the center. The source of the pond is usually an underground spring, although it does not have to be. All eight forms must be able to live inside of the temple, which means a) live animal representations of the forms are inside the dome, b) it is self-sufficent. Usually, there are two temple workers, one draconic and one femarian, who maintain the temple and fulfill the requirement of having all eight forms inside the temple during worship. 

Prayer is directed to Tahla, with the worshippers facing the center of the temple. No sermon is given during the worship session, although it has become a common tradition for the highest-ranker temple worker present to preach afterwards by the refreshment table.  The believers of Tahla are called Tahlit [Tah-leat].

Despite the fact that Tahlaism is a dragon religon, femarians often end up with the higher rank on average. A List of ranks is below, which each rank being higher than the last. Each rank has more magic skill than the last as well.

Believer � The rank of most Tahlit. Mostly civilians, perform minimal worship. Minimal magic can be performed.

Follower � Rank of fighters, and those of deep conviction. Most are magic-users. Spyro and Sparx fall under this rank.

Servant � Temple dweller. Reena falls into this rank. (Note: all Tahlit of this rank or above consider themselves 'Servants of Tahla', even though Servant is the lowest of the temple ranks.)

Minor Cantoral � Capable of leading public worship. Should have a good voice and knowledge of songs, along with the ability to transliterate Old Faerie scrolls for chanting and some fluency in the language.

Major Cantoral � More magic abilitilites, but still with all repsonsibilities of minor cantoral. Is able to play at least one instrument (blessed) and has perfect fluency and literacy in Old Faerie. Mai'ko is of this rank. 

Priest(ess) � Highest rank possible, so priestesses of this level have a 'shield' of protection against minor curses and common birds, the ability to make talismen, are entrusted with all of the highest possible magics, and are also considered the leading authority in all religious matters. Groups of Priests and Priestesses will meet every few years or so to review policy and work out inconsistancies.