The @Panarii Religion is the most widespread faith in the world of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, based on the teachings of the elven scholar @Nasrudin. According to @Panarii Religion doctrine, @Nasrudin, a revered elven mage who respected both magic and technology, defeated his archenemy @Arronax, a former colleague who destroyed the ancient technological civilization of Vendigroth (@Vendigroth Ruins) out of fear, and banished him to @The Void. @Nasrudin made a prophecy that Vendigroth would be rediscovered, leading to a second industrial revolution, which eventually came true with the invention of the steam engine. This event significantly increased the religion's following.
A central tenet of the @Panarii Religion is the prophecy of the "Living One," the reincarnation of @Nasrudin, who will be reborn on wings of fire in hills shrouded in fog to fight a final battle against @Arronax. The Living One is expected to have an unusual appearance, and the outcome of this battle will determine the fate of @Arcanum: victory for the Living One ensures safety, while an @Arronax victory would lead to a dark age where mages serve him and technologists are destroyed. The religion emphasizes unity, hard work, love, compassion, and morality.
The @Panarii Religion was formally established by St. Mannox, who is considered the founder of the faith. The first major Panarii temple is located in @Caladon, the capital of @The Kingdom of Arland, and serves as a significant religious center. Other temples exist, such as the one in Tarant, where players can learn more about the religion and receive a pamphlet promoting its teachings. The religion has faced corruption, notably from the Dark Elves (@Dark Elf), who killed St. Mannox around the year 1109 and have since tampered with the religious texts, leading to a period of degradation in the faith's integrity. Despite this, the core prophecies are believed to have retained enough accuracy to fulfill their intended purpose over centuries.
The religion's structure includes a hierarchy, with figures like Elder Joachim and Alexander, a direct descendant of St. Mannox and the church's military leader, playing key roles in guiding the faithful and combating corruption. The @Panarii Religion is presented as a complex blend of historical truth, ritualized preservation, and evolving prophecy, with its ultimate fulfillment depending on the player's actions within the game world.