The Ikan are an ethnic group of humans that made up the former Ikan Empire. The Hesberians conquered them some 200 years ago. However, the Hesberians took great interest in the art and culture of the Ikan people and adopted some of it into their own. Most notably, the Hesberians adopted their system of writing...

Ikan Religion

Ancestor Tax

In the Ikan religion, death does not prevent a person from paying taxes. It is true that the dead are taxed the least because their taxes owed to the temple are optional. As the dead person is no longer in the present realm, it is up to their descendants, if they have any, to take care of these matters.

During the festival of the dead, however, the dead taxpayers, in honor of their families, are able to give money or food or goods to their still living descendants. For most Ikans, it is a time of reverrance and revelry. First, the ancestors are reverred for their kindness and their guidance is sought in all matters. Second, with most citizens receiving a good sum of money all at once, it is a time of great celebration.

Many conservative followers of the Ikan gods remark that they asked for ancestor tax in order to keep the preists honest. Basically, they are expected to give back all the money they collected for the dead. This prevents dipping into the temple treasury for personal reasons. If the money is not available to be paid, the high preist pays with his life and the life of his spouse and chilren.

Temple Worship

Ancestor Worship

Personal Spirits