The forerunner of most modern monotheistic religions, Zoroastrianism is not a tradition for those who just want to sit an contemplate things. It is an active faith, one that sets a stark difference between good and evil, order and chaos, and tells the devout in no uncertain terms that they need to be working on behalf of good.

The central deity of Zoroastrianism is Ahura Mazda, the creator, who works in opposition to Angra Mainyu, the destructive force of chaos. Followers are implored to actively work on the side of goodness and creation, as that is the only way to defeat chaos. Adherents often use rituals involving the life-giving forces of water and especially fire to purify themselves if necessary. Frequent prayer, meditation, or mental focusing is important to the tradition.

Zoroastrianism often focuses on dualities: good and evil, order and chaos, mind and body. The dualities are not perfectly aligned—for example, neither mind nor body is judged to be good or evil—but practitioners are aware of the separation and desire to have mind and body working in harmony with each other. All types of Awakened individuals can be found in the Zoroastrian tradition, but mystic adepts often find it particularly appealing as they feel the focus if the tradition allows them to put the two sides of their magical talent into greater alignment.

There are no governing bodies of the Zoroastrian religion beyond the leaders of particular communities. These religious communities are often not welcoming to outsiders, but the magical communities are more open. They often see themselves as warriors involved in a great fight, and they are willing to have others join them in the fight, as they are well aware the struggle will not be easy.

Zoroastrian mages tend to be blunt and direct. They certainly understand the value of stealth in a fight, but they also tend to like to let their enemies know just who they’re up against. They like to hit fast, hit hard, but leave their enemies intact. They also want to be sure they can heal up damage as necessary when the dust settles, and are generally willing to provide care to their opponents to keep them alive. They often have a poise and bearing to them that others find unsettling.

Hester Khorasani had a career for a time as a special effects wizard for Horizon’s Pathfinder Multimedia, but as her talents developed she decided she needed to do bigger things. Rather than drop out of the Hollywood scene, though, she used the connections she had built to open her own small studio that focused on trids with messages subtly supportive of Zoroastrian beliefs (though to a casual observer, they often seem like flicks about powerful mages kicking ass and taking names). Profits from her studio are funneled into a teaching center that is open to all who want to know more about her philosophy, whether they are Awakened or not. By most accounts, the lessons presented to people who drop by are simple and cursory, but rumors persist that Khorasani keeps her eye out for particularly powerful visitors, and then invites them to attend special advanced classes she leads herself.