The Mission of Kalou

Structure

note: This is heavily simplified. The Mission is rife with sectarian conflicts, independently operating communities and occasionally outright war. The leadership structure is notoriously complicated and dysfunctional.
The highest positions in the Kalou mission are the "High Missionaries", each of which has a fairly large designated area of influence. Sometimes, like in the case of the King/ Queen of Marlund or some Alean chiefs, they are political leaders as well, but mostly they are purely religious figures with little political power. They act mostly independently, but regularly convene in the "Holy Council". While they are equals on paper, due to their relative power the King or Queen of Marlund are often seen as the de facto leader of the mission. How the High Missionary is chosen varies from region to region, it can be heredetary or by election, but a new High Missionary has to be confirmed by all his peers. They are answered to by Missionaries who oversee smaller regions. Below them are priests who operate in towns and villages, monks who work in secluded monasteries, shamans who travel from place to place and magicians who work at "healing houses".

Public Agenda

Spreading and mantaining the Kalou (old Phaeranic for "Holy Garden") belief system which is based on the ancient Maran pantheon and the story of Vinalia. Central is the eradication of the four vices of humanity, often referred to as the "Four Crosses": Hate, stinginess, lies and cowardice. The looming threat of another Fire can only be avoided by ridding humanity of them. In the history of the Kalouan Mission this has been attempted by force as well as non-violently.

Territories

The Mission is divided into chapters, each with a respective High Missionary.

Chapter of Marlund

Territory: Includes the Kingdom of Marlund and a small region to the north of it.
Current HM: King Hess IV.
Election Process: Heredetary

Chapter of Alea

Territory: North-west Amruth
Current HM: Geaunè to Zareau
Election Process: Chosen by the Alean Missionaries

Chapter of East Phaeran

Territory: Eastern Part of Hoccan-controlled Amruth
Current HM: Gerhati Phoelin
Election Process: Elected by East Phaeran Missionaries, confirmed by the Hoccan governor

Chapter of West Phaeran

Territory: Western Part of Hoccan-controlled Amruth
Current HM: Riz Ghueni
Election Process:Elected by West Phaeran Missionaries, confirmed by the Hoccan governor

Chapter of Oara

Territory: North of the Phaeran chapters
Current HM: Slanriv pa Slanriv
Election Process: Appointed by the Oaran council of chiefs

Chapter of Ayel

Territory: The city of Pelxeri and its surrounding area
Current HM: Zimozay Xaloy
Election Process: Elected by the Aylian priests

Other

There are smaller communities outside of these chapters who operate basically independently, but technically still fall under the jurisdiction of the Holy Council.

Divine Origins

The belief in Mir, Ur and Ko dates back to the time before the Fire, where it was mainly practiced by mountain tribes in south-east Amruth. After the Fire, the legend of Vinalia spread among them and reached the surrounding areas by way of traveling missionaries. Coupled with the doctrine of the four crosses it became widely popular with communites who were rebuilding after the catastrophe. Around the beginning of the 2nd century, the story of Vinalia was codified in form of the "Chant of Vinalia" and later expanded by the "Chant of Krison" and the "Chant of the People", who retold the immediate aftermath of Vinalia's sacrifice. Many small kindoms and city states began to adopt these stories into their own legends, cementing them in the culture of Amruth. While there was occasional conflict, the new religion was spread relatively peacefully. Because it lacked any kind of organizational structure, the different religious leaders came together in 176 and formally founded the "Mission of Kalou", establishing this new belief system as a regional power. The leaders, now called "Missionaries", began to spread their doctrine far more directly, usually by conquest and subjugation of non-believers. The first larger power to adopt the Mission as its official religion was the Kingdom of Mara in 297 and soon after various smaller kingdoms and free cities followed suit. Since then the Mission has enjoyed a steady growth of new believers, reaching from the west coast of Amruth to small communities in the Kingdom of Ayel and has remained mainly unchallenged, even under Hoccan rule.

Priesthood

High Missionaries

Oversee a large region of believers. As much a political position as it is a religious one. They often oversee a temple in a large city. Can be recognized by ornate green or blue robes and a three-pointed hat.

Missionaries

Basically a less powerful High Missionary. Similar, plainer garbs.

Priests

The local overseer of a temple. Well known in their community and often a political leader as well. Usually wear functional clothes, but can be recognized by an amulet with four silver or bronze crosses.

Shamans

Travel from place to place and inspect the sins of the communities they encounter. They stay there, performing rituals and questioning the people, until they believe that the community has been cleansed. Widely recognizable by a walking stick and crimson robes.

Monks

Live in small monasteries apart from civilization. They are focused on studying and meditation and rarely leave their convents. Wear simple and functional robes.

Magicians

Healers that usually care for the sick in "Healing Houses", although some of them also travel around. Easily recognizable by their shaved heads - including the eyebrows.

Founding Date

176 AF

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Alternative Names

Cult of Vinalia, Doctrine of the Four Crosses, The Mission

Demonym

Kalouan

Permeated Organizations

• Kingdom of Marlund

Related Ranks & Titles

• King/ Queen of Marlund