Empyreal Faith
empyreal (adjective)The Empyreal Faith refers to the amalgam of religions that worship the Empyreal Gods. There are countless variations to religious doctrine when it comes to the Empyreals, for they are worshipped all across Amanor and even in the worlds of the wider Universe beyond. Common motives can be identified in all these empyreal religions. This article describes the Empyreal Faith largely in the state that it exists in the Heartlands -- the central continent of Amanor -- under the leadership of the Imperial Ecclesiarchy of Egea. Contents
em-PEE-real 1. of or relating to the heavens, stars, or firmament; celestial
2. of or relating to the empyrean
3. formed of pure fire or light
4. sublime; divine
Mythology
The many mythological stories of the Empyreal Faith are tales of virtue and tragedy, of ancient heroes and the evil of mortalkind, of godly intrigue and divine treachery. Numerous myths describe wars waged by the gods as well as the deeds of mortal champions. The most revered of tales describe how individuals that prove their virtuosity to the gods can be lifted to godhood as a reward, taking up the mantle of Divinity and joining the Empyreal pantheon for all eternity.The Empyrean
The Empyrean is the raw essence of purity, goodness and divinity that gives the Empyreal Gods their awesome might. Empyreal myth describes it as a magical energy of unrivaled power, the harnessing of which allows the Empyreals to shape the universe to their will. It is said that of all the various deities of the great cosmos beyond Amanor, the Empyreal Gods alone are able to wield the powers of creation.The Firmament and the Stars
The spherical sky that encircles the globe of Amanor is known as the Firmament. It is a god-wrought barrier that separates the world from the cosmos, hiding it from the eyes of dark gods. The sun and the moon circle the world in their orbits across the sky, taking turns in blessing the world with the light of day and protecting mortals from the darkness of night. Attached to the high firmament are the ageless stars, shining with the divine light of the Empyrean. Each star has been lit and placed up high by the Empyreals themselves. Some are beacons that guide mortals on their travels, others are windows into the sacred realms that the gods dwell in, others form constellations that honor mythical heroes who died with glory or ascended to godhood.Mythological history
Among the most important myths of the Empyreal Faith are those describing the history of the world. From its creation to modern day, the fate of Amanor has been strongly tied to Empyreals gods, their intrigues amongst each other and their relationships with mortalkind.Creation of the World
Amanor was created by the Empyreals, mighty gods that possess the power to shape reality itself and create life on a whim. They are the only good-hearted and benevolent gods in a vast cosmos that is filled with dangerous creatures and their bloodthristy deities. The Empyreals wished to themselves escape the chaos and the strife that was the endless wars of the universe. They created Amanor to be their home -- a sanctuary of life, undisturbed by beings of hatred and disdain, a tranquil garden in which the gods could live in harmony with each other and their mortal creations. Their favored children were their first creations: the Sidhe, foremost of the fey, the so-called Firstborn of the Gods. So began on Amanor the mythical Dawn Age.Dawn Wars
As the Dawn Age continued for tens of thousands of years the dark powers of the wider universe drew their hungry eyes upon the paradise the Empyreals had created. Terrible conflicts known as the Dawn Wars began as endless legions of demons, angels, orcs, goblins, giants and more launched their invasions of Amanor. The Empyreal gods stood in staunch defense of the world together with mortals, fey and beasts. The earth shook, the skies quivered and waters ran red with blood but the invaders were driven back -- Amanor was saved.Paradise Lost
Despite the victorious ending of the Dawn Wars, the corrupting influence of the Outer Planes had left its mark. Tempted and corrupted by dark powers, the great goddess Loviatar committed the First Treason by turning on her fellow Empyreals. Another world-shaking war was waged then against Loviatar, who had made alliances with renegade deities and bloodthirsty giants, and who had bolstered her might with the terrible magic of undeath -- a force never before seen in the world. Loviatar was defeated and slain for her treachery but the Dawn Age was over. The gods departed from the world the better to protect it against the evils of the universe from afar, the innocent and childlike fey -- the mighty Sidhe among them -- exiled themselves to Tír-na-nÓg and the remnants of Loviatar's undead creations were banished to Samhain.Rise and Fall of Mortalkind
The departure of the gods meant that Amanor would be kept safe from planar invasions but also that mortals would have to forge their own lives -- their own empires and dynasties. In the forgotten ages that followed the end of the Dawn Age, mortals forged fantastic realms of magical wonders, spreading their nations all across the face of the world. In their arrogance, mortals did not adhere to the teachings of the Empyreals who still kept a watchful eye on their children. Wickedness and warmongering were rampant in those days. A millenium of war, strife and suffering known as the Black Age sealed the fate of the world -- the gods would return to put their children back on the right path...Empyreal Wrath
In the event known as the Divine Calamity the gods descended from the skies to exact their terrible punishment. In apocalyptic disasters the evil nations of the Black Age were erased from existence. The Four Horsemen rode across the skies and scoured the world of evildoers. The many enslaved peoples of the world were freed from their shackles and left to repopulate a cleansed world. Only a handful of ruins would remind them of both the dark deeds and the arcane glories of empires past. Some centuries after the Divine Calamity the first fledgling civilization of the Heartlands invented the calendar and the counting of years began. This was 2,500 years ago.Universal Order
After the disaster and strife described in ancient myth, the world of Amanor has been free from divine conflicts and world-ending threats. The Empyreal Gods protect the world from the dangers of the universe and keep a close watch on their creation. The endless wars of the universe -- in which the Empyreals take part to defend Amanor from harm -- are known as the Divine Conflict.End of the World
There are various concepts in the Empyreal Faith for the ending of the world, some of them apocalyptic and others not. The concept that is accepted as canon in the Heartlands and even beyond is that of the Last Battle. It is said that in the far future, the Divine Conflict will reach a breaking point. All the various evils and horrors of the universe will band together and march on Amanor as one, and all of the might of the Empyreals will be gathered to stand against the onslaught. On that fateful day, everyone will be called to fight: every man, woman, child and beast, every creature of the natural world and every divine creation of the Empyreals. The mortals of the world will ascend to beyond the firmament to the Last Battlefield to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with titans and gods, with demigods and fey, with their own ancestors and the ancient heroes of legend. The Last Battle will be long and terrible but it will end in the triumph of the Empyreals and the ending of the Divine Conflict; all gods of evil will be slain and all their endless legions vanquished. The Empyreal Gods will be free to return amongst their mortal children, ushering in a new Dawn Age -- an age of everlasting peace and harmony.Beliefs
The Empyreal Faith is a faith with dozens of gods. Every god has their own agendas, priorities, virtues and values. And every god has numerous cults and sects that worship them with vastly different dogmas and practices. To say that the beliefs of the Empyreal Faith are many would be an understatement. Nonetheless, all forms of empyreal worship share certain fundamental beliefs and mythological themes. All empyreal religions recognize every god of the pantheon, but every believer is free to choose that which of the dozens of gods they worship. Cults of single deities or groups of deities can subscribe to vastly different beliefs, tenents and values.Core beliefs
The so-called core beliefs of the Empyreal Faith are those that are shared by most of the Faith's various forms and sects. These beliefs arise from the world's mythology, having mainly to do with world view, the nature of the gods, and life and death. They describe the order of the cosmos and the place of mortalkind within it: What do the gods expect of mortals? And why should mortals care about the gods in the first place? Where would the world be without gods? Answers to these question change little from one corner of the world to the other.Protection of the Gods
The Empyreal Gods protect Amanor from the countless evils of a dangerous universe. Amanor is a blessed sanctuary -- a safe haven for life both mundane and magical, a place where any and all creations of the Empyreals -- mortalkind among them -- can live their lives free of the endless wars that plague the cosmos. The gods keep a constant watch on the world for dangers from both without and within; should Amanor ever lie on the brink of disaster, mortals can rest assured that the Empyreals will descend from the Firmament to save them.Will of the Gods
In return for the protection they give the world and its inhabitants, the gods demand that mortalkind worship them and follow their teachings. The gods have seen the world suffer and its peoples bleed when left without strict guidance. They have had to resort to extreme measures to bring its peoples back from the brink, as they did in the Divine Calamity. To avoid such events happening again, the gods watch over the world with a keen eye to ensure their ways are followed. The God of Law, Bahamut, stated the divine decrees of law to the mortal peoples that survived the Divine Calamity 2,500 years ago: the gods will not suffer to witness slavery, tyranny, blood sacrifice, necromancy, wamongering, and wanton murder. Such deeds serve only to feed the power of the Outer Gods, and to serve their dark will is the gravest of blasphemy.Tempation
Mortals will be tempted to the dark ways of evil gods. The Outer Gods of the far-off Universe beyond Amanor's firmament ever seek to infiltrate their influence into the world. They seek followers, minions, and slaves, promising unholy glories and abominable powers to those that listen to their whispers. Tyranny, slavery, and endless war are some of the many terrible plagues of ages past. Thanks to the guidance of the Empyreals, the civilized world is largely rid of such evils in the present day, but even in these blessed times, there ever remains an innate propensity for evil within every mortal. All must guard their minds, souls, and bodies against the temptation of dark gods. The only adversarial deity in the Empyreal pantheon is Loviatar, the Goddess of Secrets and Goddess of Evil.Mercy of the Gods
To go against the will of the Empyreals is to do evil, to break their sacred laws is to commit blasphemy. But the gods are merciful, and even after numerous evil deeds a repentant individual can prove themselves worthy of redemption. Good and righteous deeds can make up for past evils, but so too can newfound evil tendencies outweigh a righteous past. The balance of such things is not black and white, however: there are no strict rules on how many charitable donations would make up for a committed murder. In the end, it is the gods themselves that judge the worth of every soul at the hour of death.Death
When a creature dies, its soul detaches from its bodily remains and moves on to the Afterlife. Death is a natural part of life. It is not to be feared or avoided, for it is only a step on the path of the immortal spirit. To seek to evade death through the dark art of necromancy is the gravest of sacrilege. Undeath and the Undead are anathema to the Empyreals.The Afterlife
The Empyreal gods appoint a proper destination for every soul based on their deeds in life. Pious mortals can be rewarded with an eternity in paradise, or with the honor of serving their god even after death. Others are sent to Valhalla and Folkvangr, to join the empyreal legions of Maelach and to wage war eternal against the Outer Gods. But those that served dark powers in life can expect only suffering in death: torn apart for eternity by demons in the Nine Hells, enslaved by angels with no chance for freedom, made into an inhuman monster by some undead god or other, or simply left to wander Purgatory without guidance until driven insane.Tenets of faith
The fundamental beliefs of the Empyreal Faith are known as the Nine Principles. Myths tell us that they originate at the end of the Dawn Age as the gods departed the world to watch over it from afar. Leaving their mortal children to their own devices, the Twelve Sovereigns themselves spoke the Nine Principles to the peoples of those times, giving the Principles to them as words of guidance so that mortals could continue their existence in the grace of the gods.Place your faith in the Empyreals for they are the world's protectors. Worship not other gods for they desire only the ruin of all. Seek not immortality for all life must end. Live a life of virtue for in the end your soul will be judged. Spread not the plague of undeath for it is an abomination of the natural order. Claim not ownership of other people, for all must be free to forge their own path. Spill not the blood of your own nor that of your enemies for the sake of ritual. Strive to learn more of the universe but not to upset its balance. Venerate each of the Empyreal Gods, follow their guidance, and seek the blessings of their domains.
Worship
Worship in the Empyreal Faith is a deeply personal and spiritual practice, varying greatly among the countless cults and sects that make up the diverse faith. While each sect may have its own rituals, customs, and specific deities they venerate, there are overarching themes that are shared in the act of worship. At its core, worship is an expression of reverence, gratitude, and devotion to the gods. It is a way for mortals to establish a connection with the divine and seek guidance, blessings, and protection. Worship can take many forms, including prayers, offerings, ceremonies, and acts of service. The Empyreal Faith places importance on individual choice in matters of worship, allowing believers to freely choose which gods to venerate based on personal affinity, life circumstances, or specific needs. This freedom of choice contributes to the rich diversity within the faith, as different individuals and communities may focus their worship on different deities or different groups of deities within the Empyreal pantheon. Devotional practices are an integral part of worship in the Empyreal Faith. They include acts of charity, compassion, and kindness towards others, as well as upholding the virtues and principles espoused by the Empyreals. Followers strive to embody the qualities and teachings of their chosen deities, seeking to live in harmony with the natural order and contribute to the betterment of the world.Divine communion
At the heart of worship lies the desire for communion with the Empyreal Gods. Through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, worshippers seek a connection to the divine realm. They offer their gratitude, share their hopes and fears, and seek solace in times of need. In these moments of communion, the faithful believe they can receive guidance, inspiration, and even glimpses of the divine wisdom that permeates the universe. And indeed, many do – the Empyreals are known to speak to their most devoted faithful, to appear to them in visions, and even to grant them slivers of their cosmic powers. Clerics, paladins, and other pious chose that wield divine magic are proof of the great power and beneficence of the gods.Temples and shrines
Throughout the lands of Amanor, grand temples and humble shrines stand as physical embodiments of devotion. These sacred spaces serve as gathering points for worshippers, where rituals, prayers, and offerings are performed. Temples are often adorned with intricate carvings, stained glass windows depicting divine scenes, and holy symbols representing the Empyreal Gods. In temples and churches, in cathedrals and sacred groves, devotees gather to offer prayers, chant hymns, and perform rituals in praise of the Empyreals. These gatherings are led by priests and priestesses, who serve as intermediaries between mortals and the divine. They guide the faithful in their worship, imparting teachings, and performing sacred rites that invoke the presence of the gods. These ceremonies serve to strengthen the bond between a community and its patron deities, invoking blessings upon the populace and favor upon their priest.Personal connection to the divine
While temples, rituals, and communal worship play important roles, the Empyreal Faith also emphasizes the personal connection between individuals and the divine. Each person is encouraged to develop their own spiritual relationship with the Empyreals, cultivating a deep and meaningful connection through personal prayer, meditation, and reflection. It is believed that this personal devotion enhances one's understanding of the gods and strengthens their bond. Only the most devoted – the most faithful – will be chosen by the gods for greatness.Music
Choral music holds a special place in the worship of the Empyreal Faith. Hymns and chants sung by choirs or congregations add a powerful and harmonious dimension to religious ceremonies. The resounding voices come together to create a sense of unity, invoking a collective devotion and a profound connection with the divine. Choral music is seen as a means to elevate the spirit and create an atmosphere of reverence and awe during religious gatherings.Monastic tradition
Monasticism is an integral part of the Empyreal Faith, offering individuals the opportunity to dedicate themselves fully to a life of spiritual devotion and contemplation. Monastic communities, like abbeys, monasteries, and druid circles, provide a sanctuary for those seeking to deepen their connection with the divine. Monks, known for their disciplined lifestyles, engage in prayer, meditation, and study, striving for enlightenment and harmony with the gods. They are seen as beacons of spiritual wisdom, offering guidance and counsel to the faithful.Burial rites
Ceremonial burial is practiced to varying degrees within the Empyreal Faith. While most individuals are interred in public burial grounds, some communities observe ceremonial burial rites for individuals of great religious significance or exceptional service to the faith. These ceremonies, conducted by priests or priestesses, involve rituals and prayers to honor the departed and ensure a sacred passage into the afterlife. Ceremonial burials are seen as acts of reverence and a way to express the belief in the continued connection between the living and the deceased.Iconography and religious symbols
The Empyreal Faith celebrates the beauty and majesty of the natural world, often incorporating elements of flora and fauna into its religious imagery. Symbols such as blooming flowers, mighty trees, soaring birds, and graceful animals are employed to represent different gods and their associations. These images serve as reminders of the gods' power over the natural realm and their interconnectedness with all living things. Additionally, the Empyreals are often depicted in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms, embodying both human and animal characteristics. These representations highlight their diverse personalities and domains. A god associated with the sea may be depicted with fish-like features or accompanied by aquatic creatures, while a goddess of wisdom may be depicted with owl-like traits or holding a book of knowledge. The use of colors is also significant in the religious imagery of the Empyreal Faith. Each god is often associated with specific colors that reflect their divine nature and symbolic meanings. Bright and vibrant hues may symbolize joy, vitality, and positive qualities, while darker and more subdued tones may convey solemnity, mystery, and depth. The choice of colors can evoke certain emotions, create visual contrasts, and enhance the overall symbolic representation of the Empyreals and their realms. The Empyreal Faith embraces the use of color and flamboyant imagery in its religious practices. This artistic expression serves to enhance the symbolism associated with different gods and their domains. Vibrant hues and ornate displays are employed to evoke a sense of the divine and to convey the majesty and power of the Empyreals. However, the nature of the imagery and color palette can vary depending on the specific deity being honored. While some gods may inspire more colorful and exuberant displays, others, like the Goddess of Sorrow, may invoke more somber and melancholic imagery. Furthermore, the Empyreal Faith incorporates elaborate and intricate iconography into its religious imagery. Detailed sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, and mosaics adorn temples, cathedrals, and shrines dedicated to the gods. These visual representations depict scenes from mythological stories, heroic deeds of mortals, and the divine interactions between the Empyreals themselves. The use of such artistic mediums allows worshippers to engage with the divine narratives and forge a deeper connection with their chosen deities.Empyreal Star
The Empyreal Star is a sacred symbol of the Empyreal Faith, representing the triune nature of the gods and the interconnectedness of their domains. This three-pointed star, resembling an upward-pointing Y-shape, holds deep significance and is prominently displayed in religious art, temples, and shrines. It serves as a visual and spiritual anchor, and followers of the faith may wear or carry the symbol as a personal token of their allegiance and connection to the divine.Triskelion
The triskelion, with its three interconnected spirals or branches, holds its own significance within the Empyreal Faith. While the Empyreal Star represents the unity of the Empyreals and their divine domains, the triskelion is associated with the cyclical and interconnected nature of the natural world. It is often favored by sects and cultures that place a strong emphasis on nature worship and revere the gods associated with natural forces and cycles.Symbolic glyphs
Each Empyreal deity within the pantheon is associated with a unique sacred glyph—a letter-like pattern of primordial origin that carries deep symbolism and represents their essence and domain. These sacred glyphs are believed to be ancient and divine in nature, tracing their origins to the creation of the cosmos itself. The glyphs are intricate and ornate, often embodying the distinctive characteristics and aspects of the respective deity. They can evoke various elements such as nature, elements, celestial bodies, creatures, or abstract concepts. The symbolism embedded within the glyphs reflects the deity's powers, virtues, and role within the grand tapestry of existence. These sacred glyphs are not mere symbols but hold profound meaning to the followers of the Empyreal Faith. They are incorporated into religious iconography, sacred texts, and temple decor, serving as potent representations of the deity's presence and an invitation for worshippers to connect with their divine essence. The glyphs are also used in religious rituals, meditations, and prayers as a focal point to channel devotion and divine connection.Organization
The organization of the Empyreal Faith is intricate and diverse, reflecting the vastness of its influence and the multitude of gods within its pantheon. At the heart of the faith lies the Imperial Ecclesiarchy, which serves as the central governing body based in the Empire of Egea. The Imperial Ecclesiarchy holds significant authority, overseeing the broader religious practices and providing guidance to the faithful across the continent. Within the Imperial Ecclesiarchy, various sects and orders exist, each devoted to the worship of a specific god or a triune of gods. These sects are often referred to as Imperial Churches, signifying their close ties to the central authority. Imperial Churches are responsible for maintaining the teachings, rituals, and traditions associated with their respective deities. They have their own hierarchy, clergy, and specific practices that align with the nature and domain of the god or gods they venerate. In addition to the Imperial Churches, there are also independent sects and organizations that operate outside the centralization of the Imperial Ecclesiarchy. These sects may have their own interpretations, rituals, and practices that are unique to their beliefs and specific region. While not called "Imperial" churches, they still uphold the core principles of the Empyreal Faith and maintain their own distinct identity within the larger religious framework.Institutions
Besides the individual churches dedicated to the worship of specific gods or groups of gods, the Imperial Ecclesiarchy of the Empyreal Faith encompasses various institutions that support and uphold the religious practices and teachings of the faith. These institutions serve important roles in the organization and administration of the faith, ensuring its continuity and facilitating the spread of its doctrines. Sacred Academies. Academies are centers of learning and knowledge within the Empyreal Faith. They provide education and training to clergy members, scholars, and those seeking a deeper understanding of the faith. Sacred Academies offer theological studies, scriptural interpretation, ritual practices, and other aspects of religious teachings. Monastic Orders. Monasticism holds a significant place within the Empyreal Faith, offering a dedicated path of spiritual devotion and contemplation. Monastic orders exist within the Ecclesiarchy, providing a structured lifestyle for those seeking a more secluded and ascetic existence. Monks in these orders engage in prayer, meditation, study, and charitable works, embodying the virtues and values of their chosen gods. Councils and Synods. The Imperial Ecclesiarchy convenes councils and synods to discuss matters of doctrine, resolve theological disputes, and establish guidelines for religious practices. These gatherings bring together clergy, scholars, and representatives from different sects and churches to ensure unity and harmony within the faith. Inquisitorial Orders. The Empyreal Faith, like any large religious institution, recognizes the need for maintaining orthodoxy and combating heresy or corruption. Inquisitorial Orders, appointed by the Ecclesiarchy, undertake investigations, root out heretical teachings or practices, and enforce adherence to the core beliefs and principles of the faith. Pilgrimage Sites and Shrines. The Ecclesiarchy oversees and maintains important pilgrimage sites and shrines that hold great significance to the faithful. These sacred locations draw worshippers from across the continent, offering opportunities for spiritual reflection, healing, and connection with the divine. Relic Custodians. Relics, believed to be objects imbued with divine power or associated with the gods, hold great reverence within the Empyreal Faith. Institutions within the Ecclesiarchy are entrusted with the custody and preservation of these relics, ensuring their proper veneration and safeguarding them from misuse or theft.The Empyreal Star is the holy symbol of the Empyreal Faith.
Type
Organized religion
Origin
Founded ca. 3rd century ER in central Heartlands.
Distribution
Amanor
Universe
Relations with other faiths
Intolerant of other faiths
Relics and texts
Ennead (sacred text)
Fundamentals of the Empyrean (sacred text)
Holy symbols
The number 3
Triangle
Three-pointed star (i.e. Y-shape) and its derivations (e.g. triskelion, trilateral deltoids)
Historic characters
The Nine Prophets
The Three Abbots
Organized religion
Origin
Founded ca. 3rd century ER in central Heartlands.
Distribution
Amanor
Universe
Relations with other faiths
Intolerant of other faiths
Relics and texts
Ennead (sacred text)
Fundamentals of the Empyrean (sacred text)
Holy symbols
The number 3
Triangle
Three-pointed star (i.e. Y-shape) and its derivations (e.g. triskelion, trilateral deltoids)
Historic characters
The Nine Prophets
The Three Abbots
Deities
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