The Old Faith

A faction spread thin, with little man-power compared to the others. What they do boast, however, is elite discipline in any task they do. These devout believers worship the Old One - the god they believe to be the original and only true god that exists. 
Every aspect of their culture serves to promote this view in one way or another, from the church-like constructions of buildings that last throughout the ages to the scriptures carved into plates, bowls, and cups.

Structure

The ranks of the Old Faith favour the wisdom that comes with age above most other aspects. As such, the merits of ones life and how they show devotion shows their capability of growth and earns them higher ranks within the faction.

Name (Renown Required)

1. All-Father/Mother (200)
2. High Clergymen (125)
3. Seer of the Old God (75)
4. Profit of the Old God (35)
5. Hand of the Old God (10)
6. Indoctrinate (1)

Culture

The followers of the Old Faith incorporate the religion into almost everything they do, where the most sacred thing in life is their holy book - the First Script. Most settlements own a single copy of this 2 foot thick grimoire, tended to by the Profits of the Old God. Within that book are hundreds of fortellings, prophesies, and rules about almost any situation - so many that only people who have studied the book for 3 years can even navigate it.
The main 3 rules of being are as follows:

1. The Old God watches you in times of dire need, look to the skies for the courage of a lion, and clasp your hands for the power to use it. 
2. The world is full of evil, that would seek to destroy the remnants long gone - they deserve no pity, mercy, or afterthought. 
3. Humming the sanctimonious scriptures will sharpen your mind - never allow the halls of the Old Faith to fall silent. 

Assets

Not much is known of the Old Faiths true assets, but they are well known for defending War-Abbeys, a religious structure designed to operate as an entirely self sufficient outpost. No archaeologist has been able to gauge the age of these buildings, as the stone itself is not found anywhere else. 
It is fabled that these War-Abbeys are built atop hills and mountains that were once walking titans of stone. The First Script declares these being will awaken at the brink of the Old Faith's extinction, though evidence has shown that this could be at all true.

History

The Old Faith has been traced back to as far as 358 BSE, though it could be older. The First Script speaks of the first All-Father Khyber commanding a legion of sinners to create the War-Abbeys in use today. By the end of construction, the sinners were blessed with a single blade inscribed with the words - "He who makes the world, has forgiven you."
From there, the faction has forever sought to tame the Stalwart Tundra with their fortresses, War-Abbeys and walled settlements.

Demography and Population

The average death rate is higher than most due to unforgiving climate of the Stalwart Tundra, with most small babies and children dying before they reach 5. Coupled with the restricted sexual allowance from the religion, the birth rate is also remarkably low - resulting in a slowly dying faction. The faction seeks to counteract this decline by expanding their influence and converting more people to the Old Faith. 

The settlements are few and far between, but each one is extremely well armed, fortified, and a force to be reckoned with - despite the minimalistic man power. Their favoured method of travel are known as Exoduses - where equipment is hauled by polar bears, and specially bred Sabre-Toothed Tigers are used as mounts. Only 5-10 people take part in an Exodus at a time.

Occasionally, mammoths have been known to be tamed by settlements that can provide enough food for it - allowing for larger Exoduses of up to 20 people.

Territories

The Old Faith currently controls all of the Stalwart Tundra, a small portion of Wrinoa, and 3 islands of the Thaiki Archipelago.

The portion of Wrinoa is being forcefully held while the people are being assimilated into the Old Faith's ranks. 

The Islands of the Thaiki Archipelago are at constant war with the Shattersong legion, and further preparations are being done to convert the rest of the machine-loving blasphemers.

Military

The Old Faith are renowned for having very few numbers, but what little they do have are well trained and disciplined. 

Each soldier bears their family insignia on their right shoulder, and are known to favour larger weapons like halberds, greatswords, pikes and greataxes.

Foreign Relations

They see most other major powers as savages, barbarians, and frivolous. If they can convert others to their ways, they will gladly take the opportunity - which is their only current way to continue their order. This is what prompted their expedition (and war) into the Bannerdawn's territory on Wrinoa and the Shattersong Legion's territory in the Thaiki Archipelago. Beyond that, they seek to destroy the heretical inhabitants of the world around them with valour, honour, and pride.

Agriculture & Industry

Fuel is in high demand as trees grow very rarely in the tundra, though various Exoduses are to collect fallen branches from Boreal Forests. When these journeys are not possible, dried animal faeces is used. Fuel is mainly used to melt ice for clean drinking water, and to heat settlements, cathedrals, War-Abbeys and more. 

Agriculture mostly relies of fishing in ice likes, and growing shallow-rooted vegetables like radishes, turnips,  and beets. Mammoths and deer are commonly hunted to provide meat.

Infrastructure

Each settlement is based around a fortified position - usually atop mountains or hills - and relies on the near impenetrable defence of the old buildings for safety.

Most medical issues are dealt with by priests inside healing chambers - rooms designed for recuperation and rest.

There will be no respite from the flames of hell.

Founding Date

At least 358 BSE

Alternative Names

Purists, Faithsmen

Demonym

Faithful

Government System

Theocracy

Economic System

Palace economy

Currency

Medallions are typically worn around the neck, and are traded for various amounts depending on the medals title. They are usually cast from silver pewter.

Legislative Body

All laws are already scribed within the First Script, so no new rules are created nor considered as it would be blasphemous to rewrite a God's Tongue.

Judicial Body

Seers and above know the First Script well enough to cover any discrepancies or inconsistencies within the law.

Executive Body

Due to the rigid and gruelling discipline of the the Old Faith, crime is extremely rare and the punishments for it are brutal without respite. Anyone who is at least bears the title of Hand of the Old God may perform public execution on the spot. Anyone of a lower rank must report the crime to their local watchman.

Controlled Territories

• War-Abbey of Saint Llammar