Church of Athena

Oh great Athena, mother and teacher of the Gods. Provider of secret magics.

Watch over our cities that they may be run fair and justly.

Temper our hearts with wisdom that our emotions cloud not our judgement.

May our deeds find favor in your eyes, that we may learn at thy knee.

May we in some eternity grow to be as you.

Hymn to Athena-written by unknown author shortly after the cataclysm

Assets

Collages:

Main Campus: BYU campus in Athens.

Sister Campuses: Camelot, Orcmander, Waterdeep, Kennicot

Camelot Campus: During the Age of the Godless the church sold most of its collage in Camelot to a group of adventurers. These Adventurers would for the Adventurer Collage. There with they would teach students how to hunt monsters, cultists and survive in the wilds. The church did keep the library and one building adjacent to it to continue teaching Clerics, Justicars, and Crusaders. The library is open to the public but priority is given to students of both collages.

Ormander Campus: Build near the city walls this campus was build in partnership with the Adventurer Collage in Camelot. While one of the smallest campuses it does hold the reputation for producing the finest alchemists and Clerics

Waterdeep Campus: The most extravagant of the campuses it is the only one not build by the church. The founder of Waterdeep Mihai Ahab had vowed to make a city that would rival any found in Avalon Valley. Without first consulting the church Mihai hired architects and craftsman from every nation and gave them a blank check. What was build was a monument to learning and construction. At first the church tried to deny the gift for it's extravagance. Athena stepped in however and ordered them to do so. The collage is now the only place in the city free from the Thieves and Assassins Guilds. This campus is known for training some of the best Justicars and craftsman.

Kennicot Campus: The newest campus to be build and arguably the smallest. This campus is used to store knowledge found in the Shadow Valley as well as train Vampire Hunters and Clerics. With Kennicot Colony under near constant attack from Vampires it is the only campus with a more martial point of view. Many claim that the colony has only survived because of the Crusaders trained here.

History

One of the first Gods to come to mankind’s aid following the Catastrophe. Athena set up a University in UVU’s library where she taught all beings about magic. Though known to be strict, Athena can also be motherly to her worshipers. She is worshipped primarily in UVU, BYU, and Avalon Kingdom.

Mythology & Lore

Worshipers of Athena believe that El and Ashera had children and made a plan for those children to become Gods as well. They believe that Athena was one of those first generation of Ashera's children. They believe that each God was given a universe and responsibilities of their own. To them if they follow Athena's tenants they will be able to join her in her universe and become Gods equal to her. Those who choose to worship Athena do so generally cause they have the same values as her.

Divine Origins

The church was created by Athena herself after the dust had settled somewhat after the initial chaos of the Great Cataclysm. Athena appeared not at UVU but at BYU. BYU had served as a secondary base of operations by the Utah National Guard. There Athena picked Ryan Vancrest a professor of philosophy and antiquity to be the first Headmaster of her college. She then picked several others and escorted them to UVU. There finding more people congregated Athena started her church and college. She taught humans and the other races how to use magic. She also taught people about the other Gods and the deeper mechanics of the universe.

As more people joined her college she felt the need to remove herself from the primary military base of Alliance Forces in an effort to keep her knowledge from being militarized. She moved her college to BYU. There she started ordaining her followers as priests. These priests she sent out into the settlements to sanctify Holy Water for use against demons. While in the new born settlements these priests would also teach the local populace about how the world, magic and Athena's advice for a happy life. Those who live Athena's principles are promised to one day ascend to Godhood.

Cosmological Views

Worshipers of Athena view the Earth and it's galaxy as a training ground for 1st generation Gods. They believe their souls were born/ created by the Gods under the direction of El and Ashera. In their view mortals are to be governed by Gods and live good honest lives. This is done so mortals can ascend to become Gods themselves. The Gods who prove they are wise rulers to El and Ashera in the Milky Way are given their own worlds to rule along side their followers who attained divinity.

The Eldritch are viewed are cosmic monsters who seek to destroy all creation. This is due to many Eldritch being predatory beings who sustain themselves by eating souls. Even the soul of a rock can feed a small Eldritch for days. They Eldritch are to be avoided at all costs. Not just due to their predatory nature but also due to the fact that most larger Eldritch beings actively seek to destroy the Gods and their creations.

Worshipers are taught to respect other Gods in the pantheon. Even if they have conflicting principles. Worshipers are taught that if they choose to fight another God that Athena will remove all favor from them. The only time Athena has said her worshipers can disobey another God is if they ask them to break a law she has set.

Demons are considered enemies who should be destroyed. Athena has no love or mercy for those that betrayed her and her fellow Gods shortly before and after the Earth was created. While she has instructed her followers to avoid and escape Eldritch, she has instructed them to seek out and destroy Demons. Many Crusaders have taken this call literally and have joined the Teutonic Knights just to hunt Demons.

Tenets of Faith

1) Thou shall honor all the Gods, though you pray to Athena

2) Thou shall honor thy Wife, Father, Mother, and Children

3) Tho shall share they knowledge openly unless that knowledge would lead to the unjust harming of another.

4) Thou shall not take the name of the Gods or Heavens in vain

5) Thou shall listen to Athena's Headmaster as you would listen to her

6) Thou not have dealings with Demons or Eldritch Beings

7) Thou shall obey the law of the land

8) Beware the 7 deadly sins, for they are a plaque that hampers ascension

9) Seek first for treasures of knowledge. For knowledge is all that we take with us through ascension.

10) Thou shall care for the poor of the world. For thy deeds shall judge thy readiness for ascension

Ethics

To the church the search for knowledge and wisdom is the greatest pursuit for mortals and teaching the greatest calling. They live with the belief that once they pass on Athena herself will guide them on a path to godhood. They are taught that the more knowledge and wisdom they obtain during mortality the quicker their ascension will be. It's members will try and find knowledge any way they can. Some villages far from a chapel or library will often save their part of all their incomes and assign a villager to travel just to obtain more books. Most of the books found in Avalon Valley have ether been written, saved, or copied by Lore Masters and Keepers.

Many in the church feel that hording knowledge is sin. As such the church has built many schools that are supported by donations from the community rather than tuition payments. There are also many Master Scholars who travel to remote villages and towns to help ensure people are educated. While these traveling teachers can't provide the same education years of schooling can. They are able to teach many basics such as geometry, history, and literacy.

Other sins for the church include the breaking of its 10 commandments. Those who break a commandment are seen as veering off the path towards ascension. The church views it as a congregations duty to attempt and help a sinner back on the path. This is done by having the sinner face the congregation and admit their sins. Each member of the congregation then takes a turn standing in front of the sinner. They tell the sinner 3 complements and 2 pieces of advice or encouragement for how to deal with said sin. Those who 'sin' are expected to make a sacrifice as a physical show of repentance. They are also expected to pray to Athena for guidance and forgiveness. It is generally excepted that a sinner will know of Athena's forgiveness during sacrifice as the sacrificial fires will turn blue instead of red.

Those who commit murder and or rape are given more serious punishment. Those convicted of the crimes due to passion, drunkenness or other impairment are forced to sleep outside the city or village limits for 40 days. During this time they are not allowed to eat or drink anything except for water and unleavened bread. These meals are given once a day by the local Master Scholar. During this time the Master Scholar also takes time to counsel with the offender on how to live a better life. During exile the sinner is expected to mediate on their actions and pray for guidance from Athena. Once the 40 days are over the offender must sacrifice a young animal and offer some of their own blood. Should the fire turn blue they are greeted by the congregation the same as another sinner. Should the fire not turn blue they are exiled for another 10 days. Should they come back after this period and the fire not turn blue the sinner is exiled permanently and branded with an M or an R. If during their wanderings Athena feels they have earned her forgiveness she will send an angel to the sinner to remove the brand and escort them back to their home.

Those who commit murder and or rape in cold blood receive the harshest punishment. They are locked in a cage in the town square for 10 days. They must sacrifice an appendage such as toe or finger. If the fire glows blue they then must endure the process for a murder convicted for passion. If it glows white they are pushed into the sacrificial fires and given to Athena.

Anyone found tampering with the sacrificial fires in anyway they are sacrificed to Athena unless and Angel from her comes to save them. This has happened in recorded history only 3 times.

Should a worshiper of Athena or ones child decide to change to another God's church/ cult they are not to be shunned but supported in their attempts at a new path to ascension.

Worship

Church members worship by giving prayers, sacrifices, and learning as much as they can. Prayers are expected to be given at least twice a week if not every day. These prayers are of gratitude for guidance or blessings from Athena or requests for aid and guidance. For sacrifices she accepts donations of magical items/tomes to her school but prefers tales of things learned (pay 5XP). Raptors are also acceptable, which she uses to guard her schools and hunt her enemies. It is said that sacrifices should be given once a month unless one is in need or repentance or wishes to try and gain a boon from Athena. It is said that praying for guidance and aid while giving a sacrifice increases the chances of her aiding you.

Priesthood

The mortal leader of the church is known as the Prime Master or Prime Mistress. He or she is the one who answers directly to Athena for the day to day affairs of her church and collages. They also take direction from Athena and see that her wishes are accomplished. They are assisted and counseled by the Masters Council. Who's members are known as Headmasters. Each Headmaster is assigned an area they oversee. For example there is a Headmaster assigned to each Collage, one assigned to magical research, one to acquiring new books and knowledge. This council meets at Athena's main collage in BYU. Though it's members assigned to collages live on those campuses.

Below the Headmasters are the Master Scholars and Lore Masters. Master Scholars are those in charge of shrines and chapels to Athena and the congregations of followers that meet there. They ensure each shrine or chapel is clean and in working order, as well as ensuring the needs of their congregations are met.

Lore Masters are those in charge of the church's libraries and Vault. Each collage and many major cities have a church library open to the public. Lore Masters ensure the libraries are protected and kept in working order. The Vault is a special library housed somewhere in BYU's campus. It holds books, artifacts, and other things that Athena has ordered to be given special protection. The Vault is only open to Headmasters, Primes and the current Lore Master over the vault. Even political leaders from Avalon Valley's many nations are forbidden from entering. It is rumored that the Vault is Athena's physical home and study, though no Lore Master has acknowledged this. Church members who assist the Lore Masters are known as Lore Keepers.

Normal church members are known as Scholars or Acolyte.

Granted Divine Powers

Athena blesses her followers intellect the most. Helping them to learn things faster as well and notice more about the world and it's people around them. Players of Avalon who join her church are allowed to learn an extra language, and receive +2 to perception and or investigation rolls once a day. They also receive a permanent +1 to any knowledge rolls.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The church of Athena is most influential in Avalon Kingdom. After King Carson revolted from the Cult of the Lady he offered the church to assign a Head Master to his court. They would then be allowed to act as any of Carson's chosen counselors. The church took up the offer very quickly. Each king/ Queen sense Carson has given the church the same permission. In the smaller towns and villages the church wields great influence as they provide the primary education most pheasant villagers will ever receive.

Sects

There are 2 major positions outside the church for Clerics of Athena. Crusader and Justicar. Crusaders generally join a Knightly order or nations military. Those who join a knightly order generally want to use their knowledge to make the world a safer place or use the knightly order as a way to travel the world and experience more of what the world has to offer. Those who join a nations military act ether as officers because of more intellect or as combat medics. While crusaders are not frowned upon by the church those who join a nations military or the Hospitaller Knights are held in higher regard.

Justicars are clerics who join the local police or watchmen. They seek to prevent crime by patrolling the streets, teaching locals alternatives to living besides crime, and punishing those who commit crimes. Athena Justicars are more often placed as detectives to help solve crimes and mysteries rather than normal patrolmen. This is done due to Athena blessing the intellect of her Justicars. Athena Justicars are the most sought after Justicars to solve crimes next to Justicars from the church of Anubus.

Knowledge the greatest Treasure, Wisdom the key of the Heavens

Founding Date

5 Dragon, 0AC

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Alternative Names

Cult of Athena

Demonym

Athenians, Athenaites, Scholars of Athena

Divines

• Athena

Location

Avalon Valley

Players of Avalon who join her church are allowed to learn an extra language, and receive +2 to perception and or investigation rolls once a day. They also receive a permanent +1 to any knowledge rolls.

Blessed by Athena

Be an active member of Athena's church and in good standing with her.

You have found favor in Athena's eyes. As one of her children she blesses you with increased perception and knowledge.

Learn an extra language, and receive +2 to perception and or investigation rolls once a day. They also receive a permanent +1 to any knowledge rolls.