Church of Heironeous
Note: Mainland Flaness (OG WoG setting) specific notes.
Heironeous is called the Invincible, the Valorous Knight, and the Arch-paladin.
Symbol: His symbol is a white or silver hand clutching a white or silver lightning bolt. Overview:
Heironeous expects his followers to uphold the highest ideals of chivalry and justice and to treat adversity as a challenge to be met and overcome, just as evil should be overcome. The world is a dangerous place where those who fight for justice and who protect the weak and the innocent face a never-ending series of challenges. He exhorts his followers to act honourably at all times, and to uphold the virtues of justice and chivalry with deeds, not just words. Only those who face danger with certainty and calm will prevail against evil.
The church is supported by numerous religiousmilitary orders, some of which can trace their origins back to the church armies of the Great Kingdom (though none swear allegiance to the Malachite Throne or its successors today). Most paladins join orders like: Order of the Shining Sword, Knights of Holy Shielding, Brotherhood of the Lance Unbroken, The Sacred Order of the White Paladins and the Copper Crusaders amongst many others. The order can each be found in a particular area of the Flanaess but the church is strongest in Furyondy, Veluna and the Shield lands.
The church always attempts to become involved in the politics of any region where it has established temples. Using political contacts to gather information about any evil that taints the local nobility, who view such interest as meddling. However, it also garners favour with those who can fund expeditions and field armies to root out threats to the land.
Services and holy texts such as “The Book of the Code” and The Book of Penitence”, are all in the Old Oeridian language. Services include triumphant battle hymns, offerings to copper statues of the god, and the sharing of hearty, strengthening foods.
Beliefs: Duty to the People: This pertains to mercy, courage, valour, justice, protection of the weak, and fidelity to church superiors and officers of just law. Included in this part of the code is the willingness to give your life to save another. Duty to the Archpaladin: obedience to Heironeous, devotion to the church, championing good against evil, generosity, and obeying the needs of the faith/ church above that of mortals.
Duty to a Lady: courtly love, devotion to a particular lady and after her all other ladies, with a general respect toward all women.
Goals:
Enemies: All that is evil. Hextor especially receives special treatment.
Member traits: Must follow the faith of Heironeous and be of good alignment. Must spend 1 month/ year within a temple praying and training. This is usually done in week-long stints every season rather than all at once. Priestly vestments include chain mail and blue robes with silver trim. Ranks: Novices (rank 1) are known as the Squires while all others are called the Valorous Host.
Example of an Order: Knights of the Holy Shielding: Description: This elite band of mounted knights was once the core of the army of the Shield Lands. Shield Knights were noble lords from the Shield Lands who came together for their mutual protection. As symbols of honour they always make their presence known to help bolster the morale of the common soldier and intimidate the cowardly minions of evil. Headquarters: The Shield Lands were left in ruin during the Greyhawk Wars, the capital (and the knights’ headquarters) of Admundfort was seized, and the knights were left with nothing to defend. Critwall is now mainly their HQ. Leadership: Since the capture and death of Holmer, Earl of Walworth, his cousin Countess of Walworth and Shield Commander Katarina (Hm female Pal15) has taken his title and stepped in to lead the knights.
Heironeous is called the Invincible, the Valorous Knight, and the Arch-paladin.
Symbol: His symbol is a white or silver hand clutching a white or silver lightning bolt. Overview:
Heironeous expects his followers to uphold the highest ideals of chivalry and justice and to treat adversity as a challenge to be met and overcome, just as evil should be overcome. The world is a dangerous place where those who fight for justice and who protect the weak and the innocent face a never-ending series of challenges. He exhorts his followers to act honourably at all times, and to uphold the virtues of justice and chivalry with deeds, not just words. Only those who face danger with certainty and calm will prevail against evil.
The church is supported by numerous religiousmilitary orders, some of which can trace their origins back to the church armies of the Great Kingdom (though none swear allegiance to the Malachite Throne or its successors today). Most paladins join orders like: Order of the Shining Sword, Knights of Holy Shielding, Brotherhood of the Lance Unbroken, The Sacred Order of the White Paladins and the Copper Crusaders amongst many others. The order can each be found in a particular area of the Flanaess but the church is strongest in Furyondy, Veluna and the Shield lands.
The church always attempts to become involved in the politics of any region where it has established temples. Using political contacts to gather information about any evil that taints the local nobility, who view such interest as meddling. However, it also garners favour with those who can fund expeditions and field armies to root out threats to the land.
Services and holy texts such as “The Book of the Code” and The Book of Penitence”, are all in the Old Oeridian language. Services include triumphant battle hymns, offerings to copper statues of the god, and the sharing of hearty, strengthening foods.
Beliefs: Duty to the People: This pertains to mercy, courage, valour, justice, protection of the weak, and fidelity to church superiors and officers of just law. Included in this part of the code is the willingness to give your life to save another. Duty to the Archpaladin: obedience to Heironeous, devotion to the church, championing good against evil, generosity, and obeying the needs of the faith/ church above that of mortals.
Duty to a Lady: courtly love, devotion to a particular lady and after her all other ladies, with a general respect toward all women.
Goals:
- Travel the world on church orders to seek out and destroy evil.
- Free the shield lands.
- Work as strategists, military instructors, or judges.
Enemies: All that is evil. Hextor especially receives special treatment.
Member traits: Must follow the faith of Heironeous and be of good alignment. Must spend 1 month/ year within a temple praying and training. This is usually done in week-long stints every season rather than all at once. Priestly vestments include chain mail and blue robes with silver trim. Ranks: Novices (rank 1) are known as the Squires while all others are called the Valorous Host.
Example of an Order: Knights of the Holy Shielding: Description: This elite band of mounted knights was once the core of the army of the Shield Lands. Shield Knights were noble lords from the Shield Lands who came together for their mutual protection. As symbols of honour they always make their presence known to help bolster the morale of the common soldier and intimidate the cowardly minions of evil. Headquarters: The Shield Lands were left in ruin during the Greyhawk Wars, the capital (and the knights’ headquarters) of Admundfort was seized, and the knights were left with nothing to defend. Critwall is now mainly their HQ. Leadership: Since the capture and death of Holmer, Earl of Walworth, his cousin Countess of Walworth and Shield Commander Katarina (Hm female Pal15) has taken his title and stepped in to lead the knights.
Comments