The Way of Itertalis
The "New Way" of Itertalis has spread across the world, making its way into great houses and parliaments. This mysterious and hierarchical order keeps secrets close to its domain in Voshain, the workings of the church intertwined with the monarchy. As its reach and influence grows, the old gods and the pantheons of Gratora dwindle.
History
The Way of Itertalis is one of the younger religions of Brunaria, first gaining a following around 400 years ago in what is now The Kingdom of Voshain.
At first a fledgling, fractured religion, it did not gain notable influence until Sterlyn Berchtold united the various sects of the Way and petty kingdoms of Voshain under a single banner. Since this unification and gaining status as the state religion, the following has boomed, spreading to all corners of Brunaria.
Mythology & Lore
Origins of Brunaria
Thousands of years ago, a great mountain stood alone, dominating the landscape. Over centuries, great rivers flowed down the mountainside, eroding it and depositing this earth into the continents of today. It was the Way of Itertalis that guided this flow, ensuring the world was as it should be - that there was fresh water for the animals, and good hunting for the peoples.From Great Heights
The Way of Itertalis works from above. All surface dwellers feel its flow and benefit from its vision. When you feel the warmth of the sun or delight in the nourishment of the rains, it is because the Way has sent them to you. Its presence can be felt best at altitude - it is not uncommon to climb a hill or mountain in times of trouble or when guidance or direction is needed. The Deep Realm, the layers of caverns beneath the surface, are out of reach of the Way. It must be avoided, for salvation cannot find you down below.The Great Purge
The civilized races of the surface were under grave threat from the creatures below. An ancient horror threatened to rise up, devouring those on the surface. The Way of Itertalis had foreseen this, and sent a great flood crashing across the earth. This horror was caught up in the waves, and was washed once again deep into the earth. This miracle was a great act, channeling hundreds of years of guidance into one great moment. This tapped the influence of the Way for many years, causing it to lay dormant, the world progressing without its guidance. The entity in question lurks still, biding its time to return to the surface. It is important that the Way is established, making its mark all over the surface. If the Way is not empowered, it will not be able to intervene.Tenets of Faith
Make Your Mark
The most important Tenet, a Factopecus is tasked with making their mark on the world, no matter how small. They must leave on an impression on the lives of those around them and the lands through which they travel. A good follower will spend their time teaching and influencing, leaving a noticeable impact from their presence. This can take many forms, such as offering counsel to a neighbor, to building a stone cairn on a forest stroll. What is important is that the world is being marked in the service of the Way.A Guiding Force
The Way flows gently over many years. A follower must take care to apply the right influence to the world. It is sinful to unduly impose your will on others. A Factopecus is expected to pause and listen and offer good-faith advice to friends and enemies alike.My Own Hands
As a member of the church, you are a maker. When possible, you should embody that fact - make your own meals, clothes, and housing. This was simple enough in the self sufficient villages of Voshain, but this tenet falls out of favor elsewhere in the world.Worship
The Making of the Meal
In devout households, the Making of the Meal is a daily ritual. The base ingredients are laid out, and each member of the household takes the time to prepare and compose their plate. It can take many forms, such as cooking from scratch, or just assembling a sandwich, but what is important is that the follower has made their mark on themselves.The Slumber
While the Way is infinite on a cosmic scale, it is limited for each point in time. The Way is least accessible during the winter solstice. Followers are encouraged to return home by nightfall, lest their enemies take advantage of this lapse.The Ascension
As clergy progress through the ranks of the church, their body must ascend to match. A pilgrimage is called for to mark the occasion. For minor climbs, the Ascension is metaphorical - a visit to another nearby church, or a prayer on a hill. For more major progression, an act of physical fitness is required. Imperators are expected to brave towering heights, climbing treacherous mountains to prove their resolve and abilities. Once at the summit, they lay beneath the sky and await their guidance. The most dramatic Ascension is that of the Factopracul - The Great Maker, and leader of the church. A Factorect seeking the vacated title of Factopracul must embark on a journey up the Apicem - the highest mountain in Voshain, and on the continent of Eodrand. The journey takes days, and requires treacherous crossings and sheer climbs. It is rumored that horrific beasts roam the mountainside, eager to feast on a climber. Assuming the individual survives the climb, they lay themselves bear on the summit, trusting the Way to protect them from the harsh winds and brutal cold. If they are worthy, they will commune with the Way, learning their purpose as Factopracul. The church knows they have their new Factopracul when they return to their church, their left eye a shining gold.
The Gold Eye of the Factoprucal
Priesthood
Factopecus - The Flock
While note formal priests, all followers are designated as Factopecus. With their actions, they have the ability to help chart the Way and enlighten those around them.Factotiro - The Servant
The Factotiro have taken the first step in their service of the way, pledging to live the teachings and spread the word. Under the guidance of their Factomuta, they begin to make their mark. A Factotiro is most often assigned work at a chapel, assisting with service and other duties, including local charity work. In some cases, a Factotiro is a traveler, charged with focusing on their practice before returning to the church.Factomuta - The Maker
The Factomuta has proven that they can embody the Way and introduce it to others. They may now lead services or even head their own church, under the stewardship of the regional Factusos. A Factomuta has responsibilities to his community, acting as counsel & arbitrator for the Factopeci. In rural communities, they may assist in bringing knowledge to the area with the aid of the central church. They will procure important literature on topics such as weather, agriculture, & medicine. A Factomuta may even be able to request young Factotiro travel to their community to help with public works and other projects. A Factomuta has done their duty when their community is better than they found it - they have made their mark.Factusos - The Keeper
The Factusos is a key facilitator between the church and their region. The Factusos reports to the church on the happenings of the region and the status of their flock. If resources are needed, it is the Factusos that makes the request of the church.Imperator - The Commander
Certain duties of the church cannot be completed with sermons and spades. It is up to the Imperator to carry out these missions that carry risk & danger. An Imperator has a solemn duty - to accept this role is to step out of the traditional hierarchy. An Imperator may no longer ascend within the ranks - the appointment is a lifetime one. The Imperator is put in challenging positions and must use their judgement to make impossible decisions. To that end, they are freed of some tenants and rules that constrain other members of the clergy. Once they take their oath, the Imperator gains exceptional physical abilities. The Imperator may conscript lower ranking priests while on official business. A Factusos, Factomuta or Factotiro is compelled to follow the Imperator or face strict consequences. While not expressly forbidden, the Imperator rarely takes a lover or starts a family due to the reach of their travels and the danger of their duties.Factorect - The Guide
Often stationed in high courts or seats of government, the Factorect offers the services of the church to the world-at-large. The wisdom, experience, and libraries of the church are opened to important leaders, in exchange for free travel and protection within their lands. It is the influence of the Factorect that has allowed the Way to spread worldwide. A Factorect is often a skilled advisor, experiencing moments of premonition to aid their host ruler. While they are pledged to be a trusted and honorable servant, a Factorect has larger interests than this one ruler. They listen for rumors and happenings and report it back to the church.Factopracul - The Great Maker
The Factoprucal of Itertalis is the supreme authority of the church. Never leaving the great cathedral Iterbus, the Factoprucal interprets the will of the Way and ensures the church is carrying it out.Granted Divine Powers
Foresight
Gifted followers gain an enhanced foresight, predicting dangers moments before they manifest and weighing potential outcomes. For this reason, trained followers are welcomed into royal courts and government halls. It is said that highly attuned leaders can see hours or days into the future.Lighting the Way
After their first Ascension, followers wield the powers of light. Even the meekest Factomuta can illuminate a space, causing an object to emit a soft light. Skilled holy warriors can imbue their weapons with this power, sending force blasts of energy at their foes.Sects
Despite the power & reach of the central church, smaller sects still exist, with their own applications of the original teachings. These sects are generally left to themselves, unable to access the resources of the church. A spin-off of Itertalis that begins to convert followers will likely get a visit from an Imperator.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Alternative Names
The New Way
Demonym
The Wayward
Leader
Leader Title
Permeated Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments