The Folk of Danu
Claiming dominion over the some 60 million souls on Albion, The Folk of Danu (also refered to the Tuath Dé) is an ancient institution with its origins in old Eridas and Ezura. While it still maintains some missions there, most notably in Vilverin, its primary worshippers can be found in and around northern Albion today. The church is headed by a patriarch who resides either in Saarthal, Enetia or Vilverin and who indirectly controls all temples and cathedrals of the church on Calcaria during his reign. The current Patriarch is Martin the Confessor, who has made his headquarters in the Basilica of Danu in Vilverin and who has renewed interests in spreading Danu's worship on Ezura, somewhat neglecting Albion in the process. This has brought it in conflict with both the Empire in the past and with today's current kingdoms, however none of them can truly afford to challenge the interpreters of the divine.
Structure
The heirarchy of the church can be broken down into the following titles:
- Patriarch - This individual is the head of the church and supposedly recieves messages from the divine.
- Cardinal - An individual who has authority over multiple Bishops
- Bishop - A church member who is responsible for multiple Priests
- Priest - A member who is in charge of a church and responsible for running local services
Divine Origins
The Folk of Danu has its history based in the ancient times, long before the Empire of Arran . It was the church that connected these early Men and their beliefs in the Goddess Danu that brought them together on their journey from Eridas to Albion, and as such has always had a large presence in the hearts of those who reside there.
It was said the Church was founded by one of Danu's Solars, though no records of that time remain in the public eye, and only the vaults underneath the Basilica would reveal the truth. At first, the Church was inclusive of all races but has slowly became more and more exclusive to humans over the centuries after its founding. The belief that Danu's power is sustained through the worship of her followers has clashed with some scholars and their interpretation of the divine. Nevertheless, the Church is almost 4,000 years old and that alone grants it authority in the eyes of most.
Tenets of Faith
The Church follows the six tenets of Danu:
I. Victory over evil
II. Free Will for all mortals
III. Hearth's Light on each night
IV. Generosity to those under you
V. Courage against darkness
VI. Justice in every action
Priesthood
To become a priest of the Church, one needs to be appointed by a local bishop who heads a cathedral or temple, who in turn is appointed by a Cardinal, assigned by the Patriarch. The Patriarch is supposedly a celestial being that has visited Calcaria on behalf of Danu, though if none are found or convinced to lead the Church, a patriarch is elected from among the Cardinals.
The priests of the Church are mostly human, though some exceptions exist. They devote their lives to Danu and pray to her; often working their entire lives in a shrine or chapel, or attend a bishop in her cathedral or temple instead. They are known healers, and will aid those they deem right and just, and often make ends meet by selling potions that have their divine energy imbued in them.
Sects
One of the more extreme off-shoots of the Church are the Red Dawn Cult, which interprets the will of Danu through sword and blood. While not outright believing that other gods do not exist, they punish those who do not follow the goddess Danu wherever they go.
Founding Date
1977 BE
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Alternative Names
Tuath Dé
Leader
Leader Title
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
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Notable Members
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