The Church of Sune
Aside from those who despise love and beauty as a manifestation of weakness, the church of Sune is widely loved throughout Eastern Farraway and has many adherents to its teachings. However, as most Sunites are seen as flighty, vain, and superficial but basically harmless, the church of Sune has less influence than its prominence might otherwise suggest. Sunites have an intense rivalry with the followers of Hanali Celanil, the elven deity of beauty.
Structure
The organizational structure of the Church of Sune can vary depending on the region and culture in which it operates, but here is a general overview of how it is organized:
The Heartwarder: At the top of the Church of Sune's hierarchy is the Heartwarder, who is the spiritual leader of the church and serves as the primary representative of Sune. The Heartwarder is responsible for guiding the church's teachings and practices, and may also have political and social influence in the community.
The Radiant Servants of Sune: Below the Heartwarder are the Radiant Servants of Sune, who are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the church and managing its various departments and functions. The Senior Clergy may include bishops, archbishops, and other high-ranking officials, and may have varying levels of authority depending on the region.
Heartsongs of Sune: Below the Radiant Servants of Sune are the Heartsongs of Sune, who serve as the primary religious leaders in individual communities. Local Clergy may include priests, priestesses, and other religious officials, and are responsible for leading religious ceremonies, providing spiritual guidance, and managing the affairs of the local church.
The Beloveds of Sune: At the bottom of the Church of Sune's hierarchy are the Beloveds of Sune, who are the general members of the church. Initiates may be in the process of becoming full members of the church, while Followers are fully initiated members who actively participate in the church's activities and events.
Overall, the Church of Sune is a hierarchical organization that is centered around the High Priestess and her Senior Clergy, with Local Clergy and Initiates/Followers providing support and guidance at the local level.
It is worth noting that in some regions and cultures, the Church of Sune operates as a loose hierarchy rather than a strictly defined organizational structure. In such cases, the Church may not have a centralized leadership, and local churches may operate relatively independently from one another. In these situations, there may be fewer formal ranks or positions, and the role of the High Priestess and Senior Clergy may be less well-defined.
Instead, the Church may be more focused on shared beliefs and values, and may rely on the collective wisdom and guidance of its members to determine its direction and practices. Local churches may have more autonomy in their decision-making, and individual members may have a greater role in shaping the Church's overall direction.
However, it is important to note that this loose hierarchy is not universal across all regions and cultures, and some areas may have a more structured and centralized Church of Sune.
Culture
The culture of the Church of Sune is focused on promoting beauty, love, and joy in all aspects of life. This includes not only physical beauty, but also inner beauty, such as kindness, compassion, and generosity. Members of the Church strive to embody these qualities and to share them with others, creating a culture of positivity and warmth.
The Church of Sune also values creativity and self-expression, and encourages its members to pursue artistic endeavors as a means of celebrating beauty and spreading joy. Music, dance, poetry, and visual arts are all highly valued within the Church, and many of its rituals and celebrations incorporate artistic elements.
In addition to promoting beauty and creativity, the Church of Sune also places a strong emphasis on personal relationships and emotional connections. Members of the Church are encouraged to form deep, meaningful relationships with one another and with the world around them, and to seek out and cultivate moments of joy and love in their daily lives.
Overall, the culture of the Church of Sune is one of positivity, creativity, and emotional connection, centered around the belief that beauty and love can bring light and joy to the world.
Public Agenda
Promoting art and creativity: Sune's teachings emphasize the value of beauty and encourage people to create art, music, and other forms of beauty. The Church of Sune therefore promotes and support the arts, such as by sponsoring festivals or providing funding for artists.
Encouraging love and compassion: Sune is also a guardian of love, and her teachings emphasize the importance of love and compassion for oneself and others. The Church of Sune therefore promotes love and kindness, such as by providing counseling services or supporting charities that help those in need.
Celebrating pleasure and joy: Sune's teachings encourage people to find pleasure and joy in life, and the Church of Sune therefore sponsors events or activities that celebrate these values, such as feasts or carnivals.
Empowering women: Sune is a High One of femininity and beauty, and her teachings often emphasize the value of women and the importance of empowering them. The Church of Sune supports women's rights and advocate for gender equality.
Overall, the Church of Sune seeks to spread joy, love, and beauty in the world, and may manifest these values in a variety of ways depending on the local culture and circumstances.
Assets
Sunite temples are either stunningly beautiful edifices of fantastic design or classically elegant structures strategically enhanced by sculptured landscaping constructed with numerous picturesque paths and promenades and surprising and enchanting nooks in which to share moments of love, beauty, and passion. Many Sunite temples sport formal gardens with gorgeous flower beds, trellises and bowers of well-trained vines, and carefully pruned trees and topiaries. Fine sculptures and sumptuous fountains that play with soft, magical lighting provide focal points in most Sunite temple gardens. Some of the temples double as social salons, and some of them even had public baths for the local populace.
Her shrines often stood on the corner of busy city streets. They would have a small ornate overhanging roof with a mirror underneath. They were used to check one's appearance while honoring Sune with prayer. Some shrines even held perfume and cosmetic items for those who could not afford such luxuries themselves.
History
The Church of Sune is one of the oldest and most venerable institutions in Eastern Farraway, with a history stretching back thousands of years. According to myth and legend, Sune herself founded the Church in the early days of the world, as a means of promoting beauty, love, and joy among her followers.
Over the centuries, the Church of Sune has weathered many challenges and changes, from wars and upheavals to schisms and reformations. At times, it has been a powerful and influential institution, with great wealth and political influence, while at other times it has been forced to retreat and regroup in the face of persecution or upheaval.
Despite these challenges, the Church of Sune has remained a constant presence in Eastern Farraway promoting its message of beauty, love, and joy to all who will listen.
Mythology & Lore
Sune is a guardian of beauty, love, and passion, and her mythology is centered around these themes. According to legend, she was born from the music of Io, and from her earliest days she was associated with the power and allure of physical beauty.
As Sune grew in power and influence, she began to attract a following of mortals who were drawn to her beauty and charisma. These mortals, in turn, became her most devoted followers and helped to spread her teachings throughout the world.
Sune is often depicted as a complex and multi-faceted goddess, embodying not only physical beauty, but also the beauty of the soul and the spirit. She is associated with passion and romance, and her worshipers often seek her blessings in matters of the heart, from love affairs to marriages to creative endeavors.
In Sune's mythology, there are many stories of her power and influence, from her role in shaping the world in its earliest days to her interventions in mortal affairs. She is often depicted as a High One of great generosity and compassion, willing to extend her love and blessings to all who seek them.
Divine Origins
The origins of the Church of Sune are shrouded in myth and legend, but according to legend, the Church was founded by Sune herself in the earliest days of the world. As a guardian of beauty, love, and passion, Sune was naturally drawn to mortal beings who shared her ideals, and she sought to establish a community of like-minded individuals who would worship her and spread her message throughout the world.
Over time, the Church of Sune grew and evolved, attracting followers from all walks of life and spreading across the land. The Church's teachings emphasized the importance of beauty, love, and joy in all aspects of life, and its followers sought to embody these ideals in their actions and their relationships.
As the Church of Sune grew in power and influence, it became a major force in the world, with vast wealth and political influence. However, it also faced challenges and setbacks, from internal divisions to external threats from rival religions and other forces.
Despite these challenges, the Church of Sune has remained a constant presence in Eastern Farraway, and it continues to promote its message of beauty, love, and joy to all who will listen.
Cosmological Views
The cosmology of the Church of Sune is largely based on the general cosmology of Eastern Farrawat. According to this cosmology, the universe is divided into different planes of existence, each with its own characteristics and inhabitants.
At the center of the cosmos is the Material Plane, which is the world that most mortals are familiar with. Surrounding the Material Plane are the Inner Planes, which are planes of elemental energy that make up the building blocks of the universe.
Beyond the Inner Planes lie the Outer Planes, which are realms of divine power and transcendence. It is here that the Ainar dwell, and it is from these planes that they exert their influence over the mortal world.
In the cosmology of the Church of Sune, the High One herself is said to reside on one of the Outer Planes, in a realm of beauty and pleasure known as the House of the Lady. This realm is said to be a place of perfect beauty, where Sune and her followers bask in the glory of creation and revel in the joys of life.
Love is the beauty of the soul
Maps
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The House of Roses
The House of Roses is a temple of indulgence and luxury, dedicated to spreading the message of love and beauty throughout the world. It is a sanctuary where all are welcome to indulge in the finer things in life and connect with the divine presence of Lady Firehair.
Alternative Names
The Beloved, The Bright Lady's Faithful, The Joybringers
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