Neo Dogma

Mythology & Lore

Central to the Kelic region is the Neo Dogma, the guiding principles of Kelemvor's most devout. Central to the Neo Dogma is the Lyonsbane Dictate, a creed that Kelemvor followed all His life, even while he was a mortal. According to the Neo Dogma, following the dictate was what led the mortal Kelemvor down a righteous path that ultimately resulted in His godhood, where He became the fairest and most just of all the gods of death.
The Lyonsbane Dictate is a guiding moral principle that demands followers of the Dead God nurture and guide those among them that have been disadvantaged or deprived. It teaches that each person is responsible for their neighbor and that collective success is of greater importance than individual victory.
Above all else, the Dictate teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to progress, for one's self to become a better and more complete version of its previous selves. It teaches to continue into death with the same conviction for betterment. This decree serves the purpose of protecting follows of Kelemvor from damnation, teaching them to always improve teaches them to reflect and atone.

Divine Origins

For much of recorded history, Kelemvor, and indeed most other gods of death, did not have any notable followings outside of cult-like groups and terroristic organizations. Many associate a devotion to gods of passage with devotion for death and killing, and those communities become relegated by greater society.
This was the case for Kelemvor's following as well until relatively recently. There was one figure who was known for being devout to Kelemvor, but he was also known as a murderer and an outcast. The legendary, or in some cases infamous, Ser Alduric Veren, reintroduced many to the presence of the lord the dead, and set the foundations for the Republic of Kelemvor to flourish.
With this new following, Chosen and Saints of Kelemvor emerged from the new devout. Chief among them is Ashley Moztel, Second Chosen of Kelemvor, arbiter of His will.

Cosmological Views

The most vital piece of Kelic wisdom is the common refrain There Is No Waste. According to Kelemvor and His followers, all things play a role in the great tapestry, an unending story that folds all existence into itself. Even death creates, and in dying one returns to the state they existed in for all time before the comparably small duration of their life. Interpreted according to this philosophy, there are no meaningless actions, so finding the meaning in everyday action can be dutiful work in and of itself.
Another core understanding of these teachings is that Kelemvor is a god of death, not a god of suffering. He is often referred to as The Great Guide, instead of as a reaper. Kelemvor and all that follow Him understand that meeting the end is not a punishment, and evading it is futile. They instead prepared for it as the next step in the great tapestry. Followers prepare many rituals and rites for those soon to pass, or for those who died in unholy or otherwise fouled places. These rites were designed to give respect to those who left this world, to give them their dignity in their transition.

Tenets of Faith

One could be forgiven for thinking that the Church of Kelemvor is obsessed with death. While it is a primary aspect of their religion, much of the church's activities are wholly concerned with living a full and worthy life.
At noon each day, followers of Kelemvor are encouraged to participate in The Hour of High Mind, a ritual where one contemplates how they have thus far spent their day, and how they can continue, or in some cases begin, to do good with the half that is left.
A common commandment in the Church of Kelemvor is to protect the innocent and the weak, to always defend your neighbor from undue harm, and to seek justice wherever you see its absence. these commandments are ubiquitous among holy followings, but Kelemvor introduces a uniquity to their practice--The Decree of Discretion. Followers of the dead god are encouraged not to intercede unnecessarily, to patiently observe details where possible to prevent ones self from interrupting the carrying out of justice. Many struggle with the seemingly contradictory nature of these commandments, of being the change you want to see in the world while also remaining reticent to interpose themselves.
One of the most important laws of the church is Preserving Life's Sanctity. There are many necromantic forces in the world that seek to pervert the natural gift of life by usurping it with undeath. The church seeks the destruction of undead creatures wherever and whenever possible. They also strictly prohibit the use of magic that can artificially stretch a person's life span beyond its natural limit.

Founding Date

Y.E. 1097

Type

Geopolitical, Theocracy

Leader

Ashley Moztel

Location

Bearingpool

Controlled Territories

• Tiriene, the First Light