Covenant of the Dawn Host
The Dawn Host is the pantheon of powers that were victorious against Nilath and the primordials during The Dawn Cataclysm. Its teachings and tennets are contained in a set of scrolls known as the Hallowed Doctrine and were written by the first Dawn Herald, the Martyr King. Though variations in interpretations exist, the Dawn Host is the most widely accepted and prolific religion on the continent of Kalindar.
Divine Origins
After an event known as The Fall, the gods entered into a covenant with the peoples of Aeternium who were the first to give worship to the gods. the gods vowed that so long as their tenets and faith were upheld, the void shall not prevail against them as it had before. This covenant was forged between the martyr king and his disciples and their tradition has carried these tenets to the current era.
Worship
For the general populous, worship times vary depending on what local temple or church. Some temples, particularly in highly populated areas, offer communal worship every day of the week. Other places might only offer communal worship twice or three times a week. Typically communal worship is held at the beginning and end of each week. These ceremonies are known as the Dawn Rites and Dusk Rites respectively. Aside from those times, there are special rites and times of worship for holidays that occur throughout the calendar year. Often temples are open to the public at all times of the day should one require personal time for prayer and contemplation or if they need to enact atonement. Those of the priesthood engage in worship throughout most of their day and adhere to certain rites and observances held by their temple. Other than worship a temple or church dedicated to the Dawn Host can administer many ceremonies and rites. They can bless marriages, conduct funerals and burials, bless those who come new into the faith, and anoint soon-to-be clergy members. They also offer special prayers and rites for the sick and wounded.
Priesthood
The Covenant's physical embodiment is that of the Church of the Dawnhost, it serves to guide the Harkened and bring the light and truth of the gods to all corners of Erath. The church is led by the priesthood which in turn is lead by the Dawn Herald. The path of the priest is long and arduous, but rewarding. Those who embark on this journey may enter into various stages of the priest-hood which are detailed below:
- Dawn Herald-Leader of the faith, chosen by the council of the Revered and anointed by the gods. Proclaims the word directly from the Host.
- The Revered- a group of high priests that advise the Dawn Herald and help to interpret doctrine and adjudicate church law. There are five in total and are referred to as The Holy Hand. this is the highest position someone can hope to achieve within the church.
- Archprelate- These priests administer to an entire region often serving as religious advisors to minor and even some major rulers. They dispense rulings from higher church authority and serve as liaisons between the Grand Cathedral in Aeternium and smaller centers of worship.
- Prelate- Spiritual leaders for temples and churches. They oversee all functions within their church and are the highest religious authority within these local spaces.
- Celebrant- They lead worship and serve as the spiritual guide in their communities. Each temple or church might have 2-4 Celebrants.
- Anchorite- These individuals have been called by the gods and journey on the road to priesthood. After a few years as an acolyte at their local place of worship and completing the proper discernments, they enter into seclusion by journeying to a major monastery where they further dedicate their lives to the Dawn Host. Their days are filled with prayer, translating holy text, and maintaining the administration of church records.
- Acolyte- These individuals have studied at monasteries from birth or have sought religion and chose to dedicate themselves to the Dawn Host later in life and are the most numerous amongst the global church hierarchy. This is the first step one will take on the road to the priesthood and keep the grounds and see to the administration of their local temples and churches.
- The Harkened- the name given to the common lay worshipers who follow the faith of the Dawn Host. They have heard the Revelations within the Hallowed Doctrine and adhere to its tenets.
Granted Divine Powers
All priests within the church are trained in healing and many are also physicians in their local areas. Those of strong faith are granted the magical ability to mend wounds and ease disease with a prayer. Those in the higher echelons of the priesthood are able to accomplish great magical feats of healing, some say they can even restore lost limbs. It is also said that the Dawn Herald can seek the intervention of the divine and they answer.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Though not an official governmental body within the empire of Aeternium it has much influence on how the empire is run. The heads of state sought to constantly align their goals with those of the divine. Nearly every Emporer since the beginning of the current dynasty has sought a blessing from the church before they even ascended the throne. Those who didn't often met great misfortune and their reign tended to be shorter.
Sects
The church has a global presence. Each church has thier own customs and traditions, but all adhere to the same core teachings. Outside of churches and temples, there are two other organizations within the church. There is the militant arm of the church, The Dawn Flame Crusaders, and the investigative arm, The Argent Eye.
Type
Religious, Pantheon
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Divines
Location
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