Iconography & Honorific
Valkur, God of the Sky [The Eternal Sky, He Who Is Above] Valkur is symbolized by a bolt of lightning intersecting with a Pryani Star, usually depicted among ominous cloud cover or a void. He is the embodiment of air, speed, stars, and lightning. The iconography of Valkur is representative of freedom and travel, his people constantly seeking movement as much as possible from place to place and from activity to activity. The followers of Valkur became known as the
Marked Zealots. Known for the brand many have burned either on their forearms or necks meant to resemble the
Pryani Star. The militant arm of the Marked Zealot's are known as the
Golden Eagles. Easily identifiable not only for the brand on their necks, but the Golden Armor polished to a mirror shine.
Images related to the Marked Zealot faith are known as the "divine celestial bodies" and represent the human's role as they see themselves, as leaders of the world. Their legends and fables occupy a similar space:
- The Pryani Star
- The Minted Seal
- The True North Compass
- Ca'tegapan - Celestial for "Wayfinder"
- Tri-waining Moon Alignment
- Golden Albatross (common symbol in peacetime) or Golden Eagle (common symbol in wartime)
Creation Mythos
The 10 days of creation in which sky was born into existance. From the void Valkur tore through from another existance into this one. Seperating the sky from that which was below. The Sky, glorious in its vast expanse, pristine, and untouched by beast or man. Valkur would raise the chosen up an honored few into his golden city. They would soar with wings as eagles.
Tenets
- The Uplifted - Humans are to coduct themselves prima facia, in an uplifted, upright, and dignified manner. Seeking violence only when all other means are exhausted.
- The Brilliant - Prized above all else is the intellect of the human species. Valkur, having enlightened his people charges them with the proliferation of civility, decorum, and knowledge throughout Espen. As his heralds, they are to be exemplars of intellect.
- The Clandestine - By any means Humanity is to secure a peaceful and prosperous Espen. Valkur deplores violence unless no other means present themselves. Seek first means of avoiding the harming of the trodden, as they do not possess suffecient means of understanding. Instead unite them through surreptitious means for their own uplifting.
Hierarchy
- Marked Bishops - Are the leaders of Human cities, mostly elected in a system refered to by humans as a Opulencracy (rule by opulent wealth). This system has placed humans famalies who have amassed the largest fortunes and estates as the leaders of their respective cities. While many consider this a prized position, the truth is this position places a family's legacy in jeopardy daily. As the ruling family is financially obligated to support the city in times of hardship and has ocassionally shifted the balance of power from one family to another. Though a loss of wealth is considered to be no more than a loss of Valkur's favor.
- High Table - Following 10 years of combined service, a Marked Bishop must resign their role in favor of a position of a seat at the High Table. This group is responsible for the management of civics and entertainment, safety, education, and commerce. Though the military might of the Marked Bishop within the city is unquestioned, it is understood that the honor of the high table brings with it all of the benefits of the Marked Bishop with little of the risk.
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