The Radiant Conclave of Pelor
The Radiant Conclave of Pelor venerates Pelor, the deity of light, healing, and agriculture. Founded in the early days of 107 AoU by the visionary High Prophetess Elowyn Thersis, the Conclave was established under the principles of spreading warmth and enlightenment across the world. Members believe that just as the sun nurtures life with its rays, they are to foster hope, health, and harvest through their actions and teachings.
The central doctrine of the Conclave is the "Illumination of the Soul," which teaches that every individual carries a divine spark within them, capable of overcoming darkness and despair. The Conclave’s followers, known as the Sunsworn, gather in grand temples of glass and gold that are architectural tributes to their sun god. These structures are strategically placed to catch and amplify daylight, serving as beacons of light and hope in the communities they serve.
Key to the religion is its active role in the community. The Sunsworn conduct daily sunrise and sunset ceremonies that attract large gatherings. They also provide aid to farmers by blessing crops, heal the sick through divine magic, and support local governance through moral and spiritual guidance. The religion’s annual Festival of Lights is a major event celebrated by all followers, involving week-long festivities that include light shows, communal feasts, and the burning of night effigies to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
Structure
High Luminary:
The supreme leader of the Conclave, responsible for overall spiritual guidance and religious decrees.Sunlight Council:
A body of senior clerics who oversee various regions and maintain the doctrine’s integrity.Dawnbringers:
Elite group of healers and warriors who act as the hands of Pelor, bringing light to dark places and aiding in crises.Harvest Keepers:
Clerics specialized in agriculture, responsible for blessing crops and teaching sustainable farming techniques.Daykeepers:
Priests who maintain the temples and conduct daily rituals; they wear robes of gold-threaded white linen.Culture
At the heart of the Radiant Conclave’s culture is the belief in the sanctity of the sun as a symbol of life and purity. The Sunsworn are taught from a young age to value the light and use it as a metaphor for truth, transparency, and health. Their communities are known for their open-hearted hospitality and generous spirit, reflecting their deity’s attributes. Life revolves around the solar cycle, with major decisions and events planned according to the sun’s position. Art, music, and literature within these communities often feature solar motifs, celebrating the light in various forms.
Public Agenda
The Radiant Conclave is driven by a mission to spread the light of Pelor to every corner of the world, driving out darkness both literal and metaphorical. This agenda includes establishing new temples, converting new followers, and forming alliances with rulers and other powerful entities to promote stability and prosperity under Pelor's benevolence. They are particularly active in disaster-struck or war-torn areas, where they provide relief and aid to the afflicted, always highlighting the power of Pelor’s light over darkness.
Assets
The wealth of the Radiant Conclave is considerable, consisting primarily of donations from its followers and the treasuries of its expansive, well-maintained temples. They own vast tracts of land dedicated to agriculture, the produce of which supports not only the Conclave’s activities but also feeds the hungry in times of famine. The Conclave also possesses a collection of ancient artifacts said to be blessed by Pelor himself, which are capable of miraculous feats and are used sparingly and with great reverence.
History
- 107 AoU: Founding of the Radiant Conclave by High Prophetess Elowyn Thersis.
- 216 AoU: Construction of the Grand Temple of Solis, the largest temple dedicated to Pelor.
- 789 AoU: The Conclave played a pivotal role in ending the Dark Wars through divine intervention.
- 1423 AoU: Initiation of the Sunlight Missions, spreading the faith to distant lands.
- 3900 AoU: The Great Schism; a faction splits to form the Order of the Eclipse, denouncing the traditional teachings of the Conclave.
Mythology & Lore
The foundational myths of the Radiant Conclave center around the "First Dawn," a legendary event where Pelor first rose in the sky, banishing an age of darkness and cold. According to the tales, the world was once shrouded in eternal night until Pelor, moved by the plight of the mortal races, ascended into the heavens as the sun. His first rays were said to have given life to the world and awakened the first of the Sunsworn, who became his initial disciples. These myths emphasize themes of renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Divine Origins
The Radiant Conclave originated in the fertile valleys of Solara, a region renowned for its sunny weather and lush, verdant fields. The climate and geography of Solara were seen as blessings from Pelor, making it a natural place for his worship to flourish. The religion spread from this heartland by the charismatic preaching of its founders and the apparent blessings of good harvests and health that followed their teachings, making Pelor's worship deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the area.
Tenets of Faith
The core commandments of the Radiant Conclave are:
Cherish the Light: Seek truth and purity in all actions, shun darkness and deceit. Nurture Life: Promote the growth and well-being of all living things. Spread Warmth: Be generous and hospitable, offer aid and comfort to those in need. Guard Against the Shadows: Protect the world from evil, never falter in the face of corruption. Celebrate the Sun: Honor Pelor through daily rituals and uphold the sanctity of the sun.
Ethics
The ethical guidelines of the Conclave stress the importance of personal integrity and communal responsibility. Ethical teachings focus on the protection and stewardship of life, promoting peace, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Interpretations of these tenets often emphasize the role of individuals as bearers of light, responsible not only for their actions but also for influencing their communities towards moral goodness and away from the shadows of immorality and ignorance.
Worship
Worship within the Radiant Conclave is a daily affair, with rituals centered around the rising and setting of the sun. These ceremonies are performed in elaborate temples and are open to all. The most sacred ritual is the Solstice Celebration, occurring twice a year, where the longest and shortest days are observed with great fervor. Worship often involves singing hymns, reciting prayers, and the lighting of sacred fires, symbolizing Pelor’s enduring light. The faith also encourages personal devotion practices, such as meditation in sunlight and personal offerings of food and flowers at home shrines.
Priesthood
The priesthood of the Radiant Conclave is structured hierarchically, beginning with local priests at the community level and ascending to high-ranking officials who oversee large territories or specific aspects of the faith. Priests are expected to embody the teachings of Pelor, showing exceptional devotion, kindness, and integrity. They undergo rigorous training in theology, ritual practices, and the healing arts. The priesthood also includes warrior-priests known as Dawnbringers, who take a more militant stance against darkness and evil.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Radiant Conclave wields significant political influence, often acting as a stabilizing force in the regions where it is prevalent. Through its network of Sunlight Councils and the diplomatic efforts of its leaders, the Conclave negotiates with kings and emperors, shaping policies that align with its ethical and moral frameworks. It frequently mediates in conflicts, leveraging its moral authority and widespread respect. However, this influence also brings entanglements, and the Conclave has occasionally found itself embroiled in political controversies, particularly when opposing factions accuse it of overstepping its spiritual mandate.
Sects
Solar Purists:
This sect advocates for a return to ancient practices and shuns modern interpretations and alliances.Twilight Guardians:
They focus on the protective aspects of Pelor, emphasizing defense against dark magic and evil creatures.Harvesters of Light:
A more mystical sect that seeks deeper spiritual connections and enlightenment through prolonged exposure to sunlight and meditation.
"In His Light, We Thrive"
Founding Date
107 AoU
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Sunsworn
Founders
Deities
