Church of the Glow

Inspired By World Anvil Summer Camp 2021: "A Religious Order Founded or Based In Your World's History"

Who is it, this Majesty of glory?
The Lord Majesty of The Glow—
The Glow is the Majesty of glory.

— IV Tome of The Glow

The Church of the Glow is a fanatical religious institution located in Glow City. It is dedicated to the worship of a radioactive source known as "The Glow", which is believed to be the source of the city's unique light and energy. The church's followers believe that by exposing themselves to the Glow's radiation and connecting to its power, they can gain strength and immortality.
The church is led by a High Priest or Priestess, who acts as the spiritual leader and guide for the congregation. The High Priest or Priestess is responsible for leading dangerous radiation exposure rituals, interpreting the will of the Glow, and providing guidance and counsel to the followers of the church.
The church is also home to a powerful order of fanatical devotees known as the Order of the Radiant, who serve as the enforcers of the church's teachings and protectors of its secrets. These fanatically devoted individuals are trained in the use of dangerous radiation exposure techniques and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the cause. They are called upon to defend the church's beliefs and its secrets from any perceived threat, real or imagined.
The church is open to all people, regardless of their beliefs or background, who wish to connect with the Glow and seek its guidance and protection. The followers of the church come from all walks of life and all races, united by their belief in the power of The Glow.

Structure

The Church of the Glow is organized into several tiers of the hierarchy, each with its own specific roles and responsibilities.

• High Priest or Priestess: The leader of the church, responsible for leading services and rituals, interpreting the will of the Glow, and providing guidance and counsel to the followers of the church.
• Radiant Council: Consists of the most senior and experienced members of the church, responsible for assisting the High Priest or Priestess in the running of the church and making important decisions.
• Radiant Priests and Priestesses: Responsible for leading services, performing rituals, and providing guidance and counseling to the followers of the church.
• Radiant Devotees: Fanatically devoted followers of the church who have undergone dangerous radiation exposure and are trained in the use of dangerous radiation exposure techniques. They serve as the enforcers of the church's teachings and protectors of its secrets.
• The Congregation: The general followers of the church, who come from all walks of life and all races, united by their belief in the power of the Glow. They are expected to attend services and follow the teachings of the church.

Culture

The culture of the Church of the Glow is one of extreme devotion and sacrifice. The followers of the church believe that by exposing themselves to The Glow's radiation and connecting to its power, they can gain strength and immortality. This belief drives the followers to participate in dangerous radiation exposure rituals, which are considered a sacred part of their religion.
The church places great emphasis on the importance of rituals and ceremonies, and followers are expected to attend services regularly. The High Priest or Priestess is considered the ultimate authority on the interpretation of the Glow's will, and their word is considered law within the church.
The Order of the Radiant is considered the elite of the church and holds great power within it. These fanatically devoted individuals are trained in the use of dangerous radiation exposure techniques and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the cause. They serve as the enforcers of the church's teachings and protectors of its secrets, and their word is also considered law.

History

The Church of the Glow was founded in the year 4800, shortly after the Great Explosion that devastated the city of Alton and created the Deadlands. The explosion was caused by a catastrophic failure of the city's magical power source, which fused with radioactive material in the area to create the unique Anubian Crystals found in the Deadlands.
The founders of the church believed that the radiation and mutations caused by the explosion were a sign of divine favor and that the Anubian Crystals were a gift from their deity, The Glow. They began to worship the crystals and the radiation they emitted, seeing them as a source of power and a path to enlightenment.
As the Deadlands began to repopulate, the church grew in strength and influence. They preached that the radiation was a purifying force that could be harnessed for good and that those who embraced it would be blessed with power and longevity. Many of the mutants and outcasts who lived in the Deadlands saw the church as a way to gain acceptance and power in a society that shunned them.
Over time, the church's teachings became more fanatical and extreme. They began to demand that their followers undergo dangerous rituals and expose themselves to large amounts of radiation, promising that it would bring them closer to their deity. Many of the church's followers became ill or died as a result, but the church saw this as a necessary sacrifice to achieve their ultimate goal of transcendence.

Alternative Names:
Founding Date: 4800
Type: Religious Cult