Caahin
The primary faith of Argantus, which worships Meldrus and the dead gods of the dwarven pantheon.
Structure
At the top of the power structure is the Sinticus, the leader of the Dwarven Faith and speaker for the gods. in olden times there would be an Aresm for each of the Dwarven gods, now there is only one. Below the Sinticus is the Micasm, a relitavly new addition to the faith, they speak for the Dead Gods. Below them are a court of Ganins, who are specially elected officials who serve as advisors to the Sinticus and the Micasm. below them are Clerics and Priests.
Public Agenda
Traditionally the Caahin kept the seat of kings pure, ensuring that the Emperor was of royal blood and his kings were worthy to serve as advisors and stewards in the realm, though now that the Line of Argan is lost the seat has been empty for some time.
Assets
The Caahin have a vast amount of wealth, the many clans of Argantus offering up tribute to the gods and the sacred coffers. the Caahin has a specialized organization of paladins and warriors who defend the faith in times of need.
History
The Caahin was forged in the first breath of the Argantus Empire, so entwined were the Dwarves with their faith. for generations there was little difference between the Church of Caahin and the Seat of the Empire. as time went on however, and technology began to evaporate some of the church's power some of the Sinticus would butt heads with the Emperor over the inclusion of the Gnomes and their godless innovations. After The Long Night, and the breaking of the Line of Argan, the Sinticus find themselves significantly more powerful than before, and have began to influence policy against Gnomish inventions and Gnomes themselves by blessing Kings who favor their strict dogma.
Mythology & Lore
The Caahin believe that Meldrus and the other Dwarven gods forged the first dwarves and placed them unto Irindoth to safeguard the deep places of the earth and to improve upon the work of the Dwarf Fathers who made the world in their image. It is the sacred duty of the Caahin and the Dwarven people to make the land better, to forge something from nothing to honor their gods. It was this single intent that the Dwarven gods made the Dwarven people, to act as their agents in the mortal world and to return to the Bright Mountain to serve at their Gods side in death as they did in life.
Cosmological Views
The Caahin believe that the world was forged by Meldrus and the other Dwarven Gods upon an Anvil of Stars, where the first breath of life echoed through the void. They brought everything from nothing, pouring their own godly essence into their creations. The Oceans were made from the sweat of their gods, the earth from their blood, and the precious minerals that inhabit the earth the Tears of joy and exhaustion upon completing their great works.
Ethics
Caahin have a strict set of moral ethics, it is their duty to improve that which they can whether it be in the form of mind body spirit or the world around them. This often leads Dwarves to act before they ask, causing more than one international incident. In particular the Caahin code encourages acts of genocide against Orckin and Giantkin, the Dwarves most ancient enemies. for a time there were a number of laws that encouraged similar acts of violence against the Elves though after many generations these laws were repealed.
Worship
Worshiping the Dwarven gods in the Caahin often involves craftsmanship, or deeds of valor. Artisans of every kind would offer their most precious works to the Caahin to please their gods, and honor their clans. Where as great warriors would win victories and expand the Empire to do their own work to improve the lands.
Priesthood
Nearly any Dwarf from every clan can easily be anointed into the Priesthood of Caahin, many of the Smiths are considered to be members of the Caahin whether they are blessed or not. Artisans are often members of the Caahin, though their level of spiritual training varies from person to person.
Granted Divine Powers
Caahin faithful enjoy the blessings of Meldrus, who grant their smiths enhanced abilities and endurance. Caahin smiths are renowned the world over for their abilities with metal working.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Caahin's ability to anoint Kings, gave them a good deal of power that was checked by the Emperors own ability to influence the Faith of the Caahin itself. the two balanced each other, though without an Emperor the Caahin have steadily solidified its power as the true heart of the Empire.
Founding Date
839
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Deities
Location
Related Ethnicities
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