The Silver Flame and Vestals

The Silver Flame Church. The Silver Flame has long been the main, and at times the only diety of Arso. The church does normal church things, such as charity. But also hosts a powerful sisterhood of Vestals, with immense power granted by the Flame.

Mythology & Lore

The Silver Flame is said to have illuminated the world in the darkest of ages, when dragons ran rampant and heros did not exist. The Silver Flame lifted up a group of heros, a mighty paladin, a sisterhood of Vestals, and a cleric to fight the forces of the dragons. After their victory, the sisters set up the church of the Silver Flame, and the Sisterhood of Vestals.

Divine Origins

The origins of the worshipping of the Flame(sometimes called the Light) comes from just before the rise of the Elven Empire of old, and spread through their trade routes and missionaries, eventually taking over the traditions and old beliefs of the populus. Occasionally through more than a kind word. After the collapse of the Elven Empire, the Arso Kingdom held onto these beliefs. And throughout the ages kept using the Old Tongue to read, write, and speak the teaching of the Light.

Cosmological Views

The Sun is said to be an embodiment of the Silver Flame, but nothing is truly said if the Flame created the world. It is known the Light lifted it out of the darkness.

Worship

Worship is often in a prayer, reading the Light's book, or in attending church regularly. But some choose to hang symbols of the Light, or other things.

Priesthood

Priests tend to be ex-Paladins or members of the flocks who performed a great deed for the Light. They are however, NOT allowed to have been Vestals and become a priest.

Granted Divine Powers

To Clerics enhanced healing abilities are provided, but the greatest gift goes to the Sisterhood. Judgement:An ability which calls down lightning the color of silver upon an enemy, and heals the user And multiple powerful healing spells are provided, along with a chance for divine intervention.

Political Influence & Intrigue

While the church itself doesn't have any major influence, the Sisterhood does. The abbeys of the Sisterhood often help make up defensive fortifications, and a Vestal is always kept as a religious advisor for the King himself.

Sects

Vestals: They are often seen as the most devout worshipers. Sacrificing the rest of their life to the Flame, sometimes their life in battle. They are commonly seen as heros by the public. Priests:Not quite seen in such a blazing light, the populous has much trust and adoration for them. However, many Vestals store a distaste at not being able to become a priest themselves.