The Pantheon (Pan-th-ee-on)
Formed in 0 BP, the Pantheon is the main organised Religion in Mithenea. It is comprised of the 12 deities; Solos, Tyrth, Justicar, Algea, Coeos, Kishar, Nauticles, Nyx, Druk, Hebe and Rhodes. The heads of the Religion are known as the Holy Council.
Structure
1) Arch-Bishop
2) Bishop
3) Cardinal
4) Abbot
5) Cleric
6) Priest
Infrastructure
Large numbers of Dedicated Temples to the 12 can be seen in every city on the continent. These vary in size depending on the population density of the area that they are located in.
Mythology & Lore
Origin Story - the world was created by the 12, in 12 days, one day per god.
Divine Origins
This religion was founded by the gods themselves when they first took on mortal vessels. They put into practice all of the founding beliefs, and enforced them until the religion covered the vast majority of the land. After that, it was left to the people to convert the unbelivers.
Cosmological Views
The Arch-Bishops teach that the world was created by the 12, in 12 days, one day per god. That they have been around for eternity and they each spent a day creating thier domain. Everything the world knows about creation has been passed down from the gods.
Tenets of Faith
The basic rules of this religion are to obey the Pantheon's whims. The rules change dependant on the household god, however the core shared beliefs are :
1) To obey your chosen Deity's every Commandment, no matter the personal cost.
2) To offer burnt offerings to the person's chosen deity monthly in order to find favour for the following month.
3) Honour your kinfolk.
4) Take no extra gods to the Pantheon.
Ethics
Actions that are considered Sin are :
- Unlawful killing
- Praying to false gods
- Theft
- Denying the gods
- Not offering worship
- Joining the Pantheon
- Mimicing your household god
- Keeping the same god for generations
- Completing tasks for your god
Worship
A monthly burnt offering is mostly all that is required for the everyday believer, as well as weekly attendance to the local Temple, however for certain individuals, tasks will be expected of them in order to win the god's favor. These are primarily Clerics or high ranking members of the Pantheon, however these tasks are sometimes extended to famous adventurers, successful merchants and powerful monarchs.
Priesthood
The Religious Hierarchy is as follows:
Arch-Bishop - This is the highest level in the Pantheon, there are 12 Arch-Bishops, one for each god, and they act as a mortal vessel for their chosen god. --> Bishop - A Bishop is in command of a City's worship, and will have 12 Abbots under them. A bishop will be chosen as an Arch-Bishop replacement when one is fully consumed by their god. There are a total of 12 Bishops per god per city. --> Cardinal - A Cardinal is in charge of 12 Abbots, and is eligible be promoted to a Bishop when they have served for 10 years as a Cardinal. This is regardless of Race, hence the glaring minority of less lived races at this postion. --> Abbot - An Abbot is often times a retired Cleric. Once a Cleric has done a certain amount of tasks for their respective deity, they will be told, by the relevant Arch-Bishop that they can become an Abbot. Abbots are normally in charge of 3 Priests. An Abbot will be promoted to a Cardinal when a space opens above. --> Cleric - A Cleric is a step up from a standard Priest, as a Cleric is blessed with Magic, enabling them to cast Holy spells. Clerics often have to travel with an adventuring party in order to be appointed to a higher level. --> Priest - The entry level of the religious order, most Priests have never left their parish. A priest is in charge of a single Temple. While the vast majority are happy with their service to the Panthoen, some will decide to forgo their worldly commitments and dedicate everything to their god, and become a Cleric.
Granted Divine Powers
Holy Magic is granted to members ranked Cleric or Higher. The magic will reflect the god's blessing visually. For example, when a Cleric of cast spells, their hands will coat in magical fire.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Panteon is the single most influenctial organisation of known politics, however, due to the massively conflicting personalities of the gods, they have trouble ruling the masses in a formal government, so Monarchs are left to thier own devices, so long as they respect and honour their gods.
Sects
Each god has their own sect. the teachings vary in relation to each god's personality, but the core beilefs are all held.
Certain Gods have extremist sects, such as the hatchlings, an extremist cult of Druk the Dragon god. These Extremist sects are dangerous to the local populus, although are not fully denounced by said certain gods.
Sacre Duodecim
Founding Date
0 BP
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Capital
Alternative Names
The 12, The gods
Training Level
Semi-trained
Veterancy Level
Recruit
Demonym
Pantheonian
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Theocracy
Economic System
Gift economy
Currency
100 Copper = 1Gold
10 Silver = 1 Gold
Legislative Body
The Holy Council
Judicial Body
The Holy Council
Executive Body
The Holy Council
Official State Religion
Permeated Organizations
Official Languages
Related Ranks & Titles
Comments