The True Light Apostles
Mythology & Lore
During the Time of Titans, one of the Titans was believed to have set creation into motion by becoming the celestial body that would be known as Neuorban's sun. This Titan is believed to be the source of not only light and warmth for creation, but also the original font of magical forces. This Titan, great as they are, was believed to have done this act out of some great, unknowable sorrow. This Titan, according to current theologians, is somehow connected to the Drow race of Neuorban, as they are naturally gifted with seeing magic, not to mention that the religion began and is still largely held among their kind. It is said that this Titan can one day be assuaged of their sorrow, but none know what that day will bring.
Divine Origins
The faith began among the Drow, specifically through the first Baelnorn; Miriggin Le'inesst. He told the Drow of the great truth and told them that The Great Sun wished to guide them. Though new traditions have been adopted over the centuries, most of the rituals and traditions were introduced in those days by Le'inesst.
Tenets of Faith
The True Light Apostles believe it is their duty to be the spiritual light of the world. They are taught to be moral exemplars, to strive for the best possible good even if it is unreachable. They are meant to cast out darkness where ever it may hide and to make the world ready for the coming of The Great Sun.
Ethics
Those of the True Light, from the highest clergy to the newest of converts, are taught to be honest to a fault. Lies and deceit are the shadows that obfuscate The True Light and the path, and therefore are unacceptable. Faithful are to be slow to anger, quick to embrace, and as warm to encounter. However, this is sometimes an issue of debate, for there are some who believe that sun represents uncompromising, harsh, and sometimes destructive change and progress.
Worship
Faithful are to wake up and pray to The Great Sun as it rises, and reflect on their personal sin and self betterment as it sets. Days in which the sun shines in it's fullest are thought to be days of great potential for the faithful. When the sun is obfuscated, faithful are to reflect that The Great Sun is eternal. Light and truth are the same in that they will always emerge, though the latter is up to the faithful, for they were given the great honor of being that particular light of the world.
Priesthood
The High Priest has always been a position held by Miriggin Le'inesst, who has guided the rest of the apostles since the inception of the order. Other clergy roles are The Cathallar, The Solaris Scholars, and The Illumi Mages. The True Light also have a military of their own, whose ranks are a mix of military and sacred importance.
The Cathallar is a female Drow only clergy, who are tasked with daily, uninterrupted prayer. They are kept within a secluded section within The Shimmering Spire and few are allowed to interact with them. It is said that within their chamber, those weak in spirit can be crushed by the unending waves of sobbing and crying out that pour out from the dutiful Cathallar. Cathallar are also said to be skilled in a special kind of magic, but no one outside of the upper echelons of the order know what that is.
Solaris Scholars are tasked with recording, preserving, and examining the great history of the order and its faith. They are all highly educated, many being prepared as young as the age of five to become the brightest of their generation. This is one of the more diverse clergy in the order, as it is not exclusively formed of Drow. It is usually a predominantly male profession, though, as females of similar aptitude are instead put on the path of Illumi Mages.
Illumi Mages are practitioners of powerful magics, protectors of holy relics, and seen as the hands and feet of the True Light Apostles if they take a more missionary approach to their calling. Illumi Mages are usually female Drow, though there have been notable exceptions to this norm. Many Illumi Mages would be content to stay within temples and order monasteries, with being assigned to The Shimmering Spire as the highest honor. Though, The True Light does put Illumi Mages into positions as missionaries, as they are perfectly suited for the task. To be a missionary is usually seen as burden, though a holy calling none the less.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The True Light Apostles are a dominant power structure in the the Underdark, with many of the underground kingdoms and states going to them for guidance or vindication. On the surface, their influence is far more diffused, most only knowing about them if they live near or are a part of Drow cultural spots. Though the city of Gemiche'el, which hosts The Shimmering Spire, is undeniably controlled by the order, despite being supposedly beholden to the Esen Confederacy. The True Light Apostles refused to get involved in the Dwarven Civil War, which has given them an edge in international influence, though some who fought against the Nationalists believe the order's military might would have been a game changer during the war.
We rise from the darkness below till we illuminate all that lies above.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Subsidiary Organizations
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