Church of Kerius

Lord of Justice
Symbols: Scales in front of a book with a dagger
Alignment: Lawful Good
Portfolio: Law, Justice, Vigilance against Criminals, War God
Favored Weapon: Warhammer
Common Worshippers: Justicars, knights, paladins, constables. Those that value punishment for those who have committed a crime.
History: Kerius was one of the Nine Ancient Lord that ruled Nor. His country was known for it fairness and strict rule of Law. His principle enemy was Bennatar. When the world was close to destruction because of the great wars it was Kerius that backed Gillidan's plan of ascension.
Philosophy: Laws should be made to protect people. When someone breaks a law than they should be punished fairly. People should all be treated equally. Commandment of Kerius: Do not Murder. Do not remove a mans livelihood Do not break a just law that serve the people Do not take advantage of another through force of guile Do not steal Do not Lie
Dogma: Follow the laws of the society you are in. Understand that not all situation are the same and adjust yourself accordingly, but do not abandon your principles. Each being is equal and has a place. Follow the commandments of Kerius, and punish those who do not. The punishment should equal the crime.
Places of Worship: Temples to Kerius are mostly found in large cities. Kerius is one of the only religion that regularly knights warriors. Their Temples serve as secondary barracks, and feel almost like a military structure. Only the worship area is open and inviting to all.
Average services: The highest ranking priest start the day with the affirmation of Kerius as the ultimate authority on what is right and what is wrong. The commandments are read. The priest usually relates stories of example of sins or deed that show Kerius favor. Then the rite of sacrifice. Each petitioner form a line and head to the priest who prick their finger and catches the blood on a cloth. This symbolizes that one must be willing to shed blood in defense of their principles. The cloth is then taken to the alter and burned. Next, all who have attained rank or knighthood are lined up before the temple: New recruits are christened; New knighthood given, and new ranks bestowed; Other recognition, including honoring those who donate well, or have performed some great service. From there the services depend on the temple. Military temple, will start their training for the day. Common temple will take confessions and hear petitions from the people. There are usually no songs or elaborate prayers in Kerius services. Example Prayer: Kerius does not have everyday prayers. Instead there are really only two. The Death Dirge, spoken over a follower on death, and the Pledge, when a soldier commits his life to Kerius.
((Anyone who would like to take a crack at these is welcome.))
Holy Days: Petition - Griffon 1 On this day boys who are aged 16 may petition to serve the temple. The temple hold a gathering and all are invited. It has a military display including fighting demonstration, horsemanship, and military discipline. A parade marks the end where the soldier travel through town and return to the temple. There they stand in formation while father bring their sons and petition the temple to take them as a follower. The highest ranking priest will ask the boy questions. If accepted he leaves his old life behind. (Many times a donation is required to have a child accepted, but sometimes a boy show promise and is invited.) Those without parents may present themselves as well, though not many orphans are allowed to serve in the temple as warriors. Templar's Tourney - Phoenix 15, Unicorn 15, and spider 15 The Templar’s Tourney happens three times a year. They are held in the middle of the month so as not to interfere with any tourneys the kingdom may run. This is a standard tournament run by temples of Kerius. Priesthood Being a priest of Kerius is much like joining the army. The difference is that you are dedicated to protecting a moral code rather than a land. In many cases young men who are destined to be conscripted will join the church so that they are not fighting for something they don't believe in. The priesthood sometimes fall at odds with a city for this, therefore it will use the money it get from donation to pay off the city. Many time a city can call upon the priesthood for assistance as well, but only is the priesthood agrees with the reason. When a new follower joins the temple he is trained in weapons first. He learns how to follow orders, the religions commandments, etc. This is as far as most get. They can rise in rank like a normal army. Those who are blessed by the god and have the ability to become a true priest are weeded out and given additional training. The first act as medic learning how to heal. Then as their skill grow, they will be accepted into the church as a full priest. They are automatically given a rank of Lieutenant. They are then sent on various missions for the church.
Alignments: Priest must be Lawful Good Duties: Priest of Kerius often go on mission for their church. Many time they act as sheriffs or Bounty Hunters. Some smaller town who have no peacekeeping force will use the soldiers of the temple for that. Priests sometimes act as executioners. Enemies/Allies: The religion of Kerius and Bennatar are morally opposed. Bennatar feels laws are to be used for power, the oposite of how Kerius feels. This leads to many trouble between the two, Bennatar being a war god as well.
Domains: War, Inquisition, Good, Protection, War, Courage

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Subsidiary Organizations

• Followers of Bahamut