Order of Sarastro
The Order of Sarastro is an ultra-orthodox religious order based primarily around the worship of Isis and Osiris and the pursuit of a philosophy called the Glorious Way.
"O Isis and Osiris, gift your wisdom and power
To the faithful among your men and women!
You who guide our steps on the Path,
Imbue our feet with purity in this world of sin!
Let us see the fruits of our tribulations;
But should we first head to our grave,
Then reward the virtue of our following the path.
Weigh our hearts lightly and take us into your realm,
Until the Day of Ascension cometh once more."
—Traditional Sarastran prayer
Structure
Sarastro has been the leader of his Order since its inception, but a number of lower-level leaders manage both spiritual and day-to-day operations beneath him.
Monostatos acts as the overseer of the church.
One apostle represents each of the Seven Steps of the Glorious Way.
Culture
The Order of Sarastro prides itself on strict adherence to its doctrines and a constant pursuit of excellence. Its values push members to strive for both individual excellence and group conformity.
In domestic and vocational spheres alike, Sarastrans tend to compete fiercely with one another. The mandate to "strive to travel first down the Righteous Path" manifests itself in a culture of one-upmanship in everything from academic achievement and public shows of piety to grooming standards and baking contests.
History
Cosmological Views
The gospels of the Order of Sarastro focus largely around the events of the Litigation of Flames. Gods who assisted Osiris in his struggle for power and justice are the most revered in the Order; the second-most-important God
Tenets of Faith
Seven tenets of faith that correspond with the Seven Messengers.
- PURITY: The pure and perfect bond between Isis and Osiris is the brightest beacon to follow upon this plane. The King protects and rules over his maiden, the Queen heals and cares for her King. The nature of man and woman is fixed in the stars, sacrosanct and permanent. We belong to each other as Isis and Osiris did, as partners with distinct and glorious roles, joined when the time is right into a Holy Bond. Body, mind, and soul should be oriented towards keeping and protecting your Holy Bond, both before and after it is forged.
- COUNSEL: Have the discernment to follow the Shepherd and the Flock in all their steps along the Righteous Path, lest you stray off the path and be devoured by devils like sheep before wolves. Brother will guide brother, sister will keep sister.
- PROTECTION: Defend first the doctrines of the holy, then the safety of your brothers and sisters in Sarastro, then the rest of the world around you. Divine rules over mortal, just as mortal rules over beast.
- RECOURSE: If corruption enters your house, you must cut it from your life. If your mother sins, you are not of her womb; if your son wanders astray, he is not of your seed.
- DOCTRINE: Work hard to study the Glorious Way, letter by letter, step by step. Strive to travel first down the Righteous Path; the heights of your potential are unlimited, if your devotion is steady and your thoughts and deeds are righteous.
- ANTIQUITY: All ages of history have built upon each other to pave the way for the Righteous Path. The High Lord Sarastro has seen the guides left for us in history, and he will lead us by them to the Age of Possibility.
- MYSTICISM: Give oneself completely to that which you struggle to understand, for the questions will be answered by the Gods and the Prophet. Follow the Righteous Path even towards certain doom, for even at death Osiris will weigh our hearts and reward our bravery if our attempts are fearless and devoid of all other desires.
Priesthood
Underneath the main apostles and overseers are a group of twenty-eight monks called the Children of Sarastro. (The vast majority of these are Sons of Sarastro, not Daughters of Sarastro; women chosen for this eschelon of priesthood are rare to begin with, and often highly sought after as brides.)
Founding Date
9 April, Y1061
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Capital
Demonym
Sarastran
Leader
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Theocracy
Parent Organization
Deities
Divines
Location
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories
Related Plots
Comments
Author's Notes
With thanks to World Anvil user dschbach for inspiration and collaboration.