Church of Our Lady
History
The Death of the Order and the Birth of the Church
Following the disappearance of their Lady from this world those in control of the Order called a Fifth Synod. Industria had called four previous meetings, called Synods, to mend the failing relations between her and the clergy of the Caelsimillian Pantheon and the followers of the Teme-Rasadan Pantheon. Without her guiding hand, and her influence tom hold the scales even, the Fifth Synod would begin to fall apart before it was even organized. Though many factions broke out, three coallitions grew as the event approached.The Factions
The Conservatives
The Conservatives fought against the formalization of the Order and placed importance on the worship of all divine beings, of which Industria was one. They claimed that while Industria is divine she loved all the gods and would revere them as well as want the Order to revere her. Amoung the conservatives where many of the eldest, and most powerful members of the Order. Those in positions of power, and those who held a more personal relationship with Industria herself. Due to this, many of these members would offically renounce their voting rights regarding the Fifth Synod, letting the youth take the reign- though statments of regret of this fact were not uncommon in the following years.The Canons
Those who called for a formalization of the Order and creation of the Church where the Canons. Early on many opposed a synod, arguing tradition dictated only the Lady herself could call such a thing. In protest many factions sat outside Florence for the first day of the synod- though as the congregation gained power more and more relented. Despite the presence of the conservatives at the top of many of the chains of power, the canons could be found in increasing numbers as one looked lower and lower. The vast majority of the lowest level and lay persons would find themselves in agreement with the canons.The Swords
Always outside the more spiritual side of the Order, the Swords had early on leaned heavilly on supporting the conservative cause. A common mantra at the time was the "Good must be done, above all else." Due to their work few Swords attended the Synod, instead sending a small group of electors to rally the Sword cause for those busy carrying the peace.Outcome
On the dawn of the final days of the synod the conservative cause would have been the safe bet, though a majority of members of the Order opposed the canon positions between abdicating voting positions, leadership and orator skills, and the power of the lay worshipper the canons held their position strong. Still it was the vote of the Sword's electors. These electors fell on the side of the canon's- an act seen as a betrayal that would live on in infamy for many of them. Though still followers of their Lady, many Swords would refuse to be integrated into the Church, becoming mercenary bands, adventuring guilds, or even roving insurgents against the canon cause. The formalization of the Church came not long after, in the early days many resisted the transition- assets such as gold and artefacts the Order once possessed fell out of the hands of its successor. As the synod was official the state accepted the vote and this was enough for most. Former Order Lodges where converted to churchs or priories, properties the Lady owned or controlled in life where brought in as well.The Church Today
The Church does not impose a strict doctrine, and most would see such an act a betrayal of their Lady. Still it does push its interpretations of her teachings and words.Sects
Swords
Maiden’s Fist
Originally founded by Ilyana Cellini Maiden's Fist held high levels of prestige durring the years of the Oracle. A deep history rooted the order with only the most best members and most prestigious work- including the likes of dragon slaying, secretive diplomatic missions, and providing the personal security of the Oracle. Following the Fifth Synod the organization disbanded, some remained with the Church to continue their duties.The Guardians
Originally founded following a severe landslide, the Guardians carry their oath of not just protection, but helping those brought to harm by natural distaters. Their current leader, the Errant Red, bases the organization out of the Ki Serpent Priory. Due to its work it is extremely common for those joining the Church to undertake training with the Gaurdians first or even exclusivly for those taking on more litergical paths.The Holy Light
Another collective, the Holy Light has warped Industria’s soul work and bent it toward their own end. This group focuses on hunting the undead and those who perpetuate them. In the early days they attempted a raid on Necropolis, but since its failure that is the only part of the country they cannot be found in. Now they hold a reputation for nearly eliminating the Remnants of Bone- though they believe the city of Necropolis to house them. A common sight in much of the country it is unusual that they are rarly found in the capital territory.Modern Conservatism
Industria left this world, though her influence is still all around us. Just as the gods touched the world following initial creation, hers is still felt today through what she did in life and after ascension. Conservatives do not believe she was fully divine as the Church, nor do they oppose the worship of other gods- especially Sabella. This has kept them popular in most foreign regions of the world. Many former conservatives were members of other churches who did not convert- and thus many of these early members have since converted in recent years. Conservatism isnt dead, however, the modern movement exists within the Church in many ways, with members often holding their beliefs close to their chest.Radical Conservatism
Not all modern conservatives hold their beliefs close to their chest however. These radicals use hit and run tactics and regularly raid churches. Though these actions keep many in the closet, the truth is even the most ardent supporters of the Church support many of their actions- particularly their exposure of corruption within the church. But make no mistake, for in exile they fall into cycles of increasing radicalization. Manydo not condone canon ideas within their ranks (even if theyll make the occasional outsider ally).The Eyes
The inheritors of the Order’s secretive group’s name, the Eyes are perhaps now the most well known collective. They operate primarily in the Florence countryside. Their operations are less violent than many of the more far flung gangs, and as they cannot operate in the city proper their raids often focus more on material advantage rather than operational or information. Despite this the Eyes have made a name for themselves in the public eye for increasing their violence when the Church performs controversial action, sometimes causing them to reverse. Recently of note the Canons appeared to not be moving toward expelling a cleric caught using Swords to kill their political enemies in Carlo Rosei. Local farmers however despise the collective, often finding their animals and crops stolen, or major roadways blocked and seiged.Supra omnia amate
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Predecessor Organization
Leader Title
Deities
Comments