Faith of Light
Overview
Location:
The Faith of Light is the dominant religion in western Human realms, such as Sturmgard and Lynora, as well as the Elven realms of Lithayne.Gospel:
The Faith of Light preaches moral values, such as honor, charity, kindness, hospitality, mercy, and selflessness. It in no way alienates any group. The faith preaches enlightenment through understanding, and strength through unity. It is a pacifist faith, one who seeks to unite people in a common goal to build a better world, communally, regardless of race or creed. When one walks the path of the Light, one walks the path of wisdom, and shall be enlightened. Knowledge is power, and The Light incentivises the study of the world, as well as the re-discovery of lost Arcane arts.Symbolism:
The Light is symbolised by a 8 pointed star, 4 larger points for up, down, left, and right, and 4 thinner points in between them for diagonals. The star may also be underlaid with a holy circle.Deity:
The faith has no depiction of a Deity, instead, it views The Light as a primordial force of nature, a force with a will of it's own, who's agenda is to bring order to the world through understanding and unity.Saints:
Saint Arash
Arash - the lightbearer was a powerful Elven mage who lived in northern Arboria during the closure of the 2nd World, but, just as every other Arcane user, he was stripped of his powers during the Cataclysm. Being always selfless and charitable towards the Human tribes in northern Hyperboria, who would sometimes roam south to the Elves for aid, he sought to save as many of the Human refugees fleeing the frost of the coming ice age as he could. While in the east, across regions that would later become known as Kyrus and Ardechia, Humanity fought a bitter war with Elvendom for survival, in the west, the Elves, lead by Arash, fled together with the Humans to the south across the Nord Sea. However, there were not even nearly enough ships in the entire north to accomplish that feat... It was at that moment when Arash was granted Divinity by The Light, and was blessed with immense power, which he used to carve a dry path straight through the middle of the Nord Sea by parting the waters. The Elves and Humans then left the north to arrive at what would become Sturmgard and were granted shelter within the Elderwood. It was Arash's pure soul and good intention that prompted The Light to bless him, and consequently lead to the Elves and Humans building a society where they would coexist together. When every other mage was found powerless, Arash was able to perform a miracle. This is when the power of The Light was first witnessed, and when Arash became it's prophet. As a Saint, Arash represents selflessness and charity.Saints Eamon & Elluriel
Eamon was an ordinary Human man living in Veyrun of Heimer origins, a few decades after the Heimer invaded the Highlands frontier and took it from the settlers from Lynora. The Lynorans were followers of The Light, and Eamon found their ideals most appealing, as the Heimer too valued virtues like honor, hospitality, and selflessness. Having lived alongside Lynorans for a few decades now, he agreed, that they benefited from cooperation, and were stronger united. The Heimer settlers in Veyrun made great strides towards modernisation with the aid of Lynoran ideas, but unfortunately, this would not last, as Lynora had aims to reclaim it's frontier and subdue the barbarian threat. When Lynora invaded and occupied Veyrun once again, it attempted to expel or forcefully convert the Heimer through oppression. Some Heimer, and even Lynorans, fled south from the Highlands across the southern border and in to the Elven realm of Lithayne. Lost and beat, the refugees wandered this unknown land. It was then when wandering Eamon happened upon a clearing, the soft sounds of a stream filled the air, and a female singing, a voice so soft it touched his soul. He peeked through the leaves of the thick undergrowth, and saw the most beautiful Elven maiden he had ever laid eyes on. He approached, cautiously, softly asking for her attention, but she got up and fled at the sight of this stranger, leaving him to wander alone once more. Tho she observed his sadness, his hopelessness, and deemed that he did not wish to do her harm. Just before evening, she would set out to find him again, in worry. And she did, she found him lost still, and offered him shelter from the night at her villa. She introduced herself as Elluriel, and she was very much to Eamons liking, and during their stay together, as she watched him eat, laugh, and then bathe, she developed a liking for him too. The beginning of a romance. Elluriel's peers objected about her being with some Human, but she refused to listen. In time, even they would come to respect Eamon. When the Heimer and Lynorans of Veyrun eventually declared independence from Lynora and it's exploitations policies once more, to rise in rebellion, and the news reached Eamon, he felt his duty to return home and join his brothers in their struggle. But he did not go alone, his beloved Elluriel would accompany him, as would many of her friends and allies, and together, with their combined knowledge of warfare, medicine, and magic, they secured Veyrun's independence. In the aftermath, much of Veyrun saw the wisdom found in the teachings of the light, with the cooperation between the Heimer and Lynoran settlers, as well as the union between Eamon and Elluriel being the most recent proof. The Faith of Light would take root in Lithayne as well, spreading like wildfire along with it's accompanied love story, and would become the dominant religion in the following decades. Lynora too would make no further attempts to subjugate Veyrun. Because of this great feat, both Eamon and Elluriel were proclaimed saints, for uniting the hearts and minds of three cultures, and establishing a lasting peace in the region. As saints, Eamon and Elluriel represent love and unity.Saint Baldrick
Baldrick was a Dwarven engineer who migrated to Sturmgard from Ezrenhelm shortly after the first Vallerian War for the North. Originally, he was only one of many Dwarves sent to Sturmgard by the King of Ezrenhelm to aid their new allies in developing better equipment, but decided to stay permanently when he observed the potential of all races working together. Baldrick was the leading inventor in seaborne and land technology, fields where the Dwarves have never yet touched upon, being inhabitants of the underworld. Him and his brought steam power to Sturmgard, and have created the very first steam ships, ones which did not need to rely on the winds to sail. But these were met with little applaud, as Sturmgard already used the power of mages to steer the winds right in to the sails of their ships, or outright create wind were it lacking. Next, they created the steam tank! A large armored mobile platform with an inlaid canon which could fire on the move across land terrain while protecting it's crew from incoming projectiles. These too however, were not popular, as Sturmgard again employed the power of mages to conjure magical barriers to shield their troops from enemy fire, and used the raw power of Arcane magic to cause devastation instead of hauling slow and heavy, not to mention expensive artillery around. It was clear that Baldrick would not make a name for himself with inventing some new grand machine for Sturmgard. He sorely wished for Dwarven kind to contribute to the greater good in some grand way, but little did he realise, that it already has. Baldrick's ideas may not have brought anything major to the battlefield or to the navy, but it improved the quality of life for many, as steam powered lamps were lighting the streets of Sturmgard before long, and homes were being heated by central heating systems, with the warm water being pumped around with Baldrik's own water pumps. These too were new inventions, as Dwarves had no need for heating systems, due to living in their underground Dwarfholds of steam and sweat. Water always flowed downwards from the mountains above, so all they had to do was re-direct it at their whim. And lighting was preferred to be provided with flames, as they also provided warmth. Praised for his contributions, Baldrick, the lead innovator, the genius, was granted citizenship by the Kaiser himself. Proudly, he accepted, and would even convert to the Faith of Light. And as time passed by, he would pump out several more inventions, such as the automated draw bridge, the automated elevator, the ventilator, and he would even make a start on inventing the airship! But due to his old age, he would not live to see it. After his death, he was proclaimed Saint, for improving the lives of countless millions. As a saint, Baldrick represents knowledge and innovation. In his memory, many more Dwarves would accept the Faith of Light, even at home in Ezrenhelm. The King himself would adopt the faith, but without forsaking their old Dwarven traditions of Ancestral Worship. He merely believed, that order and a lasting peace would come with common ground.Saint Athirey
Athirey is a sentient Elder Dragoness living in isolation in the Valpine mountains between the low country of Lynora in the west and the Hinterlands of Sturmgard in the east. She is an ancient Dragoness, and she always looked down upon the pettiness of Elven and Dwarven kind always being at odds with one and other because of foolish jealousy, arrogance, or misjudged feelings of supremacy. So when the world was plunged in to an ice age by the Cataclysm, and she witnessed Elves, Humans, and Dwarves finally working together in the aftermath, she watched with joy and gladness. Until the Vallerian Empire marched across the Valpines, hell bent on reclaiming lost Elven land, and impose their dominion over the ''lesser races'' of the north. Athirey would not stand for this, and in their most crucial moment, she would break her isolation in after and age, and would burn the Vallerian forces to ash. Exhausted, she returned to her lair where her Kobold servants would tend to her. She was getting too old for feats such as this. But the mortal races of the north would always remember her sacrifice, and praised her as a savior, and as a saint. And all though very few are allowed up her mountain, she swore that, if she will only be able, she will come to their aid again, would the need arise. She is telepathic, and she communicates her words directly in to one's mind, without speaking. She can also feel mortals from long distances, their health, their emotion, their state of mind, and has been observing the mortal races for untold thousands of years. She is ancient, and many seek her wisdom, though there are very few whom she deems worthy of her council. As a saint, she represents wisdom.Traditions & Practices:
Mass
The mass is, as the name would suggest, the mass-gathering of the faithful to join in prayer. They are organised for a variety of purposes, such as to say farewell to a recently deceased, to offer prayer for someone who has long been gone, to bless a newborn child, or bare witness to a marriage. These are the more private masses, while public masses are held regularly for general prayer.Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is celebrated on the longest night of the year, on the last day of the last month, and marks the beginning of a new year, and the turning point where nature begins it's cycle of rebirth. Thanks are given for the bearable winter time, and prayers are made for a bountiful harvest season. It is also celebrated with market fares and burning large communal bonfires. Traditionally, people decorate their houses, and even near by trees, with sparkling baubles such as stars and snowflakes, and reflective orbs or bells to match the festivities and time.Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is celebrated on the longest day of the year, which is mid-summer. It is spent celebrating and giving thanks for all that nature has given thus far, and prayers are made for a likewise bountiful end of the season, and a merciful winter.Divinity Day
Divinity Day is commemoration for Saint Arash and his ascension to divinity after his passing. Divinity is achieved when a pure soul of great sacrifice passes away, and is claimed by The Light to ascend in to it's heavenly realm, from which the soul then aids The Light in watching over the mortal world. Divinity Day falls on the 25th of Frost, and is also celebrated by honoring all those important around you with gifts, as thanks to their own good spirit through out the year.Lovebirds Day
Lovebirds Day falls on the 14th of Thaw, and is a celebration of love and romance, and commemorating the union between Saints Eamon and Elluriel. Traditionally, on this day, couples and loved ones bestow small gifts to one and other in shows of affection.Hierarchy:
Holy See
The Holy See is the one leader of the faith, said to be the purest of the faithful, and being able to interpret the will of The Light.Bishop
Bishops are regional overseers, pooling resources and manpower of the faith to tackle regional matters.Chaplain
Chaplains are the head priests of churches or cathedral. They handle organisation and plan events and processions.Reverend
The Reverend is the common priest who leads people in prayer, and is the one who executes mass, marriage, funeral, etc.Deacon
Deacons are the scribes of the faith, it's servants, and messengers. They are the order of ministry.Abbot
The Abbot is the leader of a religious monastery, where new candidates of the ecclesiastical order are trained, educated, and evaluated.Novice
The Novice is a religious trainee, currently in the long and slow process of joining the ecclesiastical order.Rhymes & Prayers:
''With the blessings of The Light, the dawn is in our sight. We do not fear the darkness, we do not fear the night.'' ''Holy Light, i beg thee, please protect and guide me. Lead me down thine righteous path, so that i might avoid all evil's wrath.'' ''Does it not make sense for one to offer recompense if one caused damage lightly? For if one does not, and no amends are sought, it may haunt one mightily.'' ''Woe is the orphan who hath no roof, nor food, nor love, for he suffers greatly. Offer him care, some food you might spare, let him not envy your plenty.'' ''Oh, Holy Light, please forgive our wrongs against you as we forgive those who have wronged us. We beg you, guide us away from temptation, so that we may not become pawns of evil.'' ''Holy Light, i beg from thee thine love, thine grace, thine mercy, and in turn, i offer thee all love of mine, my body, my soul.'' ''Blessed be the food on our table, the drink in our cups, and the company at our side. Blessed be the day The Light hath given, and pray we to be blessed again by The Light's grace in the morrow.''History
Origin
The Faith of The Light is a religion born out of the cataclysm. It came in to being after the arch-mage Arash performed the miracle of parting the Nord Sea itself to create a corridor and allow for refugees to pass on to the other side during the early ice age, in a time when the world was all but depleted of Arcane energy. This power was observed to have been granted by the benevolent Light in an act of mercy towards the people, and was bestowed upon the one most pure and charitable there. Arash realised that this power was not Arcane, nor his own, and he understood the timing and purpose. The Humans, forced from the north, fleeing the frost, were brought southwards in to Elven lands, where they are to join and work together towards a common good. Soon, they were joined by Dwarves fleeing the underworld as well, and together, they would all contribute their strengths to building a new realm of tolerance and understanding. Just as The Light willed it. The Faith of The Light spread like wildfire across what would become Sturmgard and Lynora, having pagan Humans, pantheonic Elves, and ancestral Dwarves all convert to the faith as they witnessed the truth of it's message, giving birth to one of the most tolerant and progressive societies in the world. But it all crawled to a halt when it collided with the Church of Fire in the east, and ancient Elven and Dwarven remnants in the south. From then on, the faith would only regain traction in the aftermath of a miracle, such the union between Eamon and Elluriel, which eventually saw the conversion of both the Kingdom of Veyrun and the Elven realm of Lithayne, or the mechanical genius that was Baldrick, who's ideas and innovations improved the lives of millions, citing they were gifts from the light, which saw the eventual spread of the faith to the Dwarfholds of Ezrenhelm. But such events and remarkable individuals were hundreds of years apart. During those times, The Light was always at threat from all sides from archaic faiths of superstition or supremacy, and as such the Reich of Sturmgard, being one of the largest and most powerful nations in Arboria, took on the role as Protector of the Faith, and would stand tall as the beacon of The Light. In time, many more people of a large variety of cultures would migrate to Sturmgard and Lynora due to their openness.Present time
Today, The Light stands strong. Several nations have fully converted to the faith, with the rulers themselves having adopted it and have formed moralistic governments according to it's ideals. Or, close enough to them. It's greatest rivals however, remain the Church of the Mason in Ardechia in the east, which is a faith that demonises magic and magic users of any kind, particularly Elves, and has embraced technology instead. The Pantheon of the Vallerian Empire in the south, which is a belief in Elven superiority, who see cross-species relationships as disgusting, and wish to reclaim the lost Elven lands of Arboria. And the pagan raiders from The Heimer Clans who still worship the Human Old Gods, who see their southern relatives as heretics and traitors for abandoning the gods who have watched over them for ages. The nations of Sturmgard, Lynora, Veyrun, Lithayne, and Ezrenhelm are all members of an alliance called The Pact of Light, so that they may tackle any foe or crisis as a unified force.
Followed by:
- Reich of Sturmgard
- Princedom of Lynora
- Kingdom of Veyrun
- Dutchy of Lithayne
- Kingdom of Ezrenhelm
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
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