The All-Seeing Church

The All-Seeing Church is a relatively new religious organization that has rapidly gained popularity among the inhabitants of the mainland of Eos. Its followers are deeply committed to the pursuit of truth and are determined to expose falsehoods, illusions, and deceit. In addition to venerating the Va'lis pantheon, the church holds The All-Seer in high regard as a benevolent deity who commands respect within mainstream society. The church's influence is significant enough that its highest-ranking member holds a seat on The United Leona Council, indicating the organization's importance and recognition. At present, Lady Kylin Marigold serves as the head priest of The All-Seeing Church. Despite her modest origins, she has earned great respect and admiration from her peers and those who have had the opportunity to interact with her. Lady Kylin Marigold's leadership qualities and dedication to the church have elevated her to this esteemed position within the organization.
Within the ranks of the church, individuals who demonstrate unwavering devotion to the cause of the All-Seer are classified as either paladins or clerics. These faithful adherents can often be seen collaborating with local law enforcement in special cases that involve interrogation. In extreme circumstances, they may even resort to the use of torture in their pursuit of truth and justice. While the acolytes of the faith are generally known for their composed and mild-mannered demeanor, it is unwise to provoke their anger or deliberately deceive them. They possess a reputation for uncovering the truth by any means necessary, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
Overall, The All-Seeing Church has established itself as a prominent religious institution with a strong emphasis on truth-seeking and the exposure of deception. Led by the esteemed Lady Kylin Marigold, its followers, including paladins and clerics, play a crucial role in supporting local law enforcement and ensuring justice prevails, even if it means resorting to extreme measures.

Structure

Head Priest/Priestess (Lady Kyviv Merigold): The highest authority in The All-Seeing Church, the Head Priest or Priestess, currently Lady Kyviv Merigold, oversees all church activities. She is responsible for defining the church's direction, representing the church in external affairs (like the United Leona Council), and ensuring adherence to the teachings of The All-Seer. Her role also involves making pivotal decisions, especially those related to doctrine and church policy.
High Council of Clerics: A group of senior clerics who advise the Head Priest/Priestess and assist in decision-making processes. They are responsible for theological interpretations, developing religious doctrines, and overseeing the religious aspects of the church, such as rituals and ceremonies.
Paladins of Truth: Elite members who act as the militant arm of the church. They are tasked with enforcing the church's edicts, particularly in cases involving heresy, corruption, or deceit. Their role extends to collaborating with law enforcement and undertaking missions that require both martial and religious expertise.
Clerics of Insight: Spiritual leaders and healers who provide guidance to the congregation. They are responsible for conducting religious services, offering counsel and healing to followers, and participating in community outreach and charitable works.
Keepers of the Tome (Librarians/Scholars): Custodians of the church's sacred texts and knowledge. They manage the church's archives, conduct scholarly research, and are responsible for educating the church's members about its teachings and history.
Inquisitors of the All-Seer: Specialists in interrogation and truth-seeking. These members are trained to extract truth from individuals, often using extreme methods. They work closely with the Paladins of Truth in cases of deception and heresy.
Acolytes and Novices: Junior members who are in the process of learning and internalizing the church's teachings. They assist in various church functions and undergo rigorous training and education to advance in the church's hierarchy.
Ambassadors and Envoys: Representatives of the church who liaise with external entities, including other religious organizations, governments, and influential figures. They are responsible for diplomacy, spreading the church's influence, and negotiating alliances.
Lay Members (Congregation): The general followers of the church who are not part of the formal hierarchy. While they do not have specific roles or responsibilities, they support the church through participation in services, donations, and volunteer work.
Council of Revelation: A special group that deals with prophecies and divine revelations. They interpret visions and messages believed to be from The All-Seer, providing guidance on how these revelations should shape church policy and actions.
Specialized Artisans and Crafters: Individuals skilled in creating religious artifacts, garments, and symbols. They are responsible for crafting items like the All-Seeing Eye amulets, Scales of Truth, and other ceremonial objects essential to the church's rituals and identity.
Administrative and Support Staff: This group includes scribes, accountants, caretakers, and other support staff who ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the church. They handle logistical, financial, and organizational tasks.

Culture

Emphasis on Truth and Honesty: The cornerstone of the church's culture is an unwavering commitment to truth. Members are taught to value honesty above all else, and this is reflected in their daily interactions, decision-making, and approach to conflicts. Deception and falsehood are considered the greatest sins.
Rituals of Truth-Seeking: Rituals play a significant role in the church's culture. Practices like using the Scales of Truth or the Lantern of Revelation in ceremonies are not just symbolic but are ingrained in the everyday lives of the members. These rituals reinforce their commitment to uncovering and upholding the truth.
Interrogation and Justice: The culture of The All-Seeing Church accepts, and sometimes even venerates, the use of interrogation and extreme measures to extract truth and administer justice. This stems from the belief that truth is paramount and must be pursued, even at great cost.
Scholarly Pursuits and Knowledge Sharing: Followers are encouraged to engage in scholarly pursuits, particularly in fields that enhance their understanding of truth, justice, and the divine. Knowledge sharing and education are seen as vital to combating ignorance and spreading the teachings of The All-Seer.
Respect for Sacrifice and Devotion: Acts of sacrifice and devotion, such as those exemplified by Lady Kyviv Merigold's self-imposed blindness, are highly respected within the culture. Such acts are seen as the ultimate demonstration of faith and commitment to the All-Seer.
Community and Charitable Works: The culture emphasizes the importance of community and helping those in need. Charitable works, especially healing and aid, are integral parts of the church's activities and are seen as manifestations of their divine mandate.
Ritualistic Meditation and Reflection: Regular meditation and reflection are encouraged, fostering a deeper connection with The All-Seer. These practices are not only spiritual but also serve as tools for personal growth and introspection.
Intolerance of Corruption and Deceit: There is a strong cultural disdain for corruption, deceit, and manipulation. Members are taught to challenge and expose these vices wherever they are found, whether in themselves, within the church, or in wider society.
Harmonious Coexistence with Other Faiths: Despite their strong beliefs, the culture of The All-Seeing Church promotes peaceful and respectful coexistence with other faiths and belief systems, as long as they do not propagate deception or corruption.
Adherence to a Moral Code: The church's culture is governed by a strict moral code, as outlined in texts like the Codex of Clarity. This code dictates not just religious conduct but also personal and social behaviors, emphasizing the importance of ethical living.
Rites of Passage and Initiation: Rites of passage, such as initiation rituals for new members or significant milestones like becoming a cleric or paladin, are important cultural events. These rites often involve tests of truthfulness, devotion, and moral integrity.
Respect for Leadership and Hierarchy: The church has a defined hierarchy, and there is a deep respect for those in leadership positions, especially those who have demonstrated profound devotion and sacrifice, like Lady Kyviv Merigold.

Public Agenda

Promotion of Truth and Insight: The primary agenda of The All-Seeing Church is to promote the seeking of truth in all aspects of life. This involves not only personal honesty and integrity but also uncovering and combating deceit, falsehood, and corruption in society. The church aims to cultivate an environment where truth is valued above all else.
Justice and Enforcement: The All-Seeing Church plays an active role in ensuring justice, particularly in situations where deceit or corruption is prevalent. Their cooperation with law enforcement and the use of rigorous interrogation methods, albeit controversial, underscore their commitment to unearthing the truth for the sake of justice.
Protection Against Deception: Protecting the populace from deceit and manipulation, whether through spiritual or mundane means, is a key goal. The church educates and empowers individuals to discern lies and resist manipulative influences, thus fostering a more honest society.
Dissemination of Knowledge: The church is dedicated to spreading enlightenment and knowledge. Through education and guidance, they aim to dispel ignorance and foster a deeper understanding of the world, based on the principles of truth and clarity as bestowed by The All-Seer.
Spiritual Guidance and Support: Providing spiritual support and guidance to its followers is a significant part of the church's public agenda. This includes helping individuals on their path to Evermeet, ensuring their intentions are pure and not misled by malevolent entities.
Community Engagement and Charitable Works: The church engages in various community services and charitable acts, particularly in areas of healing and aid. This not only demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of the populace but also helps in garnering support and strengthening their influence within society.
Advocacy Against Corruption: The All-Seeing Church actively challenges corrupt practices and individuals, not just within religious realms but also in political and social spheres. This involves a continuous effort to cleanse and purify institutions and individuals tainted by falsehood.
Promotion of Interfaith Harmony: While dedicated to the teachings of The All-Seer, the church also respects and acknowledges other paths to truth. They advocate for interfaith dialogue and cooperation, recognizing the importance of harmony among different belief systems.
Expansion of Influence: The church seeks to expand its influence, not for power's sake, but to extend the reach of their teachings and principles. This includes gaining seats in councils like the United Leona Council, as exemplified by Lady Kyviv Merigold's involvement.
Personal and Spiritual Development: Encouraging personal growth and inner reflection among its followers is a vital aspect of the church's agenda. This involves fostering a deeper connection to The All-Seer and nurturing the 'inner eye', which symbolizes insight and intuition.

Tenets of Faith

Pursuit of Absolute Truth: The foremost tenet is the unrelenting pursuit of truth in all aspects of life. Followers are encouraged to seek honesty and authenticity, rejecting lies, deceit, and falsehood in themselves and others. This pursuit extends beyond personal integrity to actively combating deception in society.
Justice Guided by Insight: Justice must be informed by a deep understanding and insight. It's not enough to merely punish or admonish; true justice, as per The All-Seer, involves discerning the underlying truths and intentions behind actions. The church advocates for a justice system that is fair, informed, and transparent.
Vigilance Against Deception: Followers must be constantly vigilant against deceit, both external and within themselves. This involves a continuous process of self-reflection and scrutiny, ensuring that their actions and beliefs remain true to the principles of the All-Seer.
Protection of the Innocent: Defending those who are vulnerable or unable to defend themselves, particularly from deceptive practices, is a key tenet. The church sees it as its duty to shield the innocent from the corrupting influences of lies and manipulation.
Promotion of Knowledge and Understanding: Enlightenment is seen as a path to truth. Followers are encouraged to seek knowledge, engage in scholarly pursuits, and educate others. Ignorance is viewed as a breeding ground for deceit, and thus, combating ignorance is crucial.
Reflection and Meditation: Regular introspection and meditation are vital for maintaining a connection with The All-Seer and for personal spiritual growth. These practices help in cultivating insight, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the divine truth.
Respect for Diverse Paths to Truth: While the church is centered on the teachings of The All-Seer, it acknowledges that there are multiple paths to truth. Followers are taught to respect other faiths and belief systems that also seek honesty and integrity, as long as they do not propagate deception.
Opposition to Corruption: Actively standing against corruption in all its forms is a fundamental tenet. Followers are expected to challenge corrupt practices and work towards creating a society that values honesty and integrity.
Cultivation of the Inner Sight: Emphasis is placed on developing 'inner sight' or intuition, which is believed to be a gift from The All-Seer. This involves nurturing one’s spiritual connection to perceive truths that are not immediately apparent.
Commitment to Serving with Integrity: Every action taken by a follower, whether in a leadership role or as a lay member, should reflect the values and teachings of The All-Seer. Integrity in service is paramount, and actions should always align with the pursuit of truth and justice.

Ethics

Extended Rules and Interpretations of the Tenets:

1. Absolute Honesty: Truthfulness is paramount in all interactions. Even white lies or lies of omission are discouraged. Followers are taught to speak and live their truth, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.
2. Integrity in Action: Actions must align with the church's teachings. This means making decisions that are not only legally right but also morally and ethically sound according to the tenets of The All-Seer.
3. Fairness in Judgment: When making judgments, whether in personal or professional capacities, fairness must prevail. This involves considering all sides of a story and avoiding biases or preconceived notions.
4. Responsibility for the Vulnerable: Protecting and aiding those who are weak, ill, or disadvantaged is seen as a sacred duty. Neglecting to help those in need, when one has the means to do so, is considered a moral failing.
5. Pursuit of Knowledge: Actively seeking knowledge and wisdom, and using this knowledge to better oneself and the community, is highly encouraged. Willful ignorance or the spread of misinformation is seen as unethical.
6. Self-Reflection and Meditation: Regular introspection is required to ensure one's actions and thoughts align with the church's teachings. Neglect of spiritual duties like meditation or prayer is seen as a deviation from the path.
7. Respect for All Paths to Truth: While the church venerates The All-Seer, respect for other faiths and beliefs is mandatory, provided they do not endorse deceit or corruption.

Sins in the Context of The All-Seeing Church:

1. Deception: Any form of lying or deceit is considered a grave sin. This includes dishonesty in business, personal relationships, and even self-deception.
2. Corruption and Injustice: Engaging in or supporting corrupt practices, whether in politics, business, or daily life, is a serious violation of the church's ethics.
3. Manipulation or Coercion: Using one’s position or knowledge to manipulate or coerce others is viewed as a misuse of the truth and an abuse of power.
4. Intolerance or Persecution: Persecuting others for their beliefs or lack thereof, especially if they are also seeking truth, is against the church's principles of respect and understanding.

Pious Acts in the Context of The All-Seeing Church:

1. Charitable Deeds: Acts of charity, especially those that involve helping the needy or sick, are highly regarded. This reflects the church's commitment to aiding the vulnerable.
2. Spreading Enlightenment: Educating others, sharing knowledge, and dispelling ignorance are seen as noble endeavors that align with the pursuit of truth.
3. Upholding Justice: Actively working to ensure justice, either through legal means or within one's community, is considered a pious act. This includes whistleblowing on corrupt practices or standing up against injustice.
4. Self-Sacrifice for Truth: Sacrificing personal gain for the sake of truth and justice is highly esteemed. This mirrors the sacrifices made by figures like Lady Kyviv Merigold.

Priesthood

Guidance of the Faithful: The priesthood, consisting of clerics and higher-ranking priests, is responsible for guiding the faithful. They lead religious services, offer spiritual and moral guidance, perform rituals, and act as intermediaries between the followers and the divine teachings of The All-Seer. Their role extends to providing counsel, healing, and support to the congregation, upholding the tenets of faith, and ensuring that the church's practices align with its doctrines.
Appointment of Priests:

1. Selection Process: The path to priesthood typically begins at a young age. Prospective priests, often starting as acolytes or novices, undergo rigorous training in theology, ritual practices, and the tenets of The All-Seer.
2. Education and Training: This training includes not only religious education but also learning about justice, truth-seeking, and pastoral care. Candidates are often required to demonstrate a deep understanding of the church's teachings and a commitment to living by these principles.
3. Ritual of Ordination: Upon completion of their training, candidates undergo a ritual of ordination. This ceremony, conducted by senior members of the priesthood, officially recognizes them as priests of The All-Seer. The ritual often includes tests of faith, truthfulness, and moral integrity.
4. Continued Assessment: Even after ordination, priests are continuously assessed to ensure they adhere to the church's values. Their ability to guide and support the congregation effectively is regularly evaluated.

Distinguishing the Priesthood:

1. Attire: Priests of The All-Seeing Church are distinguished by their attire. They typically wear robes and vestments that are distinct in color and design, often adorned with symbols of The All-Seer, such as the All-Seeing Eye or scales of truth.
2. Symbols of Office: Higher-ranking priests may carry special symbols of their office, such as staffs, amulets, or other artifacts believed to be blessed by The All-Seer. These items not only signify their status but also serve as tools in their spiritual and ritualistic duties.
3. Spiritual Authority: Priests are recognized by their spiritual authority and ability to perform certain rites and rituals. They are often sought after for their wisdom, insight, and ability to interpret the will of The All-Seer.
4. Behavior and Conduct: The conduct of priests is expected to exemplify the tenets of The All-Seer. They are often more reserved and contemplative, reflecting their deep commitment to truth and justice. Their actions and decisions are expected to be moral exemplars for the congregation.

In Truth, We See

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Leader

Lady Merigold

Divines

• The All-Seer

Neighboring Nations

• Nelanor

Notable Members

• Lady Merigold