The Church of the First Light

Overview

The Church of the First Light is a powerful religious organization in Teralt. This organization was formed to venerate the life and teachings of the Androns, the children of Andromeda, the Worldsoul of Teralt. It reveres the First Era of Man, a time before the influence of Imustones and the Ancients, and views the teachings of the Androns as sacred wisdom, guiding their interpretation of Andromeda's will.

Headquarters

The Church of the First Light wields considerable influence over its followers through its network of temples and priests spread across the various territories of Teralt. Its headquarters, known as The Radiance, is a grand cathedral located in the city of Sireneon, built with stunning Andron architecture that stands in stark contrast to the chaos of the nearby Grip of Sarvan.

Leadership

The church is led by a group of elders known as the Luminaries, each chosen for their deep spiritual understanding and their embodiment of the teachings of the Androns. The Luminaries oversee the functioning of the church, preside over religious ceremonies, and guide their followers towards enlightenment, as interpreted from the wisdom of the Androns.

The Dawn Watch

The Dawn Watch is the militant arm of the Church of the First Light that attempts to proselytize any and all "pure people" they can. Though their primary mission is to protect the church, its followers, and their lands, they often act with a zealous intensity that can be seen as overbearing. Composed of knights and warriors trained in both martial and spiritual disciplines, the Dawn Watch seeks to uphold the laws and principles set forth by the Luminaries. Their rigorous enforcement sometimes leads them to be heavy-handed, a characteristic that has garnered both respect and fear.
The Church's teachings emphasize the sanctity of the First Era of Man, leading the Dawn Watch to discriminate against those they perceive as deviations from this ideal, such as those suffering from Shadow Echo. However, they remain firm in their belief that they are acting in the best interest of mankind, maintaining peace and order in accordance with the wisdom of the Androns.

Conclusion

Through their religious, social, and even military influence, the Church of the First Light has shaped the cultures and societies of Teralt, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and order among the followers of Andromeda. However, the Church has its detractors and critics, who accuse it of being too rigid in its interpretations of the Andron teachings and of using its influence to manipulate political events to its advantage. Despite these criticisms, the Church remains a formidable power in Teralt, its Light guiding the paths of many inhabitants.

Type

Religious, Inquisitorial