Orosism

Orosism is a monotheistic religion centered around the worship of Oros, the Creator God. It was founded in 1837 by Saint Empress Alkyne I the Great of the Myrthean Empire and has since become one of the most widely practiced faiths in the world.
In addition to venerating Oros, also known as "The Maker," Orosism reveres saints—individuals who have attained sainthood through virtuous lives, in accordance with the faith's principles.
Orosism is characterized by its strict dogma and conservative beliefs. It places a strong emphasis on rituals, with a multitude of ceremonies and blessings for various life events. The religion boasts an extensive collection of theological texts, thanks in part to its rich monastic tradition. These texts explore themes such as the Maker's creation and the lives of saints.
One notable impact of Orosism is its influence on the arts within cultures that have adopted the faith. This influence is most evident in the realms of iconography and mosaic illuminations, which have their origins in the artistic traditions of the Myrthean Empire.
One of the faith's distinguishing features is its firm stance against the arcane arts. Orosism views magic as having demonic origins and often pursues legal action against magic users who fail to adhere to its restrictions or engage in practices considered heretical.

Mythology & Lore

As stated in the Holy Book of Creation, the Maker, an entity from the outer world, descended into the empty void of our physical plane and crafted the physical world along with all its living beings. His ultimate and most significant creation was humanity, each person carrying within them a divine essence of the Maker's own soul. Humanity's purpose was to lead eternal, joyful lives and steward the Maker's creation.
Content with his creation, the Maker returned to the Otherworld. However, another deity known as The Slanderer harbored jealousy towards the Maker's handiwork. The Slanderer sought to corrupt humanity, convincing them that they could defy the Maker's will and ascend to godhood within the Creator's world. To achieve this, he granted humans the power of magic. This act resulted in humanity losing its immortality and unity, as individuals with potent magical abilities joined forces with the Slanderer, pursuing their own ambitions and amassing power, which plunged the world into chaos and devastation.
Observing his creation's descent into turmoil, the Maker chose to intervene. He was reborn into his world as a human named Oros, in an event referred to as the First Descent. In an epic confrontation that ensued, Oros vanquished the Slanderer and his formidable mages, banishing them from the world. He then made a promise to humanity: despite their corrupted physical existence, their souls and conscience could find solace in joining the Maker in his realm within the Otherworld upon death. He also prophesied that his Creation would continue to deteriorate, resulting in a world of suffering. In response, he pledged a Second Descent to rescue those who lived in accordance with his teachings and refrained from seeking power through magic or other means. Afterward, he departed this world and ascended to the Valley of Light, the name of his realm according to the Holy Book of Creation.
Despite the Maker's intervention, the influence of the Slanderer endured. He persisted in corrupting humans and diverting their souls from their Maker. These souls instead found themselves in the Slanderer's realm, Acheron. Many of these souls were destined to serve The Slanderer as slaves, while the stronger ones were transformed into demons, constituting the armies of Acheron. These demons often sought to find a way into our world to further corrupt humanity. Souls that had become proficient in dark magic during their time in the living realm were destined to become Devils, Ades' Dark Angels. Devils were powerful beings who also sought to enter our world, often as conquerors and destroyers, personifying the Slanderer's spite towards the Maker's creations.
The use of magic was considered a curse upon humanity, and employing it for personal gain was deemed a grave sin. Certain practices, such as necromancy or hematomancy, were considered outright heresy and strictly prohibited. The The Holy Book of Creation elaborates extensively on the dire consequences of unchecked magic use and the damnation it imposed on its practitioners. Subjects of Oros could only attain magical abilities through prayer and penance, and even then, these powers were to be employed for the betterment of others and the eradication of the Slanderer's agents.

Divine Origins

In the holy scriptures, Oros, The Maker is revered as the original founder of Orosism during his First Coming. His earliest disciples were entrusted with the sacred mission of spreading the teachings of the Creator God throughout the realms. It is worth noting that before the official establishment of the organized religion in the summer of 1837 MC (in the Mynessian Calendar) by Saint Empress Alkyne I the Great, there existed several small congregations that worshiped the Creator God.
For approximately two centuries leading up to this pivotal date, numerous nomadic priests dedicated themselves to preaching about Oros, the Maker, as the one and only God. Their efforts bore fruit as the faith gradually but steadily garnered followers, particularly in Mynessian towns and among the lower classes of society. This growth continued unabated until the significant events of the Siege of Lyssos and the Myrthean Wars of Unification.

Tenets of Faith

1. Oros, The Maker is the Creator God.

1. Love Oros, The Maker with all your heart.

1. Prepare your souls for the Second Descend.

1. Live your lives with dignity.

1. Help those who need your help the most.

1. Ask forgivness for your sins.

1. Seek peace, not confrontation

1. Reject the arcane gifts of The Slanderer.

1. Do not use the curse of magic to gain power.

Worship

The religious practices of the followers of Oros, the Maker, are centered around the worship of Oros as the one true God and the veneration of saints who exemplify the faith's ideals and have defended it during times of strife. Places of worship, such as shrines and churches, are often dedicated to specific saints of the faith.
Worship of Oros the Maker: Followers of the faith hold Oros the Maker in the highest regard as their one true God. They offer prayers, blessings, and devotion to Oros, seeking guidance, protection, and blessings in their lives. Oros is seen as the ultimate Creator and source of divine wisdom, and followers look to Him for spiritual fulfillment.
Veneration of Saints: Saints play a significant role in the religious life of Orosists. Saints are individuals who, through their exemplary lives and unwavering dedication to the faith, have achieved a state of sainthood. They are seen as role models and intercessors between the followers and Oros. Worshipers often seek the intercession of saints in their prayers, believing that the saints can help bring their petitions before Oros.
Places of Worship: Communities that follow the faith of Oros gather regularly for worship. They come together once every 10 days, as well as at the beginning of each season, following the Mynessian Calendar. These gatherings take place in places of worship, which can range from small shrines to grand churches. Each place of worship is often dedicated to a specific saint, and followers visit these locations to offer prayers, participate in rituals, and seek spiritual guidance.
Special Congregations: The special congregations that occur at the beginning of each season likely involve more elaborate rituals and celebrations. These gatherings mark significant moments in the religious calendar and provide an opportunity for the community to come together in celebration of their faith and its connection to the changing seasons.
In summary, the worship of Oros the Maker and the veneration of saints are central aspects of the faith. Regular gatherings in places of worship, along with special congregations during the changing seasons, create a sense of community and devotion among the followers of Orosism.

Priesthood

Within the faith of Oros, individuals of all genders and ages are welcomed into the priesthood. To become a priest, one must undergo approximately three years of training under the guidance of an experienced and accomplished priest. Subsequently, they are required to embark on a pilgrimage to one of the faith's sacred sites, serving as a tangible demonstration of their unwavering dedication to the Maker. Upon successfully completing this pilgrimage and obtaining the approval of an archbishop, they are granted the authority to conduct the faith's rituals and read from its sacred texts during congregations. As a perpetual mark of their priestly status, they must carry a holy symbol that signifies their role as a priest of Oros. This holy symbol also holds significance as a tool for conducting blessings and rituals.
Advancement within the Church hierarchy follows a structured path. To ascend to higher ranks, an individual must first serve as an approved priest for a period of ten years. Paladins, warriors dedicated to the faith, can also rise through the ranks by participating in at least two crusades. However, they are required to renounce personal desires for family or romantic relationships as a testament to their unwavering commitment to a higher calling.
The path to becoming a bishop involves a localized religious council comprised of senior members of the Ecclesiastical Order of the Light, who assess the candidate's worthiness for the role. These councils have faced criticism for their perceived susceptibility to political influence and bribery. Regardless of the outcome, a newly appointed bishop assumes responsibilities within the Order's holdings. It's worth noting that aside from their religious duties, bishops often wield authority akin to that of a baron.
Should a bishop aspire to advance further within the hierarchy of the Ecclesiastical Order of the Light, they must undergo a similar process, with additional years of service in their current position. The council responsible for selecting the High Pontiff, the highest-ranking ecclesiastical authority, within the Empyean sect of the faith includes the Myrthean emperor, a tradition that has persisted since the time of Empress Alkyne I the Great.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Creation of the Ordo Ecclesiasticus Lucis - 1836 MC
In the wake of the establishment of the Myrthean Empire in 1836 MC, Saint Empress Alkyne I the Great made the historic declaration of Orosism as the empire's official state religion. Notably, she herself converted to this faith. While she did not outright ban the worship of other religions, she enforced a policy of mandatory conversion to Orosism as a prerequisite for gaining citizenship. This strategic move proved highly effective, and over the course of the following century, a significant majority of the empire's population embraced Orosism.
Shortly after Orosism became the state religion, the Ecclesiastical Order of the Light, known as the "Ordo Ecclesiasticus Lucis," was established to serve as the faith's central authority. The inaugural spiritual leader of the order, titled "Illustrata Summus Pontifex" or Enlightened High Pontiff, was elected and took the name Vesperus I.
The Order's initial mission was to dispatch its Apostles to all corners of the world, with a primary focus on the western kingdoms where small Orosist congregations had already taken root. Saint Empress Alkyne, in a bid to expand her influence and secure allies in the prosperous west, not only endorsed but also provided financial support to these expeditions. This strategic move yielded success as a significant portion of the population, particularly in the Duchies of Novarund and Auvernia, embraced Orosism. However, this shift did not sit well with many local lords who, threatened by the religion's teachings on magic, initiated religious persecutions, resulting in the imprisonment and even murder of spiritual leaders. These lords were previously in control of druidic and shamanistic faiths, which granted them considerable influence over their subjects.
The situation escalated dramatically, leading to the infamous Siege of Croissie in 1856 MC. A coalition of Novaran and Feroyan warlords besieged the town, which had become a religious sanctuary for Orosists in the heart of the western mainland. Many Orosist refugees sought shelter within its walls to escape religious persecution. Tragically, once the town fell, the invading army executed approximately 17,000 followers of Oros, several priests, and seven Apostles. This horrifying event incited outrage among Myrtheans and Orosist adherents worldwide.
Reluctant to request intervention from Saint Empress Alkyne I, Pontiff Vesperus recognized the fervor of his followers, both within and outside the empire, to take up arms in defense of their faith. It became increasingly clear that a military response was necessary in light of the Croissie massacre. Thus, Pontiff Vesperus made two unprecedented requests to the palace. First, he sought the Empress's approval to establish a war chapter—a dedicated group of warriors tasked with defending the faith in the name of Oros. His second request was to organize a military expedition, led by this war chapter, to capture Croissie in the Church's name and secure the province as a base of operations and a sanctuary for the faithful in the west. Both requests were granted, setting the stage for a longstanding tradition of crusades and the formation of war chapters by the Ordo Ecclesiasticus Lucis. Additionally, the Church gained genuine political power and influence through land holdings and military forces.
The first and enduring war chapter, known as the Order of the Seven Saints or "Ordo Septem Sanctorum," was established and continues to exist to this day. Shortly after its formation, the first Crusade commenced, with approximately 40,000 participants, including noblemen and peasants, setting forth from Antorum in the spring of 1857 MC and arriving at their destination in the early summer. The crusaders, driven by their need for sustenance, inflicted considerable devastation on the lands they traversed, as they lacked logistical planning and had to procure food by any means necessary. Notably, the sacking of Poimans in 1857 MC stands out, as the crusading army, following a battle outside the city against a coalition of Feroyan warlords, laid siege to and sacked Poimans, bringing the province to the brink of ruin.
Though the crusading force eventually numbered less than 20,000 upon reaching Croissie, they successfully captured the city after a brief siege. The province of Vesmen was proclaimed as the Church's possession, giving rise to the Divine Duchy of Vesmen, the first Ecclesiastical state. Croissie, rechristened as Terre de Sang (Earth of Blood), was declared sacred ground, and the impressive Cathedral of the Seven Saints was constructed, honoring the seven Apostles who had perished in the massacre. A sprawling monastic citadel complex was also erected to house the Septans, setting a precedent for the design of future war chapter headquarters. A novel title, "Pontiff of the West," was created, and Ovidius of Ventia was the inaugural appointee to serve as a spiritual leader for the West.
The Schism - 2268 MC
By the outset of the 21st century, Orosism had firmly established itself as the predominant religion in both the west and the empire. Nevertheless, the existence of two spiritual centers introduced minor divergences in the faith's dogma and ritual practices, exacerbated by preexisting cultural disparities. The Myrtheans had long regarded themselves as superior to the "barbaric" west and viewed western art and philosophy as inferior. Additionally, the western population retained many of their druidic traditions and holidays, which gradually integrated into their religious practices.
Another significant difference emerged in the west, where the Church took a more aggressive stance against magic and its various practices. Orosism's presence had already constrained the use of magic within guilds and castes, closely monitored and controlled by either the state or the Church. Research into ancient texts and magical knowledge was exceedingly challenging, requiring approval from a high-ranking authority within the Ecclesiastical Order of the Light, usually an archbishop, and often the patronage of a noble. Furthermore, any findings resulting from such research had to undergo scrutiny by a religious scholar. These stringent regulations discouraged many sorcerers and scholars, as it meant their entire body of work could be purged if their findings were deemed heretical. In this environment, individuals were discouraged from pursuing sorcery even if they displayed aptitude, unless they secured the patronage of a baron.
Around 2043 MC, Archbishop Gautbert of Bavers authored a book titled "Aphorisms on Sorcery," which strongly condemned the arcane and labeled many spells as heretical. Most of these spells had practical applications in daily life and culture and had never before been considered evil. This move stirred controversy, but it found favor among numerous ecclesiastical figures and western nobles who saw potential for religious reform based on these aphorisms. In 2044, Western Pontiff Lothar of Hardtzen convened the Hardtzen Council, inviting most archbishops from the west. During this council, many of the sorceries mentioned in "Aphorisms on Sorcery" were branded as heretical. Practitioners of these sorceries faced excommunication and Church trials. If found guilty of heresy, their lands and possessions were confiscated by local bishops, and they were sentenced to years of penance to atone for their sins, often serving under the lordship of a noble or bishop.
The ensuing reforms plunged society into chaos. Many individuals used these accusations to settle personal scores or acquire others' lands. Priests struggled to verify the validity of these claims, and most verdicts were based on prejudice or false allegations. Furthermore, priests and bishops proved susceptible to bribery, and since many bishoprics lacked the means to enforce their own laws, some accused individuals simply did not attend their trials.
Ultimately, the Ecclesiastical Order of the Light intervened in 2051, with the High Pontiff in Myrthea revoking the decisions of the western Hardtzen Council and putting an end to the trials. Archbishop Gautbert was excommunicated, and the "Aphorisms on Sorcery" was declared a false text. Although these actions caused unrest among members of the Church and the western nobility, no one dared openly oppose the High Pontiff or the Order.
In 2267 MC, the events of The Poimans Incident unfolded, reigniting waves of unrest and anti-magic sentiments among both the general populace and the Septan Church. Certain factions within the Church, who held Gautbert's work in high regard, once again pushed for anti-magic reforms. This time, Pontiff of the West Athanaric the Pious ardently championed Gautbert's cause. He reversed the High Pontiff's decision to denounce the "Aphorisms on Sorcery" and reinstated the rulings of the 2044 Hardtzen Council for the Septan Church.
To enforce trials of sorcerers and hunt down heretical practitioners of magic, Athanaric established a special chapter of the Church in the west known as the Inquisition. However, the High Pontiff Porphyrius the Stern of Myrthea did not endorse Athanaric's actions, as they undermined his authority in the west. He urged Athanaric to rescind his reforms and disband the Inquisition, threatening excommunication as a consequence. In response, Athanaric excommunicated Porphyrius, triggering a series of excommunications between the High Pontiff and the Pontiff of the West. In a retaliatory move, the High Pontiff also excommunicated Athanaric and called upon the archbishops of the Septan Church to elect a new Pontiff of the West.
Some archbishops sided with Athanaric, while others convened a council of faith in Genberg in 2267 MC and elected Cadmus, Archbishop of Moncy, as the new Western Pontiff. Athanaric and his supporting archbishops immediately challenged this decision, imprisoning Cadmus and declaring Athanaric as the true High Pontiff of the faith. He proclaimed his branch of Orosism as the genuine religion, branding the Ecclesiastical Order of the Light as heretical.
Tensions between the east and the west ran high, but the Myrthean emperor Nestor II opted to avoid direct intervention, despite repeated pleas from the High Pontiff. Instead, he sought reconciliation through several diplomatic talks. However, this approach ultimately favored Athanaric, who used the time to consolidate influence and quietly pursue his goals.
Through the efforts of war chapters, political maneuvering, and the covert operations of the Inquisition, Athanaric garnered the support of major western kings, effectively dividing Orosism into two branches: Septan Orosism in the west, led from the Cathedral of the Seven, and Empyrean Orosism, representing the traditional branch of the faith, since 2268 MC.

Sects

The division within Orosism between Empyrean Orosism, primarily followed by the Myrthean Empire and its satellite states, and Septan Orosism, embraced by the majority of the western kingdoms, is rooted in both minor dogmatic differences and primarily political considerations.
Empyrean Orosism: This branch of Orosism is predominantly practiced in the Myrthean Empire and its associated territories. It often adheres to the religious doctrines and practices sanctioned by the central authority of the faith, including the High Pontiff. While there may be some minor theological distinctions, the primary distinguishing feature of Empyrean Orosism is its alignment with the political and religious authority of the Myrthean Empire.
Septan Orosism: Septan Orosism is the prevailing form of the faith in the western kingdoms. It may exhibit some nuanced differences in doctrine or interpretation but is more notably characterized by its historical and political independence from the Myrthean Empire. Septan Orosism often maintains its own ecclesiastical hierarchy and traditions, and its adherents may resist the central authority of the High Pontiff if they perceive it as compromising their interests or autonomy.
War Chapters and Crusades: Orosism also includes various military orders known as War Chapters, consisting of Paladins and Priests dedicated to the faith. These chapters are typically situated in fortified monastic complexes and wield considerable military power. They frequently participate in sanctioned expeditions called crusades, which serve various purposes:
Fighting Evil: Crusades led by War Chapters aim to combat evil forces and the agents of The Slanderer, who seek to corrupt the world. These missions are rooted in the faith's commitment to protecting the world from malevolent influences.
Prosecuting Heretic Sorcerers: Some crusades focus on identifying and prosecuting heretic sorcerers who use their magic in ways that invoke disasters or harm the common populace. This aligns with Orosism's strict stance against uncontrolled and malevolent magic use.
Political Crusades: Occasionally, crusades may be called upon for political reasons. In such cases, the religious and military power of the War Chapters may be used to further the interests of a particular faction or state, which can blur the line between religious and political motives.
In summary, while Empyrean Orosism and Septan Orosism may differ in theological aspects and have distinct historical and political affiliations, both branches share a commitment to the faith's core principles and utilize War Chapters to carry out important missions, including the protection of the faithful, combating evil, and occasionally engaging in political endeavors.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Deities

• Oros, The Maker