The Church

The Church is a prominent organization that wields significant influence over the politics, morality, and daily lives of the humans in the region. The church worships a deity known as Unconquered Sol, a single god associated with light, order, and the eternal battle against Chaos. To safeguard themselves from the perils of Chaos, the Church advocates strict adherence to certain rituals, daily prayers, regular attendance at services, and charitable donations based on one's means. The cathedrals of the order are awe-inspiring structures, featuring imposing gargoyles and demon statues that serve as reminders of the ever-present threat of Chaos.
Beliefs and Teachings:
The Church of Unconquered Sol preaches that Chaos represents evil, disorder, and the antithesis of everything that is righteous and harmonious. They believe that the only path to salvation and protection from Chaos is through devotion to Unconquered Sol and the light he offers. The teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining order, both internally within oneself and externally within society, to prevent the encroachment of Chaos. The followers of Unconquered Sol are taught to be virtuous, just, and disciplined in their daily lives, as they believe these qualities bring them closer to the divine.
Rituals and Practices:

• Daily Prayers: Followers of Unconquered Sol are expected to engage in daily prayers to seek the god's guidance, protection, and blessings. These prayers are usually performed individually, but communal prayer sessions are also held within the cathedrals.
• Regular Services: The Church conducts elaborate services on specific days of the week to honor Unconquered Sol. These services involve hymns, sermons delivered by high-ranking clergy, and readings from holy texts that emphasize the triumph of light over darkness.
• Charitable Donations: The Church encourages its followers to donate what they can afford to support its activities and maintain the grandeur of the cathedrals. These donations are seen as acts of devotion and a means to strengthen the Church's influence in society. The varies depending on a person's social class. Those of a higher station normally donate furniture or artwork while lower stations farm animals or grain.

Cathedrals:
The cathedrals of the Order of the Unconquered Sol are monumental structures that inspire awe and reverence. They are designed to reflect the Church's teachings on the battle between light and darkness. The exteriors are adorned with intricate carvings depicting gargoyles and demons, serving as a reminder of the constant vigilance required against Chaos. Some cathedrals also feature "Hellmouth" depictions, where demons are portrayed consuming mortals, symbolizing the dangers of succumbing to Chaos.
Inside the cathedrals, the grandeur continues with ornate stained-glass windows that bathe the interiors in a heavenly glow. The walls are adorned with "doom paintings" depicting contrasting realms. Those who devote themselves to Unconquered Sol are depicted in blissful sanctuary, basking in eternal light and serenity. In contrast, those who reject the teachings of the Church suffer in darkness, tormented by chaotic forces such as demons, fae, and undead, serving as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.
Political and Moral Influence:
The Order of the Unconquered Sol holds considerable political sway, and its clergy often advises rulers and nobles on matters pertaining to governance and maintaining societal order. The Church's teachings heavily influence the moral fabric of the region, shaping laws and societal norms that align with their beliefs. The followers of Unconquered Sol are expected to embody these virtues and act as beacons of light in their communities, helping to counteract the influence of Chaos in the world.
Donations
In the practice of donations within the Order of the Unconquered Sol, there is a recognition of the varying social classes and their ability to contribute to the Church's cause. The Church believes that each member of society should give according to their means, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

• Nobility and Wealthy Elites: The nobility and wealthy elites are expected to make substantial donations to the Church. They are encouraged to contribute significant financial resources, as well as valuable assets such as land, jewelry, or artifacts. Their contributions help fund the construction and maintenance of grand cathedrals, support the clergy, and finance various Church-led initiatives.
• Merchants and Middle Class: The merchants and middle-class individuals are considered an important pillar of support for the Church. They are encouraged to donate a portion of their profits or income, whether in the form of monetary contributions, goods, or services. Their donations assist in the upkeep of the Church, support community outreach programs, and provide for the less fortunate.
• Lower Class: The Church recognizes that those belonging to the lower class may not possess significant financial resources. However, they are encouraged to contribute what they can, even if it is modest. This can include small monetary donations, food, or clothing. The Church values the spirit of sacrifice and devotion, rather than the monetary value of the donation itself.

Additionally, the Church practices a unique approach to nurturing future followers through the adoption of children from the congregation, particularly those from lower-class backgrounds. The Church views this as an act of compassion, providing an opportunity for a child to have a better life within the embrace of the Church and its teachings.
When a family from the lower class is unable to care for their child adequately, they may choose to approach the Church and request that their child be adopted into the congregation. The child is then taken in by the Church and raised within the clergy or assigned to a devoted family within the congregation.
The adopted child receives education, guidance, and a sense of belonging within the Church community. They are groomed from an early age to embrace the teachings of Unconquered Sol and become future followers and contributors to the Church's cause. The Church believes that this practice not only provides a better life for the child but also strengthens the Church's future by nurturing individuals who will carry on its teachings and values.
It is seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement, as the child receives care, education, and a path to a meaningful life, while the Church gains a dedicated follower who can contribute to the Church's mission and spread its teachings in the world.
Order vs Chaos
In the teachings of the Order of the Unconquered Sol, Chaos is depicted as the embodiment of discord, disorder, and everything that opposes the principles of light, order, and righteousness. The Church holds Chaos responsible for the existence of various malevolent entities and their disruptive influence on the world.

• Demons: According to the Church's teachings, demons are believed to be born of Chaos itself. They are seen as twisted and malevolent entities that actively seek to sow chaos, corruption, and suffering in the world. Demons are regarded as agents of Chaos, embodying its will and serving as a constant threat to the stability and harmony that Unconquered Sol represents.
• Undead: The Church attributes the existence of undead creatures to the influence of Chaos. Undead are seen as souls that have been corrupted or bound by Chaos, either willingly during their lives or unwillingly after death. They are considered to be in a state of perpetual suffering and are believed to carry out the will of Chaos by perpetuating misery, fear, and destruction.
• Fae and Monsters: The Church views certain fae creatures and monstrous beings as manifestations of Chaos as well. These entities are often associated with unpredictable and disruptive forces, bringing about turmoil and endangering the established order. The Church teaches that these beings are imbued with the chaotic essence of Chaos and pose a threat to the stability and security of the mortal realm.

The Church emphasizes that the existence of these chaotic entities and their influence on the world is a constant reminder of the need for vigilance, devotion, and unwavering commitment to the teachings of Unconquered Sol. They believe that by following the prescribed rituals, prayers, and acts of devotion, individuals can protect themselves and their communities from the encroachment of Chaos and its malevolent manifestations.
The Church teaches that through the power of Unconquered Sol, individuals can overcome the temptations and dangers posed by Chaos. By embracing order, discipline, and righteousness, they can stand strong against the forces of chaos and contribute to the establishment of a harmonious and virtuous society.
The Church's View on Magic
The Order of the Unconquered Sol acknowledges the existence and potential dangers of magic within their teachings. While the Church does not directly associate magic-users with Chaos, they believe that the practice of magic opens practitioners to the influence and temptations of Chaos. The Church warns that without proper guidance and devotion to the greater good, magic-users are susceptible to being ensnared by the worship and control of demons or fae. The Church teaches that magic, in its essence, is a powerful and unpredictable force that can easily lead individuals astray if not channeled with wisdom and moral responsibility. They believe that the pursuit of personal gain, unrestrained experimentation, or the manipulation of magic for selfish purposes can inadvertently invite the corrupting influence of Chaos into a magic-user's life.
To mitigate this risk, the Church emphasizes the importance of magic-users devoting their skills and abilities to the betterment of mankind and the teachings of Unconquered Sol. They advocate for magic-users to align their magical practices with the principles of light, order, and righteousness, using their abilities to combat the forces of Chaos and bring about positive change in the world.
The Church encourages magic-users to seek guidance and mentorship from experienced clergy or seasoned practitioners who are aligned with the teachings of Unconquered Sol. By integrating their magical studies with the Church's doctrines, magic-users can harness their abilities in a way that upholds the values of order, virtue, and protection against Chaos.
It is believed that through this devotion and alignment with the Church, magic-users can guard themselves against the insidious influences of demons and fae. By staying steadfast in their commitment to serving the greater good and dedicating their magical talents to the cause of righteousness, magic-users can avoid the pitfalls and temptations that Chaos presents, ensuring that their powers remain a force for good in the world.
The Church's View on Necromancy
The Order of the Unconquered Sol holds an uncompromising view on necromancy, considering it a blasphemous act that defies the natural order and embraces the corrupting influence of Chaos. Within the Church's teachings, necromancy is viewed as an affront to Unconquered Sol and an abomination that stains the very soul of those who practice it.
The Church vehemently condemns necromancy, asserting that the magic associated with it derives from the malevolent forces of Chaos itself. They teach that the act of communing with the deceased and manipulating the forces of life and death disrupts the divine order established by Unconquered Sol. Such interference is seen as a direct violation of the sacred balance and an insult to the sanctity of life.
To safeguard the purity of the soul and uphold the principles of light and order, the Church advocates a severe punishment for necromancers. Offenders are deemed irredeemable and sentenced to the most drastic form of purification: burning at the stake during the zenith of the sun. The Church-sanctioned service, held in the presence of the congregation, serves as a stern reminder of the repercussions of delving into necromantic arts.
Following the execution, the ashes of the necromancer are collected and secured within a container, which is then preserved within the Church. This act serves as a somber reminder to the flock of the consequences that befall those who dare to engage in such forbidden practices. It symbolizes the church's commitment to protecting the purity of the soul and preserving the sanctity of life from the taint of necromantic influence.
The Church's View on other Religions
The Order of the Unconquered Sol, while not actively seeking to disrupt other religions, holds a negative view of them within their teachings. They perceive these religions as potentially misleading or, at worst, aligned with the entities of Chaos that they oppose. The Church emphasizes the importance of their own doctrine and the potential risks posed by divergent beliefs. The Church teaches that other religions, while perhaps well-intentioned, lack the complete truth and enlightenment that they believe Unconquered Sol offers. They see these religions as potentially leading their followers astray, veering them off the path of righteousness and into the clutches of chaos. They caution their own followers against being swayed by the allure of alternative faiths, urging them to remain steadfast in their devotion to Unconquered Sol.
While the Church does not actively disrupt or engage in overt conflict with other religions, they express concern that these beliefs may unwittingly align individuals with the forces of chaos. They caution that the entities of chaos can manipulate and exploit the followers of these religions, luring them into practices and beliefs that go against the teachings of Unconquered Sol.
Within the context of their teachings, the Church considers it their duty to provide a guiding light, a bastion of truth amidst a world they perceive as being potentially misled by other religions. They emphasize the importance of spreading their own doctrine and teachings to counteract what they see as the potential dangers of divergent beliefs. These views do not promote intolerance or active hostility towards other religions. Rather, they reflect the Church's concern for the spiritual well-being of individuals and their commitment to upholding what they perceive as the true path of light, order, and righteousness.

Cosmological Views

At the center of this cosmology stands the Supreme Deity, Unconquered Sol, the embodiment of light, order, and righteousness. Unconquered Sol is revered as the creator of the universe, the guide of humanity, and the eternal protector against the encroaching forces of Chaos.
Beneath the radiance of Unconquered Sol, a celestial hierarchy unfolds. Celestial beings, including angels and archangels, fulfill crucial roles as messengers, warriors, and servants of Unconquered Sol. They embody divine power and wisdom, tasked with upholding the divine order and combating the relentless tide of Chaos.
In the eternal struggle between light and darkness, the Church teaches that Chaos represents a primal force seeking to corrupt and disrupt the harmonious order established by Unconquered Sol. This cosmic battle between the celestial forces of light and the malevolent entities of Chaos unfolds on a grand scale, with Unconquered Sol and the celestial beings leading the charge against the encroachment of Chaos, demons, and their ilk.
Through the grand tapestry of the cosmos, Unconquered Sol weaves a divine plan. This plan encompasses the triumph of light over darkness, the restoration of perfect harmony, and the salvation of humanity. The followers of Unconquered Sol play an integral part in this plan, called to uphold righteousness, combat Chaos, and spread the teachings of the Church. Through their devotion, they contribute to the ultimate victory of light, aligning themselves with the divine purpose set forth by Unconquered Sol.
Within this cosmology, salvation and redemption are paramount. The Church teaches that by embracing the light, order, and virtuous living, individuals can cleanse their souls, find solace in the eternal blissful sanctuary of Unconquered Sol, and be saved from the clutches of Chaos. Devotion to Unconquered Sol and adherence to the teachings of the Church become the pathway to redemption, guiding individuals toward the ultimate realization of their divine purpose.

Tenets of Faith

1. Honor the Law: Worshipers of Unconquered Sol believe that the law of the Church is sacred and should be upheld at all times. They strive to follow the laws of the land, as well as the divine laws set forth by Unconquered Sol.
2. Seek Justice: Worshipers of Unconquered Sol are called to seek justice in all things. They are encouraged to stand up for what is right and to fight against injustice, oppression, and corruption.
3. Embrace the Light: Worshipers of Unconquered Sol see the light of the sun as a symbol of divine enlightenment. They seek to embrace the light of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all aspects of their lives.
4. Show Compassion: While worshipers of Unconquered Sol believe in the importance of justice, they also recognize the need for compassion and mercy. They are called to show kindness and empathy to those in need, and to treat all people with dignity and respect.
5. Live with Purpose: Worshipers of Unconquered Sol believe that they have been given a divine purpose in life. They strive to live each day with intention and meaning, using their talents and abilities to serve the greater good and to bring honor to Unconquered Sol.

"From Order Springs Harmony"

Deities

• Unconquered Sol

Divines

• Unconquered Sol

Related Species

• Humans

Related Ethnicities

• Drayns
• Lavonians
• Markians
• Serrans
• Telnans