Unconquered Sol
Unconquered Sol is seen as a divine embodiment of the sun and a purveyor of law and order. He is often depicted with a morningstar mace, symbolizing his authority and power to uphold justice. Unconquered Sol is believed to have created the world, imbuing it with his light and warmth. He watches over humanity and dispenses justice to those who have sinned or broken the law. Those who are righteous and follow his teachings are blessed with his divine protection and guidance.
Worship of Unconquered Sol involves daily prayers and offerings of light and fire. His temples and churches are designed to maximize sunlight, and ceremonies are often held at midday to honor his peak strength. Many will be married at the peak of the midday sun and baptisms where a newborn is embraced in a pool of water that has been warmed by the sun at its zenith are a few practices not uncommon to see.
Unconquered Sol is often associated with the concept of divine judgment and salvation. It is believed that he will one day return to judge the living and the dead, separating the righteous from the wicked. Those who have followed his teachings will be saved and granted eternal life, while those who have strayed from the path of righteousness will be condemned.
The Hounds vs the Church
Although The Hounds of Revelry and the Church fight the same battle against darkness, they do not always see eye to eye on magic users. The Hounds are known for their ruthless tactics, and they do not hesitate to use violence and force to eliminate their targets.
On the other hand, the church advocates for a more compassionate approach, and they believe that all creatures, even those touched by darkness or the Chaos of magic, can be saved and redeemed. They work to rehabilitate those who have fallen to darkness, and they seek to find peaceful solutions to conflicts with a magic user that might be involved with demons.
These differing approaches have led to tension between the Hounds and the Church, with each organization believing that their way is the best way to combat darkness. The Hounds sees the church's methods as weak and ineffective, and they believe that they are the only ones who can truly protect society from the threat of darkness. Some zealot Hound even believe that the Church has been corrupted by darkness and they are the true carries of his light.
The Church, on the other hand, views the Hounds of Revelry methods as cruel and inhumane, and they worry that their actions will only serve to create more darkness in the world. They believe that redemption is possible for all creatures, even those touched by darkness, and they work tirelessly to spread this message throughout the land.
Despite these differences, the Hounds and the Church occasionally work together off the record, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the fight. While there may be tension and disagreements at times, both organizations ultimately share a common goal: to protect society from the darkness that threatens it. There are rumors that both have created more than one faustian bargain between each other where the Church has turned over a magic user in exchange for a demon's name for one reason or another.
Priests, Paladins, and Clerics
The Order of Radiance is the clerical order that follows Unconquered Sol. This order is dedicated to upholding the law and promoting justice, and its members are granted divine powers by Unconquered Sol to aid them in their quest.
Members of the Order of Radiance are granted the power to channel the light of Unconquered Sol into their selfs, allowing them to defend the innocent and defeat creatures of darkness and evil. They are also able to cast spells that enhance their own abilities and those of their allies, calling upon Unconquered Sol to bless them with their abilities to turn undead monstrosities away.
The paladins and templars of this order are known for their fierce dedication to justice and their unwavering commitment to the law. They serve as judges, arbitrators, and mediators, working to resolve disputes and ensure that justice is served. They also serve as protectors of the innocent, using their powers to defend those who are threatened by darkness and evil.
The Order of Radiance is led by a High Priest or High Priestess, who is elected by the members of the order and the Church. The High Priest or High Priestess is responsible for overseeing the order's activities and ensuring that its members remain true to the teachings of Unconquered Sol.
Members of the order are required to take vows of loyalty, chastity (though members are permitted to marry within the order if they wish to do so), and obedience, and to follow a strict code of conduct that emphasizes honor, justice, and compassion. They are expected to be examples of righteousness and integrity, and to serve as beacons of hope and light in a world that is often dark and chaotic.
Political Intrigue & Influence
The Church of Unconquered Sol plays a significant role in political intrigue and influence of human society and even in some demi human ones. The clerics of the Order of Radiance are highly respected and admired, and their opinions carry great weight in matters of law and governance.
The Church is a focal point of the government and courts, and it is often consulted on matters of policy and justice. High-ranking members of the Church are given positions of authority in the government and judiciary, and they have significant influence over the decisions that are made.
However, with great power comes great responsibility, and there are those who seek to exploit the influence of the Church for their own gain. Some politicians and nobles seek to curry favor with the Church, hoping to win their support in their own political maneuverings. Others seek to manipulate the Church for their own ends, using their influence to sway the opinions of the clerics and judges to achieve their desired outcomes.
As a result, the Church and the Order of Radiance are often embroiled in political intrigue and power struggles. There are factions within the Church that have different visions of the role that the Church should play in government and society, and these factions often clash over policy and doctrine.
Despite these challenges, the Church remains a stabilizing force in the land. It is a source of comfort and guidance for the people, and its commitment to justice and righteousness is an inspiration to all who seek to live honorable lives. The Church's influence over the government and courts ensures that justice is served fairly and impartially, and that the law is upheld for the good of all.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
- Unconquered
- The Sunburst - The Sunburst is a symbol of Unconquered Sol's radiance and glory. It represents the power and warmth of the sun, and its ability to bring light and life to the world. The sunburst is often depicted with rays of light emanating from a central point, symbolizing the spread of Unconquered Sol's light and justice throughout the land. Many commoners frame pieces of sunbursts above the thresholds of their homes.
- The Scales of Justice - The Scales of Justice are a symbol of Unconquered Sol's fairness and impartiality. They represent the balance between good and evil, and the importance of weighing the evidence and considering all sides in matters of law and justice.
- The Phoenix - The Phoenix is a symbol of Unconquered Sol's power and rebirth. It represents the triumph of justice over evil, and the ability of the sun to rise again after the darkness of night. The phoenix is often depicted with flames surrounding it, symbolizing the fiery power of the sun. Many church gardens are dotted with phoenix statues adorned with solara lily flowerbeds.
- Sunstones - The Sunstone is a symbol of Unconquered Sol's strength and resilience. It represents the unyielding power of the sun, and its ability to endure through all obstacles and challenges. The sunstone is often depicted as a gemstone with a fiery glow, symbolizing the radiance of Unconquered Sol's light. Many clerics will carry translucent river stones to cast Light upon to mimic these symbols.
- The Solara Lily - The unique flower bloom used in the worship of Unconquered Sol is the "Solara Lily". It is a large, radiant, golden-yellow lily that only blooms during the summer solstice. Its petals resemble the rays of the sun with brilliant red stamens and it emits a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that is said to be a gift from the sun god himself. The Solara Lily is considered a sacred flower and is often used in religious ceremonies and offerings to Unconquered Sol. Its bright color and radiant appearance are seen as a symbol of the sun's power and radiance, and its fleeting nature is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of embracing each moment in the warmth of the sun's light.
- Sun Disks - The Sun Disk is a symbol of Unconquered Sol's majesty and glory. It represents the power and brilliance of the sun, and its ability to illuminate the world. The sun disk is often depicted with a phoenix rising from its center, symbolizing the rebirth and renewal that comes with the triumph of justice.
Tenets of Faith
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Holidays
While worship is practiced year-round, followers of Unconquered Sol have four holidays that take place each season:
Spring Equinox - Festival of Renewal: The Festival of Renewal is celebrated on the day of the Spring Equinox, when the length of the day and night are equal. It is a time of renewal and rebirth, and worshipers of Unconquered Sol gather to give thanks for the return of the sun's warmth and light. They offer prayers for new beginnings and fresh starts, and give thanks for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Summer Solstice - Feast of the Sun: The Feast of the Sun is held on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a time of celebration and joy, as worshipers of Unconquered Sol honor the power and majesty of the sun. They feast on fruits and vegetables that have been harvested during the summer months, and give thanks for the abundance of the earth.
Autumn Equinox - Day of Judgment: The Day of Judgment is observed on the day of the Autumn Equinox, when the day and night are once again equal. It is a solemn occasion, as worshipers of Unconquered Sol reflect on the passing of the year and prepare for the coming winter. They offer prayers of gratitude for the blessings of the past year, and seek forgiveness for any wrongs they may have committed. It is also a time for reflection on the justice of Unconquered Sol, and for the rendering of judgments in legal matters.
Winter Solstice - Festival of Light: The Festival of Light is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. It is a time of hope and renewal, as worshipers of Unconquered Sol gather to celebrate the return of the sun's light. They light candles and bonfires to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, and offer prayers for the return of warmth and growth in the coming year. It is a time for reflection on the power and justice of Unconquered Sol, and for the renewal of faith in the face of adversity.
"May the light of Sol shine upon you, and guide you on the path of righteousness. May his justice be your shield, and his wisdom your guide. Let us work together to banish the darkness and bring forth a new day, where justice and mercy reign supreme."
Divine Classification
Monotheistic God
Religions
Church/Cult
Children
