The Cult of Sargos

"Sargos, that wields the sun,
Divine providence and might be his,
The bringer of order unto the world."
— The Book of the Sun

Worship of Thripia's patron deity, the sun god Sargos, is overseen by the magi of the Cult of Sargos. An ancient order wielding great power, they are responsible for acting as a medium between the mortal world and the divine realm of the gods. They supplanted many centuries ago the Cult of Auromon, once prominent, and have held sway ever since. Their tenets are based on a series of mythological texts which they study, rewrite and reproduce, including the Book of the Sun. They encourage adherence to the concept of order and the natural hierarchies of the earth and welcome the pursuit and acceptance of destiny. They are also one of the great Thripian centers for philosophical thought, along with the School of Philosophy, and are known to train in the Oracular Arts.

Organisation

In accordance to their views on the philosophy of order, the Sargite Cult operates under a hierarchy in which those closest to Sargos and his will are positioned to give commands to those of lesser divine ordainment. The higher the rank of a cultist, the more influence over the organisation's operation they exert and the more ceremonial power they wield. The highest rank a Sargite may hold is that of High Magi; the leader of the cult. They are thought to be in direct communication with Sargos and are thus responsible for interpreting and carrying out his will as well as the most important rituals and rites. In times past, they often consulted with the Dynasty King. They are typically elected from among the cult by its prominent members. Directly below the position of High Magi are the Magi of Scripts, responsible for the interpretation of myth and the tenets of Sargos. It is they who determine the best way to live in order that the people of Thripia remain in the good graces of Sargos which are in turn relayed by the other magi; this is the most principle function of the cult. Though theirs is a role of great import and authority, they nevertheless must adhere to the wishes of the High Magi. Next in authority are the Magi of Ceremonies. Their role is to conduct the many important rituals which are performed in the name of Sargos including the daily honoring of Sargos in the Temple of Sargos. They also perform rites and ceremonies for the wealthy, including marriages and blessings, who may pay for their services of consultation. Many are also trained apothecaries. Below them are the Magi of Sacrifices. A similar role to that of the Magi of Ceremonies, they are normally less in number and are responsible for animal sacrifices, such as aurochs, which are first paraded through the city. Then, there are the Magi of Funerals, responsible for burials and all the various rites involved therein including the creation of funeral masks. They are experts in the Underworld and the journey to it. Finally, the lowest ranking magi are the Caretaker Magi who ensure the upkeep of the temple and may also attend to the poorer denizens of Thripia should they require consultation or ceremony. Many members of the cult are not magi, however. Any citizen may be a Sargite and others may work in the temple. Such individuals are ordinarily apothecaries, scribes or teachers. The cult also employs Oracles who are not technically a part of the organisation but who are powerful and prominent within it none the less. It is also worth noting the position of God's Wife. The ceremonial and honorific bride of Sargos, it is always occupied by a woman, usually a member of the royal family and sometimes even the High Consort before the monarchy was deposed. The God's Wife often acted as a counterpart to the High Magi with a similar level of authority, directing members of the cult and carrying out important rituals. The office declined over time, however, and after the People's Uprising became an almost entirely symbolic position.

Agenda

The Cult of Sargos believes, as most if not all Thripians do, that the gods grant their favor to those who act in a way that is pleasing to them. As such, it is their role and responsibility to instruct the people on how best to achieve a bountiful relationship with Sargos. In practice, the cult is another power-seeking institution in Thripia. Their tax exemption, as first decreed by the Dynasty King Castor, allows them to accumulate great wealth which can rival even the most powerful guilds. They usually aim to extend their acquisitions as best they can and this often sets them against the Guilds of Coin. However, on other occasions, they have served common interests with them and the Wise Council.

Philosophy

Sargites venerate the sun as the prime symbol of Sargos and his most divine instrument. It represents his valued attributes; divine providence over earth and the sky and supreme, elevated authority. These are best represented by the amalgamate concept of order which, to Thripians, has come to mean absolute control and perfection as well as maintenance of laws and justice in life. The members of the Cult of Sargos believe that all things exist within order, with assigned roles and duties forming a just world, and that defying these structures is the swiftest way to displease Sargos and incur his punishment. This philosophy was once closely linked to the office of the Dynasty King who was supposed to have been the chosen incarnate of Sargos and the purveyor of law and authority over all. Tied to their views of order, the Cult of Sargos greatly values ambition. It is right, in their eyes, that those given the means and abilities to ascend do so and that achievement is the realization of one's true and correct place within the divine order of the world. Ichor is provided by the gods, and Sargos their chief, as a way to visualize the pathways of destiny that they create; not utilizing it is wanton foolishness. Denying one's fate, ambition and life-given gifts is the greatest shame for those who follow Sargos. Additonally, Sargos is a god of war. Prowess in combat and strategic intelligence are also believed likely to please him; such things are often expected of the followers of Sargos. Various forms of artistry, too, are valued thanks to Sargos' patronage of forms of creative expression such as sculpture-work, architecture and poetry. In daily life, the values of the Cult of Sargos manifest as hard work, gratitude, self-actualization and appreciation, obedience and acknowledgement of the natural order of the world. They reject the inverse of all these.

Type

Religious, Cult

Alternative Names

The Cult of the Sun, the Servants of Sargos, the Cult, the Sargite Cult

Demonym

Sargite

Permeated Organizations