Church of the Five
“And thus fell the grace of The One upon Matheus., He who would be raised up from slaves to become Their bringer of liberation. From his lips would fall the prophecy, the Word of the One and at his command would the legions of righteousness fall upon Aigea" - From the first book of the holy scripture Book of Abellia 12:55In the northern and western regions of Aigea, encompassing the Kingdoms of Enther, Charlyon, Brethia, Onderfel, and Undrus, the "Word of the Five" holds sway as the dominant and deeply cherished religious text. Worshippers of the Church of the Five revere this sacred tome, which encapsulates the teachings, virtues, and wisdom of the five heroic figures who ascended to godhood, led by the valiant Matheus.
Structure
The Church and the Crown are massively interwoven due to the fact for hundreds of years, blood of the first king and hero of the church Matheus ruled the kingdom.
Since the death of the Matheuson royal bloodline in Third Age, the churches relationship with the crown has been tepid depending on who the leader of each party was.
The religious leader of the Church is the High Herald. As the High Herald, this man speaks as a voice for The One and is tasked with seeing the will of The One is seen throughout Aigea.
Beneath the High Herald are the High Mothers. The High Mothers serve as leaders of the religion within their churches and are in charge of the brothers and sisters within their congregation.
The Church itself is supported by the Holy Order of The Five. This order of knights and soldiers serve as the protectors of the church and al it stands for. Over the years, the order has grown exponentially and now homes a force which is comparable to that of a small army. It's elite military training has proved crucial throughout history, with many sides vying for the support of the church and the order.
Mythology & Lore
The Church of the Five is the most widespread religion throughout Aigea and is believed to have originated in Enther. Scriptures passed down in the religious text The Word of the Five (commonly abbreviated as the Word) teaches us that sentient life as known begun in the realm of Enther.
The Word teaches its followers that Aigea was built from it’s core by a power group of sentient beings known as the Coryph (also referred to as the Enthermen). It is believed these beings lived on a small island floating in a vast of nothingness, their life spans infinite. The Coryphians wielded powerful magic but grew bored with their existence. They fell into a long slumber of a millennium. Through the millennium, their magic radiated from their slumbering bodies and the island grew to become Enther. Around Enther, other lands begun to take shape and on all these lands, life begun to appear.
Many species and races lived in peace and harmony, looking to these slumbering giants as the God’s who created them. Mankind and the Fair folk (a collective species of different races, much like Humans) coexisted with no turbulence. They worshipped the Coryphians and prayed for the day their God’s would wake and reward their diligence and loyalty. These worshippers even built shrines and castles for these deities, including a throne for the largest, known as the King of Enther. Mankind was the first to spearhead this worship, with some claiming they could hear the will of the slumbering gods. These Priests of Enther begun to rule over Enther. Sometime after the birth of the sentient races the Enthermen awoke.
When the Enthermen awoke, they saw what they had created. The King of the Coryphians spoke to his creations and mankind soon saw that they were no longer in control. The Coryphians saw this world as theirs and all that was in it belonged to them. It was their magic which had brought life, and thus theirs to control. They Coryphians tried to enslave all but was met with a rebellion. The Coryph dominated, even whipping out a race of the fair folk, the gnomes. Their immense magic meant all who opposed them fell and all became enslaved.
Hundreds of years passed with the Enthermen ruling Aigea. They became complacent in their dominance. Their descendants the Entherites , a half Coryphians half human being, continued to enslave and punish human and fairfolk alike. Mankind began to prophesise that five heroes would emerge from the depths of servitude and bring justice and freedom to the beings of Aigea. Eventually, a boy would be born who would show extraordinary prowess in strength, bravery and a true sense of justice.
Matheus was a human man who rose to greatness, first as a slave of the Ancient Coryphians, then as a prophet, war leader, and religious icon. According to the church’s scholars, Matheus was born into a desolated western tribe in 21 BBM in what would be now known as “The Long Day” as the sun shone for 62 hours, an anomaly that to this day is only explained as a miraculous sign from The One. His mother was father and mother were mere slaves in the mines much like the rest of the western humans. There they mined the magical and ultimately dangerous raw ore of Entherel. He had two siblings, Danelle his older sister, and Vinella, his younger.
In 11 BBM When he was ten his sister were both killed by the Ancient Coryphians when they were taken to be given to the Entherites, the followers of the Ancient Coryphians. The tibes people revolted when their young women were taken, however many of them were killed in the process and the revolt quickly supressed. This left Matheus traumatised but also resolute, so much so he vowed to himself to never let anyone take away those he loves. Over the course of the next few years, many of the western tribes noted Matheus’ defiance, though the proud Ancient Coryphians saw an insolent slave
In 7 BBM at the age of 14, Matheus was visited by an unknown winged being. This being spoke to Matheus, not through voice but through the soul. The being told Matheus that he would ride the chariot of righteousness for The One. The One, whose power had been eradicated by the Ancient Coryphians crushing the will and souls of their children, had chosen Matheus to be the sword in the darkness, to bring his children back to the light and into freedom. The being, placed their hand on Matheus' forehead and showed him The One's plan. As the winged being began to leave, Matheus asked their name. They answered back, Abellia, messenger of The One.
Matheus used his new found enlightenment to spread the word. The Western tribes were naturally the first who rallied behind Matheus. Tatically, the western tribes fought to liberate themselves, and established control of their own territory. Matheus would then proceed to seek out allies from over Enther. From the eastern tribes of Enther, he met Andrea, a beautiful maid whose beautiful and charm could sway any man, woman or child. From the wild north, the former kingdoms of the north, the hunter daughter of their chief, Merida. From the south, Sabine, a slave whose mental aptitude had saved many of his kin from the wrath of the Ancient Coryphians .
The fifth to join would be an agent of the Ancient Coryphians . An Entherite mage, imbued with magic from The Enther King himself would be sent with a force to annihilate the rumblings of rebellion. He would discover Matheus, but upon meeting him is given a vision from The One, whose powers had begun to return thanks to the rise of belief. Roseir would pledge his body and soul to Matheus and his cause, bringing with him some of the force he had brought to deal the Enther King's justice.
During their travels, they fell through a cavern, which lead to a grave of an Entherman who never awoke from the great slumber. Magic still radiated from the body and Sabine knew what needed to be done. Using Rosier’s magic and Sabine’s knowledge, five items were crafted:
The sword of Enther. Created from the spine of the Coryphian. Wielded by Matheus. This Sword was able to cut through any known matter on Aigea. No weapon could match its might.
The harp of Enther. Created from the ribs and hair of the Coryphian. Wielded by Andrea. The sound of the harp was something indescribable but would give bravery and courage to all who heard its song.
The Stone of Enther. Created from the skull and brain of the Coryphian. Wielded by Sabine. The stone, placed in a necklace gave Sabine infinite knowledge and into the past, present and future.
The Dagger of Enther. Made from the hand and finger nails of the Coryphian. Wielded by Merida. The dagger could bring life and vitality to anything which had died, including fields, plants and even sentient beings.
The Staff of Enther. Made from the neck and heart of the Coryphian. Wielded by Rosier. The heart made the core of the staff, making Rosier’s magic limitless.
Balor spoke not of wanting a weapon, but Sabine told he had seen their groups end. According to Sabine, he had seen a vision of Balor creating a sixth weapon in secret and planned on betraying them. Balor denied this. Matheus knew that the fairy forces were needed for the war and chose to trust his friend Balor
With the Five Weapons of Enther in hand, the heroes lead a rebellion against the Coryphians. These weapons proved to be the deciding factor in the war, with the final battle atop mount Enther, where Matheus battled the Enther King and slayed it.
In the aftermath of the rebellion, Matheus was crowned King of Enther with Andrea as his queen. Sabine, Merida and Rosier all joined Matheus as advisors and heroes and eventually became considered the new gods of Enther. The Entherites, whom served the Coryphian throughout their reign were hunted to near extinction by the human forces.
The vision of Sabine played on the mind of Matheus however and restrictions on the fairfolk started to be enforced. The Fair folk in turn rebelled against mankind, but with the weapons, the rebellion was short lived, Balor was killed and a peace treaty, the Wooden Blade agreement was put in place. The treaty allowed fair folk to have their own self-governed domains, but ultimately, they were under the jurisdiction of the King of Enther.
During the aftermath of the rebellion, Matheus banished Rosier after he believed he had ambitions for the crown, and turned his son, Julius, to dark magic. Due to Rosier’s prominent standing in the rebellion, he was banished and never seen again. The Word teaches that Rosier now governs the Underworld, where all those with dark hearts go after death.
The Word teaches that at the end of their lives, the remaining four climbed the Mountain of Heaven and opened a rift in Aigea to let them ascend to the heavens, where Matheus rules for eternity, waiting for all his people to return to his side once their life on Enther is over.
Tenets of Faith
Worshippers of the Church of the Five hold steadfast to the belief that their heroes, led by the valiant Matheus, emerged as beacons of hope and liberation in the face of malevolent gods. These devoted followers see Matheus and his companions as the embodiment of valor, wisdom, compassion, nurturing care, and boundless magic, each hero representing a distinct moral virtue within the pantheon. It is believed that these champions ascended to godhood, transcending the mortal realm by opening a celestial rift atop the towering Mountain of Heaven, the colossal peak that stands as the zenith of the known world. To the faithful, this sacred act symbolizes the triumph of goodness over tyranny and serves as a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the divine, reminding them that even in the face of godly oppression, the strength of the human spirit can overcome all adversities.
Before their momentous ascension to godhood, each hero, guided by their unique virtues and profound experiences, penned a book of teachings that would later harmonize into the sacred tome known as "The Word of the Five."
Matheus, wielding his valor and strength, inscribed chapters emphasizing courage in the face of adversity and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
Andrea, the bearer of the harp of boundless courage, contributed verses that celebrated the beauty of kindness and the transformative power of compassion.
Sabine, the possessor of the Stone of Enther, gifted the faithful with chapters that delved deep into the realms of knowledge, unveiling the mysteries of the past, present, and future, emphasizing the importance of wisdom.
Merida, with her Dagger of Enther, penned passages that spoke of life's resilience and the nurturing of life, be it in the form of rejuvenating fields or reviving spirits.
Lastly, Rosier, the wielder of the Staff of Enther, shared his wisdom of magic's boundless potential, the underworld and his fall into cardinal sin.
The "Book of Abellia" is the first text within "The Word of the Five". It is a significant and intriguing expansion of the religious lore of the Church of the Five. This text, was supposedly writen by Abellia, the winged messenger who played a pivotal role in guiding Matheus and the other heroes on their divine quest, provides a unique perspective on the heroes' journey and the events leading up to their ascension to godhood.
These individual teachings, each reflecting a hero's unique essence, were regarded as sacred texts in their own right. However, when combined into "The Word of the Five," these writings formed a comprehensive guide to living a virtuous life, blending courage, compassion, wisdom, nurturing, and the harnessing of one's inner magic. It became the cornerstone of faith for worshippers, offering not only spiritual guidance but also a roadmap for fostering harmony, growth, and enlightenment within the Church of the Five.
Ethics
The once harmonious relationship between humans and fairfolk, which had endured for generations, was tragically shattered due to the accusations Sabine, one of the heroes and a revered figure within the Church of the Five, made against Balor, a trusted fairy ally. Sabine's claims, fueled by a vision he believed to be prophetic, alleged that Balor was secretly crafting a forbidden sixth weapon, one that threatened the delicate balance of power within their world.
Although Balor vehemently denied these accusations, the damage had been done. Many among the human population, influenced by their faith in Sabine and the teachings of "The Word of the Five," began to view the fairfolk with suspicion and apprehension. Sabine's vision cast a dark shadow over the entire fairfolk community, and the accusations sowed seeds of mistrust and unease.
The subsequent conflict between humans and fairfolk, although short-lived due to the overwhelming power of the Five Weapons of Enther, left deep scars on both sides. The Wooden Blade agreement, while offering some semblance of peace and self-governance for the fairfolk, still placed them under the ultimate jurisdiction of the King of Enther, further intensifying their feelings of marginalization and distrust.
In the aftermath of these events, the fairfolk found themselves isolated and ostracized, their once-thriving communities fractured and diminished. The wounds of suspicion and betrayal ran deep, and while some individuals on both sides worked tirelessly to mend the rift, the shadow of Sabine's accusations continued to loom over the delicate relationship between humans and fairfolk, serving as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of mistrust in the world of Aigea.
Worship
In the diverse realm of Aigea, places of worship stand as beacons of spiritual devotion, dotting the landscape from the humblest village to the grandest cities. In the smaller villages and towns, modest Sanctuaries are found, where communities gather to pay homage to the heroes of the Church of the Five. These Sanctuaries serve as the heart of these close-knit communities, nurturing the faith and unity of their inhabitants. In larger towns and cities, imposing churches rise as symbols of the faith's enduring presence. These churches provide more extensive spaces for worship and often host grand ceremonies and religious festivals.
However, it is in the Five Great Cities of Enther that the faith of the Church of the Five finds its most splendid expressions. In these metropolises, towering Abbeys grace the skyline, each a testament to the profound reverence for the heroes. Among them, the capital city of Montheus boasts a magnificent cathedral, a marvel of architectural grandeur and spiritual significance. Pilgrims from all corners of Aigea journey to these Abbeys, seeking spiritual enlightenment and the blessing of the heroes. Their ultimate destination lies at the base of Mount Enther, where the final confrontation between Matheus and the Coryphian King unfolded. This holy site, infused with the essence of that epic battle, serves as the culmination of the pilgrims' journey, a place of profound significance where they connect with the rich tapestry of their faith and history.
Priesthood
Within the Church of the Five, the priesthood hierarchy is a well-structured and organized system that plays a central role in the religious governance of the faith. At the pinnacle of this hierarchy is the High Herald, who serves as the supreme spiritual leader and the voice of The One, responsible for interpreting and disseminating the divine will throughout Aigea.
Beneath the High Herald, the Abbeys, including the grand cathedral in the capital city of Montheus, are each overseen by a High Mother. These High Mothers are revered figures within the faith, responsible for guiding the religious affairs of their respective regions. They act as spiritual leaders, mentors, and administrators, ensuring that the teachings of the heroes are upheld and that the faithful within their jurisdiction are well-guided.
Further down the hierarchy, the Fathers play a crucial role in assisting the High Mothers in their duties. These senior members of the priesthood help administer the day-to-day activities of the Abbeys and churches, ensuring the smooth operation of religious services and the spiritual development of the clergy and laity.
At the lowest level of the priesthood are the acolytes, who are the most junior members. Acolytes are typically in training, learning the rituals, doctrines, and duties of the priesthood. They are responsible for various tasks within the churches and Abbeys, including assisting in ceremonies, maintaining religious artifacts, and providing support to the Fathers and High Mothers.
This hierarchical structure ensures a clear division of responsibilities and authority within the Church of the Five, allowing for the efficient management of religious affairs and the propagation of the faith's teachings. Each level of the hierarchy plays a vital role in the spiritual guidance of the faithful and the preservation of the faith's traditions.
The position of Grand Master within the Holy Order of the Five is one of unparalleled honor and authority, a sacred role that stands as the High Herald's most trusted and formidable right hand. Throughout the ages, the Grand Masters have been revered for their unwavering devotion to the faith, their unparalleled combat prowess, and their exceptional leadership skills. They are handpicked by the High Herald himself, chosen from among the order's most battle-hardened Templars, those who have demonstrated unparalleled courage, dedication, and unswerving loyalty to the Church's cause.
As the leader of the Holy Order, the Grand Master embodies the virtues of valor, piety, and discipline. Their presence on the battlefield is awe-inspiring, leading their fellow Templars with an indomitable spirit that uplifts the spirits of all those who stand alongside them. The Grand Master's role extends beyond the battlefield, for they are tasked with the immense responsibility of guiding and shaping the future of the order. Their wisdom and strategic acumen are crucial in ensuring the continued strength and relevance of the Holy Order within the Kingdom of Enther.
Yet, it is not only their martial prowess and leadership skills that make the Grand Masters legendary figures within the Church of the Five. They are also revered for their unwavering commitment to upholding the faith's core tenets, serving as living embodiments of the heroes' virtues. Their devotion to The One and the protection of the Church's beliefs are unwavering, making them exemplars of piety and guardians of the sacred teachings.
The history of the Holy Order is replete with tales of Grand Masters who have achieved feats of valor, who have faced insurmountable odds, and who have defended the faith with unyielding resolve. Their indelible mark on the annals of the Church's history and their unwavering dedication to the Church's cause ensure that the title of Grand Master remains one of the most esteemed positions of leadership within the Church of the Five, a symbol of unbroken faith and unwavering commitment to the divine.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The influence of the Church of the Five on the governance of the Kingdom of Enther has been profound and historically intertwined. From its very inception, when Matheus became the first king of Enther and the High Herald of the Church simultaneously, the church and the crown were inextricably linked. This union persisted for centuries, with the royal Matheuson bloodline serving as both the rulers of the realm and the spiritual leaders of the faith.
However, the disappearance of King Pius II and the subsequent appointment of Septimus Bane as king marked a significant turning point. The Church of the Five vehemently opposed this transition, viewing it as blasphemy and a breach of the sacred union between the crown and the faith. This discord created a distinctive shift in the relationship between the monarchy and the church, which had been deeply intertwined for generations.
The church's pleas to the Royal Council to crown Oland Matheuson, a cousin of King Pius and the rightful heir by the laws of inheritance, fell on deaf ears. The council and the lords of the Kingdom had grown disillusioned with the Matheuson line, believing that their rule was sustained by their bloodline rather than their ability to govern effectively.
This rupture led to a full-blown civil war, with loyalists to the crown clashing with those who prioritized their devotion to the Church of the Five. After two years of turmoil and unrest, a fragile peace was brokered. This peace ensured that King Septimus Bane would retain his throne, but it came at a significant cost. The church's contentment was secured through an agreement that, if a direct Matheuson bloodline were to emerge in the future, the regent would relinquish the throne to the one true king.
While this deal appeared to be a victory for the crown at the time, it left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the kingdom. Should the blood of heroes resurface, it is understood that the struggle for power may once again erupt, threatening the stability of Enther. The influence of the Church of the Five, with its deeply ingrained beliefs and history, continues to shape the political landscape and the destiny of the kingdom, as the potential for a true Matheuson heir lingers as a symbol of both hope and potential turmoil.
Sects
Within the diverse tapestry of the Church of the Five, various factions have emerged, each choosing to venerate individual heroes based on their unique virtues and teachings. Two prominent factions are the Consortium of Truth and the Lightsisters, each fervently dedicated to a specific hero.
The Consortium of Truth
Devotees of the Consortium of Truth are ardent followers of Sabine and his teachings. Their faith centers around the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and the unraveling of life's mysteries. Sabine's chapters in "The Word of the Five," emphasizing the importance of wisdom and understanding, resonate deeply with the members of this faction. They believe that knowledge is the key to enlightenment and that the pursuit of truth is a sacred endeavor. The Consortium of Truth often consists of scholars, philosophers, and those who seek to expand their minds through the acquisition of knowledge. They are known for their libraries, academies, and places of study, where they meticulously preserve and disseminate Sabine's teachings.
The Lightsisters
The Lightsisters, a devoted sect of religious women, center their worship on Andrea, the embodiment of purity and kindness. They believe that purity of heart and compassion are the guiding principles that lead to spiritual enlightenment. Andrea's teachings, as found in "The Word of the Five," serve as the foundation of their faith, emphasizing the importance of kindness, empathy, and the healing power of love. The Lightsisters are known for their benevolent acts, such as caring for the sick, aiding the needy, and spreading messages of hope and compassion. Their monastic communities are places of solace and devotion, where they teach the virtues of selflessness and the importance of nurturing the inner light within every individual.
These factions not only venerate their chosen heroes but also interpret their teachings in unique ways, shaping their respective cultures and traditions. While the Consortium of Truth seeks intellectual enlightenment through Sabine's wisdom, the Lightsisters emphasize the purity of the heart, embodying the ideals of Andrea. These diverse interpretations within the Church of the Five reflect the richness and complexity of the faith, illustrating how the virtues of each hero resonate differently with various segments of the religious community in Aigea.
The Holy Order
The Holy Order of the Five, a formidable and revered institution within the Church of the Five, stands as both a bastion of faith and a militant force unwaveringly dedicated to protecting the sacred beliefs of Aigea. Established five centuries ago at the onset of the Holy War against King Septimus Bane, this order of Holy Templars has played a pivotal role in the defense of the Church's power and principles.
Throughout history, the Holy Order has been summoned to action on multiple occasions, most notably when it joined the uprising against the Bastard King. However, the devastating Bastard's Plague, which ravaged Enther, led to a temporary retreat of the order to Kirkminster Abbey, isolating them from the external world. During this time, the Church of the Five forbade the order from intervening in The One's divine judgment to purify the land with the plague.
In the present age, the Holy Order's influence is so formidable that even The Royal Council treads cautiously in their presence. Revered by commoners and nobles alike, the order's numbers have swelled over the centuries, with powerful figures from the Knights of Enther making the transition to the Holy Order. This migration underscores the significance of their role in safeguarding the faith.
The Holy Order's unswerving mission is singular: to protect and defend the faith. This mandate, emanating from the High Herald himself, shapes their every action and decision, positioning them as the formidable guardians of the Church of the Five's sacred doctrines. The rivalry between the Holy Order and the Knights of Enther is well-documented, fueled by their unwavering belief that they serve the true rulers — the Holy Order defending the faith, while the Knight Order upholds the sovereignty of the crown. This enduring rivalry stands as a testament to the deep convictions that drive these two esteemed institutions within the Kingdom of Enther.
Founding Date
0 ABM
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Capital
Alternative Names
Mathaian
Training Level
Elite
Demonym
Matheonites
Leader Title
Subsidiary Organizations
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Divines
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Related Professions
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Related Myths
Comments