Watcher of the Divine House

"If you see the Priest looking worried, he is probably being Watched"

House of the Seven Divines

The most predominant religion in the region is the House of the Seven Divines and is followed by over half the population. It teaches the world was created by seven gods and when that task was complete, they each agreed to watch over special areas of life.
These areas of life are reflected in the pillars of its core teachings and in layman's terms are:

• YOUTH - protect the souls of our children from all dangers and falsehood.
• HAPPINESS - only through following divine teachings can we attain true and meaningful joy.
• PROSPERITY - create wealth for ourselves so we can, in turn, help others.
• CONQUEST - show mercy to those who have strayed from prescribed teachings.
• LOVE - love your god through actions and your love will be returned.
• MYSTERY - not all truth can be easily seen; this pillar is sometimes also referred to as LUCK.
• DEATH - follow the teachings and you will find your path to JoRen (salvation).

For each Pillar, there is a House (church) and followers worship the god of their House. There is one Matriarch/Patriarch for each House and they report directly to the seven members of the Divine Council, who are the Chosen to hear the voices of the gods themselves.

Watchers of the Divine Houses

House Overseer

There are many Houses of all the seven gods spread over the region. Watchers are appointed to oversee certain geographical locations, known as jurisdictions, to ensure that all is functioning as it should across all Houses. They provide information and advice to the local priests and enforce teachings where necessary.

It is said that the gods themselves keep their vigil through the eyes of the Watchers. The Watchers are collectively known as the Order. They are greatly feared by most of the priesthood, as they are known for their ruthlessness when it comes to dealing with any perceived incompetence, or even singular mistakes.

Watchers are very plainly dressed, in simple grey or brown robes, as a sign of their devotion only to their gods and not to any material considerations. This lack of display seems only to add to the fear surrounding them.
They carry no weapons. The only item they bear is their holy symbol - when a Watcher is seen in combat, it is clear that this is weapon enough.

Hierarchy & Appointment

Watchers are chosen before their birth - the primary preference is among those from the family, and extended family, of the Matriarchs and Patriarchs.
They are trained by elders of the Order - previous serving Watchers who ultimately determine if the student has the skills required. The training is in the teachings of the gods, the duties required of a Watcher, and combat.
This is a high stakes venture for the potential Watchers, as if they fail in their training, they are put to death. The training reveals secrets to them that cannot be known outside the Order.
Watchers regularly prepare reports to the Matriarchs and Patriarchs of each House. These contain details including the number of worshippers, net profit for the period, the performance of the priests, and any recommendations for change/action that is beyond their immediate remit.

Above is an image of Akamono, the God of Youth

Houses of the gods

The areas of life that each god watches over are known as Houses (churches) and are named in honour of each god:

• Youth - The House of AKAMONO
• Happiness - The House of YUROKO
• Prosperity - The House of ANJA
• Conquest - The House of KOROS
• Love - The House of AI
• Mystery - The House of MNAZO
• Death - The House of SHIBO

Adventuring - Watchers

Some Watchers are specifically appointed to go out into the world as adventurers.
It is their role to spread the word of the core teachings and to help finance the Houses.
They carry a holy symbol, but as Watchers of the entire House, they receive power from each of the gods. This symbol's power makes them formidable opponents in combat.

Appearance

A Watcher is easily mistaken for a simple traveler - most likely the last mistake a robber will make.

Adventuring - Priests

Priests of each House may also receive the blessing of their god to adventure. Each receives power through a holy symbol of the one they follow.

They must carry the holy symbol of their House for these powers to function but they are not limitless. Every three months the priest must return to a House of his/her god, hand over their holy symbol and pray for three days. The holy symbol is returned and they may leave with the blessing of their god once more.

Cover Art by: Stefan Keller https://pixabay.com/users/kellepics-4893063/
Watcher Image Art by: Stefan Keller https://pixabay.com/users/kellepics-4893063/