Imperial Cult

The Imperial Cult is the official religion of the Halori Empire, and recognizes Empress Luka and Empress Nota as living incarnations of the Birthing God.
Although it cooperates with the Church of the Unsung God in some ways, the Imperial Cult is the older faith. Less militant and less dominant in the daily life, it is nonetheless the preferred faith of most of those who live in the core regions of Halor where the Empire is more active and has a much higher popularity than in the frontiers. The Imperial Cult is also more popular in Iphelon, where it has a following despite the fact that many of those on Iphelon have been exiled from Halor.
The reason for this is simple: belonging to the Imperial Cult requires only minor shows of devotion and promises a place in the Birthing God's paradise. Worship is not exclusive, but does help with social advancement and is viewed as a sign of virtue. Devotion to the Imperial Cult is a way of expressing a willingness to follow the Halori common law and cultural traditions, meaning that it marks those who have integrated into the Empire or are willing to work toward a productive society, as opposed to those who worship dangerous New Gods or who practice the more extremism of the Church of the Unsung God.
The Imperial Cult also provides alms to needy members (something the Church of the Unsung God scorns), and is the only path off Iphelon for people who were born there, as membership is required to join the Empire for the twenty years of service required to earn a ticket to Halor.

Type

Religious, Cult

Leader

Empress Nota

Location

Halor