The Guiding Light
The Guiding Light
The Guiding Light is the dominant religion found in the Lightforged Realm of Morencia, and its founding was the direct catalyst for the nations creation. Historical accounts are unclear of the exact date, but it is written that sometime in the early 2750s 5E a young female Tiefling by the name of Askara happened upon a sacred site, of alabaster white marble, and was visited by a being of such divine and holy light that she was blinded by its majesty and power. The being, offered to free her and her kin from their diabolical heritage, if they would worship it, and help it push back the darkness which was creeping into the world. After many years gathering their strength, under the guidance of Askara and the First Followers, the worshipers of the Guiding Light executed a rebellion in 2786 5E, and the Lightforged Realm of Morencia was born. Against the common belief, the majority of Morencians are not zealots, and they are tolerant of other belief systems that don't worship dark deities. The belief that devotees of the light are zealots rise from their absolute dedication to the destruction of darkness, and their open attempts to convert all around them to their cause. But, the Tenants of Light, are in fact tolerant of other religions who don't worship darkness or are light worshippers like the Dragonborn and their god Bahamut - The Platinum Dragon of Justice. It is also because most people in Morencia come from marginalized communities, who know the pain of those actions and seek not to perpetrate it.Morencians also understand that The Guiding Light demands its followers only destroy evil incarnate in the forms of the undead, fiends, abominations, etc. For example, If a paladin of Guiding Light sensed an evil within a person they would first attempt council them back to the light before resulting to violence, because the person isn't evil in an incarnate form. However, on some extreme occasions this has been hard a set of ideals to follow. While the Guiding Light believes in a single Golden Deity, differing interpretations of the teachings exist, the result is the emergence of several different sects of worship. But where there is Light, there is also darkness. The Church teaches that one should listen to the Voice of the Light, but also beware of the Shadows in the Dark. Some, take this term literally as an evil deity in its own right; but most accept that the Shadows in the Dark is a representation of the evil gods and powers which tempt and beguile mortals to their cause.
Church of the Guiding Light
Much of Morencian society is in one way or another driven by, or led directly by the Church of Light. It's branches make up many of the functions of society such as schools, clinics, local governments, archives, military and tax collection. Priests of the light are highly revered members of society. It is a rigid structure, which rewards long term service, and dogmatic adherence to the Tenants of Light. The highest ranking members of the Church go through a rite of passage where they look directly upon the shining divine light of their God. In doing so, their normal vision is lost, and they are granted the ability to see by the light, and not their eyes. They then ritually cover their eyes with a cloth and banded metal. The beating heart of the Church is the capital city of Whiterock. Here, the largest cathedrals are built; in fact many only half jokingly say that the whole city is one giant cathedral. It is there, in the heart of the largest cathedral can be seen the Beacon of Light; the Lux Pharos. A massive beam of light reaching into the sky from the Grand Cathedral of Everlight where it is said that the Guiding Light physically resides on Othlorias, and that any believer who is lost, can focus and see the Beacon in the dark.Tenants of Light
• The Guiding Light is the force that holds darkness at bay. Those who seek to defend the innocent from evil can draw on the power of the Light.• Every mortal soul can find the light. Inspire and guide others to virtuous behavior and the Light; force is a last resort.
• Listen to the Voice of the Light; beware the deceiving whispers of the Shadow in the Dark.
• We live in an age of darkness. We must be the path that leads us to the light.
• Act with compassion and courage. Each noble act is a step on the path.
• Hone your body and your mind. You are the tool you will use to change reality.
• Abhor the witch, undead, demon and abomination, for they are the forces and tools of evil.
Mortal Champions of The Light
Alignment: Usually Good, often lawful Suggested Classes: Cleric, Paladin, Sorcerer, Fighter Suggested Cleric Domains: Divine, Light, Order, Peace Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, athlete, noble, soldier, Scholar, Priest Mortal Champions of the Guiding Light come from all walks of life. This is because the tenants of Light call everyone to action, not just those in positions of power. Those most commonly called to adventure to distant lands perhaps were visited by an agent of light, or a traumatic event set them on this path.Paragons of Light
The records do not indicate a name for the Guiding Light, other than simply that, or The Light. But, one thing that sets The Light aside from many other religions is that The Light has sent agents physically to the material plane to guide its people, and act as a voice where it cannot always be. These lesser idols, or Paragons of Light, can most often be physically found and seen at the heart of the greatest Churches and Cathedrals of the land. All tend to lack a substantial material form, and rather appear as being of pure light and energy. Roh'tahl, The Silver Light - Roh'Tahl was the first of The Light's agents to appear before his followers. Appearing as column of silver light, the word of Roh'Tahl is taken as absolute in the absence of direct instruction from The Light. She is a patron of those who teach and follow the law in particular, and will always advocate for tempered action. M'uru, The Judicator - The most warlike and violent of The Light's agents, M'uru resides in the Temple of Shadow's Scourge. Here, many of the most zealous followers who seek the destruction of the most foul enemies of the Light visit to seek the blessing of their God before departing on missions of spreading light to the dark corners of the world. Kah'Vosh, The Luminous Wind - Unlike most of his contemporaries, Kah'Vosh appears not as single source of light, but rather as swirls, gusts, spirals, and vortexes of golden light akin to dancing fireflies. He resides at the temple of Freehold, where many sailors will visit prior to departure on the seas for a blessing from The Light.
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