The Church of Istus
Those who seek to worship in both body and mind
The light of the rising suns peaks through the grande white doors, upon whose opening gives way to the smokes and sages that previously seethed upwards through balconies that line the buildings face. Carpets and jewels hang long and far, footprints left in ashes that scatter every square-inch of the holy grounds old wood floors. Men and women of all shape and size begin lining in rows, seated upon thrones of pillows and silks, the highs and lows of the summers air blending seamlessly with the divine magics present. Many will sit for hours praying, some for only mere minutes - but all pray with both mind and soul. With a singular wave of his hand from the heart to the temple, the masses rise and in unison they prey; "Shalanar Aegis, forever she will reign".
Structure
Within the believers of the house of Istus there are those who teach and those who are taught. The first of the orders teachers are the Leiten (Lie-ten), whose purpose is to convert non-believers onto the path. The Lieten number many, and are usually the head priests at churches in smaller towns. Those who follow the teachings of the Lieten are the Grunden (Groon-den), these are people who attend ceremonies, teachings and services in the name of Istus. The next level of understanding grants a Lieten the elevated title of Akolyth (A-koh-lyth). The Akolyth run the temples of major cities and ensure the laws of balance are being upheld by both the Lieten and their Grunden. The Akolyth are often viewed by outsiders as the more 'militaristic side' of the church, however matters within the orders confines rarely ever require violence. The being chosen by Istus herself sits atop the hierarchy with the title of being the orders Zieger (Zie-gar), this being dictates the laws of balance upheld by the Lieten, and are the holy scriptures by which the church lives by. All within the church praise the Ziegar, some making great journeys in the form of a pilgrimage just to hear a sermon delivered by them directly.
Culture
Heavily focused on its God's reason to be, the followings of Istus revolve greatly around maintaining a balance between both the physical and spiritual form of the body. Incense, candles, sage and many other forms of 'detoxing' or 'purifying' substances are often present in the homes and steeples of the people of Istus. Maintaining a balance between both work and relaxation keeps the world living as Istus intends, those who naturally fall out of balance find themselves healing in the springs of Istus' worshipers at some stage in their lives. Remedial massages, services and sermons are all different means by which devotes can achieve a balance for the soul - the highest form of being as believed by the church. Mercenaries, adventurers and other occupations of danger and uncertainty often unease members of the Istus church, for none are further out of touch with the churches morals then those who kill for coin.
Assets
With a presence in almost all cities and towns of the (WIP) continent, the Istus church possess many buildings and land throughout the kingdom. Whilst no material possessions (with the exception of gold) are held in favor by the church, mass amounts of linens, incenses and many other forms of 'church merchandise' are sold regularly through places of worship. With as large a following as it has, this results in the church having no shortage in wealth - however this is often used to enhance means of religious healing and teachings rather than magical powers or knowledge's. However, Akolyths (Clerics) of the Istus teaching are seen as a force to be trifled with, and receive most of their training's and equipment's through the aforementioned funding.
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