The Law Bearer: The Gilded King
(a.k.a. Amaterasu (Kozukan Name))
In the land of Nidira, the Gilded King, known as the Law Bearer, stands as a paragon of justice, order, and light. His influence extends across the realm, shaping the laws and moral foundations of its societies. Adorned in shining golden armor, with blinding radiant light where his face would be, the Gilded King is depicted wielding a mighty warhammer or maul, symbolizing his role as the enforcer of divine law and the protector of the innocent.
In the hearts of the faithful, the Law Bearer is a source of unwavering justice and protection. His divine essence brings a sense of order and righteousness, offering guidance through the moral complexities of life. Many turn to him in prayer, seeking his blessings for fair judgment, courage in the face of adversity, and the strength to uphold the law.
Yet, as with any powerful force, there are those who twist the teachings of the Law Bearer to suit their own ends. Within the FelleVeign Theocracy, the doctrine of the Law Bearer has been distorted to justify oppression and control. Here, his teachings are wielded as tools of subjugation, enforcing a strict hierarchy and punishing those who stray from the mandated worship. This perversion of faith casts a shadow over the true principles of the Gilded King, tainting his divine image with the stain of tyranny.
The sun, as the celestial representation of the Law Bearer's light and order, plays a significant role in his lore. The sun's journey across the sky symbolizes the Gilded King's unyielding vigilance and the illumination of truth and justice. Its steady presence in the heavens serves as a reminder of the Law Bearer's watchful eye, guiding mortals to uphold righteousness and dispel darkness.
Throughout Nidira, temples and shrines dedicated to the Law Bearer are bastions of order and righteousness, adorned with symbols of scales, hammers, and radiant light. Devotees gather to pay homage, offering prayers and participating in rituals to seek favor, guidance, and the strength to uphold justice. These sacred spaces also serve as courts and training grounds for those dedicated to the enforcement of law, where priests and paladins are trained in the art of righteous judgment.
In the realm of Nidira, the Law Bearer's influence is felt in every act of justice, every decree of law, and every battle fought in defense of the innocent. His worshipers embody a spectrum of beliefs, from those who seek his benevolent guidance to those who enforce his will with an iron fist. The true essence of the Gilded King remains a beacon of hope and order, his divine intentions known only to those who strive to understand the balance between justice and compassion.
Worship and Rituals of the Law Bearer
The worship of the Law Bearer, also known as the Gilded King, is a highly structured and disciplined practice, reflecting his domains of law, order, and justice. Followers of the Law Bearer engage in various rituals and ceremonies designed to honor his teachings and seek his guidance in maintaining balance and righteousness.
Daily Devotions:
Morning Invocation:
Every morning, followers of the Law Bearer begin their day with a solemn invocation, seeking his guidance and strength to uphold justice and order throughout the day. This prayer is often recited in a communal setting, such as a temple or a family gathering, to reinforce the sense of community and shared purpose.
Evening Reflection:
At the end of each day, adherents reflect on their actions, confessing any wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness through a structured prayer. This ritual serves to cleanse the soul and recommit to the principles of the Law Bearer, ensuring that followers remain aligned with his teachings.
Weekly Observances:
Day of Judgement:
Once a week, usually on the day of Kellen, followers gather in temples to participate in the Day of Judgement ceremony. During this ritual, priests of the Law Bearer deliver sermons on justice and morality, and the community collectively prays for the strength to uphold these values. The ceremony often includes a public confession of minor transgressions and a symbolic act of atonement, such as lighting candles or making charitable donations.
Major Festivals:
The Night’s End Festival:
Celebrated on the first day of Avurn, this festival marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. It is a three-day event filled with prayers, offerings, and communal feasts. Effigies representing the old year are burned at midnight, symbolizing the cleansing of past transgressions and the renewal of commitment to justice and order. The festival also includes the setting of personal and communal resolutions, guided by the teachings of the Law Bearer.
The Feast of Lights:
Held on the longest day of Rhenn, this festival celebrates the light of justice and the Law Bearer’s role in dispelling darkness and chaos. Temples and homes are adorned with candles and lanterns, and the community gathers for a grand feast. The festival includes a ceremonial parade where participants carry symbols of the Law Bearer, such as scales and hammers, through the streets, reaffirming their commitment to uphold justice.
Sacred Rites:
Trial by Ordeal:
In cases of severe disputes or accusations of serious crimes, followers may undergo a Trial by Ordeal, a sacred rite where the accused must prove their innocence through a challenging and often dangerous task. This ritual is overseen by the clergy and believed to be guided by the Law Bearer’s divine judgment. Successful completion of the ordeal is seen as proof of innocence, while failure indicates guilt.
Oath of the Hammer:
This rite is performed when individuals commit themselves to a life of service to the Law Bearer, such as becoming a judge, warrior, or priest. The initiate takes the Oath of the Hammer, swearing to uphold justice and order above all else. The ceremony involves the symbolic hammering of a golden nail into a sacred board, representing the solidification of their vow and their unyielding commitment to the principles of the Law Bearer.
Myths and Legends
The Law Bearer’s myths often revolve around his battles against chaos and darkness, his establishment of laws in ancient times, and his guidance to great leaders and heroes. Legends speak of his interventions in mortal affairs, bringing justice where it was absent and illuminating paths for those lost in moral dilemmas.
The Founding of the First Men: One of the most revered legends is the tale of how the Law Bearer descended upon Veth’Arden to bestow the first set of laws to a chaotic world, bringing order and structure that allowed civilizations to flourish.
The Battle Against Darkness: Another well-known myth tells of the Law Bearer’s epic battle against a primordial entity of chaos and darkness, a fight that lasted for eons and ended with the Law Bearer imprisoning the dark force beneath the world.
Ferrum: Created by the Law Bearer to forge his divine maul and armor, Ferrum’s role as the divine smith aligns perfectly with the principles of order and structure. The Law Bearer bestowed upon Ferrum the Eternal Flame, which powers his forge and enables the creation of artifacts that uphold law and order.
Aurelius: Born from the first light of dawn after the creation of the sun, Aurelius is a direct extension of the Law Bearer's will to banish darkness and uphold justice. The Law Bearer granted Aurelius the power of the sun, making him a beacon of hope and courage for all who follow the path of righteousness.
Valora: Valora’s transformation from a mortal to a divine guardian resonates deeply with the Law Bearer's ideals of justice, sacrifice, and duty. The Law Bearer empowered Valora with unparalleled defensive capabilities, entrusting her with the safety of the realms and the enforcement of divine law.
Relationship with the Verdant Warden: The Law Bearer and the Verdant Warden share a complex relationship rooted in mutual respect and occasional conflict. While the Law Bearer emphasizes order and structure, the Verdant Warden embodies the natural world and the balance of life. Their interactions often involve finding common ground between maintaining order and preserving the natural balance, resulting in a dynamic yet complementary relationship.
Relationship with the Night Mother: The Law Bearer and the Night Mother represent opposing forces of order and chaos, light and darkness. Their relationship is one of both rivalry and necessity, as their opposing natures create a balance that shapes the world. While the Law Bearer seeks to bring order and justice, the Night Mother’s domain of fate and the night introduces unpredictability and mystery, ensuring that no one force dominates the other.
Divine Domains
Law:
The Law Bearer embodies the fundamental principles of justice and order. His followers believe in upholding laws that ensure fairness, equality, and protection for all. The Law Bearer’s influence is seen in every courtroom, legal document, and act of governance that seeks to maintain societal order. His teachings emphasize the importance of a structured society where laws are respected and followed, providing a framework for civilization to thrive.
Justice:
As the divine arbiter of justice, the Law Bearer’s domain extends to the righteous pursuit of truth and fairness. He is invoked during trials, disputes, and conflicts, ensuring that justice is served impartially. His followers are often judges, lawyers, and law enforcers who dedicate their lives to dispensing justice. The Law Bearer’s presence ensures that the innocent are protected, and the guilty are held accountable, creating a moral balance within society.
Sun:
The sun, representing light, warmth, and clarity, is a powerful symbol of the Law Bearer’s domain. His connection to the sun signifies his role as a bringer of enlightenment and truth. Just as the sun dispels darkness and reveals what is hidden, the Law Bearer’s light exposes deceit and corruption, guiding his followers towards righteousness. Festivals and rituals often celebrate the sun’s journey, highlighting the Law Bearer’s influence in providing life, energy, and clarity.
Order:
Order is the cornerstone of the Law Bearer’s teachings. He advocates for a harmonious and structured existence where chaos is minimized. His domain includes the organization of society, governance, and the adherence to established rules and traditions. The Law Bearer’s followers strive to create a world where everything has its rightful place, and everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This sense of order fosters stability, peace, and prosperity.
Valor:
Valor represents the courage and strength required to uphold the principles of the Law Bearer. His domain inspires bravery in the face of adversity, urging his followers to stand firm against tyranny and injustice. Warriors, knights, and defenders of the weak often invoke the Law Bearer’s blessing to gain the fortitude needed to protect the innocent and enforce justice. Valor is not just physical bravery but also moral courage, encouraging individuals to act righteously even when it is difficult.
The Law Bearer’s domains collectively represent the pillars of a just and orderly society, providing guidance, protection, and enlightenment to his followers.
Artifacts
The Erudite Call: A mighty maul imbued with the power to enforce absolute silence and order, used by the first Paladin to bring justice and order to the realms of mortals.
Judgement: A radiant morningstar resembling light caged by celestial steel, capable of delivering divine retribution to the wicked.
The Sunblade: A radiant sword wielded by the Gilded King’s chosen champion, capable of vanquishing darkness and evil.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Scales of Justice:
The most common symbol of the Law Bearer, representing balance, fairness, and the weighing of actions. Followers often wear or carry small scale charms as a reminder of their commitment to justice.
The Gilded Hammer:
A symbol of the Law Bearer’s authority and the power of righteous judgment. It is depicted in various artifacts and used in rituals to symbolize the execution of divine will.
Golden Armor:
The Law Bearer is often depicted wearing shining golden armor, symbolizing his role as a protector and enforcer of justice. Followers may wear golden adornments or incorporate gold into their attire during significant rituals and festivals.
Radiant Sun:
As the Law Bearer’s connection to the sun is significant, the radiant sun symbolizes illumination, enlightenment, and the dispelling of darkness. Temples and altars dedicated to the Law Bearer often feature sun motifs, and followers celebrate the sunrise as a daily reminder of the Law Bearer’s watchful presence.
Tenets of Faith
Twisted Tenets of the FelleVeign Theocracy
The FelleVeign Theocracy has adopted the Law Bearer as their only true deity, twisting his teachings to fit their own sense of justice and morality. They support an active slave trade, force the worship of the Law Bearer, and often denounce or even execute those who worship any other deities. The theocracy's actions have distorted the true essence of his faith, leading to the following twisted tenets:
Absolute Obedience: Worship of the Law Bearer is mandatory, and all citizens must adhere to the theocracy's strict interpretation of his laws.
Enforcement of Order: The theocracy prioritizes maintaining order and control, often through harsh and draconian measures.
Eradication of Heresy: Any form of worship other than that of the Law Bearer is considered heretical and is punishable by death or exile.
Subjugation of the Weak: The theocracy enforces a strict social hierarchy, justifying the exploitation and enslavement of those deemed inferior.
Divine Right of Rule: The theocracy’s leaders are considered divinely chosen, their authority unquestionable and absolute.
Control through Fear: The theocracy employs fear and intimidation to maintain control, using public executions and brutal punishments as deterrents.
True Tenets of the Law Bearer's Faith
Uphold Justice: Seek fairness and equity in all actions, ensuring that the laws are applied equally to all, regardless of status or power.
Defend the Innocent: Protect those who cannot protect themselves, standing as a bulwark against tyranny and oppression.
Illuminate the Truth: Pursue honesty and transparency, bringing to light the hidden truths and ensuring that justice is served.
Promote Order: Foster a society where laws are respected, and chaos is kept at bay through the diligent application of justice.
Valor in Duty: Embrace the courage and strength required to enforce the law, standing resolute in the face of adversity.
Compassion in Judgment: Temper justice with mercy, understanding that true justice considers the context and humanity of each individual.
Honor and Integrity: Conduct oneself with unwavering honor, maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all actions and decisions.
Despite the corruption within the FelleVeign Theocracy, there are still those who seek to uphold the true principles of the Law Bearer, fighting to restore his teachings of justice, light, and valor for all. These dissenters strive to reclaim the faith from the clutches of tyranny, embodying the Gilded King's true essence as a beacon of hope and order in the realm of Nidira.
Divine Classification
Greater Deity
Church/Cult
Children
