Holy Synod

The Holy Synod is the supreme religious council of Vontia, established by Tors to unify all recognized religions under the Church of Light. This institution serves as the ultimate authority on theological matters, ensuring harmony and preventing conflicts among the diverse faiths. While each religion retains its unique practices and deities, they all fall under the governance of the Holy Synod, which oversees their integration and promotes a cohesive spiritual framework.

Structure

Verdin

Role

The Verdin is the supreme authority of the Holy Synod. This position is the ultimate spiritual leader, holding the exclusive power to interpret, amend, and solidify the Synod's unified doctrine. The Verdin embodies the divine will of Neie and is responsible for guiding the entire Synod, ensuring that its practices remain true to the core tenets of the faith.

Responsibilities

Doctrinal Authority

The Verdin is the sole figure within the Synod who can officially interpret and amend the unified doctrine. Any changes or clarifications in religious practice across Vontia must be sanctioned by the Verdin.

Spiritual Leadership

As the highest religious figure, the Verdin provides spiritual guidance not only to the Synod’s leadership but also to all worshippers across the empire, embodying the divine connection to Neie.

Ultimate Decision-Making

The Verdin has the final say in all matters of doctrine, ensuring that the Synod remains cohesive and that all recognized religions operate within the prescribed bounds of the unified faith.

Saint

Role

The Saint is the highest enforcer of the divine will within the Holy Synod, symbolizing the closest connection to the gods, particularly Neie. As the leader of the Inquisition, the Saint holds an independent authority, empowered to act autonomously in the defense of the Synod and its followers. The Saint is not confined by the restrictions that bind other religious leaders, allowing them to address threats both within and beyond the Synod's immediate concerns.

Responsibilities

Inquisitorial Leadership

The Saint leads the Inquisition, directing its efforts to root out heresy, corruption, and any threats to the Synod. Unlike the broader Synod structure, the Inquisition operates independently, answering only to the Saint.

Symbol of Divine Will

As the embodiment of the gods' will, the Saint represents the ultimate authority of the divine, capable of acting with or without the Verdin’s directive, provided they receive permission when required.

Autonomous Action

The Saint has the unique ability to mobilize against threats to the Synod or the greater realm, including participating in missions or battles deemed necessary for the protection of the faith. This autonomous power is unmatched within the Synod’s structure.

Clerical Leadership

The Saint is also seen as the highest clerical figure, guiding devoted clerics who serve the divine without being formally integrated into the Synod’s structure.

High Pontiffs

Role

High Pontiffs are the theological leaders responsible for overseeing the Synod’s activities within the major regions of the Vontian Empire: the West, North, Central, and East. Each High Pontiff manages the religious affairs and ensures the unified doctrine is followed within their region. They are part of the Presbytery, a council that handles inter-regional matters and provides guidance on complex theological issues.

Responsibilities

Theological Governance

High Pontiffs ensure that the Synod’s doctrine is upheld across all religious institutions within their designated region. They make key decisions regarding the interpretation and enforcement of doctrine.

Presbytery Council

High Pontiffs form the Presbytery, collaborating to address issues that span multiple regions. This council manages inter-regional disputes, doctrinal adjustments, and responses to significant theological challenges.

Judicial Oversight

High Pontiffs have the authority to resolve major religious disputes and oversee heresy trials within their regions. They ensure that the Synod’s laws are consistently applied.

Spiritual Leadership

They provide spiritual guidance within their regions, leading major ceremonies, overseeing pilgrimages, and representing the Synod in regional religious matters.

Archpriests

Role

Archpriests are the leaders responsible for overseeing religious activities within specific sub-regions of the larger areas managed by the High Pontiffs. Each Archpriest ensures that the Synod’s doctrine is followed within their jurisdiction, which aligns with the geopolitical structure of the region in which they serve. They play a crucial role in maintaining religious harmony and ensuring the alignment of local religious practices with the overarching goals of the Synod.

Responsibilities

Regional Governance

Archpriests manage the religious institutions within their assigned sub-region, ensuring that all religious activities align with the Synod’s unified doctrine.

Spiritual Leadership

They provide spiritual guidance to the clergy and worshippers within their region, leading important ceremonies and fostering religious devotion.

Mediation and Oversight

Archpriests mediate disputes within their regions, ensuring that religious practices remain consistent with the Synod’s teachings and that any conflicts are resolved in accordance with doctrine.

Reporting

Archpriests report directly to the High Pontiffs, providing updates on the spiritual and doctrinal state of their regions and ensuring communication flows smoothly between the local and regional levels.

High Patrons

Role

High Patrons are the leaders of each recognized religion within the jurisdiction of an Archpriest. They oversee the worship, rituals, and religious practices specific to their faith, ensuring that these practices align with the Synod’s unified doctrine while preserving the unique aspects of their religion.

Responsibilities

Religious Leadership

High Patrons guide the worshippers and clergy of their specific religion, leading ceremonies and maintaining the integrity of their faith’s practices within the framework of the Synod.

Doctrinal Alignment

They work closely with the Archpriests to ensure that their religion’s practices adhere to the Synod’s broader doctrine, making necessary adjustments while maintaining the essence of their faith.

Community Engagement

High Patrons are deeply involved with their religious communities, providing spiritual guidance and ensuring that the needs of their followers are met.

Reporting and Coordination

They report to the Archpriests, ensuring that all religious activities within their faith are documented and aligned with the Synod's expectations.

Priestly Hierarchy

Patron Priests

Role

Patron Priests serve as the immediate leaders under the High Patrons, overseeing groups of priests within specific regions or significant religious sites.

Responsibilities

Leadership

Manage and supervise the activities of priests in their area.

Mediation

Act as intermediaries between High Patrons and lower-ranking priests.

Ceremonial Duties

Lead important ceremonies and religious gatherings.

Senior Priests

Role

Senior Priests oversee smaller groups of priests within a single temple or religious community, providing guidance and mentorship.

Responsibilities

Mentorship

Guide junior priests and acolytes, providing training and support.

Service Leadership

Lead regular services and manage the daily operations of their assigned religious site.

Priests

Role

Priests are the primary religious officials who conduct day-to-day services and engage directly with worshippers.

Responsibilities

Daily Rituals

Perform daily religious rituals and provide spiritual guidance to worshippers.

Specialization

Focus on a specific religious practice within the Synod, with opportunities for advancement.

Acolytes

Role

Acolytes are novice members in training to become priests, assisting in religious duties and learning the practices and doctrines of the Synod.

Responsibilities

Assistance

Support priests in their duties, helping with services and rituals.

Training

Study under the mentorship of priests and senior priests, preparing for ordination.

Culture

The culture of the Holy Synod is defined by an unyielding commitment to unity and doctrinal purity. This stems from the foundational belief that the consolidation of all recognized religions under a single institution is essential for peace and stability in Vontia.

Absolute Unity

Core Belief: The Holy Synod believes that religious unity is paramount for the spiritual and social harmony of Vontia. The Synod promotes the idea that all faiths, while diverse in practice, share a common divine purpose that can only be fully realized through unification.

Manifestation: Every temple is dedicated solely to Neie, the God of Celestials. This strict centralization ensures that all worship is conducted under the supervision and guidance of the Holy Synod.

Doctrinal Purity

Core Belief: Maintaining the purity of the unified doctrine is seen as essential to the Holy Synod's mission. Any deviation or questioning of the doctrine is viewed as a threat to the sacred unity.

Manifestation: Strict adherence to the doctrine is enforced at all levels. Inquisitors ensure that all practices and teachings align with the Synod’s principles. Disputes or deviations are swiftly addressed to prevent any fragmentation.

Zealous Devotion

Core Belief: Members of the Holy Synod are expected to show unwavering devotion to the unified doctrine and the High Pontiff. This devotion is seen as a reflection of their commitment to the divine mandate of unity.

Manifestation: Ceremonies, prayers, and daily rituals are all centered around reinforcing the importance of unity and doctrinal adherence. Public displays of faith and loyalty to the Holy Synod are common and encouraged.

Tolerance with Boundaries

Core Belief: While the Holy Synod promotes the theological openness to various deities and practices, this tolerance has strict boundaries defined by the doctrine. The doctrine itself is never open to reinterpretation or question.

Manifestation: Religious leaders within the Synod educate their followers about the importance of respecting other faiths within the framework of the unified doctrine. Interfaith dialogues are encouraged, provided they do not challenge the core principles of the Holy Synod.

Sacred Duty

Core Belief: Serving the Holy Synod is considered a sacred duty that transcends individual desires or beliefs. Members are taught that their highest purpose is to uphold and spread the unified doctrine.

Manifestation: Clergy and lay members alike participate in regular community service and missionary work, spreading the message of unity and supporting the needs of the community. This service is seen as both a privilege and an obligation.

Public Agenda

Promotion of Unity

Objective: To foster and maintain religious unity among all recognized faiths in Vontia.
Initiatives: Organize interfaith dialogues, joint religious festivals, and communal worship services that emphasize shared values and collective worship under the unified doctrine.

Ensuring Doctrinal Purity

Objective: To preserve and enforce the purity of the unified doctrine across all religious practices. Initiatives: Conduct regular inspections of temples, provide doctrinal training for clergy, and issue official interpretations of religious texts to prevent deviations.

Spiritual Guidance and Support

Objective: To offer spiritual guidance and support to all citizens, ensuring their religious and moral well-being.
Initiatives: Establish community outreach programs, provide counseling services, and run educational workshops on the tenets of the unified doctrine.

Charitable Works and Community Service

Objective: To serve the community by addressing social needs and promoting the welfare of all citizens. Initiatives: Organize charity drives, support orphanages and hospitals, and mobilize volunteers for disaster relief and community development projects.

Promotion of Peace and Harmony

Objective: To create a harmonious society where peace prevails over conflict.
Initiatives: Mediate disputes, promote conflict resolution training, and advocate for policies that enhance social cohesion and mutual respect among different religious groups.

Educational Outreach

Objective: To educate the populace about the unified doctrine and the importance of religious unity.
Initiatives: Develop religious education curriculums for schools, publish informative pamphlets and books, and utilize media to broadcast teachings and religious programs.

History

Known History

The Holy Synod's origins are rooted in a time of great turmoil and religious conflict in Vontia. The inciting incident that led to its formation was a devastating attack attributed to the Church of Darkness. This event resulted in the massacre of the heads of every major religion, plunging the land into chaos and fear. Tors, a charismatic and zealous leader, emerged as a savior, accusing the Church of Darkness and rallying the people behind him.
In the wake of this tragedy, Tors proposed the unification of all recognized religions under a single institution, which he called the Holy Synod. This institution was designed to prevent future conflicts and ensure harmony among the diverse faiths of Vontia. The public believed that Tors’s actions were necessary to protect their spiritual well-being and bring peace to the land.

Development of the Holy Synod

After its establishment, the Holy Synod quickly became the central religious authority in Vontia. The Synod's doctrine, centered on the worship of Neie, was enforced across all regions. Temples dedicated to other deities were repurposed or rebuilt as temples of the Synod, ensuring a uniform religious landscape.
Generations after Tors, the Holy Synod continued to grow in power and influence. Each successive leader reinforced the principles of unity and doctrinal purity, consolidating the Synod's control over religious practices. The Synod’s structure evolved to include various roles and responsibilities, ensuring efficient governance and enforcement of its laws.

Present Day

In the current era, the Holy Synod holds a powerful grip over the Vontian Empire, particularly following the catastrophic event known as the Southern Cataclysm, which rendered the southern regions uninhabitable. The Synod has leveraged this disaster to further solidify its authority, presenting itself as a beacon of stability and order in troubled times.
The central kingdom, now the imperial capital, is the heart of the Synod's operations. The north, known for its resilience and strength, respects the Synod's authority but maintains a degree of autonomy due to its formidable military. The east, home to the fey and a center of magical knowledge, aligns closely with the Synod’s intellectual and spiritual pursuits. The west, driven by trade and commerce, supports the Synod due to the economic stability it provides.
Overall, the Holy Synod functions as the unifying force in Vontia, with its doctrine and influence permeating every aspect of life. The Synod's commitment to unity and doctrinal purity remains unwavering, ensuring that all religious practices align with its teachings and that any dissent is swiftly addressed.

Worship

Mythology and Cosmogony

The creation myths and cosmological beliefs central to the Synod’s doctrine. It details the origins of the world, the gods—particularly Neie, the god of Celestials—and the divine order. The mythology serves as the foundation for understanding the divine hierarchy and the role of each deity within it. This section is critical as it sets the stage for the Synod's purpose, illustrating the eternal battle between light and darkness and the necessity of maintaining divine order through strict adherence to faith.

Theological Principles

The doctrine outlines the core theological principles that all followers of the Synod must adhere to. These include the nature of the divine, the importance of purity in worship, and the rejection of heretical beliefs. This section is heavily referenced elsewhere in the doctrine when determining the orthodoxy of various religious practices. It also provides the basis for the Inquisition’s Mandate and mission to purify the faith, justifying their actions against heretics, blasphemers, and any who deviate from these sacred principles.

Laws and Punishments

A significant portion of the Doctrine is dedicated to detailing the laws that govern religious conduct and the corresponding punishments for violations. This section is exhaustive, covering everything from minor transgressions to major acts of heresy. The punishments are clearly outlined, ranging from penance and imprisonment to more severe penalties, including branded excommunication or execution.

Heresy and Blasphemy

This part of the doctrine focuses specifically on defining heresy and blasphemy, offering detailed descriptions of what constitutes such acts. It categorizes various forms of heresy, from the worship of forbidden deities to the practice of dark magic, and outlines the procedures for identifying and dealing with these threats.

Divine Magic and Rituals

The final sections of the doctrine focus on the use of divine magic and the rituals that Clerics and Inquisitors are permitted or required to perform. This includes blessings, exorcisms, and other rites that are essential tools in a devotees arsenal. The doctrine outlines the conditions under which these powers can be used and the responsibilities that come with wielding divine magic. This section is both a guide and a set of restrictions, ensuring that those applicable use their powers judiciously and in accordance with divine will.