Oracles of Light
The Oracles of Light are a large organized religious group centered within the Undying Desert within the territory of the Abasid Caliphate. They serve as one branch of the Abasidi government and the leaders of the group advise the Caliph on all spiritual matters. They practice the worship of the god Tarsen as chief deity amongst all others as they study the heavens and stars.
Divine Origins
The Oracles can trace back their roots to the founding of the Abasid Caliphate in the year 1101 AC. It grew as a apart of the rebellion against the previous nation in charge of the territory in and around the Undying Desert. After the Caliphate was established, it grew into a full fledged religion practiced by most of the people of the nation. It is said that Shosti the Great followed a bright, moving star through the desert that led him and his army to an oasis and saved them from perishing in the unforgiving desert. Shosti took it as a sign that the god Tarsen was personally leading them to salvation and ever since then the god has been revered throughout the Caliphate.
Cosmological Views
The Oracles, like many other faiths in the world, believe that the god Tarsen together with his wife the goddess Alari, created the world. They are said to have created the landmasses and seas of the world first, then created the other gods to assist them in ruling over this new land, and finally created the life that populates the world including the varying species of sentient life.
Priesthood
Priests of the Oracles are called Oracles and all of them answer to the High Oracle who travels with the Caliph nearly all of the time. Only Yuan-Ti can become Oracles no matter how faithful and devout a member might be. More specifically only Yuan-Ti that are born with hooded necks like those of the cobras of the desert. Oracles stand out due to their ornately designed and decorated hoods which they tattoo extensively and fill with all manner of piercings. The High Oracle is always a hooded Yuan-Ti that is all black in appearance. They are said to only be born once in a few generations and are held in high regard usually prepared for the role of High Oracle until it is their time to assume the role.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Oracles do hold large amounts of influence within the territory of the Abasid Caliphate but do not have much power outside of their borders. While, they do not hold much military power directly through the use of private and faith based military, they do consult the Caliph on all spiritual matters. The Caliph relies on them to interpret the many different signs and portents of the stars and heavens thus insuring the Oracles influence over him.
Follow the Stars
Founding Date
1101 AC
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Followers of the Light
Leader Title
Parent Organization
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Location
Related Species
