College of Pontiffs
Role
The College of Pontiffs is the state-sponsored overarching group that oversees religion within Eisenovia. It is comprised of nine priests, one for each of the major gods worshipped in Eisenovia. Its role within the state is to advise the crown on religious matters, as well as to oversee religious institutions.
Structure
Pontifex Maximus
Pontiff
The Pontiffs serve as advisors to the Pontifex Maximus, who generally serve for life, and can only be removed by a unanimous vote from the rest of the College. When the Pontifex Maximus dies the remaining Pontiffs vote in a new Pontifex Maximus, typically one of their own though it is not a legal requirement.Divine Origins
In the ancient days when the world was still young and untamed, the High Elves, with their burgeoning civilizations and ambitions, sought to bend the land to their will. They spread far and wide, constructing magnificent cities and fields of crops, marking their dominion over the realms they inhabited.
Yet amidst their grand designs, a lord, blinded by his own ego and desires, cast his covetous gaze upon the most resplendent and enchanting forest that adorned the earth. Its verdant foliage and vibrant life captivated his heart, and he yearned to possess it entirely, intending to erect a palace of unparalleled beauty in its place.
Word of this audacious plan reached the ears of a humble peasant woman, who had spent her days wandering through the depths of the forest since her youth. She knew every whispering leaf, every hidden glade, and held the spirit of the wild within her very being. Filled with deep reverence for the forest's splendor, she implored the lord's men to reconsider, to appreciate the boundless beauty that nature had bestowed upon them.
But the emissaries of the lord, blinded by their master's ambition, turned a deaf ear to the woman's impassioned pleas. Undeterred, she confronted the lord himself, standing tall before his towering arrogance. She spoke with unwavering conviction, warning him of the consequences his actions would bring upon the delicate balance of the world. She beseeched him to cherish the world's natural wonders and to find fulfillment in the embrace of nature's embrace rather than indulging in destructive pursuits.
Enraged by her defiance, the lord issued a deadly ultimatum: leave or face the full force of his wrath. Unyielding, the woman declared that if she were to allow the forest to be felled, her spirit would wither and die, leaving her but an empty vessel. In a moment of cruel and heartless violence, the lord struck her down.
In that very instant, the God of Wild Places, Inem, witnessed the profound sacrifice made by this selfless woman. Overwhelmed by sorrow, his divine tears rained down from the heavens and cascaded upon her lifeless body. In the places where his tears touched the earth, vibrant and wondrous flowers sprouted forth, their petals embodying the colors of her essence.
From the heart of those blossoms, the first Wood Elves emerged, bearing the likeness of the valiant peasant woman who had given her life for the preservation of the untamed realms. They carried within them the eternal connection to the wilderness, honoring her sacrifice and serving as guardians of the wild places that remained. The Wood Elves, forever intertwined with the spirits of the forest, pledged to protect the natural world from the ravages of ambition and greed, ensuring that the beauty and harmony of the untamed realms would endure through the ages.
Cosmological Views
In the genesis of Zerin, a realm born from the primordial void, a powerful entity known as the One-Who-Is-All emerged, possessing the authority to shape the cosmos. Recognizing the encroaching darkness, the One-Who-Is-All made a sacrificial dispersal of its essence, creating an impenetrable barrier that guarded against the void. Entrusting their divine children, the Avatars, with the task of creation, the Avatars united in purpose, forging worlds and bringing forth life. However, conflicts arose among them, leading Norathos to succumb to treachery and plunge creation into chaos. Yet, hope remained as Arutar sacrificed his strength to mend the fractured barrier, safeguarding creation. The gods of Zerin rallied, forging a new world and imprisoning Norathos, ensuring that the light of creation prevails over darkness. Thus, Zerin became a sanctuary and battleground, a testament to sacrifice, purpose, and the eternal struggle against treachery.
Ethics
There are nine virtues and nine vices, one for each of the major gods.
The Nine Sacred Graces
Heart's Embrace
The profound empathy and kindness extended towards others in times of suffering or need.Fidelity's Bond
The unwavering devotion and steadfast commitment shown towards one's beliefs, values, and loved ones.Unbowed Resolve
The rigorous self-control and dedication to following a chosen path or code of conduct.Harmonious Flow
The delicate balance and peaceful coexistence achieved through understanding, cooperation, and unity.Equitable Judgement
The impartiality and justice upheld in all interactions, ensuring equitable treatment for all.Tender Embrace
The tender care and support provided to foster growth, well-being, and development of oneself and others.Unwavering Honor
The unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles, demonstrating honesty, transparency, and honor.Inspired Vision
The imaginative and innovative expression of one's inner vision, bringing forth new ideas and inspirations.Steadfast Endurance
The strength of character and perseverance in the face of adversity, bouncing back from challenges with courage and determination.The Nine Profane Vices
Unending Apathy
A lack of compassion or empathy towards others, characterized by emotional detachment.Faithlessness' Sting
The act of betraying trust, causing pain and disappointment through disloyalty.Indolent Drift
Engaging in idleness, neglecting responsibilities and showing a lack of motivation or purpose.Avaricious Longing
An insatiable and excessive desire for wealth, possessions, or power.Merciless Intent
Displaying a complete lack of compassion or empathy, intentionally causing harm without remorse.Disregarded Responsibility
Ignoring or failing to fulfill one's obligations or duties, leading to negative consequences.Inspired Deceit
Utilizing creativity and ingenuity to deceive and mislead others for personal gain.Hubris' Folly
Allowing one's ego and self-importance to overshadow virtues and disregard others.Resilience's Abandonment
Allowing fear and anxiety to overpower and control one's actions,Priesthood
The College of Pontiffs serves as the central governing body for religion in Eisenovia, comprising nine esteemed priests, each representing a major deity worshipped in the realm. Tasked with providing counsel to the crown on matters of faith, the College also assumes responsibility for the oversight of religious institutions and the allocation of resources. While the Pontiffs are typically influential priests affiliated with one of the major churches, it is a long-standing tradition that the Pontiff should never hold the position of a church leader. This delineation ensures that the Pontiffs act as earthly representatives of their respective churches, while the leaders interpret the divine will of the gods.
Pontifex Maximus
The seniormost member of the College who acts as a first-among-equals, this position is held for life and is elected by the rest of the Pontiffs. The main duties of the Pontifex Maximus are to oversee religious ceremonies in the capital, to lead the rest of the College in meetings, and to appoint new Pontiffs when a seat becomes vacant.Pontiff
The Pontiffs serve as advisors to the Pontifex Maximus, who generally serve for life, and can only be removed by a unanimous vote from the rest of the College. When the Pontifex Maximus dies the remaining Pontiffs vote in a new Pontifex Maximus, typically one of their own though it is not a legal requirement.Sects
The Starlit Path
Dedicated to the goddess Mavtes, the Starlit Path worships Mactes Sternenwber, she who weaves the stories and lives of mortals, who records the destiny of nations in the stars.Leadership
The group is led by the Conclave, made up of the Luminious Diviners who study the stars and the signs within individuals and preach the destiny of the world.Core Beliefs
All are as the Goddess Intended
One must accept themselves for who they are, and others for who they are. One must accept all that is within themselves, and within those they meet to walk the Starlit Path and attain enlightenment,What will be, will be
One must accept their fate, as they are a small part in a much larger part. That is not to say one should be a passive observer, but rather that one must accept what comes before them with grace to attain the best life in the world after.Rites and Rituals
Birth Ritual
PlaceholderInduction Ritual
How is someone brought into the faith? What age are they considered able to do so?Death Ritual
How is someone mourned? How is death perceived?
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
