The Reverent Path

The Reverent Path is the official state religion of The Holy Veridian Sovereignty, the theocratic kingdom of the Elven people within The Pious Union of the Awakened. The Reverent Path serves two main functions: one, its clergy, who are elder Elves selected because their lives have followed the Path, in other words, the examples of good living shown to the Elven people by the Elven Automaths, maintain the various Sanctuaries of the Automaths, interacting with worshipers and maintaining records. Two, the clergy, called Reverents, are also responsible for the direct governance of The Holy Veridian Sovereignty itself.   The highest ranking Curate is called the Reverent Sovereign, and acts as both leader of The Reverent Path as well as sovereign of the nation. The Reverent Sovereign is typically assisted by four High Reverents, each representing one of the Elven Automaths, who are deemed to be specialists in the realms associated with each of the four Elven Automaths. The High Reverent of Apsida advises and administrates matters dealing with national governance, education and research, and diplomacy (especially with The Union government in Vyberg). The High Reverent of Voulisi is tasked with the defense of the nation, both internal and external. The High Reverent of Efthymia is tasked with trade and maintaining the merchant fleet. The High Reverent of Thavma is concerned with agriculture, development, and maintaining a high quality of life for all Elven people.   Though the Curates have an organization to them, and they run the country essentially as a theocracy, the religious aspects of the faith would be considered "loose" or "progressive" by many outsiders. The Sanctuaries function less as formal temples with dedicated services or rituals, and more as community meeting places. People gather in the Sanctuaries simply to talk, enjoy music, literature, or the arts, or to practice activities associated with each Sanctuary's particular Elven Automath. Sanctuaries of Efthymia tend to be located near the sea or other bodies of water, incorporating the water into their architecture and functioning as places of recreation. Sanctuaries of Apsida are often schools, universities, research centers (magical and otherwise), or government offices. Sanctuaries of Voulisi are often training halls for the nation's defensive forces, and a place for them to make merry when they are not training or on duty. Finally, the numerous Sanctuaries of Thavma function as community centers, concert halls, taverns, and restaurants.