Soldiers of Justice

The Soldiers of Justice are a powerful and influential religious sect that rose to prominence in the aftermath of Etrmur's ascension. The sect is distinguished by their fierce devotion to the tenets of faith, which hold that strength and power are virtues to be celebrated and that those in positions of authority have earned their status through their deeds. At the core of the sect's beliefs is the idea that the world is a brutal and unforgiving place, and that the strong must dominate the weak in order to survive. This philosophy is embodied in the sect's use of the wolf as a symbol, representing a slain animal dominated by a stronger force. Strength, in the eyes of the Soldiers of Justice, is the ultimate virtue, and they view the suffering of the weak as a necessary aspect of life. The sect's worship ceremonies are characterized by their brutality and their emphasis on sacrifice. Animal sacrifices are a key aspect of the ceremonies, with the faithful offering up animals as a show of devotion to their deity, Etrmur. The sect's leaders, chosen for their charisma and influence, preside over the ceremonies and act as spiritual guides for the faithful. The Soldiers of Justice maintain a strict moral code that governs the actions of their followers. The code emphasizes strength, courage, and loyalty to the sect above all else. The faithful are encouraged to engage in bold and daring actions in order to prove their worthiness and their devotion to the sect's ideals. Acts of kindness and mercy are viewed with suspicion, as the sect's philosophy emphasizes the necessity of domination and strength over all other considerations. The Soldiers of Justice have had a profound impact on the Krimeon political landscape. While they no longer control the government, they remain a powerful and influential force, with many politicians and leaders seeking their favor and support. The sect's influence is felt in all aspects of society, from the military to the arts, and their presence is a constant reminder of the power and influence of faith. Despite their reputation for brutality and extremism, the Soldiers of Justice have a large and dedicated following, drawn to the sect's uncompromising philosophy and their emphasis on strength and power. While many view the sect with suspicion and fear, others see them as a force for change and a source of hope in a harsh and unforgiving world. The Soldiers of Justice are a religious sect with a fierce devotion to the virtues of strength and power. Their influence is felt throughout the region in which they operate, and their reputation for brutality and extremism has made them both feared and respected. While their beliefs and practices may be controversial, their dedication to their cause and their unwavering commitment to their ideals has earned them a place as one of the most influential religious sects in the region.

Ethics

The strong dominate the weak: The Soldiers of Justice believe that those with power and influence are inherently superior to those without, and that they have earned their place through their strength and dominance. They view weakness and suffering as a sign of moral inferiority, and believe that it is natural for the strong to rule over the weak.
Strength is a virtue: In the eyes of the Soldiers of Justice, physical and mental strength are highly valued, and are seen as key indicators of a person's worth. They believe that those who are strong should use their power to dominate others, and that this is the natural order of things.
Punishment is necessary: The Soldiers of Justice believe that punishment is a necessary tool to maintain order and ensure that the strong remain in power. They view mercy and forgiveness as weaknesses, and believe that those who break the law or go against the tenets of their faith should be dealt with harshly and without hesitation.
Suffering is deserved: According to the Soldiers of Justice, those who suffer do so because they deserve it. They view poverty, illness, and other forms of hardship as punishments for moral failings or weaknesses, and believe that it is not their place to alleviate the suffering of others.
Obedience is paramount: The Soldiers of Justice believe that obedience to those in power is the highest virtue. They view dissent and disobedience as threats to the social order, and believe that those who question authority should be punished severely.
Ritual sacrifice is necessary: In order to appease their deity Etrmur, the Soldiers of Justice believe that ritual sacrifice is necessary. They use the wolf as a symbol of a slain animal, dominated by a stronger force, and believe that this sacrifice demonstrates their devotion to their faith.

Sins:

Weakness or vulnerability
Disobedience or defiance of authority
Failure to dominate or exert control over others
Mercy or forgiveness
Sympathy or compassion for those who are suffering
Failure to participate in ritual sacrifice or demonstrate devotion to Etrmur

Pious acts:

Demonstrating physical or mental strength
Exerting dominance or control over others
Participating in ritual sacrifice to demonstrate devotion to Etrmur
Following the orders of those in power without question
Showing no mercy or forgiveness towards those who break the law or go against the tenets of faith.

Worship

The Soldiers of Justice are known for their elaborate and theatrical worship ceremonies, which are often held in public squares or temples. These ceremonies are designed to impress upon their followers the importance of their mission to bring justice to the world, and to emphasize their devotion to their deity, Etrmur. The ceremonies begin with a procession of Soldiers dressed in black robes, carrying banners and flags adorned with the symbol of Etrmur, a wolf's head. They are accompanied by musicians playing drums and horns, creating a loud and impressive spectacle that draws a crowd. Once the procession reaches its destination, the ceremony begins with a speech by the High Priest or High Priestess, who leads the ceremony. They remind the followers of the importance of their mission and the need for justice in the world. They also recount the history of Etrmur and the Soldiers of Justice, emphasizing the deity's role in guiding their actions. After the speech, the Soldiers perform a series of rituals that include chants, dances, and offerings. These rituals are designed to show their devotion to Etrmur and to invoke the deity's favor. They often include animal sacrifices, which are seen as a necessary part of the worship ceremony. The Soldiers of Justice believe that the sacrifices appease Etrmur and demonstrate their willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. However, they keep these sacrifices hidden from the public, as they know that many people would be horrified by them. The ceremonies conclude with a final speech from the High Priest or High Priestess, who reminds the followers of their duty to bring justice to the world. They urge them to continue to fight for what is right, and to remain faithful to Etrmur and the Soldiers of Justice. Overall, the Soldiers of Justice's worship ceremonies are impressive and powerful, designed to instill a sense of awe and devotion in their followers. While they may be controversial and even disturbing to some, they are a key part of the Soldiers' identity and their mission to bring justice to the world.

Priesthood

Charismatic and influential individuals rise to leadership positions through a combination of personal ambition and recognition by existing leaders. The followers who are chosen to become leaders are often daring, bold, powerful, and strong, as these traits are highly valued by the Soldiers of Justice. These leaders are often distinguished from the rest of the flock through their deeds and accomplishments, which may include successful military campaigns, acts of vigilantism, or other displays of strength and dominance. In some cases, these leaders may also be distinguished by their personal charisma and ability to inspire others, as the ability to gather and lead a following is highly valued in the Soldiers of Justice. However, there is also a dark side to this system of leadership, as it can lead to a culture of violence and intimidation, where the most ruthless and brutal individuals rise to the top. Overall, the guidance of the faithful within the Soldiers of Justice is less about formal religious authority and more about personal power and influence. Those who are able to wield that power most effectively are the ones who rise to the top, and are able to shape the direction of the faith and the actions of its followers.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Soldiers of Justice were a powerful religious sect that gained political influence during a time of corruption and unrest in Krimeon. They rose to power as a response to the failures of the High Council, a legislative body originally established by Etrmur. The Soldiers of Justice gained the support of the military, and their leaders were known for their charismatic speeches and ruthless tactics. During their time in power, the Soldiers of Justice implemented strict laws and harsh punishments for any perceived wrongdoing. They claimed to be purveyors of justice, and believed that their actions were necessary to protect the people of Krimeon. However, their methods were often brutal and indiscriminate, and many innocent people were punished for crimes they did not commit. The Soldiers of Justice also had a strong influence over the council, and were able to push their agenda through by using fear and intimidation. They were known for their manipulation of the legal system and their ability to silence any opposition. Their control of the military also made it difficult for anyone to challenge their authority. However, the Soldiers of Justice's power was eventually weakened by their involvement in the Noellian War. They lost the support of the people and were forced to cede control of the government back to the High Council. While they remain a powerful religious sect, they no longer have the same level of political influence they once did. Despite this, the Soldiers of Justice still have a significant presence in Krimeon, and their beliefs continue to influence many people. Some still view them as heroes who protected the country during a time of crisis, while others see them as tyrants who oppressed the people and caused unnecessary suffering. Their legacy remains a contentious issue in Krimeon's history.