The Followers of the Sacred Divine 8

The Followers of the Sacred Divine Eight is the most prominent and widely respected religious institution in Elema. It honors all eight Sacred Deities—those divine beings who shaped the world and continue to guide it. While each deity has their own philosophy, sect, and specialized clergy, the Followers believe that true spiritual balance comes from acknowledging the entire pantheon and the corrupted deities as well but they are seen as enemies of the sacred deities and the churches.

Most temples and sanctuaries dedicated to this faith feature shrines to all eight gods. Though individual followers are encouraged to find and dedicate themselves to the one deity that resonates most with their soul—who will guide them into the afterlife—the church exists to help them understand and walk the path of all eight, to deepen their spiritual journey before they choose.

Structure

Divine Guardians.

Each sect has a Divine Guardian—a prophet specially chosen by their respective deity. These leaders act as living representatives of their gods, interpreting divine will and guiding the devout. The Sacred Conclave is made up of the eight Divine Guardians, who work together to maintain balance and unity among the numerous groups that worship the Sacred Divine Eight.

Sacred prophets

Each deity also selects Sacred Prophets, which are symbolic individuals or divine positions designed to inspire, lead, and influence their sect's members. These prophets serve as spiritual archetypes or extensions of the deity's will, frequently assuming specific roles relating to the god's teachings and domains.

For example, Chikyu, the Goddess of Earth, has three Sacred Prophets:
  • The Divine Root She is in charge of imparting advice, inspiration, and knowledge to the leaders of the circle.
  • The Divine Bark She has brought steadiness throughout everything; she is the one who receives the most divine inspiration and has the other two helpers, says the balancer to everybody.
  • The Divine Leaf (who also serves as the Divine Guardian)
They reflect the stages of growth and cultivation, conveying Chikyu's wisdom while also supporting her followers' spiritual development.

The God of Light, Hikari, appoints two
  • The Divine Guider (who acts as the Divine Guardian)
  • The Divine Light is the guiding beacon for those seeking truth and illumination along Hikari's road.
Sacred Prophets have several obligations within their sects, which benefit both their followers and the greater church. Their teachings and leadership contribute to the cultivation of a spirit of devotion, community, and spiritual purpose throughout Elema.

Unified Churches

In smaller cities or rule towns, unified temples serve as shared houses of worship for the entire pantheon. These sacred halls honor all eight gods equally, offering services and education that reflect their combined wisdom.

On a given deity’s holy day, their followers take the lead—conducting the rituals, sermons, and celebrations tailored to that deity. However, all worshippers are welcome, and devotion to any of the Sacred Eight is accepted and supported year-round.

These shared spaces also provide housing for mixed clergy, joint training for divine classes, and collaborative teachings—where ideas from multiple faiths within the pantheon are exchanged and harmonized.

Dedicated Shrines



Each of the Sacred Eight has their own houses of worship across Elema—great temples, peaceful sanctuaries, and rural shrines where their specific virtues are taught, and where clerics and paladins are trained in their service.

Public Agenda

To lead and guide the world toward discovering the Sacred Eight, and to help each soul locate the unique god or goddess with whom they resonate—so that they can be welcomed into that deity's glorious realm for all time and eternity.

Mythology & Lore

How The Universe Came To Be The short version is The Sacred Eight deities worked together in harmony to create Elema, blessing us with the chance to live, grow, and one day ascend to their divine realms.

Divine Origins

The War of Ascendancy, the Sacred Eight established the Church of the Sacred Divine Eight , unifying all adherents behind a single goal: to safeguard Elema against corrupted deities and demonic armies. Working alongside the world's kingdoms, the Church organized resistance across the realms and drove back the corrupted armies, compelling them to flee into the broken domains of their fallen gods.   When the corrupted deities were weakened, their power over Elema waned. Seeing the strength and tranquility offered by their united followers, the Sacred Eight decided to formalize their union. As a result, the Church of the Sacred Divine Eight became more than just a symbol of survival; it also served as the world's leading spiritual force.

Tenets of Faith

The core tenet shared by all eight deities is this: believe in them, honor the Sacred Eight, and choose one to be your center—your guiding light and way of life. Stay true to that path, and you shall walk in harmony with the divine

Ethics

Relations with Other Religions



The Followers of the Sacred Divine Eight generally maintain amicable relations with other religions, as long as those faiths do not alter or corrupt the teachings of the deities they profess to worship. Most traditions have mutual respect, particularly those with roots in ancient pantheons. Many modern religious activities, including those beyond the Eightfold Path, can be traced back to the ancient faiths founded by the gods and goddesses prior to the Great Celestial War.

During that struggle, when the Sacred Eight banded together to combat the advent of the Corrupted Deities, numerous sacred traditions were established. Faced with a common enemy, the sacred deities united their teachings and followers in unity.

However, cults and faiths dedicated to the Corrupted Deities are regarded as heretical. These religions are regarded as betrayals of both the natural world and the sacred divine order. The Followers do not hesitate to act: Paladins, clerics, and inquisitors are despatched on a regular basis to cleanse such taint, defend the loyal, and, where necessary, provide the opportunity for atonement. If atonement fails, divine justice ensues. Views on Outsider Worship and Nonbelievers.

Followers of the Sacred Divine Eight are often distrustful of those who worship Metaverse beings, which are not linked with the divine order. Some consider such devotion to be pure heresy, while others believe these people simply require guidance and can still be given the proper way.

Atheists, in local slang, are those who refuse to worship any deity, denying heavenly influence despite the evident presence of miracles and divine acts in the world. Some argue that these nonbelievers are led by metaphysical forces from beyond the known pantheon—possibly even entities of enormous power from the outer world. Others argue that they are simply arrogant, feeling they do not need the gods.

Discussions between passionate believers and such skeptics frequently escalate into heated arguments. While some Christians feel compelled to convert them, others find the task unpleasant and thankless—a spiritual headache best left to the more patient missionaries.

Priesthood

Each sect has its own organized clergy, including clerics, priests, and priestesses dedicated to their specific deity. They we'll send them to the secret houses of the eight to help teach and guide all followers of the Sacred Eight, while their paladins and holy warriors stand ready to act in service of their divine patron and the greater cause of the Eight.

Granted Divine Powers

The divine abilities and blessed are give by the indivisible deities and can be found by looking into the deity sect.


Cover image: by Valcin (Marc Zipper)
Character flag image: by Marc Zipper (Valcin)
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