Scriptures
The chief religious text of Cosmos
The Scriptures are a series of chapters detailing the lives of the Angels from their creation of Middengeard, to their gifting of Aether. Most of the Scriptures detail their adventures upon the world, how they solved problems, worked with others, and what virtues and reasoning should be commended.
Publication History
Early Versions
The earliest known copy of the Scriptures is from 360TI and is kept under protective glass in the Plaso Di Vochay in Malagal. This copy has been inscribed on treated deerskin in ancient Middensec, which many believe to be the language of the angels.
Earlier copies have been found written in a language with great similarity to Anana, but these copies were all destroyed.
The earliest permitted version is from 360TI
Conspiracy theory!
Some conspiracy theorists argue that angels and Marterrans either share a common ancestry or that they are the same.
This would put in jeopardy thousands of years of history and the integrity of the modern-day version of the Scriptures. If Mareterrans were angels, then King Leric I would no longer be a hero for decimating their entire race.
Post Invasion
After Leric I invaded Favont in what would become Year 1 TS and claimed the destruction of the Marterrans, the demons as described in the Scriptures, he commissioned a new version. He kept a copy at the royal court of Peren, where it can still be seen today. Both are in early Perenx. This version would have been used across all of Magnus Prime at one point, but through wars, changes in language, and general use, every other copy has been lost or destroyed.
With the start of the new age was a new scripture
Church of Favont
Frustrated that Favont was answerable to the Vochay, King Oswyn VIII left the church of Cosmos, and formed the Church of Favont. With this departure, he commissioned a new version of the Scriptures which had a very heavy focus on independance and loyalty to you King and country only. In response the Vochay commissioned a new version that commanded loyalty towards Malagal, the seat of the Church of Cosmos, above all. This ended the use of the Perenx Scriptures.
Seperation created a new version of the Scriptures
Corbenites
Corbenites were a pro-Malagal movement in Favont who sought to undermine this change, first by blaming the Ananans and Nightwalkers for the King's change of mind. Under Oswyn they worked in secret, distributing the Vochay Scriptures, which in Favont became known as the Corbenite Scriptures. When Oswyn's daughter, Annalise, took the throne, the Corbenites were allowed to exist more in public, and most copies of the Oswyn Scriptures were destroyed.
Terys Scriptures
The Corbenite movement came to an end in 596 after a lengthy civil war, when its leader at the time, Chamberlain, was assassinated. With no Oswyn Scriptures available, Terys commissioned a new set. The Terys Scriptures are still used today in Favont.
Terys Scriptures are the present standard
The Scriptures at Plaso Di Vochay
He approached the glass case, performing as bidden, keeping his head lowered, but then a flash of gold caught his eyes, and like a fish sighting bait, he had no resistance but to dive forwards. This ancient piece, older than time, twinkled back at him beneath the plated glass. Thick, tangible folds of skin, permeated with rich reds and fragrant greens, and all lined with charcoal black. He could see the wisps of vagrant hairs where the Cleric had swished his brush with too much passion, and the fleeting gaps where he had become hesitant in his work. Gold leaf pooled on the surface, as clean as the day it was laid, reflecting his face and the circling ceiling above in hypnotic endless swirls.
'Magan,' Listelle hissed suddenly.
He clawed his attention away from the enchanting book. He had failed. Only a minute inside the Minster, and he had failed. 'I'm sorry,' he mumbled.
She sniffed, rearing her head back and rolling her eyes. 'One thing you were asked. One thing! Did you forget? You do not look at the Scriptures. Turn your head. Turn your head now!'
Treatment
The Scriptures are regarded as the word of the Angels and therefore receive the utmost respect. Strict rules govern their handling.
They must be stored in a silk bag
Any excerpt from the Scriptures is considered sacred and treated accordingly. When not in use, the Scriptures are kept in a silk bag embroidered with the sign of the circle. All copies include a silk bag of this kind. Acolytes may also purchase a silk folder designed to hold notes, essays, and quotations related to the text. Once enclosed, the bag is placed on its designated stand or on a dedicated shelf.
They must be read from a special stand
Readers may study the Scriptures only when they are placed on a special stand known as a Saddle, whether the complete book or selected excerpts. The Saddle is a foldable stand that opens into an X shape. A member of the Clergy must bless it before it is considered valid. Private Saddles for the home are carved from wood. However, in Temples and Minsters, they are fashioned from silver or gold and inlaid with semi-precious gems, ivory, abalone, or beetle shells.
They must only be read by the Magi
Only the Magi are permitted to look upon the Scriptures. Humans, and most definitely Ananans, are forbidden even to glance at the book and must avert their eyes by bowing their heads. This restriction exists because many believe the Angels wrote the Scriptures themselves. As the Angels’ word, only those deemed worthy may see them. In a land ruled by the Magi, that status belongs exclusively to them.
Keep on a shelf in a silk bag
Read only when place on the Saddle
Only Magi can look at the Scriptures
Prayers
After the book is removed from its silk bag and placed on the Saddle, the Magi about to read it must first pray:
Blessed Angels, may your words fill my heart and mind. Guide me to your vision, so I may lead others in your sacred design.
Afterwards, they have finished, they pray again:
Blessed Angels, I thank you for your instruction, your gifts and words continue to guide me and have enabled me to lead others in your sacred design.
Each prayer thanks the Angels for their guidance and design
The Scriptures
Religious Manuscript
Velum
Chapters
This is a WIP and will be updated as more scripture chapters are added
'detailing the lives of the from their creation' Of the what? :O I really enjoy the rules for handling them, though it's very rude that only the Magi are allowed to look.
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Whoopsie! Missed out a vital word there. All fixed now :) The Magi definitely have a superiority complex. It's why they're so 'frustrating' haha
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