The Church of the Blessed
Those serving the Gods and their special chosen few champions. The largest religious institution on the isle.
Structure
High Cleric
Bishops
Knights
Priests
Followers
Bishops
Knights
Priests
Followers
Culture
The Church of the Blessed is generally a peaceful organization. It preaches these general principles;
1) The Gods made all things. Worship them above all others.
2) We are all the Gods' creations. To hurt another creation is to insult its creator.
3) Champions commune directly with the Gods, and assist them in all things.
4) To go against the church is to allow Corruption into yourself. Corruption brings ruin and damnation. Cleanse the malady.
1) The Gods made all things. Worship them above all others.
2) We are all the Gods' creations. To hurt another creation is to insult its creator.
3) Champions commune directly with the Gods, and assist them in all things.
4) To go against the church is to allow Corruption into yourself. Corruption brings ruin and damnation. Cleanse the malady.
Public Agenda
Preserve the people of the land regardless of their affiliation or beliefs. The church often sends teams to locations in crisis with the mission of improving the situation.
The church has recently focused on curing the deceased in major city centers. Often focusing on removing corruption that has started to appear.
The church has recently focused on curing the deceased in major city centers. Often focusing on removing corruption that has started to appear.
Assets
Wealth beyond counting
Fervent followers
Countless magical relics
Fervent followers
Countless magical relics
History
The church of the Blessed was founded sometime after the Woe of the Stars. Champions, creatures possessing divine energies, came together to fulfill their purpose from that conflict. They built an arena to hold these honorable duels. Those who saw the first duels were divinely inspired to construct a structure around the arena that was opulent and fit for such divine beings. The victor of the duels was anointed the first High Cleric.
In return, the High Cleric gave the worshipers the gift of knowledge, granting them the power to see the words of the Gods themselves. Six scrolls 2 for the believers, an additional 2 for the ordained and righteous, all for those demonstrating unwavering devotion. And so a symbiotic relationship was born, the divine was served and tended to, and their efforts would be rewarded with knowledge. Seeking to enlighten the masses, exceptionally devoted church members built places of worship in all the major cities. Built of the most robust materials available in the area and its interior made of stone only found in Starfall itself, these churches were seen as divine constructions and were generally well-liked by commoners. Most can come to them for services and riding themselves of corruption that could linger within, which was said to cause disease and bad luck.
In old times stories of kidnappings of people suspected of being champions occurred however such inquisitions have not been allowed for at least 2000 years since the founding of the Kingdom of Moli Mare. More recent history depicts the church as a force for good, helping the poor and the downtrodden. This has often taken the form of healing those with curable diseases and purging corruption. Most recently, they have sent teams of highly skilled knights towards Bigoli to ensure the wererat situation did not devolve further. Although losses were severe for the kingdom and the church, the situation was contained successfully.
In return, the High Cleric gave the worshipers the gift of knowledge, granting them the power to see the words of the Gods themselves. Six scrolls 2 for the believers, an additional 2 for the ordained and righteous, all for those demonstrating unwavering devotion. And so a symbiotic relationship was born, the divine was served and tended to, and their efforts would be rewarded with knowledge. Seeking to enlighten the masses, exceptionally devoted church members built places of worship in all the major cities. Built of the most robust materials available in the area and its interior made of stone only found in Starfall itself, these churches were seen as divine constructions and were generally well-liked by commoners. Most can come to them for services and riding themselves of corruption that could linger within, which was said to cause disease and bad luck.
In old times stories of kidnappings of people suspected of being champions occurred however such inquisitions have not been allowed for at least 2000 years since the founding of the Kingdom of Moli Mare. More recent history depicts the church as a force for good, helping the poor and the downtrodden. This has often taken the form of healing those with curable diseases and purging corruption. Most recently, they have sent teams of highly skilled knights towards Bigoli to ensure the wererat situation did not devolve further. Although losses were severe for the kingdom and the church, the situation was contained successfully.
Demography and Population
The Church of the Blessed accepts members regardless of their past or race. While most on the isle believe some of the church teachings and generally hold them in high regard, only a fraction of that group officially joins the church and attends regularly.
Those of a poor background tend to have a higher membership in the church.
Those of a poor background tend to have a higher membership in the church.
Military
The church elevates some of its faithful to the rank of Knight. They are individuals of strong belief, often clerics or paladins devoted to the right forces. The Church of the Blessed currently has about 500 knights.
Kights are relatively strong. Especially when compared to the average kingdom soldier, their limited number would be their greatest weakness. Their greatest strength would be the High Cleric Jonu. As a champion, they would be even stronger than the 500 knights under his control.
Kights are relatively strong. Especially when compared to the average kingdom soldier, their limited number would be their greatest weakness. Their greatest strength would be the High Cleric Jonu. As a champion, they would be even stronger than the 500 knights under his control.
Technological Level
The church is an organization with a long history and has access to knowledge that has been lost to others. Of note, trained Knights are capable of striking foes with savage blows, often resulting in physical exhaustion. Such strikes are said to be capable of easily cutting through many armored opponents.
Technologically the church is reluctant to accept foreign influences and technological advances that are not life-changing.
Research into corruption is strictly forbidden.
Technologically the church is reluctant to accept foreign influences and technological advances that are not life-changing.
Research into corruption is strictly forbidden.
Foreign Relations
The church has no official borders however, The Kingdom of Moli Mare does not exert any power in their cities. Their cities being mostly self-sufficient means that trade is a non-issue.
Agriculture & Industry
Those living under the church live a simple life that involves farming and herding grazing animals. Knights often spend their days' blessing equipment for themselves or their subordinates. The occasional artist is among their number but only in large cities that have all of their needs met.
Trade & Transport
Horse-drawn carriages provide all of the local transportation. Large wagons haul goods and up to 50 people to and from work or cities.
The Coastline controlled by the church is not suitable for ships.
The Coastline controlled by the church is not suitable for ships.
Education
The church provides a basic level of education, teaching its members to read and write.
Those with aptitude often go on to study in temples. Knights that wish to continue their education are often sent to institutions in the kingdom for advanced and expert-level education.
Those with aptitude often go on to study in temples. Knights that wish to continue their education are often sent to institutions in the kingdom for advanced and expert-level education.
Infrastructure
The church has a few dozen settlements on the isle. Of these, only five could be considered cities and are present on official maps. The large settlements have large structures made of stone found in the area. All five follow a similar design having a arena surrounded by essential buildings with simple shacks housing the people beyond that.
Worship
Church ceremonies are simple affairs that start and end with a strong drink brewed at temples that is said to soothe the soul. During the ceremony, the stories within the first two scrolls are recited and then discussed, following a central theme. For example, when speaking about the sanctity of life, the priest conducting the ceremony would focus on killing only as a last resort, telling the tale of Cruf the Warrior and his eventual fall to corruption by killing a village elder for insulting him.
Ceremonies tend to be held during daylight hours, but members are not required to attend. However, ceremony attendance is recorded and is a way to calculate an individual's devotion to the church when they are considered for higher positions.
Priesthood
Religious ceremonies can be performed by any of the faithful. Usually, those with the highest standing conduct the important ceremonies. Bishops tend to perform more advanced rituals or special rituals because they are more practiced and knowledgeable about the church's scriptures and rules regarding such.
Knights and Bishops tend to have decorative and functional clothing when conducting official ceremonies. A simple white robe made of any cloth is acceptable for those of less standing. Outside ceremonies there is no strict dress code however most wear a small charm of their most favored deity around their neck.
Knights and Bishops tend to have decorative and functional clothing when conducting official ceremonies. A simple white robe made of any cloth is acceptable for those of less standing. Outside ceremonies there is no strict dress code however most wear a small charm of their most favored deity around their neck.
Granted Divine Powers
While those of the church are not guaranteed to have magical abilities, as a general rule, most adults can cast one or two simple spells that are less potent than experienced and dedicated mages. Often this takes the form of a healing touch able to mend small scratches but unable to stop a significant injury. Many believe this to be a benefit to belonging in the church however, other dismiss it as mere speculation.
Rarely, individuals with a high affinity with magic nearing death say that they are given godly wisdom or power to save them from dire situations.
Rarely, individuals with a high affinity with magic nearing death say that they are given godly wisdom or power to save them from dire situations.
Have a Blessed day!
Founding Date
0
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Formation Type
Training Level
Semi-trained
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Blessed
Ruling Organization
Head of State
Government System
Theocracy
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Major Exports
Grain and meat from grazing animals are sent to major Kingdom cities.
Judicial Body
While the High Cleric is the ultimate authority on all things, Bishops often have broad discretion to reward and punish as they see fit. Only cases that garner a lot of public attention are dealt with directly by the High Cleric.
Related Ranks & Titles
Neighboring Nations
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