The Emris Church (em-riss)
The Emris church is the main religious organization in mage society. It was founded soon after the mages escaped to Earth, its original intention was to follow the supposed teachings of the goddess Genesis and be a general symbol of peace and faith.
The religion is not as popular as it used to be. Society has modernized and doesn’t have a strong reliance on the belief in gods. It is been so long that it’s almost like believing in fairy tales to most. Also, the church’s questionable history and current behaviors make it seem more like a cult than anything else, but because of how powerful the sect is, not much is really done to shut them down.
Structure
The Emris church is mostly populated with members of the Emris family. Mages who notably have a combination of red hair (true and deeper red colors, not to be confused with orange tones) and/or green eyes. This is so unique that is it rare for other mages to have these features, so if they do they are most likely a part of the Emris family. Although the Emris family makes up most of the membership, anyone can join the church, humans being the least accepted.
There is also a hierarchy that is as follows:
- The Oracle: The head of the church and is believed to be blessed by Genesis, herself. They have the ability to use the Ring of Genesis and are said to be in direct contact with the goddess. This has never been proven, however. There is only one oracle at a time, and they are always a member of the Emris family, picked at random. For another heir to be selected the predecessor must pass, except in very rare cases.
- - The oracle is a very strong mage but tends to be pacifistic in nature and is not adept in combat magic. Disciples are usually used for any dangerous or unsavory affairs.
- Disciples: The remaining followers of the church who are not the oracle.
Culture
The members of the church follow the "Teaching of Genesis". The meaning of this has changed throughout the centuries. It is the supposed task or mission the Emris church believes they have been assigned by Genesis. Originally the goal of the church was solely to return the mages back to their home world, but as time went on the message changed. There isn’t an overly clear description of what should be followed. The general message started to incorporate peace and faith as the mages began to live their lives on Earth. Being devout to Genesis and treating others with respect and kindness was heavily pushed. Of course that is easier said than done. Mages are very much like humans and have the same faults. Even with the best intentions, the most righteous ideas can corrupt.
As time went on, the mages weren’t getting any closer to finding a way to return. Morale was low and the mage/human conflicts were not helping. Treating others with respect started to extend only to mages. To live in peace, only to live in peace with other mages excluding any involvement of humans. The church increasingly saw humans as inferior, unnecessarily stuck on things that didn’t matter, and their general negative attitude toward mages only added to the resentment. The church was willing to completely denounce humans and any interaction with them, believing in the superiority of mages. No intermixing and especially not procreating. In modern times, the Emris church cannot so openly discriminate against humans, but still very much looks down on them and especially demihumans.
It should also be said, that although the church sees all mages as valued, the noble families are the most important. They are put on a pedestal that is only outranked by Genesis. The church doesn’t assume a role of servitude but more so of extreme adoration. If any nobles were to suggest a course of action whether that’s in way of life or grand duty, the disciples are inclined to follow.
Presently, the teachings are mostly the same, although not as strictly followed except for the most devout.
As time went on, the mages weren’t getting any closer to finding a way to return. Morale was low and the mage/human conflicts were not helping. Treating others with respect started to extend only to mages. To live in peace, only to live in peace with other mages excluding any involvement of humans. The church increasingly saw humans as inferior, unnecessarily stuck on things that didn’t matter, and their general negative attitude toward mages only added to the resentment. The church was willing to completely denounce humans and any interaction with them, believing in the superiority of mages. No intermixing and especially not procreating. In modern times, the Emris church cannot so openly discriminate against humans, but still very much looks down on them and especially demihumans.
It should also be said, that although the church sees all mages as valued, the noble families are the most important. They are put on a pedestal that is only outranked by Genesis. The church doesn’t assume a role of servitude but more so of extreme adoration. If any nobles were to suggest a course of action whether that’s in way of life or grand duty, the disciples are inclined to follow.
Presently, the teachings are mostly the same, although not as strictly followed except for the most devout.
Public Agenda
The church likes to maintain an image of peace, but are known to have participated in deplorable activities. Proudly using the guise of protecting mages, they have murdered, exiled, and disadvantaged mostly humans, but also mages who they believed had lost their way. It has decreased in recent years, but some disciples wouldn’t hesitate to do the same things again.
Perhaps considered the biggest sin is to reproduce with a human. If a disciple, one of Emris heritage, is caught doing this they will be denounced from the church and the child meets a far worse fate. This practice is still in effect but is not common knowledge.
Perhaps considered the biggest sin is to reproduce with a human. If a disciple, one of Emris heritage, is caught doing this they will be denounced from the church and the child meets a far worse fate. This practice is still in effect but is not common knowledge.
Assets
The church's most prized posession is the relic, the Ring of Genesis.
History
Founded around the same time as the city of Eastwynne. The church was used as a place of faith and communion. Somewhere the mages could go and feel safe during these trying times. When the mass exodus occurred, the Emris family and by extension the church stayed loyal to the Thorne family, never leaving their side. Today, the same can be said.
The relationship is not as strong as before, however. The Emris church is a rather rigid and conservative organization which in modern times is frowned upon, and the Thorne family cares deeply about public opinion. The organization is no longer seen as cherished, nor as important, but it stays a powerful and historical institution.
Worship
The Emris church is the most devout to the goddess, Genesis, but they do to a lesser extent acknowledge the other gods as well. They worship by having daily prayers, asking for better days and guidance.
Though not necessarily worship, they are also very devoted to the noble families and view them directly below the goddess.
Priesthood
The orcale is the head of the church and guides the disciples. This is a role chosen by the Ring of Genesis and cannot be disputed.
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