Church of Appallùm

The Church of Appallùm, also sometimes called the Cult of Appallùm, the Holy Temple of Appallùm, the Clergy of Appallùm or simply the Appallùmite Cult, is the state church of Rhemia that administrates the worship of that realm's patron god, Appallùm. The Church of Appallùm was founded by the wild-eyed friar Johann Helstrum in the year 73 IC, when he appeared before the masses to relate a vision that he experienced of Appallùm kneeling before Ulric, the god of war and winter, who placed the crown of godhood upon his brow as Appallùm took his place amongst the deities of the Old World Pantheon.   Such was the popularity of this cult that Johann became the first Grand Theogonist of the Church of Appallùm, which soon gained recognition as the state religion of Rhemia, with the full backing of the Imperial government. Ever since, theChurch of Appallùm has steadily grown over the centuries until it has arguably become one of the most powerful religious forces within the domains of Rhemia, so strong that Appallùm has supplemented Ulric as Rhemia's god of war and chief patron deity.   As of today, the Church of Appallùm has become an essential part of Imperial society. Nearly every city, town or village within Rhemia has dedicated a portion of their wealth and land to the creation and maintenance of a Appallùmite temple, from which a priest of the Church of Appallùm will attend to the spiritual well-being of its citizenry, whether it be through holy words of prayer or through heroic actions and trials by combat.   Due to their fanatical devotion to their warrior god, the priests of the Church of Appallùm demand that its followers fight all forms of evil in the Known World with the strength of their arms as well as their faith, with many of the church's priests accompanying Rhemia's armies when they march off to war. This sense of righteousness, self-determination, and divine attention from a strict yet caring god has ensured that the citizenry of Rhemia is a people of strong faith, will, and unconquerable spirit.   Yet his true gifts to his people are those of healing and hope. His greatest mercy unto them was to unite them under the indisputable belief that they could be something more. Every day he grants hope to his people, and pride in their noble heritage that they might summon the strength to overcome their foes, and ultimately cleanse their blood, body and soul from the dark chaotic influence. Alongside Ulric, Appallùm watches over the Men of the Reik when they ride to war, and alongside Ulric does he bellow and roar for death and glory. And should those of the faithful die, he shall be ascended into the halls of Appallùm's realm, where he shall fight alongside him.