The Church of Light

The Church of Light has no formal leadership. A priest is called to the service of the Light and once he/she is, they may found a Church or Temple. They then lead this church and their followers, teaching the word of the Light, inspiring them to be the best people they can be.

The Church of Light's culture is one of acceptance, love and forgiveness. It is said that none that stand in the Light is beyond salvation, all they need do is ask for help.

The Church of Light does not lead, rather it follows its faithful into the darkest corners. Despite this edict to not lead, the priests and priestesses of the Church do find themselves as noted advisors to leaders. When called to serve, they answer, but they must be humble so as to avoid being thrust into leadership positions.

Almost every community has at least 1 temple or Church of Light, often more.

Thuryn held on to its old world ways even after the Gods stopped hearing their prayers. It wasn't until nearly 300 years ago that a man named Raesyr Tanreall. An elvin warrior, this man claimed to be a Reborn, one who once lived and has been sent back to the world of the living by the Light. Unlike other would be religious figures, Raesyr could do something they couldn't: use divine magic. He could heal with a touch, cure diseases, create food and water and more. These were not the magic from stories, but rather the channeling of the Light, the pure essence that the Gods of old used to dole out in small trickles. Whats more, Raesyr could find and awaken other Reborn souls. These became his first Clerics, and he recruited 100 of them.   This was a revelation that swept through Highrock as Raesyr gathered an army of followers. He took the title Pal A'din, translating to Warrior of Light in the Old Tongue. His goal was to battle back to armies of the Warlock Lord, a brutal warlord who channeled magic from Fiends. Leading an army bound to his service from the south, The Warlock Lord's demonic army met Raesyr's army of light and his Companion Clerics.   The battle was savage, but Raesyr's army beat the horde back until the Pal A'din and the Warlock Lord met blade to blade. Raesyr killed the Warlock Lord with a radiant smite channeled through his very sword. The Warlock Lord grabbed the blade of the hero and consumed himself in an explosion of dark flames that killed Raesyr. One of his Companions held him while he died, and Raesyr said he'd return when the world needed him again.   Once the battle war over, the Companions spread far and wide to spread the miracle of the Light to the people. These Companions would travel from continent to continent, finding the other Reborn and awakening them to their power. They also found something Raesyr had spoken of, other Reborn souls, though not by the Light. Some were Reborn from Aeon, the Creator. They awoke them as well, honoring the First and the one who created the Light. They also found souls Reborn from Shadow, and they battled them whenever they could find them.   The Church of Light has become the world's dominant religion over the last 3 centuries, spreading far and wide. Those Reborn of the Light can channel its power, casting spells to help their followers and finding new souls born of light to awaken and serve.

Many warriors take oaths to the Light and become knights in its service and the service of all goodly men and women. These warriors take the title Paladin in honor of Raesyr. They form knightly orders, each with their own specialty and purpose.

The Church of Light does teach a great many people a great many things. Most Churches also serve communities as school houses, teaching children the basics of reading and writing as well as simple maths and other necessary skills, all while also teaching the Word of the Light. Priests often serve as the teachers to these communities and these children, but they also employ other teachers as well to supplement their learning.

Be ever vigilant for evil. People are quick to forget the lessons of the past.   Help relieve the suffering of the innocent wherever it exists.   Deliver the Light where darkness dwells, with kindness, compassion, and mercy.

Those blessed with the powers of the Light manifest them differently. Whenever someone's power is awakened, they may gain a number of powers separate from their spells they are granted through prayer. This is a direct channeling of power (as described in Channel Divinity).

Clerics of the Light are respected and their words carry weight, though how much has a lot to do with where they are. In the desert of the Creeping Wastes with the Maasai, the word of a Cleric is a religious command from heaven itself and they would die to accomplish it. In Highrock, a Cleric would advise a local leader, but they may or may not take the advice.

There are several notable sects of the faith, some working for good, others misguided by their views and using their power to their own ends rather than that of the Light.