Faiths and Philosophies

The Church of Elion

Pronounced El-Yahn or El-ee-ohn, depending on regional dialect. Elion is regarded primarily as the Creator God, and is referred to most often as Father Elion. The Church has recently held debates on whether or not Elion has any gender, though. The Councils reached no conclusion in that regard, but felt that Mother Elion was definitely not appropriate, so Father Elion remained the title.



Symbol: A golden fleur-de-lis. (Symbolic of the Fountain of Life or the source of all creation), set on a Dark Red or Burgundy background. Most nations in alliance with the Church of Elion feature heraldry with either the same colors or the same symbol.
Priests and Hierarchy: The Church of Elion is made up almost entirely of ecclesiastics. Paladins make up the militant arm of the church, including its witchhunters, but the Paladins of Elion have been called to war in the Old Continent. Some Nobiran Wonderworkers have been found to follow Elion as well and they usually have high positions within the hierarchy due to their considerable power. Such persons are rare, however, and are certainly tied to their posts in the Old Continent. The Church organizes its templar hierarchy to allow Bishops, priests, and teachers of the holy scripture to serve in a tiered structure, with Bishops being highest in the hierarchy. Occasionally the Church as a whole must make major decisions that affect their entire organization. In those cases the Bishops meet, elect a Cardinal to oversee their votes, vote on any matters that require decision, then disband once again.



Tenets:
1. The Light Shall Guide All (Core Belief)
The Church of Elion believes that light is the purest form of truth and divinity. All living beings must seek the light, which represents both spiritual enlightenment and moral purity. Darkness, in all its forms, is considered the enemy of Elion.

Followers must perform daily rituals of reflection and prayer at dawn, symbolizing the rise of the light and its guidance over their lives.

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2. Purity of the Soul
The Church preaches that each soul must remain untainted by corruption or sin. To stray into darkness, whether through ill deeds or association with magic deemed chaotic, is to risk losing one’s connection to Elion’s light.

Members of the clergy are forbidden from using chaotic or destructive magic. They must undergo regular purifications (rituals, fasting, or confessions) to maintain their spiritual purity.

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3. The Flame of Righteous Judgment
Elion is seen as the judge of all beings, and his followers are tasked with bringing divine justice to the world. This includes protecting the innocent, punishing the wicked, and rooting out evil wherever it may be found.

Every follower must swear an oath to never turn a blind eye to corruption or injustice, whether within their realm or among their own order. Failure to act righteously is seen as a sin.

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4. Unity in the Light
The Church believes in a strict hierarchical structure, where authority flows from the light of Elion through his chosen representatives. Obedience to the clergy is paramount, as they are seen as the intermediaries of Elion’s divine will.

Disobedience or questioning the authority of the church’s leaders is seen as a grave sin. A member of the Church must always follow the orders of their superiors unless doing so leads them into darkness.

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5. The Shunning of Shadows
While the Church recognizes that magic is a tool, it strictly condemns the use of chaotic or forbidden magics, particularly those tied to death, necromancy, or anything considered "shadowed" or tainted by the darkness.

Practitioners of dark arts or chaotic sorcery must be cast out, exiled, or purified through intense rituals. Those who employ forbidden magic are subject to immediate judgment by the church.

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6. Light Brings Life
Elion is also associated with vitality, growth, and life. His light is said to nourish both the land and the spirit, and any desecration of life is seen as an affront to his will.

Followers are forbidden from taking life unnecessarily or harming the land. Even in war, destruction must be tempered with restraint. The Church is often involved in overseeing fair justice in matters of life and death.

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7. The Dawn of Renewal
It is believed that at the end of days, Elion’s light will cover the entire world, burning away the darkness and renewing creation. This belief motivates followers to spread the teachings of the light and prepare for the prophesied day of renewal.

Each year, followers must participate in a pilgrimage or renewal festival, symbolizing their dedication to the coming dawn. These events involve sacrifices, fasting, and public displays of piety.

The Order of St. Lutharine

Pronounced Loo-tha-rihn. St Lutharine is a mythical figure from an ancient battle nearly 4000 years ago. She sacrificed herself in a pivotal moment to hold back a tide of demonic invasion through a portal she was able to just barely close. There are no historical records from that time to support this myth, some loremasters have noticed, and the name bears a striking resemblance to the Elven star spirit Luthariel, but that has not prevented the order from gaining traction and several important footholds in the Old Continent.



Symbol: The Order of St. Lutharine is symbolized by a white or silver six-pointed star, usually shown on a sky blue or dark blue background. The priestesses and white witches (Antiquarian) who follow this order very often dress in robes or ecclesiastic garb that prominently displays their symbol. The Order is not as prominent as the Church of Elion, especially after the wars began to tear the continent apart.
Priests and Hierarchy: Most of those who feel drawn to this order are female: Priestesses and white witches are quite popular among the Lutharians, but ecclesiastics and loremasters are found within their ranks as well, along with a small order of female paladins. Due to the demands of the war, few Lutharians have escaped the travesty therein; as their healing magic is in high demand in these crucial times. The Hierarchy of the Order is less structured than the Church of Elion, as the members of the Order prefer to work in solitude. Some Lutharians do come together to perform rituals at their sites, but these rituals are kept a mystery from the uninitiated.



Tenets:
1. The First Stricture: The Vigilance Against Darkness
The Order believes that darkness and demonic forces are always waiting for a moment of weakness to return. To honor St. Lutharine’s sacrifice, members must remain vigilant and ever watchful, seeking out any signs of demonic influence or corruption.

Members of the Order are required to regularly patrol areas known for demonic influence, to inspect places of magical activity, and to root out any lingering darkness, even at great personal risk.

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2. The Oath of Sacrifice
In emulation of St. Lutharine’s ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the Order teaches that no personal life, ambition, or goal is more important than the safety of the world from demonic invasion. They must be ready to give their lives if necessary, just as their saint did.

All members of the Order take a solemn oath to prioritize the greater good over personal desires or gain, knowing that they may be called upon to sacrifice everything in their battle against darkness.

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3. The Seal of Purity
The Order believes that only the pure of heart and spirit can wield the power to banish demons and close the portals that allow them entry into the world. Members must strive for internal purity, free of selfishness, hatred, and corruption.

Regular rituals of cleansing and purification must be undertaken. Any sign of moral or spiritual impurity is considered a severe failing, and those found guilty are required to undergo intense spiritual purification to continue their duties.

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4. The Healing Hand of Lutharine
As part of their dedication to protecting the world, the Order of St. Lutharine also embraces the role of healers and hospitalers. They believe that mending the physical and spiritual wounds inflicted by evil is as important as fighting it directly.

Members are expected to offer healing and aid to the wounded and suffering, especially those harmed by demonic forces. Every member is trained in the arts of healing, and some dedicate themselves entirely to hospitaler duties, caring for the sick and weary.

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5. The Star of Lutharine
The Order venerates the silver six-pointed star, a symbol of St. Lutharine's enduring guidance and protection. It is said that her final act left a mark on the world in the form of this star, which now represents the hope and strength to stand against demonic forces.

Every member of the Order carries the silver six-pointed star as a sacred emblem. It serves as a reminder of their duty and their connection to St. Lutharine's sacrifice. The star must be worn during all rituals and battles, and it is believed to ward off demonic influence.

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6. The Doctrine of Unity
St. Lutharine's sacrifice is seen as the ultimate symbol of unity—the belief that people of all nations, faiths, and beliefs must come together to stand against the darkness. The Order holds that no single person can resist the tide of evil alone.

Members of the Order must always work to foster unity among those who oppose demonic forces. Sectarianism, infighting, or rivalry is forbidden, as it weakens the ability to stand against the true enemy. Cooperation and alliances are key to the Order’s mission.

The Elven Pantheon

The Elven Pantheon is a very ancient family of deities viewed as celestial entities.

Sulrôdhariel: The Sun
The name roughly translates to "Light of Ancient Wisdom - Bringer of Clarity and Knowledge", and would be pronounced Suhl-rohd-hahr-ee-ell. The non-Elven approximation that is most accepted would be Sulrora, pronounced Sool-roar-ah. Sun elves or Gold elves revere Sulrora, their personification of the Sun.

Elunárathiel: The Moon
The name roughly translates to "Silver Light that Guards the Heavens", and would be pronounced Ehl-oon-hahr-ah-thee-ell. The non-Elven approximation that is most accepted would be Elunara, pronounced Ell-oon-ah-ra. Moon elves (also known as Silver elves) take special interest in Elunara.

Lutharindëmaeriel: The Great Star Spirit
The name roughly translates to "Great Nobility of the Sea - Enduring Beauty" and refers to the propensity of the elves to use the Great Star Spirit for navigation when sailing. It is pronounced Looth-ahr-ihn-deyah-mah-eh-ree-ell. The non-Elven approximation that is most accepted is Luthariel, pronounced Loo-thahr-ee-ell. Among the elves, singers and bards see this Great and Beautiful Star Spirit as a source of inspiration, a muse of beauty and poetry, and one on whom the dreams of love can be hung. The six petaled flower of Luthareen is named after this spirit because of the star shape it takes with its pointed petals.



Symbols: The Elven Pantheon is represented by a host of symbols. Each elven settlement has its own variation, but the celestial themes of the Crescent Moon, the Many Rayed Sun, and the Six Pointed Star, are the most common.
Priests and Hierarchy: The Elven Pantheon does not have any particular clerical class. The Spellsinger is perhaps the closest to a faith-based follower. Enchanters and Spellswords may serve aspects of the Elven Pantheon temporarily, but part of the beauty and timelessness of the faith that elves uphold is the enduring nature of beauty in the face of adversity. So long as elves continue to uphold the elements of harmony and industry, they are following the Celestial Accord.

The Balance of Tivarus
The Ancient Earth Spirit Tivarus (pronounced Tih-Var-Iss) is worshiped as an earth elemental deity. It represents both the nature of the planet itself, and the myriad of animals that walk upon its surface. Shamans and sylvan witches follow Tivarus and ask for boons in casting forth spells. Casters associated with the fae would also honor Tivarus. The worship of Tivarus is very "druidic" in nature, though there is no Druid class in the setting. Tivarus often communicates with followers in dreams and appears as a different animal every time it speaks.

Symbol: The worship of Tivarus is symbolized by the Serpentine, circles of intricate knotwork designed to show how all living things are interconnected in the great balance. Places that are sacred to Tivarus are usually outdoors, but the shamans who follow Tivarus engrave the Serpentine on nearby stones or trees.
Priests and Hierarchy: Tivarus followers are usually solitary individuals and are not as strictly organized as other religions. During important celestial events, including eclipses, the followers of Tivarus meet to perform ceremonies aligned with perpetuating the balance of the world; aiding in the growth of plants and animals and casting rituals to ward off bitter winters and blazing droughts. These meetings are held in circles of standing stones, each stone carved with a personal rendering of the Serpentine. It should be noted that though the rest of this document refers to druids, the followers of Tivarus do not call themselves druids, and this is only meant to impart their nature and how they look and feel in the setting.



Tenets:
1. The Balance of Life and Death
The faith of Tivarus teaches that life and death are part of a natural cycle. Druids of Tivarus believe that disrupting this balance, whether through unchecked growth or unnatural destruction, is a violation of the natural order.

Followers must avoid any actions that would upset the balance of nature, such as over-harvesting resources or engaging in widespread destruction. Life and death must be allowed to flow naturally, without interference from dark magic or forces of chaos.

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2. Reverence for the Sacred Groves and Stone Circles
The sacred groves and natural sites dedicated to Tivarus are seen as holy places where the veil between the natural and spiritual worlds is thin. These groves are the heart of the faith, where rituals and communions with nature occur.

Druids and followers are required to protect sacred groves and natural sites from harm or defilement. No tree may be felled or plant disturbed within these sacred places without performing the appropriate rituals and seeking permission from the spirits of the land.

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3. The Song of the Seasons
The faith of Tivarus recognizes the changing of the seasons as the rhythm of life. Each season has its own rites, responsibilities, and lessons. Druids must honor the transitions between them and help their communities prepare for the challenges each season brings.

Stricture: Druids must observe and lead rituals to mark the passage of the seasons, ensuring that their communities live in harmony with nature’s cycle. Failing to perform these rituals or ignoring the shifts in seasons is considered neglectful of nature’s will.

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4. Guardians of the Wild
The wild is both a source of life and danger. The Druids of Tivarus believe they are the protectors and stewards of the natural world. They are tasked with defending it from those who seek to exploit or harm it, whether through reckless expansion, pollution, or arcane tampering.

Druids must defend the wildlands from deforestation, pollution, or dark magic. They are sworn to oppose those who would exploit the land for personal gain, and to restore areas damaged by unnatural means, whether through magical healing or careful stewardship.

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5. Communion with All Beings
Tivarus teaches that all creatures, great and small, are interconnected. Druids are taught to communicate with animals, plants, and even the spirits of nature itself. Understanding these beings is essential to maintaining harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Druids are required to seek communion with the animals, plants, and elemental forces around them, fostering respect and understanding. Any unnecessary harm to animals or the natural world without making amends to the spirits is seen as a violation of this tenet.

The Zaharan Dominion
Long, long ago, in a time immemorial, a rift opened between this world and a plane of darkness ruled by demons of shadow and fire. For a time, these demons flooded into this world, enslaving and corrupting all beneath their cloven hooves, much as they had done in a thousand other worlds. What they could not conquer through sheer brutality they corrupted through deception, waiting thousands of years for decay and internal rot to weaken their enemies and eventually bring them into subjugation.

Eventually, through means too foul to describe here, beings of demonic blood but humanoid and even affable in appearance came into being. These beings were referred to as the Zaharazethorael, which roughly translates to "Lords of the Shadowed Wrath" in the common tongue. They came to be known as the Zahara or Zaharans, servants of darkness through and through. Some 4,000 years ago, the demonic incursion into the world was halted by a great force of goodness and light. Many demons were taken back through the rift unwillingly when it closed, and the rest of the vile spawn were hunted down by the Kingdoms of the Old Continents. The Zaharans, however, remained unsullied by the closing of the rift, and their hearts were no less black.

The Zaharan Dominion is the name of a) the territory that is currently claimed by a large kingdom or empire of Zaharans and their enslaved subjects; b) the philosophy by which Zaharans and those impeccably loyal to them revel in, and c) secret organizations of Zaharans and co-conspirators operating in other territories.



Symbols: The Zaharan Dominion has a variety of symbols but all of them show the subjugation of humans and other races beneath the burning iron crowns of demons. The Star of Algithraz is a symbol often associated with the secret organizations of Zaharans, and usually depicts a star-like symbol made up of an odd number of spikes or points within an enruned circle. The symbol of the philosophies of the Zaharan Dominion is a tear or drop of blood and is usually tattooed or engraved on flesh in an inconspicuous location on the body of those who adhere to these beliefs.
Priests and Hierarchy: Many occultists, loremasters, warlocks, and witches make obeisance to the Shadowed Lords, but those held in the highest esteem are the Zaharans, the ruinguard, the dark lord, and the sorcerer. Even with this structure though, there is some infighting between different factions who favor different Zaharans for positions of leadership: backstabbing and various plots of subterfuge are in keeping with the Zaharan Dominion, and all of this deception pleases the demonic forces beyond greatly. It should be noted that the rest of this document refers to followers of the Zaharan Dominion as warlocks, but these forces do not necessarily call themselves warlocks, though many among the followers of this faith are.

Tenets:
1. Power Above All
The warlocks of the Zaharan Dominion believe that the pursuit of power is the highest and most sacred goal. Every action, ritual, or alliance must ultimately serve the warlock’s ascent to greater power.

Every warlock must seek out forbidden knowledge, ancient artifacts, and untapped magical sources to increase their strength. Any opportunity for power, no matter how dangerous, must be pursued.

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2. The Chain of Dominance
Zaharan warlocks hold a rigid hierarchy, where the powerful dominate the weak. Submission to a more powerful warlock is mandatory, but only until one is strong enough to challenge and overthrow them.

Warlocks must either dominate or be dominated. Challenges to a superior’s authority are encouraged, but failure to succeed in such challenges results in severe consequences, including death or enslavement.

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3. The Binding of Souls
In the Zaharan Dominion, magic is fueled by the binding and manipulation of souls, both of mortals and otherworldly beings. Warlocks are trained to enslave spirits and channel their energy for personal gain.

Each warlock is expected to bind at least one powerful spirit or soul to serve them at all times. Failing to control a bound entity is considered a sign of weakness and may result in punishment or expulsion from the Dominion.

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4. No Sacrifice Too Great
The Zaharan warlocks believe that no sacrifice is too great if it leads to power. This includes the lives of others, but also the warlocks’ own bodies, minds, or souls.

A warlock must be willing to make personal sacrifices to achieve their goals, whether that means offering the lives of followers, sacrificing their own vitality, or even surrendering parts of their soul to demonic forces.

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5. Mastery of Chaos
The warlocks of the Zaharan Dominion embrace chaos as a force of transformation. Through chaos, they believe, comes destruction, and through destruction comes new opportunities for dominion and control.

Warlocks are required to periodically unleash chaos, whether through summoning destructive entities, destabilizing regions, or conducting experiments that disrupt natural laws. Control over this chaos is crucial, but the use of chaotic magic is a rite of passage for every warlock.

The Phlogistic Flow
The dwarven shaman (craftpriest) and machinist have an unusual spiritual connection to the physical world around them. The shaman can "read" crafted goods and the machinist can manipulate raw material into strange devices. Both of these spiritual studies rely on reading the phlogiston (inner flame, potential of flame, flame undying) present in all things. This concept of phlogiston—the inner, undying flame that represents the potential and essence within all matter—serves as a cornerstone of dwarven spiritual and scientific philosophy. The shaman, or craftpriest, views phlogiston as a reflection of the divine spark granted by the gods, and through their prayers and rituals, they channel this energy to repair, bless, or enhance crafted goods, ensuring these items fulfill their destined purpose. They believe every tool, weapon, or structure has a soul of sorts, and it is their duty to guide these creations toward their ultimate potential.

The machinist, on the other hand, interprets phlogiston as the raw energy of creation, a force to be harnessed and reshaped through ingenuity and labor. By studying the flows and concentrations of this energy in raw materials, machinists craft devices that seem almost alive, powered by the flame of possibility they have unlocked within. These inventions—whether mechanical guardians, automated forges, or complex traps—are seen as extensions of the machinist's will, imbued with the vitality of the phlogiston itself.

Though their approaches differ, both shamans and machinists share a profound respect for this elemental force, considering it a sacred responsibility to work in harmony with it rather than exploit it. This shared understanding fosters a unique bond between the spiritual and practical aspects of dwarven society, uniting tradition with innovation to ensure the survival and prosperity of their people. It is said that the greatest dwarven creations—be they enchanted weapons, towering citadels, or ingenious war machines—are the result of shaman and machinist working in tandem, blending divine insight with mortal ingenuity.

Symbols: The phlogistic flow is represented by a golden spiral flame encased within a circle of interlocking gears, or sometimes primarily by a spiral of flame. This symbol is worn as a pendant by shamans, engraved onto sacred tools, and incorporated into the architecture of forges and workshops.
Priests and Hierarchies: The priests, or shamans, of the Phlogistic Flow hold a revered place within dwarven society, serving as both spiritual guides and master artisans. At the head of their hierarchy is the Grand Forgemaster, a title bestowed upon the most accomplished and spiritually attuned shaman, who oversees the interpretation of the flow’s mysteries and ensures its teachings are upheld. Beneath the Grand Forgemaster are the Runekeepers, who preserve and inscribe the sacred texts and symbols of the faith, and the Forgewardens, responsible for blessing tools, weapons, and workshops. Initiates, known as Sparkbearers, undergo rigorous training, learning to channel the flow’s energy into their craftsmanship while proving their worth through the creation of a masterwork artifact. This hierarchy emphasizes collaboration and balance, mirroring the harmony between flame and forge, spirit and craft, that lies at the heart of their beliefs.

Tenets:
1. The Flame Within All
"All things contain the spark of creation; it is the sacred duty of the faithful to recognize and nurture this flame."
Shamans and machinists believe that every object, from raw ore to a crafted masterpiece, possesses potential waiting to be unlocked. Respecting this innate essence is fundamental to their faith.

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2. Harmony of Forge and Flame
"Balance the divine spark of flame with the craft of the forge; one cannot exist without the other."
This tenet emphasizes the importance of blending spiritual insight with practical skill, ensuring that both faith and craftsmanship work in tandem.

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3. Creation Through Purpose
"Nothing is to be made without purpose; idle crafting dishonors the flow."
All creations must serve a meaningful role, whether as a tool, weapon, or artifact. Frivolous or careless crafting is seen as disrespecting the Phlogistic Flow.

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4. Renewal of the Flame
"When the time comes, all things must return to the flow to kindle new creations."
This tenet encourages the recycling and repurposing of materials, symbolizing the cyclical nature of energy and creation. Nothing is wasted, and everything has a place in the eternal cycle.

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5. Mastery Through Understanding
"To wield the flow is to first understand it; seek knowledge in all things."
Both shamans and machinists are expected to continually learn and refine their skills, believing that greater understanding of the world around them enhances their ability to channel the flow.

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6. Protect the Sacred Forge
"The forge is our temple, the anvil our altar; defend them with all your might."
The forge is considered a sacred space where the Phlogistic Flow is most potent. Safeguarding it and ensuring its continued operation is a sacred responsibility for all adherents.