Cult of Modaris
The Cult of Modaris is a semi-organized religion widely popular in the Caleian Empire at the turn of the 13th Century and beyond. In March of 1295, the first High Priest of Modaris was elected, something which many have regarded as the "foundation" of the organized religion. Although the cult was present before this in some limited regard, after the High Priest's election, it began to surge in popularity, particularly in and around the capital city itself. Though the Caleian Empire ignored it at first, by the 14th century, things had changed and the cult had gained such popularity as to be considered a serious threat. This culminated with Valerian's reign, when the religion was officially banned and its leaders executed.
Now, during the Shadow Era, the cult has largely been forgotten, just like many other things. Some churches remain present in the larger towns, but it has nowhere near the following it once did, as it was most popular in the Capital, not the outskirts.
Ironic, the Cult founded around preaching the fall of Caleia ended up falling right alongside it when that fateful day arrived...
Now, during the Shadow Era, the cult has largely been forgotten, just like many other things. Some churches remain present in the larger towns, but it has nowhere near the following it once did, as it was most popular in the Capital, not the outskirts.
Ironic, the Cult founded around preaching the fall of Caleia ended up falling right alongside it when that fateful day arrived...
Structure
The Modarite Cult is divided geographically, with local priests "governing" over areas roughly equal to the Imperial Provinces. Though all answered to the High Priest in Caleia, in practice these provincial priests tended to have far more power over the religion than most gave them credit for. Historically, this decentralization has been due to the fact that the more centralized their leadership would be, the more often they'd be arrested and executed by Caleian officials. So, a decentralized model naturally arose to prevent that.
Assets
The Cult was surprisingly rich throughout its history, even during its cyclical periods of persecution by the Empire. During the later years of the Imperial Age, local priests began to be seen as corrupt and greedy due to the vast amounts of land they often owned. When the cult was banned though, all of these property riches evaporated as its leaders were arrested and jailed.
Cosmological Views
The Modarite Cult rejects the official Imperial accounting of history, particularly things surrounding the ancestor worship brought by it. Instead, the Modarites preach that the dragon-gods of old weren't slain, but rather, just reformed themselves into a new god: Modaris, god of Earth and the forge. This rejection of popular norm has led to the religion gaining an unfortunate reputation as unwelcome outsiders, leading to towns either being polarized against the Modarites, or where they are a majority, against the rest of Caleia.
Founding Date
March 8th, 1295 IV
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Alternative Names
Modarism
Demonym
Modarite
Deities
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