Empyreal Faith

empyreal (adjective)
em-PEE-real
1. of or relating to the heavens, stars, or firmament; celestial
2. of or relating to the empyrean
3. formed of pure fire or light
4. sublime; divine

— Merriam-Webster; Dictionary.com

The Empyreal Faith refers to the amalgam of religions that worship the Empyreal Gods. There are countless variations to religious doctrine when it comes to the Empyreals, for they are worshipped all across Amanor and even in the worlds of the wider Universe beyond. Common motives can be identified in all these empyreal religions.
This article describes the Empyreal Faith largely in the state that it exists in the Heartlands -- the central continent of Amanor -- under the leadership of the Imperial Ecclesiarchy of Egea.
Contents

Mythology

The many mythological stories of the Empyreal Faith are tales of virtue and tragedy, of ancient heroes and the evil of mortalkind, of godly intrigue and divine treachery. Numerous myths describe wars waged by the gods as well as the deeds of mortal champions. The most revered of tales describe how individuals that prove their virtuosity to the gods can be lifted to godhood as a reward, taking up the mantle of Divinity and joining the Empyreal pantheon for all eternity.

The Empyrean

The Empyrean is the raw essence of purity, goodness and divinity that gives the Empyreal Gods their awesome might. Empyreal myth describes it as a magical energy of unrivaled power, the harnessing of which allows the Empyreals to shape the universe to their will. It is said that of all the various deities of the great cosmos beyond Amanor, the Empyreal Gods alone are able to wield the powers of creation.

The Firmament and the Stars

The spherical sky that encircles the globe of Amanor is known as the Firmament. It is a god-wrought barrier that separates the world from the cosmos, hiding it from the eyes of dark gods. The sun and the moon circle the world in their orbits across the sky, taking turns in blessing the world with the light of day and protecting mortals from the darkness of night.
Attached to the high firmament are the ageless stars, shining with the divine light of the Empyrean. Each star has been lit and placed up high by the Empyreals themselves. Some are beacons that guide mortals on their travels, others are windows into the sacred realms that the gods dwell in, others form constellations that honor mythical heroes who died with glory or ascended to godhood.

Mythological history

Among the most important myths of the Empyreal Faith are those describing the history of the world. From its creation to modern day, the fate of Amanor has been strongly tied to Empyreals gods, their intrigues amongst each other and their relationships with mortalkind.

Creation of the World

Amanor was created by the Empyreals, mighty gods that possess the power to shape reality itself and create life on a whim. They are the only good-hearted and benevolent gods in a vast cosmos that is filled with dangerous creatures and their bloodthristy deities.
The Empyreals wished to themselves escape the chaos and the strife that was the endless wars of the universe. They created Amanor to be their home -- a sanctuary of life, undisturbed by beings of hatred and disdain, a tranquil garden in which the gods could live in harmony with each other and their mortal creations. Their favored children were their first creations: the Sidhe, foremost of the fey, the so-called Firstborn of the Gods. So began on Amanor the mythical Dawn Age.

Dawn Wars

As the Dawn Age continued for tens of thousands of years the dark powers of the wider universe drew their hungry eyes upon the paradise the Empyreals had created. Terrible conflicts known as the Dawn Wars began as endless legions of demons, angels, orcs, goblins, giants and more launched their invasions of Amanor.
The Empyreal gods stood in staunch defense of the world together with mortals, fey and beasts. The earth shook, the skies quivered and waters ran red with blood but the invaders were driven back -- Amanor was saved.

Paradise Lost

Despite the victorious ending of the Dawn Wars, the corrupting influence of the Outer Planes had left its mark. Tempted and corrupted by dark powers, the great goddess Loviatar committed the First Treason by turning on her fellow Empyreals.
Another world-shaking war was waged then against Loviatar, who had made alliances with renegade deities and bloodthirsty giants, and who had bolstered her might with the terrible magic of undeath -- a force never before seen in the world. Loviatar was defeated and slain for her treachery but the Dawn Age was over.
The gods departed from the world the better to protect it against the evils of the universe from afar, the innocent and childlike fey -- the mighty Sidhe among them -- exiled themselves to Tír-na-nÓg and the remnants of Loviatar's undead creations were banished to Samhain.

Rise and Fall of Mortalkind

The departure of the gods meant that Amanor would be kept safe from planar invasions but also that mortals would have to forge their own lives -- their own empires and dynasties. In the forgotten ages that followed the end of the Dawn Age, mortals forged fantastic realms of magical wonders, spreading their nations all across the face of the world.
In their arrogance, mortals did not adhere to the teachings of the Empyreals who still kept a watchful eye on their children. Wickedness and warmongering were rampant in those days. A millenium of war, strife and suffering known as the Black Age sealed the fate of the world -- the gods would return to put their children back on the right path...

Empyreal Wrath

In the event known as the Divine Calamity the gods descended from the skies to exact their terrible punishment. In apocalyptic disasters the evil nations of the Black Age were erased from existence. The Four Horsemen rode across the skies and scoured the world of evildoers.
The many enslaved peoples of the world were freed from their shackles and left to repopulate a cleansed world. Only a handful of ruins would remind them of both the dark deeds and the arcane glories of empires past. Some centuries after the Divine Calamity the first fledgling civilization of the Heartlands invented the calendar and the counting of years began.
This was 2,500 years ago.

Universal Order

After the disaster and strife described in ancient myth, the world of Amanor has been free from divine conflicts and world-ending threats. The Empyreal Gods protect the world from the dangers of the universe and keep a close watch on their creation. The endless wars of the universe -- in which the Empyreals take part to defend Amanor from harm -- are known as the Divine Conflict.

End of the World

There are various concepts in the Empyreal Faith for the ending of the world, some of them apocalyptic and others not. The concept that is accepted as canon in the Heartlands and even beyond is that of the Last Battle.
It is said that in the far future, the Divine Conflict will reach a breaking point. All the various evils and horrors of the universe will band together and march on Amanor as one, and all of the might of the Empyreals will be gathered to stand against the onslaught. On that fateful day, everyone will be called to fight: every man, woman, child and beast, every creature of the natural world and every divine creation of the Empyreals. The mortals of the world will ascend to beyond the firmament to the Last Battlefield to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with titans and gods, with demigods and fey, with their own ancestors and the ancient heroes of legend.
The Last Battle will be long and terrible but it will end in the triumph of the Empyreals and the ending of the Divine Conflict; all gods of evil will be slain and all their endless legions vanquished. The Empyreal Gods will be free to return amongst their mortal children, ushering in a new Dawn Age -- an age of everlasting peace and harmony.

Beliefs

The Empyreal Faith is a faith with dozens of gods. Every god has their own agendas, priorities, virtues and values. And every god has numerous cults and sects that worship them with vastly different dogmas and practices.
To say that the beliefs of the Empyreal Faith are many would be an understatement. Nonetheless, all forms of empyreal worship share certain fundamental beliefs and mythological themes. All empyreal religions recognize every god of the pantheon, but every believer is free to choose that which of the dozens of gods they worship. Cults of single deities or groups of deities can subscribe to vastly different beliefs, tenents and values.

Core beliefs

The so-called core beliefs of the Empyreal Faith are those that are shared by most of the Faith's various forms and sects. These beliefs arise from the world's mythology, having mainly to do with world view, the nature of the gods, and life and death. They describe the order of the cosmos and the place of mortalkind within it: What do the gods expect of mortals? And why should mortals care about the gods in the first place? Where would the world be without gods? Answers to these question change little from one corner of the world to the other.

Protection of the Gods

The Empyreal Gods protect Amanor from the countless evils of a dangerous universe. Amanor is a blessed sanctuary -- a safe haven for life both mundane and magical, a place where any and all creations of the Empyreals -- mortalkind among them -- can live their lives free of the endless wars that plague the cosmos. The gods keep a constant watch on the world for dangers from both without and within; should Amanor ever lie on the brink of disaster, mortals can rest assured that the Empyreals will descend from the Firmament to save them.

Will of the Gods

In return for the protection they give the world and its inhabitants, the gods demand that mortalkind worship them and follow their teachings. The gods have seen the world suffer and its peoples bleed when left without strict guidance. They have had to resort to extreme measures to bring its peoples back from the brink, as they did in the Divine Calamity. To avoid such events happening again, the gods watch over the world with a keen eye to ensure their ways are followed. The God of Law, Bahamut, stated the divine decrees of law to the mortal peoples that survived the Divine Calamity 2,500 years ago: the gods will not suffer to witness slavery, tyranny, blood sacrifice, necromancy, wamongering, and wanton murder. Such deeds serve only to feed the power of the Outer Gods, and to serve their dark will is the gravest of blasphemy.

Tempation

Mortals will be tempted to the dark ways of evil gods. The Outer Gods of the far-off Universe beyond Amanor's firmament ever seek to infiltrate their influence into the world. They seek followers, minions, and slaves, promising unholy glories and abominable powers to those that listen to their whispers. Tyranny, slavery, and endless war are some of the many terrible plagues of ages past. Thanks to the guidance of the Empyreals, the civilized world is largely rid of such evils in the present day, but even in these blessed times, there ever remains an innate propensity for evil within every mortal. All must guard their minds, souls, and bodies against the temptation of dark gods.
The only adversarial deity in the Empyreal pantheon is Loviatar, the Goddess of Secrets and Goddess of Evil.

Mercy of the Gods

To go against the will of the Empyreals is to do evil, to break their sacred laws is to commit blasphemy. But the gods are merciful, and even after numerous evil deeds a repentant individual can prove themselves worthy of redemption. Good and righteous deeds can make up for past evils, but so too can newfound evil tendencies outweigh a righteous past. The balance of such things is not black and white, however: there are no strict rules on how many charitable donations would make up for a committed murder. In the end, it is the gods themselves that judge the worth of every soul at the hour of death.

Death

When a creature dies, its soul detaches from its bodily remains and moves on to the Afterlife. Death is a natural part of life. It is not to be feared or avoided, for it is only a step on the path of the immortal spirit. To seek to evade death through the dark art of necromancy is the gravest of sacrilege. Undeath and the Undead are anathema to the Empyreals.

The Afterlife

The Empyreal gods appoint a proper destination for every soul based on their deeds in life. Pious mortals can be rewarded with an eternity in paradise, or with the honor of serving their god even after death. Others are sent to Valhalla and Folkvangr, to join the empyreal legions of Maelach and to wage war eternal against the Outer Gods. But those that served dark powers in life can expect only suffering in death: torn apart for eternity by demons in the Nine Hells, enslaved by angels with no chance for freedom, made into an inhuman monster by some undead god or other, or simply left to wander Purgatory without guidance until driven insane.

Tenets of faith

The fundamental beliefs of the Empyreal Faith are known as the Nine Principles. Myths tell us that they originate at the end of the Dawn Age as the gods departed the world to watch over it from afar. Leaving their mortal children to their own devices, the Twelve Sovereigns themselves spoke the Nine Principles to the peoples of those times, giving the Principles to them as words of guidance so that mortals could continue their existence in the grace of the gods.

Place your faith in the Empyreals for they are the world's protectors.
Worship not other gods for they desire only the ruin of all.
Seek not immortality for all life must end.
Live a life of virtue for in the end your soul will be judged.
Spread not the plague of undeath for it is an abomination of the natural order.
Claim not ownership of other people, for all must be free to forge their own path.
Spill not the blood of your own nor that of your enemies for the sake of ritual.
Strive to learn more of the universe but not to upset its balance.
Venerate each of the Empyreal Gods, follow their guidance, and seek the blessings of their domains.

— The Nine Principles

Worship

Worship in the Empyreal Faith is a deeply personal and spiritual practice, varying greatly among the countless cults and sects that make up the diverse faith. While each sect may have its own rituals, customs, and specific deities they venerate, there are overarching themes that are shared in the act of worship. At its core, worship is an expression of reverence, gratitude, and devotion to the gods. It is a way for mortals to establish a connection with the divine and seek guidance, blessings, and protection. Worship can take many forms, including prayers, offerings, ceremonies, and acts of service.
The Empyreal Faith places importance on individual choice in matters of worship, allowing believers to freely choose which gods to venerate based on personal affinity, life circumstances, or specific needs. This freedom of choice contributes to the rich diversity within the faith, as different individuals and communities may focus their worship on different deities or different groups of deities within the Empyreal pantheon.
Devotional practices are an integral part of worship in the Empyreal Faith. They include acts of charity, compassion, and kindness towards others, as well as upholding the virtues and principles espoused by the Empyreals. Followers strive to embody the qualities and teachings of their chosen deities, seeking to live in harmony with the natural order and contribute to the betterment of the world.

Divine communion

At the heart of worship lies the desire for communion with the Empyreal Gods. Through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, worshippers seek a connection to the divine realm. They offer their gratitude, share their hopes and fears, and seek solace in times of need. In these moments of communion, the faithful believe they can receive guidance, inspiration, and even glimpses of the divine wisdom that permeates the universe. And indeed, many do – the Empyreals are known to speak to their most devoted faithful, to appear to them in visions, and even to grant them slivers of their cosmic powers. Clerics, paladins, and other pious chose that wield divine magic are proof of the great power and beneficence of the gods.

Temples and shrines

Throughout the lands of Amanor, grand temples and humble shrines stand as physical embodiments of devotion. These sacred spaces serve as gathering points for worshippers, where rituals, prayers, and offerings are performed. Temples are often adorned with intricate carvings, stained glass windows depicting divine scenes, and holy symbols representing the Empyreal Gods.
In temples and churches, in cathedrals and sacred groves, devotees gather to offer prayers, chant hymns, and perform rituals in praise of the Empyreals. These gatherings are led by priests and priestesses, who serve as intermediaries between mortals and the divine. They guide the faithful in their worship, imparting teachings, and performing sacred rites that invoke the presence of the gods. These ceremonies serve to strengthen the bond between a community and its patron deities, invoking blessings upon the populace and favor upon their priest.

Personal connection to the divine

While temples, rituals, and communal worship play important roles, the Empyreal Faith also emphasizes the personal connection between individuals and the divine. Each person is encouraged to develop their own spiritual relationship with the Empyreals, cultivating a deep and meaningful connection through personal prayer, meditation, and reflection. It is believed that this personal devotion enhances one's understanding of the gods and strengthens their bond. Only the most devoted – the most faithful – will be chosen by the gods for greatness.

Music

Choral music holds a special place in the worship of the Empyreal Faith. Hymns and chants sung by choirs or congregations add a powerful and harmonious dimension to religious ceremonies. The resounding voices come together to create a sense of unity, invoking a collective devotion and a profound connection with the divine. Choral music is seen as a means to elevate the spirit and create an atmosphere of reverence and awe during religious gatherings.

Monastic tradition

Monasticism is an integral part of the Empyreal Faith, offering individuals the opportunity to dedicate themselves fully to a life of spiritual devotion and contemplation. Monastic communities, like abbeys, monasteries, and druid circles, provide a sanctuary for those seeking to deepen their connection with the divine. Monks, known for their disciplined lifestyles, engage in prayer, meditation, and study, striving for enlightenment and harmony with the gods. They are seen as beacons of spiritual wisdom, offering guidance and counsel to the faithful.

Burial rites

Ceremonial burial is practiced to varying degrees within the Empyreal Faith. While most individuals are interred in public burial grounds, some communities observe ceremonial burial rites for individuals of great religious significance or exceptional service to the faith. These ceremonies, conducted by priests or priestesses, involve rituals and prayers to honor the departed and ensure a sacred passage into the afterlife. Ceremonial burials are seen as acts of reverence and a way to express the belief in the continued connection between the living and the deceased.

Iconography and religious symbols

The Empyreal Faith celebrates the beauty and majesty of the natural world, often incorporating elements of flora and fauna into its religious imagery. Symbols such as blooming flowers, mighty trees, soaring birds, and graceful animals are employed to represent different gods and their associations. These images serve as reminders of the gods' power over the natural realm and their interconnectedness with all living things.
Additionally, the Empyreals are often depicted in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms, embodying both human and animal characteristics. These representations highlight their diverse personalities and domains. A god associated with the sea may be depicted with fish-like features or accompanied by aquatic creatures, while a goddess of wisdom may be depicted with owl-like traits or holding a book of knowledge.
The use of colors is also significant in the religious imagery of the Empyreal Faith. Each god is often associated with specific colors that reflect their divine nature and symbolic meanings. Bright and vibrant hues may symbolize joy, vitality, and positive qualities, while darker and more subdued tones may convey solemnity, mystery, and depth. The choice of colors can evoke certain emotions, create visual contrasts, and enhance the overall symbolic representation of the Empyreals and their realms.
The Empyreal Faith embraces the use of color and flamboyant imagery in its religious practices. This artistic expression serves to enhance the symbolism associated with different gods and their domains. Vibrant hues and ornate displays are employed to evoke a sense of the divine and to convey the majesty and power of the Empyreals. However, the nature of the imagery and color palette can vary depending on the specific deity being honored. While some gods may inspire more colorful and exuberant displays, others, like the Goddess of Sorrow, may invoke more somber and melancholic imagery.
Furthermore, the Empyreal Faith incorporates elaborate and intricate iconography into its religious imagery. Detailed sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, and mosaics adorn temples, cathedrals, and shrines dedicated to the gods. These visual representations depict scenes from mythological stories, heroic deeds of mortals, and the divine interactions between the Empyreals themselves. The use of such artistic mediums allows worshippers to engage with the divine narratives and forge a deeper connection with their chosen deities.

Empyreal Star

The Empyreal Star is a sacred symbol of the Empyreal Faith, representing the triune nature of the gods and the interconnectedness of their domains. This three-pointed star, resembling an upward-pointing Y-shape, holds deep significance and is prominently displayed in religious art, temples, and shrines. It serves as a visual and spiritual anchor, and followers of the faith may wear or carry the symbol as a personal token of their allegiance and connection to the divine.

Triskelion

The triskelion, with its three interconnected spirals or branches, holds its own significance within the Empyreal Faith. While the Empyreal Star represents the unity of the Empyreals and their divine domains, the triskelion is associated with the cyclical and interconnected nature of the natural world. It is often favored by sects and cultures that place a strong emphasis on nature worship and revere the gods associated with natural forces and cycles.

Symbolic glyphs

Each Empyreal deity within the pantheon is associated with a unique sacred glyph—a letter-like pattern of primordial origin that carries deep symbolism and represents their essence and domain. These sacred glyphs are believed to be ancient and divine in nature, tracing their origins to the creation of the cosmos itself.
The glyphs are intricate and ornate, often embodying the distinctive characteristics and aspects of the respective deity. They can evoke various elements such as nature, elements, celestial bodies, creatures, or abstract concepts. The symbolism embedded within the glyphs reflects the deity's powers, virtues, and role within the grand tapestry of existence.
These sacred glyphs are not mere symbols but hold profound meaning to the followers of the Empyreal Faith. They are incorporated into religious iconography, sacred texts, and temple decor, serving as potent representations of the deity's presence and an invitation for worshippers to connect with their divine essence. The glyphs are also used in religious rituals, meditations, and prayers as a focal point to channel devotion and divine connection.

Organization

The organization of the Empyreal Faith is intricate and diverse, reflecting the vastness of its influence and the multitude of gods within its pantheon. At the heart of the faith lies the Imperial Ecclesiarchy, which serves as the central governing body based in the Empire of Egea. The Imperial Ecclesiarchy holds significant authority, overseeing the broader religious practices and providing guidance to the faithful across the continent.
Within the Imperial Ecclesiarchy, various sects and orders exist, each devoted to the worship of a specific god or a triune of gods. These sects are often referred to as Imperial Churches, signifying their close ties to the central authority. Imperial Churches are responsible for maintaining the teachings, rituals, and traditions associated with their respective deities. They have their own hierarchy, clergy, and specific practices that align with the nature and domain of the god or gods they venerate.
In addition to the Imperial Churches, there are also independent sects and organizations that operate outside the centralization of the Imperial Ecclesiarchy. These sects may have their own interpretations, rituals, and practices that are unique to their beliefs and specific region. While not called "Imperial" churches, they still uphold the core principles of the Empyreal Faith and maintain their own distinct identity within the larger religious framework.

Institutions

Besides the individual churches dedicated to the worship of specific gods or groups of gods, the Imperial Ecclesiarchy of the Empyreal Faith encompasses various institutions that support and uphold the religious practices and teachings of the faith. These institutions serve important roles in the organization and administration of the faith, ensuring its continuity and facilitating the spread of its doctrines.
Sacred Academies. Academies are centers of learning and knowledge within the Empyreal Faith. They provide education and training to clergy members, scholars, and those seeking a deeper understanding of the faith. Sacred Academies offer theological studies, scriptural interpretation, ritual practices, and other aspects of religious teachings.
Monastic Orders. Monasticism holds a significant place within the Empyreal Faith, offering a dedicated path of spiritual devotion and contemplation. Monastic orders exist within the Ecclesiarchy, providing a structured lifestyle for those seeking a more secluded and ascetic existence. Monks in these orders engage in prayer, meditation, study, and charitable works, embodying the virtues and values of their chosen gods.
Councils and Synods. The Imperial Ecclesiarchy convenes councils and synods to discuss matters of doctrine, resolve theological disputes, and establish guidelines for religious practices. These gatherings bring together clergy, scholars, and representatives from different sects and churches to ensure unity and harmony within the faith.
Inquisitorial Orders. The Empyreal Faith, like any large religious institution, recognizes the need for maintaining orthodoxy and combating heresy or corruption. Inquisitorial Orders, appointed by the Ecclesiarchy, undertake investigations, root out heretical teachings or practices, and enforce adherence to the core beliefs and principles of the faith.
Pilgrimage Sites and Shrines. The Ecclesiarchy oversees and maintains important pilgrimage sites and shrines that hold great significance to the faithful. These sacred locations draw worshippers from across the continent, offering opportunities for spiritual reflection, healing, and connection with the divine.
Relic Custodians. Relics, believed to be objects imbued with divine power or associated with the gods, hold great reverence within the Empyreal Faith. Institutions within the Ecclesiarchy are entrusted with the custody and preservation of these relics, ensuring their proper veneration and safeguarding them from misuse or theft.

The Empyreal Star is the holy symbol of the Empyreal Faith.

Type
Organized religion
Origin
Founded ca. 3rd century ER in central Heartlands.
Distribution
Amanor
Universe
Relations with other faiths
Intolerant of other faiths
Relics and texts
Ennead (sacred text)
Fundamentals of the Empyrean (sacred text)
Holy symbols
The number 3
Triangle
Three-pointed star (i.e. Y-shape) and its derivations (e.g. triskelion, trilateral deltoids)
Historic characters
The Nine Prophets
The Three Abbots

---

Deities

• Aegir
• Alar
• Amaterasu
• Amon-Shikaar
• Amoros
• Anthos
• Arath-Sodan
• Ashava
• Avani
• Bahamut
• Boddynock
• Celebor
• Corellon
• Durathoin
• Edjo
• Etro
• Galatea
• Hesiron
• Hygemene
• Iona
• Istus
• Kal-Sebek
• Kala-Hera
• Loviatar
• Maelach
• Melora
• Morad
• Nemesis
• Nyx
• Oberon
• Roondaar
• Seldariel
• Shan-Ra
• Silvanus
• Tymora
• Umar
• Vaane
• Zehir

Holy and Sacred

With the dozens of gods of the Empyreal Faith and their many conflicting agendas, the concepts of holiness and sanctity can become muddled. Every deity of the Empyreal Pantheon has their own rites, prayers, symbols, and morals. What is beloved to one god might be abhored by another. How, then, is one to know what is holy?
In the parlance of Egean theologists, sacred refers to something that has relevance or a deep significance to a specific deity. Musical instruments are sacred to the God of Culture, axes are sacred to the Goddess of Battle, and marriage is sacred to the Amoros. Holy refers to things that embody the general ethos of the Empyreal Gods as defined by the core beliefs of the Faith. For example, life and death are holy. Conversely, unholy refers to things that oppose the order and will of the Empyreals: the deeds, servants, and relics of the black-hearted Outer Gods are the epitome of unholiness even though they are sacred to those evil deities.

The Nine Prophets

Although the Empyreal Gods have been worshipped on Amanor since the dawn of time, the Empyreal Faith is considered to have been founded by the Nine Prophets. They were exceptionally pious individuals that lived in central Heartlands in the third century of the Egean Reckoning, and were chosen by the gods to spread their holy word.
The Prophets accumulated vast followings, but each in their own corner of the land. They wrote sacred texts, performed miracles, and swayed the hearts of the poor and noble alike until the gods brought them together in the town of Viroconium. There they conferred for twelve months to discuss any and all matters of faith, seeking to find common ground where ever possible and reconciliating their differences in order to forge a unified religion. The many texts, agreements, and speeches that have been preserved from their meetings are of critical significance to the Empyreal Faith even today.

Sacred texts

There are several texts that are considered sacred to the Empyreal Faith. The most extensive of these is the Ennead, a great collection of writings that document the many harmonious discussions that the Nine Prophets had during the twelve months they spent together in Viroconium. Written by unnamed scribes during those very months -- sometime around 240 ER, the aged text is greatly revered but somewhat outdated, reflecting a world that was far harsher and more savage than the world today.
A more contemporary text -- and far more influential than the Ennead as a result -- is the Fundamentals of the Empyrean. It is a scholarly collection of writings penned during the 12th and 13th centuries by three Egean clerics that were notable figures in the Reformation of the Empyreal Churches. The Fundamentals remain the central holy text of the Empyreal Faith to this day, especially in the region of the Heartlands.
Across Amanor, the innumerable sects of the Empyreal Faith hold sacred an equally innumerable assortment of texts. Many of these are collection of short texts, compiled from the works of numerous authors -- anthologies that combine philosophy, poetry, legend and prophecies from across history.

Sacred animals

Different animals are sacred to different deities of the Empyreal pantheon. Harming or mistreating sacred animals is taboo, and, indeed, few empyreal sects perform ritual sacrifice on sacred animals. Instead, most cultures others use them as so-called divine witnesses; displaying sacraments to a sacred animal is likely to draw the eye of the god in question.

Ritual sacrifice

Ritual killing of living creatures is largely taboo. Sacrifice of mortals or eternals is explicitly forbidden. Some empyreal sects perform ritual sacrifice of animals -- some sacred, some not. Sacrificial killing can be performed to send the soul of the slain animal to serve its patron deity in the afterlife. Alternatively, the slaying of an animal that is sacred to one of the Outer Gods can be thought to greatly please the Empyreals.

Constellations

The night sky of Amanor is a sea of stars -- a tapestry of color woven by the gods themselves. The stars of Amanor are beacons of empyreal light attached to the Firmament by divine design, forming asterisms, constellations, belts, and nebulas of various colors.
Every god has left their mark upon the sky in the shape of their sacred glyph. For example, Galatea's sacred symbol Alpha can be seen as the Alpha asterism, hanging above the lands of Achillonia. Over the ages, the Empyreal Gods have also seen fit to honor various demigods and saints by creating stars and constellations to represent them, but such events are largely the stuff of myth.

Saints and relics

The Empyreal Gods often make their will known through the words and deeds of devout servants. Many are the gods of the Empyreal pantheon and many their chosen champions. The most blessed of such individuals are conduits of divine will that spread the teachings of their gods where ever they walk and change the world with their actions. Such persons can be entitled as saints by the Imperial Ecclesiarchy. Above all, saints are servants of their gods and it is widely accepted that they must continue serving the gods even in the Afterlife.
The veneration of saints and relics is highly esteemed within the Empyreal Faith, particularly in the Empire of Egea. Saints are seen as exemplars of the faith and are celebrated for their holy deeds and spiritual wisdom. Relics, objects associated with saints or significant religious events, hold great importance. These sacred artifacts, believed to carry divine power or blessings, are enshrined in reliquaries and venerated by the faithful, serving as tangible reminders of the divine presence in the world.

Attaining divinity

Sects

empyrealsect

---

Pantheon

The pantheon of the Empyreal Faith is large and colorful. The Empyreal Gods are good-aligned and benevolent, guarding the world of Amanor -- a paradise of their creation -- from the malign forces of the cosmos. They are a family of divine beings that dwells in eternal bliss amidst the ever-blooming gardens of Ulthgard, a world that lies just beyond Amanor's Firmament.
The eldest deities of the pantheon are older than the world itself. Having harnessed the powers of creation they shaped the Universe with their mighty hands at the dawn of time, filling it with a myriad forms of life. Over the long aeons they Empyreals have grown their family, its younger members commanding the divine domains of civilization -- such as culture, science and commerce -- while the older gods are lords of the universe itself -- its elements, its nature, and its many secrets.

Twelve Sovereigns

The Twelve Sovereigns are the most powerful and most respected deities in the Empyreal pantheon. Their domains are fundamental to the existence of the universe, and they are thought to be much older than most other Empyreals. In fact, most younger Empyreals are the divine offspring of the Twelve Sovereigns. The Sovereigns are divided into four groups of three known as Triunes. The most important of these is the Triune of Creation who rule over all the other Empyreal deities from the throne of Ulthgard.

Triune of Creation

The Triune of Creation are the eldest deities known to mortals and the divine rulers of all of creation. They lord over the other Empyreal deities and lead their efforts in the Divine Conflict. All mortals owe their very existence to the deeds and grace of the Triune of Creation, whose domains are so fundamental as to be essential to the lives of all creatures.

Oberon is the God of Creation and the God of Good, the Allfather, the merciful King of all Empyreals. By his word was the Universe formed and by his will its countless worlds and myriad creatures created.

Seldariel is the Goddess of Life, she from whom all life in the Universe flows, the Allmother, the wise but strict Queen of the Gods. Hers are the domains of birth and healing but also of nature, seasonality and death.

Anthos is the God of Death and the Afterlife, the Shepherd of Souls who appears to the deceased and guides their spirits to their alloted fate in the Hereafter and protects mortals from the unholy fate of undeath.

Triune of the Earth

Then Triune of the Earth are the three Sovereigns that represent the most primordial elements of the world of Amanor itself. The rock of the Earth is the foundation upon which all mortal existence is built, embraced and intertwined as it is with hidden oceans of liquid Fire that rise to the surface in majestic displays of life-giving violence, embraced by endless masses of Water rippling with opportunity and colorful with bounties.

Shavandra is the Goddess of Fire, the mysterious deity that gazes outward from the flames of every volcano, forest fire, torch and candle. She is a bringer of life to some cultures but a shaper of disaster for others.

Morad is the Goddess of Earth, a deity as silent and unmovable as the ground itself. Some cultures believe her dead, other simply absent, while some even claim that the bedrock of Amanor is, in fact, her immense body.

Kala-Hera is the Goddess of Water and the Sea, the giver of the ocean's bounties and the claimer of sailors' lives, worshipped widely across Amanor in maritime cultures both archaic and advanced.

Triune of the Skies

The Triune of the Skies are the three Sovereigns that watch over Amanor from far above the world. With their mighty deeds they shape the face of the world as much as the Triune of the Earth, the mere movements of the Sun and the Moon across the firmament creating the tides and the seasons, and the ebb and flow of Air giving rise to the ageless forces of the weathers and the winds.

Zehir is the God of Air and the Sky, the master of winds and the changer of weather, guardian of the creatures of the skies and He Who Surveys All The World.

Iona is the Goddess of the Sun, the Bringer of Light and She Who Vanquishes the Night, one of the most beloved deities on Amanor and a devoted protector of all the world's denizens.

Etro is the God of the Moon, the Guard Against Dark, he who watches over the slumbering world and keeps the forces of darkness at bay with his silvery light.

Triune of Mysteries

The Triune of Mysteries are three goddesses dark and elusive, their divine domains the most mystical aspects of creation. They represent the unknown knowledge of the universe and its temptations -- the great advances yet to be discovered, the dark lore so terrible and maddening that it is best left alone, the primordial secrets that no mortal can ever learn.

Loviatar is the Goddess of Secrets and the Goddess of Evil, a dark deity known as the Archbetrayer, keeper of forbidden lore, blesser of evil deeds, and hider of conspiracies.

Vaane is the Goddess of Magic, Keeper of Spells, completely detached from all conflicts of alignment and morality, the great patron of arcane spellcasters.

Arath-Sodan is the Goddess of Time and Fate, the Weaver of Destinies, the most unknowable and elusive of gods, unmoved by prayer and rarely worshipped.

Empyreal Lords

The Empyreal Lords are the junior members of the Empyreal pantheon. They follow the rule of the Twelve Sovereigns, and many of them are descendants of the Sovereigns. Their domains are many, ranging from nature and war to love and culture. Like the Sovereigns and their Triunes, the Empyreal Lords form groups of three, known as Triumvirates. These groups cannot be placed into any order of importance that would prevail from one form of the Empyreal Faith to another. Each Triumvirate is tied to an aspect of mortal existence, and the gods of the same Triumvirate are thought to be like-minded or even outright allied with each other. As many churches are dedicated to specific Triumvirates as to single gods.

The Sages

a.k.a. The Wisdoms, The Givers (of Wisdom), Triumvirate of Wisdom
The Sages are the gods of wisdom, science and statecraft. They are the highest Empyreal deities of philosophy, guiding the hands and minds of those that work towards the advancement of civilization and the betterment of civic principles. They are prayed to not only by scholars, governors and civil servants, but also by the common folk. A peasant might ask the Sages to migitate their penal sentence or to guide the rulings of a king to better improve the conditions of the poor in their realm, whereas the king himself might pray for the wisdom to make difficult decisions.

Kal-Sebek is the God of Knowledge, he who knows all the fantastic mechanisms that underlie how the world works.

Bahamut is the God of Law and Justice, he who gave the word of law to the first mortal peoples at the dawn of time.

Amaterasu is the Goddess of Governance and Benevolence, she who grants wisdom to rulers and safety to their subjects.

The Patrons

a.k.a. The Enlighteners, Triumvirate of Prosperity
The Patrons are the three gods of culture, economy and industry. Their divine guidance shapes the very fabric of society, their gifts raising the great people of the world to deeds and accomplishments previously unimagined, bringing enlightenment, comfort, luxury and prosperity to entire realms and peoples. From the most moving of artistic works to the grandest of architectural wonders to the politic-shaping impact of the wealthiest trade guilds, the blessings of the Patrons are plain for all to see and profound in their impact.

Corellon is the God of Culture and Education, giver of inspiration and patron of artistic pursuits, the epitome of learned proficiency and self-improvement.

Umar is the God of Work and Toil, patron of workers and craftsmen, he who blesses both the most mundane task and the grandest industrial accomplishment.

Durathoin is the God of Trade and Wealth, the God of Merchants and God of Bankers, patron of honest transactions, protector of enterprises, granter of financial success.

The Kindlers

a.k.a. The Joys, Triumvirate of Joy
The Kindlers are the givers of joy and happiness, three gods whose domains are seen as almost entirely positive. They are present in the lives of almost every mortal, blessing the homes, relationships and leisurely pursuits of the lowliest peasant and the highest noble. Hard-working people pray to the Kindlers for reprieve from their busy lives, fractured families make offerings to them in exchange for reconciliation, and unhappy folk seek their guidance to find the key to contentedness.

Amoros is the God of Love and Passion, he whose domains are lust, hedonism and sex but also familial bonds, sacred matrimony and eternal companionship.

Roondaar is the God of Hearth and Home, patron of familial happiness, protector of the sanctity of home, god of the simple joy of comfortable belonging.

Lalaci is the Goddess of Happiness and Relaxation, the soother of anxieties and the bringer of calm, she who sends sparks of joy amidst even the darkest gloom.

The Eyes of Nature

a.k.a. The Six Eyes, The Elders, The Parents, The Nurturers, Triumvirate of Nature
The Eyes of Nature are the three eldest nature-gods of the Empyreals, most often worshipped by druids and naturalistic cultures. They are seen as savage and merciless protectors of nature, more likely to punish mortals for their trespasses than to shield them from harm in uncharted wildernesses. To exploit the natural world is to earn the ire of The Eyes, and thus many cultures pay homage to them in order to avoid their divine vengeance.

Melora is the Goddess of Nature and the Wild, the Sylvan Mother, protector of all the natural world and the epitome of its untamed spirit.

Silvanus is the God of Plants, his presence permeating all the woodlands of the world and his blood flowing as sap from every felled tree.

Hesiron is the God of Animals, Father of All Beasts, divine lord of the animal kingdom, and a fierce guardian to his countless children.

The Changers

a.k.a. The Changers of Seasons, The Bringers (of Change), Triumvirate of Seasons
The Changers are the younger and more amicable nature-gods of the Empyreals, representing the very spirit of the never ending cycle of nature. Summer and Winter dictate the ebb and flow of life, growth, and death in the world, taking turns in granting their blessings across the globe of Amanor. The changing seasons are an ever-turning wheel of birth and death, and the Changers are its keepers and caretakers.

Alar is the Goddess of Summer and Birds, mother of all winged creatures, the bringer of warmth and the kindler of growth.

Amon-Shikaar is the God of Winter and the Hunt, the bringer of cold and master of predators, the patron of survivalists, and the Seeker of Prey.

Celebor is the God of Birth, nurturer of all that grows and comforter of all that dies, the patron deity of parenthood and caretaking.

The Guides

a.k.a. The Signers, Triumvirate of Journeys
The Guides are patrons and protectors of travels and adventures, journeys and paths, they who protect the traveller from the elements and who reveal the way to the pathfinder. Their favor is important to sailors, travelling merchants, expeditions and marching armies, but also to hunters and scouts, to rangers and bards, to missionaries and prophets.

Edjo is the God of Sight and Clarity, patron of messengers, piercer of ocean mists, dispeller of desert mirages, he who reveals the path and shows the way.

Avani is the Goddess of Travel and Exploration, she who seeds wanderlust into the hearts of youngsters and shields all travellers from the hostile elements.

Ashava is the Goddess of Ways, the guardian of all the paths between the worlds and beyond, she who grants access to any place that is denied.

The Mercies

a.k.a. The Companions, The Appeasers, Triumvirate of Mercy
The Mercies are three goddesses that come to mortals in the moments of their direst plight. Theirs are the domains of grief and sadness, of pain and misery, of longing and regret. They aid mortals in the darkest hour, standing silently by their side and offering them their comfort. The Mercies are prayed to by almost everyone at some point or other in their lives, and they grow ever more present with time for long-lived folk. The twilight years of mortal lives belong to the Mercies, filled with the adversities of old age, the hardships of loss, and the remembrance of misdeeds.

Nyx is the Goddess of Darkness and Sorrow, the Companion in Grief, the soother of sadness and comforter of the bereaved, the glimmer of hope for marred hearts and blackened souls.

Hygemene is the Goddess of Pain and the Goddess of Aid, patron of healers and doctors, companion to the sick and the dying, the soother of agony and ender of suffering.

Nemesis is the Goddess of Forgiveness as well as the Goddess of Retribution, she who pardons mortals for their misdeeds, and she who exacts divine vengeance upon the unforgiven.

Bloody Triumvirate

a.k.a. The Bloody Three, Triumvirate of War
The Bloody Triumvirate are the three war-gods of the Empyreals. They are patrons of all warriors, soldiers, and armies of the world, granting their blessings to great heroes and, at times, even coming to the aid of their followers on the battlefield. Their most important task, however, is their involvement in the Divine Conflict as the greatest generals and champions of Ulthgard.

Maelach is the God of Warfare and Strategy, the eldest Empyreal god of war, the patron of generals, strategists and other military leaders.

Galatea is the Goddess of Battle and Strength, the epitome of savagery and brutality but also of martial prowess and skill at arms.

Aegir is the God of Valor and Glory, he who inspires heroic sacrifice in battle and dauntless bravery in the face of death.

The Fates

a.k.a. The Testers, The Agitators, Triumvirate of Fate
The Fates are three elusive deities with less than benevolent agendas. Their unknowable favor and chaotic wills create uncertainty in the world, causing distress and disaster to people regardless of their piety and righteousness. More than mere mischievous tricksters, they are the revealers and executors of the will of the gods. Their workings can seem to be cruel and unjustified at times but they are always the result of a hidden transgression or some esoteric godly plan.

Istus is the God of Dreams and Nightmares, he who tempts to doom and reminds of past mistakes, the deliverer of visions and warnings, the Lord of Sleep, he who both guides and tests mortals on their paths through life.

Tymora is the Goddess of Fortune, she who brings luck and takes it away, a deity that aids mortals in the most mundane of endeavors and ends the mightiest of dynasties through unfavorable happenstance.

Boddynock is the God of Trickery and Chaos, by whose fickle whims mortals can be made to prosper or to suffer seemingly without reason, a mischievous and dark deity that is said to walk the world in disguise.

The Four Horsemen

The Four Horsemen are a group of dark deities that the Empyreal Gods use as weapons against their enemies in the Divine Conflict. Myths state that they once rode across the skies of Amanor, sowing death and destruction by the orders of the wrathful Empyreals as the world was scoured of evildoers in the Divine Calamity.

Pyriel is the Golden Rider, a devious manipulator of politicians and generals, the King of Lies and Lord of Murder.

Sariel is the Pale Rider, the Plaguewalker, master of all imaginable forms of pestilence, the King of Wolves and Rats.

Sif is the Black Rider, a plague upon mortal races and even nature itself, the Barren Wanderer and Bringer of Misfortune.

Kali is the Crimson Rider, the Goddess of Destruction, the most violent and destructive of the Four Horsemen.