Diamond Circle

Overview

The followers of the Diamond Circle, worshipping a small group of deities within the pantheon known as the Omnitheon. The Diamond Circle has a set of core beliefs, practices, and traditions that shape their religion. The Diamond Circle has a wide reach into the world in the range of influence over the daily lives of commoners, all the way up to those with significant political power. It is said that the Diamond Circle holds the hearts of the people in whatever nation they step foot in. The Diamond Circle has been known to remove and add deities from their approved list of those to worship but a few core deities remain central to their worship and practices.
Their strict adherance to a moral code along with their redistribution of wealth given by the wealthy practicioners allow for the masses to have safety and comfort in the day-to-day upkeep and protection of their eternal souls. The temple has significant money which is displayed in almost every work they do within their architecture. From small temples to large cathedrals, the Diamond Circle always invests significantly into the construction and fine detail of their places of worship.

Beliefs

Balance and Change

The followers of the Diamond Circle believe in the delicate balance of the world and the importance of embracing change as a natural part of existence. They see the world as a dynamic place where maintaining equilibrium requires adaptability and openness to evolution.

The Omnitheon Pantheon

The Omnitheon pantheon remains central to the faith, with each deity representing specific aspects of life and nature. The followers revere these gods and goddesses as guiding forces that bring wisdom, inspiration, and blessings to their lives.

The Spark of Divinity

The belief in the divine spark within every living being remains an integral part of the Diamond Circle's teachings. Followers see this divine essence as a source of inner strength and potential, connecting them to the gods.

Guiding Souls

The Diamond Circle teaches that after death, the souls of the departed are guided by the temple to their rightful place in the afterlife, based on their actions and devotion during their lifetime. The temple serves as a spiritual compass, directing souls to their appropriate destination.

Core Deities of the Diamond Circle

Culture

The culture of the Diamond Circle is deeply rooted in the reverence for balance, change, and the divine. Followers of this religion embrace the idea that all things in the world are interconnected and interdependent, and they strive to maintain harmony both within themselves and the broader community. This commitment to balance is reflected in their daily lives, rituals, and interactions with others.

Temples of the Diamond Circle are centers of spiritual devotion and community gatherings. The culture within these temples promotes a sense of unity among its diverse congregation, as they come together to worship the approved deities from the Omnitheon and seek guidance from the gods. The clergy plays a pivotal role in guiding the faithful, and while they are respected for their wisdom and spiritual insight, they also face the burden of maintaining the strict moral code dictated by the temple.

The Diamond Circle encourages acts of compassion, charity, and kindness, as followers believe that such virtues contribute to the greater good and aid in maintaining the delicate balance of the world. However, the temple's influence and its insistence on adhering to the prescribed moral codes also give rise to a sense of rigidity, with some individuals questioning the hierarchy's absolute authority. This internal tension adds depth and complexity to the cultural dynamics of the Diamond Circle, making it a multifaceted and captivating for individuals both within and without the organization.

Assets

In the Diamond Circle, there is a foundational belief that all souls are equal in the eyes of the gods. Therefore, the religion makes no differentiation between commoners, nobility, and royalty when it comes to the practice of faith and accessing the temple's services. Everyone, regardless of social status or wealth, is welcome to participate in the rituals, ceremonies, and teachings of the faith on an equal footing.

This principle of equal treatment is deeply ingrained in the teachings of the Diamond Circle, and the temple leaders actively strive to maintain a sense of unity and harmony among their diverse congregation. Regardless of their background, all followers are encouraged to seek spiritual growth and follow the moral code established by the temple.

When the wealthy donate money or pay for services within the temple, the temple adheres to its core principle of balance. While they do accept offerings from the affluent, they also believe in the redistribution of wealth to benefit the less fortunate. The Diamond Circle teaches that excessive accumulation of wealth can upset the equilibrium and disrupt the harmony within society.

To ensure fairness, the temple uses a portion of the donated funds to provide support to the less privileged members of the congregation. This could include providing food and shelter to the poor, offering medical aid, supporting education, and assisting those facing hardships.

However, the temple is also pragmatic in its approach to wealth management. It recognizes the need for financial stability and autonomy to maintain its temples and further spread its influence across different regions. Through skilled management and strategic investments, the Diamond Circle is able to retain a portion of the wealth donated, ensuring the sustainability of its operations and the construction of new temples in various locations.

Many quesiton the pragmatism to this due to how well it seems many of their clergy are paid, as well as the vast amounts of wealth poured into their temples. Even in some of the poorest regions of the world, these temples have the most expensive artists, designers, and construction put into them. Additionally, much of the clergy usually is found in the wealthy districts of cities and the towns in which they reside.

This dual approach of redistributing wealth while maintaining enough resources to support the faith's growth empowers the Diamond Circle to wield significant influence wherever they place their temples. This influence can be used to foster social harmony, mediate conflicts, and contribute to the betterment of communities. However, the question of how much wealth the temple should accumulate and the balance between giving and retaining resources is an ongoing ethical debate within the faith, which can lead to internal conflicts and moral dilemmas among the clergy.

Tenets of Faith

Loyalty and Obedience

The followers of the Diamond Circle are expected to adhere to the moral codes dictated by the temple showing their loyalty and devotion to the faith. The authority of the temple is considered absolute, and deviation from its teachings is seen as a grave offense.

Purity and Piety

The temple demands unwavering purity and piety from its followers. Their thoughts, actions, and intentions are closely scrutinized to ensure they align with the prescribed moral standards set forth by the clergy.

Divine Edicts

The teachings of the approved deities from the Omnitheon, as interpreted and relayed by the temple, are considered the divine edicts that must be followed without exception. The gods' will is believed to manifest through the temple's teachings, making them sacrosanct.

Heretical Deviation

Any deviation from the established moral code is regarded as heresy and dealt with severely. Those who deviate from the temple's doctrine risk excommunication, spiritual condemnation, or even worse consequences.

Divinely Chosen Leadership

The temple's leadership is perceived as divinely chosen, and their decisions are considered divine guidance. The hierarchy is entrusted with interpreting the gods' will and guiding the followers in matters of morality and faith.

Ritualistic Observance

Strict adherence to religious rituals and ceremonies is paramount. These acts of devotion are believed to cleanse the soul and demonstrate loyalty to the temple and the pantheon.

Divine Judgment

The temple leadership reserves the right to pass judgment on its followers' actions, determining whether they are morally acceptable or not. Those who receive divine judgment are expected to atone for their sins through penance. There is a strict hierarchy within the Diamond Circle based upon the power level of the deities within the Omnitheon.

Excommunication of Dissenters

Dissenters and those who challenge the authority of the temple or the prescribed moral codes risk being excommunicated and cut off from the spiritual benefits of the faith. Those who do not ascribe to the Diamond Circle are not considered unbelievers or heretics, however they are seen as a sort of an outsider of the faith.

Divine Interpretation

The temple has the authority to divinely interpret the teachings of the Omnitheon to suit its objectives and maintain control over the followers.

Absolute Loyalty

The temple expects unwavering loyalty from its followers, and they are encouraged to report any signs of dissent or heresy they encounter within the community.

Morality within the Diamond Circle

In this strict interpretation of the faith, morality is seen as an absolute set of rules instructed by the temple. Followers are expected to submit themselves completely to the authority of the clergy and adhere to the temple's teachings, fostering an environment of loyalty, conformity, and mindful obedience. The theme of moral absolutism adds an element of tension and conflict within the religion, as some followers may question the rigidity of the temple's dictates, leading to potential internal struggles and dramatic breaks of cultic deviations within the religion.
Those who deviate from the standard dictated morality by the temple, are able to be justified or excused from punishment, either mortal or divine, by the temple clergy.

Worship

Prayer and Worship

Followers engage in regular prayer and worship to show reverence to the approved deities of the Omnitheon. They seek guidance, solace, and inspiration through these acts of devotion.

Festivals and Celebrations

Festivals and celebrations are held to honor the various deities, but they also mark significant moments of change or shifts in the world. These occasions are celebrated with joy and rituals to embrace the dynamism of life. Each of the deities has anywhere from a day to a full week of holidays which honor them in their specific dominion and portfolios.

Divine Magic

Clerics and priests of the Diamond Circle continue to wield divine magic granted to them by the gods. This magic is channeled to bring about positive change, heal the wounded, and protect against malevolent forces.

Seeking Signs and Omens

Followers are encouraged to be mindful of signs and omens that indicate necessary changes or shifts in their lives. They consult clergy and priests skilled in divination to interpret these messages from the gods.

Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages are undertaken to sacred sites associated with the pantheon, not only as acts of devotion but also to embrace the changes and balance found within those places. For the common follower, a pilgrimage to the governing city's largest temple is enough to show devotion. For those within the clergy, it is expected to go to the capital of the nation in which they reside to pay homage to the temple and the hierarchy there.

Initiation Rites

Initiates seeking formal membership in the Diamond Circle undergo specific initiation rites that focus on embracing change and maintaining balance in their lives and actions. There are various initiation rites based upon the various deities the follower is swearing fealty to. In addition, once inducted into the clergy, more initiation rites take place to prove loyalty and devotion.

Compassion and Accountability

The followers are encouraged to show compassion and understanding to others as a way to foster harmony and balance in society. Additionally, the temple holds individuals accountable if they deviate from the path of balance and positive change, guiding them back to the right course.

Priesthood

Each role within the priesthood of the Diamond Circle plays a crucial role in the functioning and perpetuation of the Diamond Circle's beliefs and practices. The division of responsibilities ensures that the temple and religion operates smoothly and that the followers' spiritual needs are met at every level of the organization.
Those within the clergy and priesthood are seen as having divine magic granted to them by the deities of the Omnitheon. Whether they have the innate ability to utilize magic, or a trained ability to utilize magical items and artifacts, the fact remains that the priesthood remains mysterious and separate from the common followers due to this apparant granting of divine power.

Circle Seer

Head of the local Temple The Circle Seer holds the highest position within the temple hierarchy. They are considered the spiritual leader of the local temple and have authority over all aspects of its operations. The Circle Seer is responsible for interpreting the divine will of the gods and overseeing the temple's religious activities, rituals, and ceremonies. They provide guidance and wisdom to the temple's staff and congregation, ensuring that the teachings of the Diamond Circle are faithfully followed.

Attendant

Oversees all local matters related to a specific deity Each temple typically dedicates itself to one or more deities from the Omnitheon pantheon. The Attendant is appointed to oversee all matters concerning a particular deity or group of deities. They ensure that proper rituals and offerings are made to their respective gods, maintaining a strong connection between the temple and the divine being they serve.

Curate

Sees to the needs of the people The Curates are tasked with tending to the spiritual and emotional well-being of the temple's followers. They provide counseling, guidance, and support to individuals in times of need or spiritual crises. Curates often act as intermediaries between the congregation and the higher ranks of the temple's hierarchy, ensuring that the concerns of the people are heard and addressed.

Seer

General Priest or Priestess of Specific Deity Seers are general priests who serve under the guidance of the Circle Seer and the Attendants. They conduct regular religious services, lead prayers, and perform various rituals to honor the gods. Seers may have specific roles within the temple, such as overseeing festivals, maintaining sacred artifacts, or conducting divination for the congregation.

Paragon

Agents of the Diamond Circle Paragons are skilled and devoted individuals who serve as agents of the Diamond Circle beyond the confines of the temple. They may embark on missions to spread the faith to distant lands, resolve conflicts, or investigate matters of importance to the temple. Paragons are highly respected and trusted for their unwavering loyalty to the Diamond Circle.

Servants

General Staff Servants encompass a diverse group of individuals who assist in various capacities within the temple. This could include wait staff for ceremonial feasts, maintenance personnel for temple upkeep, and others who provide support in day-to-day operations.

Engraver

Librarians Engravers are responsible for maintaining the temple's extensive collection of religious texts, historical records, and sacred scriptures. They are knowledgeable in the writings and teachings of the Diamond Circle, helping preserve and organize the temple's vast knowledge.

Ored

New Converts or Children Oreds are newcomers to the faith, whether they are new converts or children born into the Diamond Circle. They are taught the basics of the religion and may undergo specific rites of passage as they advance in their spiritual journey within the temple.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Diamond Circle holds significant influence in the lives of its followers. The temple plays a vital role in guiding souls after death, ensuring they are led to their appropriate destination based on their actions and devotion during their lifetime. This power over the afterlife serves as a strong motivator for followers to adhere to the principles of the Diamond Circle and maintain the balance and change the faith advocates. The clergy claims to make no distinction between commoners and those with political power and influence. All who come to the Diamond Circle must swear the same faithfulness to the faith and adhere to the same moral and traditional guidance and laws.

Should any followers deviate from the teachings or engage in corrupt practices, the temple will take corrective actions to restore balance and harmony within its ranks. Deviants may be subject to spiritual counseling, atonement rituals, or even temporary excommunication until they realign with the core beliefs of the faith. This internal oversight ensures that the corruption is addressed promptly and the Diamond Circle can continue to fulfill its role as a beacon of balance and change in the world.

Devoted to the Omnitheon