Empyrian Theocracy
Summary
The proud elves hailing from the continent of Empyria are part of a theocratic society with strict rules regarding their pantheon of deities. A number of their deities ascended into godhood with the power of their God Trees. Known as missionaries and violent zealots in other realms, their reputation seems to decline with those who don't share their beliefs - The most well known crusade even burning down whole forests on the outskirts beyond their realm being deemed "False Roots".Culture
Everyday life is intertwined with devotion to their theocratic beliefs, shaping their culture into a reflection of their divine mission. They begin each day with prayers and rituals dedicated to their pantheon of deities, seeking guidance and blessings for the day ahead. Every aspect of life is infused with a sense of divine purpose and duty. All elves are called to serve their faith, whether through military service, scholarly pursuits, or charitable acts.Festivals
Throughout the year, the Elves observe a myriad number of religious festivals and holy days, celebrating the deeds of their gods and commemorating key events in their faith's history. These festivities are marked by feasting, mass prayer, and elaborate ceremonies, bringing the community together in shared devotion.Law and Justice
Administered in accordance with divine decree, with clerics and religious authorities serving as judges and arbiters of disputes. Punishments for heresy and blasphemy are much more severe, reflecting the society's uncompromising stance against those who defy its traditions.Anonymity
The wearing of masks is deeply ingrained in elven culture, serving as a symbol of identity, status, and order. Masks are adorned with engraved visages, obscuring the wearer's true identities and adding a sense of unity within their society. They are also a homage to Empyria, the faceless mother of the gods and their homeland's namesake.Royal Guard
Clad in resplendent marble white armor and bearing gleaming weapons, the Royal Guards stand as silent sentinels at the gates of the palace, epitomizing discipline and commitment to duty.History
Legends speak of an ancient civilization that once ruled the land, whose members wore masks to commune with the spirits of the forests and stars. Despite their true purpose remaining shrouded in mystery, the tradition remains a sacred legacy passed down from their ancestors.Exceptions
The Grandmaster, ruler of the elves, is exempt from the rule of anonymity, symbolizing the recognition they deserve as they strive to ascend into godhood.The God Trees
At the apex of elven society sits The Grandmaster, a revered figure chosen to lead the nation in both matters of faith and governance. The sacred Ritual of Ascension, known as "The Seeding," ties the Grandmaster's ascension to the growth of the sacred God Trees, revered as conduits of divine energy and wisdom.God Seeds
The origin of the God Seeds is shrouded in tales of divine intervention. These sacred seeds are believed to have been gifts bestowed by the faceless Goddess Empyria herself, reserved to sprout only for those born under the direct lineage of the first Elf Grandmaster Turin The First. These seeds are kept secure within a mighty fortress, only laid eyes upon by the current Grandmaster himself.
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Alternative Names
The Empyre, Elven Templar Order
Demonym
Empyrian
Leader
Location
Controlled Territories
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