The Church of Bliss
Summary
The Church of Bliss is a branch of the Noctifarian faith which appears within the books. While mainly unaligned, there are times where the church is forced to ally itself with the Demigods.
Book 3: Midnight
They approached a circular room cloistered within five tall pillars that held an ornate altar. The tiling on the floor resembled a pentacle, with each pillar placed at the end of each point, and the altar was set in the very centre. It was decorated with a fine red velvet, and more of the same black candles that had passed before, as well as several sets of beautiful cut crystals and different amulets. “This is the Eye of Bliss,” the Archpriest explained, gesturing upward. An eye had been painted on the concave ceiling above, the pupil of which appeared to be glass, though covered to prevent daylight illuminating the darkness of the church. “Our oracles divine in this space. They read the shadows, they consult the dead. This is where we discovered the slaying of Tenebrae Grimm.”In book three, the Church of Bliss is introduced when Orion Songbird takes Jaguar and Psychic to meet the Archpriest Lucius Grey. Orion believes that Lucius can help them locate a body they are searching for, and doesn't initially tell them that they're going to a Necromancer temple.
Inside the temple, Lucius invites an Oracle called Lúne Slaughter to help him divine to search for the body. During this, the essence of Tenebrae Grimm interrupts the ritual before they can learn his location, but the group is able to at least find the location of Rockford Castle.
Book 4: No Tomorrow
Rest PendingStructure
An Archpriest oversees an individual church, and directly underneath them in the hierarchy are the Oracles. They're spiritual advisors who can divine with Necromancy, who guide not only the Necromancers but the archpriest, too.
Underneath the Oracles are the Mouths, who communicate between churches and have a high degree of authority over Necromancers as a whole. If a Mouth from one church travels to another with instructions, generally the lower-ranking Necromancers must follow orders, unless an Oracle or Archpriest otherwise commands. Beneath the Mouths are the Shadow Blades, who are not present in every church but act as their first line of defense, and are dispatched to not only investigate disruptions to the Flow but will take care of the problem if needed. A Shadow Blade is generally commanded by a Mouth or Oracle, and not directly by an Archpriest.
Beneath the Shadow Blades are the standard Necromancers. These are worshippers who may live within or outside of a temple and help maintain it, give offerings and have more "mundane" roles such as being a farmer or seamstress.
Underneath the Oracles are the Mouths, who communicate between churches and have a high degree of authority over Necromancers as a whole. If a Mouth from one church travels to another with instructions, generally the lower-ranking Necromancers must follow orders, unless an Oracle or Archpriest otherwise commands. Beneath the Mouths are the Shadow Blades, who are not present in every church but act as their first line of defense, and are dispatched to not only investigate disruptions to the Flow but will take care of the problem if needed. A Shadow Blade is generally commanded by a Mouth or Oracle, and not directly by an Archpriest.
Beneath the Shadow Blades are the standard Necromancers. These are worshippers who may live within or outside of a temple and help maintain it, give offerings and have more "mundane" roles such as being a farmer or seamstress.
Culture
Necromancers have a very quiet and subdued attitude to life. They see the world around them as a vessel that cycles souls, encouraging them to learn and gain new experiences in all walks of life. Most dress in dark colours and robes, and spend a lot of time "priming" the church for the Noctifer's return. Despite this reserved exterior, Necromancers are a happy and peaceful folk generally, and are not without their celebrations, parties and traditions.
Public Agenda
The Church of Bliss is waiting for the return of the Noctifer, or the rise of a new one. Once the Noctifer does rise, they will be ready to launch a crusade of peace against the rest of the world- essentially trying to subjugate the population of Earth.
History
The Church of Bliss was started in Germany as the Kirche der Glückseligkeit, and is a branch of the Orthodox Noctifarian religion. It was established in the 1600s, quickly becoming one of the main sects that Necromancers follow.
Tenets of Faith
A rough translation of the key tenets preached by the Noctifer are as follows:
- Revere the cycle, and keep the balance. Disruptions to the flow of Life and Death must be fixed by any means necessary.
- Remain neutral and stalwart- war and destruction is not our way. Fighting shall be only a last resort.
- Do not wish or do harm upon your brothers and sisters.
- The shadows speak, if you are willing to listen. Heed its warnings.
Priesthood
An Archpriest usually reigns over a church until they die, after which the Oracles take temporary leadership until they can vote unanimously on another member of the church to be the Archpriest. Any member as long as they are a necromancer is viable for this position.
Sometimes an Archpriest is not appointed, and the Oracles instead lead the church as one entity. However, if they do this, they are susceptible to having an Archpriest from a different church arriving and taking over. This means it's in the Oracle's best interests to appoint a new Archpriest as soon as possible.
Sometimes an Archpriest is not appointed, and the Oracles instead lead the church as one entity. However, if they do this, they are susceptible to having an Archpriest from a different church arriving and taking over. This means it's in the Oracle's best interests to appoint a new Archpriest as soon as possible.
Sects
Other churches include (but are not limited to): the Brothers of Noctifer, the Holy Noctifarian Church, the Children of Shadow and the Noctifarians for Peace.
Brothers and Sisters in Blissful Unity
Founding Date
1634
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
Necromancer Temple
Demonym
Necromancers
Leader
Leader Title
Location
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Related Myths
Comments