Laranian
Larani is the benevolent goddess of chivalry and battle and the reluctant warrior. Her followers claim she is the greatest of the trinity of war gods, but she is more constrained by honor and conscience than either Agrik or Sarajin. This is a weakness, since Larani will not strike without warning nor without cause. It is also a strength since Laranians do not forget whose side they are on.
Larani appears most often as a tall maiden clad in a white gown with red trim. About her waist and head are circlets of silver. She is fair of face, and strong, although she may not show her power. This is the aspect of the Lady of Paladins. The Lady of Paladins symbolizes the ideals of feudalism.
When Larani loses her patience, she assumes the aspect of the “Terrible Lady of the Flowing Red.” In this aspect, she wears Angcaradina, her blood-red mail. She bears Hyvrik, her red and white checkered shield, and Avarkiel, the Sword that Strikes True, also called “Oathbinder” or “Herald of the End of Life.”
Structure
The backbone of the Laranian church is the temple, particularly the rural abbeys, most of which are self sufficient and hold large tracts of land. The church holds substantial estates and is the equal of many secular lords. Additionally, the church has always maintained well organized fighting orders and high ranking Laranian clerics often control the largest single armed force in a region.
Central Authority
The evolution of the church of Larani to its modern form, began with the creation of the pontificate at Tengela in 227 TR. The first pontiff, Saint Perelyne, and her two immediate successors organized the church to face the threat posed by the activities of the evil churches, particularly that of Agrik. Saint Janasyn, the second pontiff, issued the Guardian Decree, a writ that initiated the concept of the Laranian temple warrior. About three hundred years later, as feudal societies grew in power in western Lythia, this decree was amended to allow the creation of the church’s fighting orders. Egenis, the third pontiff, created the Holy Office.The Sebeath (the Pontiff)
The Abbot of Tengela, as the Laranian pontiff is also known, is a powerful lord in Trierzon as well as having immense spiritual influence. Since 717 the Sebrath has been Allyn of Kamalrith, a spiritual man of forty three, but also a masterful and intelligent politician. While he administers the church with great skill, he pays close heed to his spiritual duties. This is a welcome change from his predecessor, Lursyle of Perail, who did much to increase the wealth of the church at the expense of some compromises to the Laranian ideal. Under the poor example of her ten year rule, various excesses were allowed to grow. Although Allyn has instituted a discreet program of reform, several problems remain unsolved, and in a few areas (most notably in Azeryan) there is resistance from clerics who have grown wealthy or dissolute. One of his concerns is the activities of the fighting order of the Lady of Paladins, who are conducting what amounts to a genocidal campaign against the Solori tribesmen of Hârn. Although he has sent several missives to the Hârnic Primate, Kerthede of Talvail, she lacks the confidence to put a stop to them.The Tirnatha (the Body of the Unwilling)
This twenty member council serves as an advisory body to the pontiff and also make up the effective government of the church’s estates. Members are appointed by the pontiff from the primates and archbishops. The name is derived from the tradition that, when the pontiff summons an individual to the office, they are required to formally refuse three times before taking office, symbolizing their desire to remain “simple” priests, uninvolved with the political intrigue of the pontifical court. There are usually at least two factions on the Tirnatha, and one of the pontiff’s most difficult duties is preventing rancor from getting out of hand. The present pontiff has been aided by the deaths, of old age, of four members of the Body of the Unwilling since he took office. This has enabled him to appoint persons who are more in keeping with his program of reform. When a pontiff dies the Tirnatha elects his successor. Election requires fifteen votes, a rule that occasionally results in long periods of negotiation before the necessary number of votes can be cast. They can choose any priest to fill the office, but most often choose either one of their own number, or a primate or archbishop. The Laranian church has vested considerable power in its central and regional organizations. As a result the pontiff, primates, and archbishops have various powers that are designed to protect the church from internal heresies.History
Saint Ambrathas of Alamire
Laranian scriptures ascribe the foundation of the church to the deeds of the knight Ambrathas who, it is said, came upon a maiden beset by a dozen brigands. Ambrathas defeated the brigands and the maiden gifted him a red and white checkered scarf. Escorting the lady to her destination, they were attacked seven times more, each time by more fearsome foes, culminating with eight demons. Ambrathas suffered many wounds, but defeated all without thought of retreat. Eventually they came to a hill overlooking the maiden’s destination, a castle of unnatural fairness, but Ambrathas could travel no more and collapsed. Ambrathas lay long recovering from his wounds. He had visions of the maiden transformed into the goddess Larani, but when he awoke both she and the castle had vanished. In their place stood a brooding dark fortress and five priests who had been sent by Larani to help him take the castle from its evil warlord. One of priests blew a horn and a small band of warriors appeared, calling themselves the Knights of Tirith. Ambrathas led the Knights to battle and defeated the warlord The fortress was renamed Alamire and became a temple and chapter house for worthy clerics and knights. The fundamental objectives of the early church were the establishment and preservation of the feudal order, the defeat of evil, and the glorification of the Lady of Paladins. Alamire prospered until one day the Knights of Tirith returned and told Amrathas to send everyone abroad. Soon after, a mighty army swept down, and though the defenders fought bravely, Alamire was destroyed and Ambrathas was slain. The death of Ambrathas inspired the priests and knights to continue their work and attracted men of honor to their cause. From the first, there was a fairly clear distinction between clergy and laity. Priests achieved a “state of grace,” closer to the deity, giving them the insight to guide and instruct laymen in the ways of Larani. The priesthood was to be exalted and somewhat isolated from worldly ills.Saint Perelyne of Tengela
It was not until 227 TR that one person was acknowledged as supreme mortal leader of the Laranian church. Perelyne was a priestly acolyte of the (female) abbey of Tengela located in (present day) Trierzon. She convinced her temple mistress to call a universal congress of church leaders; and spoke of the need for central authority. The suggestion was timely since the evil churches were becoming more aggressive. Perelyne demonstrated a greater command of the mysteries than her peers. She claimed to have had a series of divine visions, called upon the assembled churchmen to elect a pontiff, and then departed. The congress is said to have deliberated for five days in an attempt to select a leader. Eventually they agreed to leave it in the hands of Larani; they would elect the first priest to enter the chamber. Soon after, Perelyne came into the chamber. “I have brought,” she said, “a gift of wine for the one you have chosen.” Thus, despite her protests, Perelyne became the first pontiff of the Church of Larani.Demography and Population
The Laranian church is centered in Trierzon and has extensive influence in most feudal realms of Western Lythia, notably Emelrene, Shorkyne, and the Harnic kingdoms of Melderyn, Kaldor, and Kanday. It is weak in Azeryan, and in the northern realms where Sarajin is preferred.
Foreign Relations
The Other Gods
Agrik enjoys pestilence, suffering, and wanton destruction, as do all vermin who pledge themselves to him. Where we are reluctant warriors, Agrikans delight in war and savagery. Only we can prevent them and their vile god of war from undoing the world. Halea weakens our resolve and saps our strength. The pleasures of this world must not distract us from our sacred duties. We must be wary of the Whore of Heaven lest we be caught in her embrace when the battle is upon us. Ilvir, the Craven Lord, is not to be trusted. His loyalty is for sale as shown by the bargain he wrought for the sundered claws of Agrik’s hand. He honors the peace of the Concordat, and causes us harm, so long as he remains in Araka-Kalai with his foul creations. His followers are typically confused, lacking guiding principles, and should be kept at sword’s length. Morgath seeks to undo all that Larani is sworn to protect, and keeps Agrikans as friends and allies. We must struggle to unravel each new outrage between these twin gods of destruction. Bukrai has been Morgath’s undoing, but we cannot allow his downfall to destoy us all. Naveh employs shadow and deceit to unravel the feudal order. He poses as great a threat as Agrik, for the schemes of his followers often wreak their ill effects long before they are discovered. We must be vigilant lest court intrigue draws us to Naveh’s ways. Peoni is the mother Goddess and Larani has sworn to protect her from harm. Nor shall we allow her followers to endure injustice or suffering. It is for Larani’s sake that we uphold the sacred feudal order. It is for Peoni’s sake we defend the land from turmoil and strife. Sarajin is poised as on the edge of a sword, between the pit of wanton destruction serving Agrik, and the sturdy rock of chivalry serving our Lady of Paladins. The Ljarl recalls the simple honor codes of the barbarians who dwell ignorant in the wild. We must help his followers overcome the last vestiges of their savage heritage and enlist Fakang to the service of Larani. Save-K’nor preserves the great Tome, securing the peace necessary for Kelestia to prosper under Larani’s sacred order. Nevertheless, Save-K’nor’s and his followers’ obsession with knowledge often blinds them to the need for timely action. When the Dark Gods break the Concordat, he is liable to study the break rather than restore order. Siem and many of his followers have retired to the Blessed Realm and left Larani to fend for herself against Agrik. Yet, due to his age and wisdom, Siem’s choice is to be respected even if it is difficult to understand. The followers of Siem value peace and natural order, yet this sometimes leads them to rail against the flowering of civilization brought about by Larani.Cosmological Views
Teachings of the Valaran
Where did the world come from?
From nothing the First Gods created order and from order came life. Yet the First Gods forgot the lessons of order, and chaos overcame them. The lesser gods stepped forth to protect Kelestia. Larani brought them feudal order that they might rule justly, and live honorably and peacefully upon the bounty of the world. But some lesser gods were not peaceful, and unleashed forces of evil on Kethira. Larani has protected Peoni from these Dark Gods. Eventually, one of the Dark Gods will break the Concordat and strike. For that day we must be ready. Your life is Larani’s, but your character is your own. As a lord improves his fief, improve your character. Duties and obligations surround you. Fulfill them with honor and earn the praise of your peers. Fail them and be forgotten. When you die Larani takes you to Tirithor where you serve as part of her army against the forces of darkness. Each time an adherent fails in this world, the armies of evil gain more ground in Tirithor. If you live an exemplary life she may take you as one of the Knights of Tirith. Those who fail her, but are still loyal in their heart, have honorable places in the common army, among the craftsmen or with the farm laborers, for Tirithor is the ideal feudal realm.Tenets of Faith
Theological Mission
The modern church of Larani views feudalism as a pact between defender and servitor and strives to maintain its ideals. These include code of behavior (chivalry) and duty (honor). Prior to feudalism, the religion existed to formalize behavior between warring tribes.Social Mission
The church offers a source of chivalry, honor, and salvation to those whose lives are filled with duties. Laranians have traditionally come from the feudal nobility, but muster growing numbers from wealthy freemen, especially Heralds, Ostlers, Weaponcrafters, and Yeomen, occupations associated with the nobility and war. The enmity between Larani and Agrik, the evil god of war, dominates the external relations of the church. Laranians, like Agrikan, view each other as mortal enemies on sight, and this is a prejudice difficult to overcome. The priesthood stands separate from the knights of Laranian fighting orders. Although most clerics have some martial skills, it is the duty of the laity to champion the cause, while the priesthood serves as the conscience of the church.Worship
Religious Practices
Vigil, canted prayer, and meditation are common features of the worship of Larani. Sacrifice, usually in the form of coin or promised labor or service is not uncommon, although it is not usually a formal requirement. Some Laranians donate part of their income to the church, and wealthy secular lords have been known to gift the church with tracts of land. Some of the money gained in this manner is distributed as alms to the poor. Laranian ceremonies are divided into two forms, the Soratir or low mass, and the Alamirata, the high rituals restricted to priests.Religious Dates
The most important celebration of the Laranian year is the seventeenth of Larane, the Feast of Saint Ambrathas. This symbolizes the legendary events of the capture of Alamire and the foundation of the church. Temples host tournaments, a special lay mass and night long service by the priests.Laranian Rituals
Soratir
These lay masses, led by the High Priest, are held on the 5th, 15th, and 25th of each month. There is provision for private devotions within most Laranian temples. Generally these are small chambers with few artifacts except an altar. Worshippers can also make confession to a priest. Confession, and any penance prescribed by the priest, are thought to purify the soul and renew the spirit.Alamirata
The Alamirata are high masses restricted to the clergy. They are similar to the lay masses but require greater skill to perform. High rituals occur every five days beginning on the second of the month. Many priests often make private, daily devotion to Larani; some of the most devout will even invoke a penance upon themselves.Tirannon
This lay ritual is deemed to be the final step in becoming a knight. On the day before an adherent of Larani becomes a knight he places his armour and weapons on an altar in a Laranian temple and keeps a twenty four hour vigil over them. During this time he neither eats nor drinks.Symbols and Regalia
The colors red and white (or silver) have particular significance to the Laranian church. In particular, any red and white checker is symbolic of Hyvrik, Larani’s shield. The church also uses a red winged lion as one of its heraldic symbols. The robes of clerics, patterned after a knight’s surcoat, are always red and white.
Laranian Funerals
Laranians see death as their long-awaited entry into Larani‘s feudal paradise of Dolithor. They abhor cremation if only because the method is preferred by Agríkans. The departed is dressed in fine white linen and buried in a family or temple vault or plot. Some Peonian graveyards have a section where Laranians are buried. A tradition favored by Laranian fighting-orders is burial on a battlefield where a warrior has fought, or where the order has been victorious, Stone memorials are raised on fields of battle where such graveyards exist, These are a favorite target for Agrikan desecration and require constant repair, a common task given to penitent Laranians. In ages past, Laranian knights were always buried with their personal armor and weapons, and sometimes their steed. The custom is now rare because it encourages grave-robbing.Priesthood
Regional Authority
The Laranian church divides Lythia into primacies. Some primacies (Hârn and Ivinia for example) include several kingdoms. The wealth and power of the primacies depends on the legal status of the church, the number and value of estates held, the number and social rank of the adherents etc. Regions have considerable effective autonomy (particularly those far from Tengela) but usually heed the advice and instructions of the pontiff.Lirrath (Primate)
The primate is the administrative head of a primacy, and is responsible for the activities of the Laranian church therein. Lirraths are appointed by the pontiff after consultation with the archbishops of the primacy.Serekela (Archbishop)
Serekelas are appointed by the pontiff, and are responsible for a sub-region of a primacy. They govern several temples and report to the primate. Most archbishops appoint the high priests and other senior temple officers in their districts, although some delegate that authority to their bishops.Rekela (Bishop)
Rekelas can be appointed either by the pontiff or by an archbishop or primate. In the latter cases the appointment must be approved by the pontiff. Rekela are subordinate to archbishops and are in charge of a lesser division within the primacy. Bishops are primarily administrative officers of the church, although many become important secular lords because of the vast estates under their hand.Temple Hierarchy
Serolan (High Priest)
The High Priest is the master of the temple and makes policy in consultation with the other masters. The High Priest has three votes on the Council of Five (the High Priests and the other masters), guaranteeing that his will can only be defeated by a coalition of all four masters. A High Priest may split his votes to indicate partial approval of a position.Valarna (Master of Acolytes)
The master responsible for training of acolytes and assigning their labors. The Valaran decides when an acolyte has progressed sufficiently to be tested for elevation to the priesthood. More than anyone else, the Master of Acolytes, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the temple.Suloran (Master of Archives)
The Suloran is responsible for the temple library, holy relics, and bookkeeping, a very important role considering the wealth of many Laranian temples. The Suloran may head a large bureaucracy.Obasaran (Master of Secular Affairs)
The liaison with secular lords, particularly those from whom the temple holds its lands. In temples that hold considerable lands the Obasaran wields immense power. Since they are responsible for collecting revenue from temple estates, the potential for corruption is high, and many have yielded to temptation.Menoran (Master of the Fighting Order)
The Menoran is in charge of relations with the temple’s fighting order. He leads ceremonies for them and acts as their spiritual advisor. His duties often require that he visit the chapter houses of the fighting order.Matakea (Temple Priests)
The number of Matakea vary from temple to temple, depending on the wealth and self-sufficiency of the location. Matakea are assigned (by the High Priest) to various masters on a semi-permanent basis and assist them in the performance of their duties. Matakea are not celibate, nor are they irreproachable ascetics. They are, required to display compassion, courage, and honor. A relatively recent practice involves assigning Matakea as the “chaplain” to noble families requesting (and able to afford) the service. Such priests usually reside with the family, counseling them on spiritual matters and leading their devotions.Ashesa (Acolytes)
Acolytes usually enter the church between the ages of sixteen and twenty four, although it is not uncommon for older men, usually retired soldiers, to “hear the call” at a far later age. Many acolytes are the younger children of noble families who have little chance of an inheritance. Upon entry, acolytes take the “Hesa-Eran,” the Three Vows to uphold the moral dictums of the church. During their training period (about two years) acolytes learn ritual and dogma, and assist their superiors. They perform much of the menial work in the temple; for most of them it is a novel and educational experience. When judged ready by the Valaran, they are tested by the masters on doctrinal matters. If they pass, they undertake the “Telur-Vakum,” a ritual labor. Each acolyte proposes a labor to the High Priest. Telur-Vakum can range from manuscript illustration to dangerous quests. Upon completion (which need not be successful) the acolyte is declared Matakea.Sects
Clerical Orders
In the Laranian church not all priests or temples are associated with a clerical order. Orders are often founded to represent a particular school of doctrinal thought, to accomplish a specific task, or to spread the word of Larani to outlying districts. In a few instances, orders have been created in response to a grant of land from a secular lord, who wished to demonstrate his piety by means of the bequest. Most orders sponsor their own fighting orders. The two Hârnic orders are detailed below.Order Of the Spear Of Shattered Sorrow
The oldest order of the church of Larani on Hârn has confined its activities to eastern Hârn since 622. The order’s chief temple is in Thay; other major temples are in Cherafir and Tashal. The Order was founded on Hârn in 465 to provide missionaries to “spread the faith.” The order was sponsored by King Erebir of Melderyn. The Grandmaster of the order and the primate of Hârn is Kerthede of Talvail, a virtuous woman whose major failing is her lack of confidence. The Order of the Spear of Shattered Sorrow sponsors the Order of the Lady of Paladins.Order Of Hyvrik
The Order of Hyvrik was formally created in 593 when they were granted land in the city of Aleath. The order takes its name from Larani’s legendary red and white checkered shield. The order quickly spread throughout southwestern Hârn. King Andasin I, the first ruler of Kanday, was a devout adherent of Larani and granted the order extensive lands. The Aleath temple is the headquarters of the order; other major temples are in Coranan and Shiran. The Order of Hyvrik sponsors the Order of the Checkered Shield, a powerful fighting order in western Hârn.Turintesa (Clerical Grandmaster)
Each clerical order has a grandmaster whose role depends primarily on the purposes and activities of his order. Turintesa are more concerned with politics than spiritual matters, and interpret the directives or intent of the central authority. Appointments are generally made by the pontiff, although special dispensation has been given to a few orders to elect their own Grandmaster. Each Turintesa is assisted by one or more deputies.Fighting Orders
Almost every clerical order maintains and commands its own fighting order. As is the case with clerical orders, fighting orders are often created to accomplish a specific task, such as protecting missionaries sent to an outlying district. Members serve as guards of Laranian and Peonian temples, and as warriors in the service of spiritual or secular lords. It is possible for a fighting order to be created without a sponsoring clerical order, although this is an extremely rare dispensation. As of 720 the only such order is the Company of the Holy Sepulcher which serves as the pontiff’s guard at Tengela. Although they can trace their origin to the years before the creation of the pontificate, they were granted their charter by the pontiff Cerdan II in 542 TR. Fighting orders are organized along the lines of feudal society, symbolizing the chivalric ideal so important to Laranian doctrine. Fighting orders maintain chapter houses as headquarters. Some hold huge estates, including mighty strongholds, and have hundreds of members. The chapter houses of the order also serve as a social club for members.
Legislative Body
The Ethelanca (the Holy Office)
The Ethelanca was created by the third pontiff in 268 TR, in an attempt to guard against corruption. It answers only to the Sebrath although the Tirnatha has some influence. The activities of the Holy Office have varied considerably over the last several centuries, largely depending on the motives of the pontiff. The Sebrath Lursyle, who died in 717, used the Ethelanca as a tool to destroy or weaken her opponents, often by trumping up charges of heresy. At present the Holy Office is in a state of disorganization due to the ongoing reforms instigated by the present pontiff, who is attempting to purge some of his predecessor’s appointees. It is speculated that Allyn intends to use the Ethelanca against some of the bishoprics of Azeryan, particularly those most resistant to his reforms. He is hoping to eliminate clerical corruption within the empire, which has produced some of the most venal clerics in the church. The Holy Office has periodically undertaken inquisitions among the laity, most recently in eastern Trierzon between 616-620. Called the Tobran Inquisition, after the fanatical bishop who instigated it, the four year “rooting out of heresy” resulted in over one hundred executions for blasphemy, heresy, and witchcraft. This event did much to discredit the Ethelanca, to the extent where the Body of the Unwilling urged the pontiff to disband it. Although the Holy Office survived that crisis, since that time, its activities have been far more restrained.
Judicial Body
Canon Law
The church of Larani settles internal disputes either by inquest and arbitration, trial by ordeal, or trial by combat. The method chosen depends on the alleged crime and the social status of the disputants. Generally, persons bound over for canon trial by secular authorities will face trial by ordeal, most often by dropping the accused into a tank of consecrated water. Those who sink are deemed to be innocent and are rescued. Trial by combat may settle an issue of honor with a duel. Disputants may select champions or fight themselves to settle the issue legally on the battlefield. Duels are often fatal since the stakes are high; the loser may be dishonored or disinherited. But there are degrees of dishonor, and Laranians are (supposed to be) magnanimous in victory. In most cases, simply accepting the challenge is enough to redeem both parties’ honor. The interdict is perhaps the most devastating power that can be used by senior clergy. An interdict can be directed against a particular temple, order, bishopric, or primacy by the ranking priest responsible for that area. An interdict prohibits the performance of Laranian divine service and the administration of religious ritual. Although it is most often used as a last resort against extremely corrupt priests, more than one secular lord has been threatened with it, sometimes for less than “holy” reasons. In areas where the church of Larani is paramount, this is no casual matter and most interdicted lords compromise with the church.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments