Faiths and Religions of the Imperium

In a world ruled by living gods in the form of elder dragons, use of the word “faith” seems almost out of place. What “faith” is required to adhere to the teachings and laws of an entity one can physically see and even potentially converse with? When presented with the overwhelming might and majesty of a dragon overlord, what choice do common folk truly possess other than to bow down and obey? Clerics, holy and not, regularly wield the powers of light and darkness to spread blessings and curses upon the land. The power is clearly real and very much present to these people. And yet, for those same common folk the dragons might as well be ethereal gods, for most never shall have the chance to see them, nor hear them speak. For the everyday farmer, fisherman, miner, or tailor the only interaction they have with the will of the dragons is through their local holy person, scripture, or story told by the village elders. So perhaps faith then is not so much in the existence of these dragon gods, for they are clearly real, but more so faith in the institutions they have built and support with their immense power. Their faith is in their church, their clergy, their texts, and most of all in their community. Faith, for the men and women of this world, is about belief in one another. The faith communities are numerous and widespread across the Imperium. Some are minor cults and local charlatans, while others are nation spanning religions endorsed by the state, but they all have the same basic goals in mind. Faith leaders look to inspire their flocks, answer their deep questions about existence, and influence their daily behavior, be it for good or ill. Most folks are religious in some fashion or another, whether it is simply respecting the dominion of their dragon lord, attending weekly services with their family, actively participating in their church organization, or choosing to join the clergy and take up the cloth. Here are overviews of some of the most prominent religious organizations and cults across the Imperium. While summarizing every individual members’ personally held beliefs and convictions is possible, this will constitute a summary of the doctrines, structures, and practices prescribed by respective church leaders and holy people. Though even dogma is subjective, up for interpretation, and prone to change with new leadership, a concerted effort has been made to construct the explanations contained in these passages in an objective and unbiased fashion as much as possible. It would also be remiss not to mention nearly every religion contains members who claim to be strict adherents, but quickly forget their own teachings when they conflict with wants of the leadership to grow their own personal wealth or power. So with these caveats and disclaimers established: here is an overview of the various cults, religions, and faith organizations across the kingdoms of this world.