Church of the Raven Queen

THE RAVEN QUEEN The Raven Queen is the queen of death the arbiter of souls, a member of the Dios Major and the chief deity of the Grave Domain. The Raven Queen insures things that should die will die. Of the gods she is one of the least present in ancient myth. Only showing up to prevent resurrection and sly mention of her involvement with Myrrine against demon Lord's.
The Raven Queen has few major worshipers and instead keeps a small but wide reaching cult. Every grave worker, most medical care givers, and many more odd individuals. Though most major churches and cathedrals to the Imperial Pantheon have a small alter to her, most active worship is a personal thing, and any major rituals are held in secret sites.
The Cult features primarily as either Dios Ex Machina in ghost and monster stories or as progenitors of horror along with a type of mythic Undead who constantly regenerate until their task is fulfilled. The Cult is one of the few to have been known to create Warlocks alongside Clerics, though the rituals to do so are banned in The Edren Empire . It is said that if one hears of a Undead or a ghost and reports instead of the Oath Breakers you contact the cult, strangers will come to your land in a matter of days and the issue will be solved in secrecy, though people may disappear in the process.
Divine Domains Grave, Death, Arcane
Divine Symbols & Sigils The Raven, Black Cowls, white bird masks.
Tenets of Faith The Raven queens worshipers run graveyards and tombs consoling and honoring death insuring that we are not inclined towards necromancy. Traditional zombies are fine in the Raven queen's eyes but intelligent undead are to be destroyed.
Worshipers keep small alters and tend to graves, keeping and taking care of Ravens, her preferred messengers and spies, is considered a holy acknowledge of her business.
Holidays Winter Solstice.
Divine Goals & Aspirations To insure a safe and natural entropy in existence, to insure the cycle and moment of dying is unchanged. To prevent natural subversion of life and death, to seek the reclaiming of lost souls meant to move on.
Hierarchy The clergy of the Raven Queen operates under a complex hierarchy that encompasses various roles, duties, and spheres of influence. Each rank signifies not only an increase in responsibility but also a deeper spiritual connection to their enigmatic goddess, the Raven Queen. Below are the details of the structure, starting from the lowest ranks to the highest, and including the duties associated with each.
Novitiates of the Feathered Veil Duties: These are the beginners in the faith. Novitiates are responsible for learning the lore, rituals, and history of the Raven Queen. They assist in the maintenance of temples and are trained in the basic rites of passing for the dead. Signifiers: Novitiates often wear dark grey robes trimmed in black, without the feather adornments seen in higher ranks.
Acolytes of the Ebon Wing Duties: Acolytes are more involved in the daily rites and ceremonies of the temple. They're trained in basic healing arts, and many start their journeys as scholars of the dead, chronicling stories and offering comfort to grieving families. Signifiers: Their vestments are darker, approaching charcoal in color. A single raven feather is incorporated into their attire.
Grave Wardens of the Quiet Crypt Duties: Sentinels take on the responsibilities of tending to graveyards, crypts, and other places where the dead are interred. They also start training in the combat arts, to fend off grave robbers or necromancers. Signifiers: These clergy members don slightly armored robes. Two raven feathers denote their rank, usually attached at the shoulder.
Sentinels of the Silent Echo Duties: Sentinels are paladins and clerics who perform more complex rites and rituals. They often venture out of the temple to engage in missions involving the retrieval of lost souls or combating necromantic forces. Signifiers: Sentinels wear black robes. Some also bear a small pendant shaped like a raven's beak.

Harbingers of the Shrouded Path Duties: Harbingers are usually paladins and clerics who often venture out of the temple to erratic undead and other necromantic entities. They are fanatical about destroying all undead. They will slay all undead and anyone who would aid them. Signifiers: Harbingers wear black robes adorned with multiple feathers. Some also bear a small pendant shaped like a raven's beak.
Keepers of the Arcane Well Duties: This rank is often comprised of elder members who are considered scholars. They are custodians of sacred texts, researchers of forbidden lore, and are versed in the mystical aspects of their faith. Signifiers: They wear black robes with intricate feathered patterns. A unique talisman symbolizes their role as a Keeper.
Sorrowsworn of the Fates Duties: These are the high priests and priestesses of the faith. They communicate the Raven Queen's will, oversee large temples, and are the last authority in any theological disputes within the clergy. Signifiers: High Ravens are often adorned in elaborate black vestments with raven feathers intricately woven throughout the entire outfit. They may also wear a corpse mask made of precious materials.
The Oracle of Shadows Duties: This is the highest-ranking clergy member, considered the mouthpiece of the Raven Queen herself. The Oracle's word is law within the faith, and they are responsible for the direction of the entire religious body. Signifiers: The Oracle wears uniquely crafted vestments that may include obsidian or onyx gemstones, in addition to raven feathers. The Oracle is also the only one who may wear a fully articulated raven mask, symbolizing the closest earthly presence to the Raven Queen.

Type

Religious, Holy Order