The Sunian Church
The Sunian Church is nearly as old as men themselves. The church was first founded in 153 by the Saint Arthur Morhan who claimed God had come to him and performed miracles on him. He also claimed God had commanded him to spread the faith throughout the continent and bring light to Ire. Since then the church as persisted and grown huge. Priests and Bishops advise all Lord of The Vale, even the King himself, and have a great say in what happens politically. They arrange marriages between royals and perform the weddings.
In 178 the first Arch-Bishop was chosen to oversee the growing church and to deliver the messages of God to the common people. In 1021 Arch-Bishop Oswald formed the Golden Paladins as a guild of warriors meant to be dedicated to God(although it is the Arch-Bishop who gives them commands since he speaks the word of God) In their time The Golden Paladins lead two crusades against mages. The first was the Magic Trials in 1053(sanctioned by King Nortwic) where the paladins put to stake thousands of males, in an attempt to root out and killed the new Dark One(who was said to be male). In 1058 the mages of Xares revolted in the streets and the two sides locked into a bloody conflict. The Golden Paladins were nearly wiped out in the revolt but the Knights of 13 came to their aid and killed the mages. Then again they hunted and imprisoned mages in 1109 at the behest of King Bolin and Arch-Bishop Guthred. This conflict however came to a peaceful resolution in 1111. The Golden Paladins were eventually dissolved in 1924 by the Rebel King Faron.
There are churches dedicated to the Sunian god all across The Vale in every major town city, and even small villages. The largest however is the Church of The Holy Sun located in Xares where the current Arch-Bishop Godfrey resides.
After the Great War the Church set out on a quest to cleanse Tir Orail and spread the word of God to the Elves. Missionaries flocked to the Golden Land like soldiers and began to tell the stories. The Elves however were not amused, they already worshiped the Light God on their own but they believed (and do to this day) that the humans corrupted God's image and twisted his word. Even still the two faiths are very closely knit and many elves have become priests in The Vale.
History
Sunianism was first founded in The Vale in the year 152 of the Beginning age by Saint Arthur Morhan. When God first appeared to a sickly Arthur he imbued him with great power and courage. He commanded Arthur to spread his name throughout the continent and bring light to every dark corner of the world.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Church has a great deal of influence in The Vale. Priests and Bishops advise the King, the Ealdormen, and all the minor lords in the land.
Founding Date
152
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Successor Organization
Leader
Deities
Location
Notable Members
