The Dawnbringers

### **Dawnbringers: The Priesthood of Solisism**
**The Dawnbringers** are the principal clergy within the faith of **Solisism**, dedicated to the worship and service of **Eion**, the god of the sun. They are the spiritual leaders and caretakers of temples, responsible for guiding the faithful, performing rituals, and spreading the teachings of Eion. Unlike paladin orders or militant sects, the Dawnbringers focus on education, community service, and maintaining the spiritual and moral health of their congregations. They serve as the everyday face of Solisism, offering solace, wisdom, and guidance to those who seek the light of Eion.
#### **Role and Duties** The Dawnbringers have a multifaceted role within Solisism. They are not only spiritual leaders but also educators, healers, and community organizers. Their responsibilities can be broadly categorized into four main areas:

**Spiritual Guidance**: Dawnbringers lead daily prayers, conduct worship services, and perform blessings for individuals and communities. They help interpret the teachings of Eion, offering insight and advice to those seeking clarity or solace. They are often consulted for matters of moral and ethical dilemmas, drawing on the wisdom of Eion’s holy texts, particularly the **Book of Dawn.**

**Education**: One of the most important roles of the Dawnbringers is education. They are responsible for teaching the principles of Solisism, the history of Eion’s influence, and the moral tenets of the faith. This education often extends to broader subjects such as literacy, history, and philosophy, ensuring that the community remains enlightened and well-informed. Dawnbringers operate schools known as **"Sanctuaries of Light,"** where both children and adults can learn under their guidance.

**Healing**: As part of their duties, Dawnbringers are trained in both mundane and divine healing practices. They provide care to the sick and injured, using their knowledge of herbs, medicine, and clerical magic to restore health. This aspect of their service is particularly emphasized during times of crisis, when their healing skills are essential for maintaining the well-being of the community.

**Community Service**: Dawnbringers are deeply involved in community service, organizing festivals, aiding in local governance, and mediating disputes. They believe that the light of Eion shines brightest when it brings people together, and they work tirelessly to foster unity and cooperation within their congregations. Dawnbringers are often seen aiding in the construction of communal projects, such as wells, roads, and schools, embodying the benevolence of their god.

#### **Hierarchy and Training** The Dawnbringers follow a structured hierarchy, with each level corresponding to an increasing degree of responsibility and spiritual knowledge.

**Initiates**: New members begin their training as **Initiates,** studying under more experienced Dawnbringers. Their training includes the study of Eion’s scriptures, lessons in oratory, and practical skills such as healing and education. Initiates assist in day-to-day temple activities, learning the rituals and responsibilities of the priesthood.

**Sunbearers**: Once an Initiate has demonstrated a thorough understanding of Solisism’s teachings, they are elevated to the rank of **Sunbearer.** These are the regular clergy members who lead daily prayers, perform blessings, and offer guidance to the faithful. Sunbearers may be assigned to a specific temple or community, where they become the primary spiritual leader.

**Luminous Guides**: The most experienced and knowledgeable Sunbearers may be chosen to become **Luminous Guides,** overseeing multiple temples or regions. Luminous Guides are responsible for mentoring Initiates and Sunbearers, ensuring that the teachings of Eion are consistently applied and upheld. They also play a significant role in interpreting religious doctrine, resolving disputes, and making decisions that affect the broader faith community.

#### **Education and Training of Dawnbringers** The training to become a Dawnbringer is rigorous and multifaceted, reflecting the broad range of skills needed to serve effectively. Education takes place at **"Sanctuaries of Dawn,"** specialized institutions attached to larger temples, where Initiates undergo years of study and practical experience.

**Scriptural Studies**: Initiates begin by studying the **Book of Dawn**, the **Sunlit Verses**, and other holy texts, learning to interpret the teachings of Eion. They are trained to lead rituals and deliver sermons, developing their skills in oration and rhetoric to effectively communicate the faith’s principles.

**Practical Skills**: In addition to spiritual education, Initiates learn practical skills such as healing, conflict mediation, and education. Dawnbringers are expected to serve their communities in a variety of ways, and their training ensures they are prepared to meet these demands. They also study natural sciences, agriculture, and history, enabling them to better advise and assist their congregations.

**Mentorship and Experience**: A significant part of an Initiate’s training involves working alongside experienced Sunbearers, participating in rituals, teaching lessons, and assisting in community projects. This mentorship helps Initiates gain firsthand experience and understand the complexities of their role.

#### **Daily Worship and Rituals** Daily life for a Dawnbringer revolves around maintaining the light of Eion within their communities. They begin each day with a ritual known as the **"Morning Invocation,"** a prayer to Eion that calls for strength, clarity, and guidance. Throughout the day, they lead services at the temple, offer blessings, and attend to the needs of the faithful. The **"Evening Radiance"** marks the close of the day, a ceremony where Dawnbringers give thanks to Eion for his blessings and reflect on the lessons learned.
Special rituals include the **"Ritual of the Rising Sun,"** performed during significant seasonal events, and the **"Ceremony of Light,"** where Dawnbringers bestow blessings upon newborns, newlyweds, or those embarking on important life journeys. These ceremonies are designed to channel the light of Eion into the lives of those present, offering them strength and protection.
#### **The Temple of the Golden Sun - Wistedge, Dal** The most prominent temple of Solisism, known as the **Temple of the Golden Sun,** is located in the capital city of **Wistedge, Dal.** This grand temple serves as the headquarters of the Dawnbringers and the spiritual center of the faith. Built of gleaming marble, with a dome plated in gold, the temple is designed to catch and reflect the rays of the sun, creating a brilliant, radiant spectacle visible for miles around.
Within the temple, there are **Sanctuaries of Dawn** where Initiates are trained, vast libraries housing copies of the holy texts, and an ornate central chamber where the **Morning Invocation** is held. The temple is also home to the **Council of Luminous Guides,** who oversee the administration of Solisism throughout Dal and beyond. The Temple of the Golden Sun is a place of pilgrimage for followers, who come from across Odran to attend the grand **"Festival of Light,"** an annual event celebrating the benevolence and power of Eion.
#### **Sects, Orders, and Cults of Solisism** While the Dawnbringers represent the core of Solisism, various sects, paladin orders, and cults have emerged, each focusing on different aspects of Eion’s teachings.

**The Order of the Radiant Shield**: A paladin order dedicated to the protection of the weak and the defense of the faith. They are often found accompanying Dawnbringers on missions to dangerous regions, acting as both guardians and emissaries of Solisism.

**The Flamekeepers**: A sect that emphasizes Eion’s aspect as the god of the dawn, focusing on rebirth, renewal, and the nurturing of new life. They are deeply involved in agriculture and healing, working closely with farmers and healers to promote growth and health.

**The Children of the Eternal Sun**: A cult that believes Eion’s light should dominate all aspects of life, rejecting the influence of Zuvi. This extreme sect seeks to eradicate what they perceive as "darkness," sometimes leading to fanatical behavior and conflict with Lunaeist communities.

The Dawnbringers serve as the bridge between these groups, ensuring that the diversity of belief within Solisism does not lead to division. They promote understanding and cooperation, striving to bring Eion’s light to all corners of Odran, illuminating the path for all who seek it.