Faith of Light
Overview
Location
The Faith of Light stands as the dominant religion in the western Human realms in Arboria, flourishing within the borders of Sturmgard and Lynora, as well as the Elven lands of Lithayne. Its influence also extends into the kingdom of Veyrun and the Dwarven realm of Ezrenhelm, where it has gained a significant following.Gospel
The Faith of Light is a beacon of moral values, preaching principles such as honor, charity, kindness, hospitality, mercy, and selflessness. It is a faith that transcends all barriers, welcoming all who seek its guidance without alienating any group. The core of its teachings revolves around the belief in enlightenment through understanding and strength through unity. This pacifist faith aims to unite all peoples under a shared vision of a better world, built through collective efforts and mutual respect, irrespective of race or creed. To walk the path of the Light is to walk the path of wisdom. Followers are encouraged to seek knowledge as a source of power and to pursue enlightenment by studying the mysteries of the world and rediscovering the lost Arcane arts. The Light views knowledge as the key to unlocking the potential for unity and progress among all sentient beings.
Symbolism
The symbol of the Faith of Light is an eight-pointed star, representing the guiding light in all directions. Four larger points denote the cardinal directions - up, down, left, and right - while four smaller points in between represent the diagonals. Often, this star is encircled by a holy ring, symbolizing the unity and completeness that the Light seeks to bestow upon the world.Deity
Rather than a singular deity or divine figure, the Faith of Light reveres the Light itself as a primordial force of nature. This force is believed to possess a will of its own, with a singular purpose: to bring order and harmony to the world through understanding, cooperation, and unity. It is seen not just as a source of spiritual guidance, but as a cosmic influence driving the evolution of wisdom and the collective enlightenment of all beings.Saints
Saint Arish
Arish - the Lightbearer, was a powerful Elven mage who lived in northern Arboria during the twilight of the 2nd World. Like all wielders of Arcane magic, he was stripped of his powers during the Cataclysm, a calamity that plunged the world into chaos and darkness. Yet, even without his Arcane abilities, Arish's selfless spirit endured. He had always been compassionate toward the Human tribes of the wilderness that was Hyperborea, who occasionally roamed south seeking aid from the Elves, and now he was determined to save as many of the refugees fleeing the encroaching frost and devastation of the coming Ice Age as he could. While conflict raged in the eastern lands of today's Kyrus and Ardechia, where Humanity and Elvendom were locked in bitter warfare, the west saw a different story unfold. Under the guidance of Arish, Elves and Humans joined forces, seeking a way south to escape the relentless cold. However, the dire situation posed a seemingly insurmountable challenge - there simply weren't enough ships in all of the north to carry both races across the Nord Sea to safety. In this darkest hour, Arish was granted divinity by The Light itself, an act of divine grace that bestowed upon him extraordinary power. With this newfound strength, he performed a miracle that changed the fate of both Elves and Humans forever: he parted the waters of the Nord Sea, carving a dry path through its depths. This miraculous act allowed the exodus to begin, with Elves and Humans alike crossing the sea to arrive at Becken, in what would later become the realm of Sturmgard, where they were welcomed and sheltered within the sacred Elderwood by the local Feynarin. Arish's pure soul and unwavering dedication to helping others were the catalyst that drew the blessing of The Light, turning him into its first prophet. It was through his miracle that the power of The Light was revealed to the world, inspiring hope and guiding the formation of a society where varied races could coexist in harmony. As a Saint, Arish represents selflessness and charity, embodying the virtues of compassion and sacrifice in service to others.
Saints Eamon & Elluriel
Eamon, a Heimer of Veyrun, was drawn to the ideals of the Faith of Light after living alongside the Lynorans of the liberated Highlands, whose values of honor and cooperation resonated deeply with him. Though the Heimer had thrived in Veyrun with Lynoran influence for a few decades now, Lynora's eventual attempt to reclaim its frontier led to a harsh campaign to suppress the Heimer and expel them from the land. In the wake of this upheaval, Eamon and other refugees found themselves in the Elven realm of Lithayne. There, he encountered Elluriel, an Elven maiden whose compassion and grace captivated him. Despite her people's reservations, Elluriel was moved by Eamon's sincerity, and their bond quickly grew into a deep, transformative love. When news of Veyrun's rebellion against Lynoran oppression reached them, Eamon and Elluriel returned to join the struggle. Their combined efforts secured Veyrun's independence and sparked a movement toward unity and cooperation among the region's diverse cultures. In recognition of their courage and devotion, Eamon and Elluriel were canonized as saints of the Faith of Light, representing love and unity. Their story became a symbol of bridging divides and inspiring hope in the pursuit of a brighter future.Saint Baldrick
Baldrick was a brilliant Dwarven engineer who settled in Sturmgard from Ezrenhelm after the First Vallerian War for the North. Originally sent to aid Sturmgard with advanced technology, he chose to stay, inspired by the cooperation among races. Despite his groundbreaking inventions like steam-powered ships and tanks, Baldrick's innovations were initially overlooked in favor of Sturmgard's reliance on Arcane magic. Undeterred, he turned his genius to civilian improvements, creating oil-powered street lamps, heating systems, automated elevators and draw bridges, water pumps, and countless other minor inventions that transformed daily life. His relentless drive for progress led him to design the first airship prototypes for Sturmgard, laying the foundation for future aerial advancements. Recognized for his contributions, Baldrick was granted citizenship by the Kaiser and embraced the Faith of Light. His influence extended to both Sturmgard and Ezrenhelm, inspiring Dwarves to adopt the faith while preserving their ancestral traditions. Canonized as a Saint for his dedication to progress, Baldrick symbolizes knowledge and innovation, leaving a legacy that united technology with the virtues of enlightenment.Saint Athirey
Athirey is an Elder Dragoness, a sentient being of immense wisdom and power, who dwells in solitude within the Valpine Mountains, situated between the lowlands of Lynora in the west and the rugged Hinterlands of Sturmgard in the east. For countless ages, she has watched over the lands with a discerning gaze, observing the follies and triumphs of mortal races. In the wake of the Cataclysm, when the world was cast into an Ice Age, Athirey found joy in seeing Elves, Humans, and Dwarves of western Arboria finally setting aside their grievances to work together in the struggle to survive. Yet, when the Vallerian Empire sought to re-conquer the north for Elven kind, seeking dominion over what they deemed ''lesser races'', Athirey could no longer remain in isolation. She emerged from her lair, a blazing force of defiance, and incinerated the invading armies, securing the freedom of those she had silently watched for centuries. Though her mighty intervention left her weary, her spirit remained undaunted. Athirey returned to her sanctuary, tended by her loyal Kobold servants, and the people of the north revered her as a savior. Her selfless act immortalized her as a saint, a guardian who vowed to rise again in their darkest hour, should her strength endure. A telepath of unmatched ability, Athirey communicates through the mind, sensing the emotions and intentions of mortals from afar. She has observed the rise and fall of civilizations for millennia, and though many seek her wisdom, only a select few are deemed worthy of her counsel. As a saint, Athirey embodies the virtue of wisdom, guiding those who strive for enlightenment with her ancient knowledge and insight.
Traditions & Practices
Mass
Mass gatherings bring the faithful together for various purposes - mourning the deceased, blessing newborns, witnessing marriages, or praying for those long gone. While private masses focus on personal milestones, public masses are held regularly for collective prayer and reflection.Winter Solstice
Celebrated on the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the new year and the renewal of nature's cycle. It is a time for gratitude and prayers for a fruitful harvest, with festivities including market fairs, bonfires, and homes adorned with sparkling decorations like stars, bells, and reflective ornaments.Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice honors the longest day of the year with celebrations of nature's abundance. Prayers of gratitude are offered for the season's gifts and hopes for a plentiful harvest and a merciful winter.Divinity Day
Divinity Day commemorates the moment when Saint Arish was blessed by The Light, granting him immense power with which he miraculously parted the Nord Sea to save countless lives. Falling on the 25th of Frost, this day celebrates the idea of divine intervention and enlightenment. It is also a time for honoring loved ones by exchanging gifts, symbolically giving their blessings, symbolizing the light and goodness they bring into each other's lives.Lovebirds Day
Lovebirds Day, on the 14th of Thaw, celebrates love and romance in honor of Saints Eamon and Elluriel. Couples traditionally exchange tokens of affection, celebrating their bond and the spirit of unity.Hierarchy
Holy See
The Holy See is the supreme leader of the Faith of Light, believed to be the purest and most enlightened among the faithful. It is said that the Holy See can interpret the divine will of The Light, guiding the faithful in matters of spiritual significance and doctrine.Bishop
Bishops serve as regional overseers, responsible for managing the faith's resources, clergy, and congregations within their designated areas. They coordinate efforts to address regional concerns and ensure that the light of faith reaches every corner of their domain.Chaplain
Chaplains act as the head priests of churches or cathedrals. They are responsible for organizing religious ceremonies, events, and processions, guiding their communities in spiritual matters, and maintaining the sanctity of their places of worship.Reverend
Reverends are the frontline clergy, leading the faithful in daily prayer, conducting religious services, and performing rites of passage such as marriages, funerals, and blessings. They are the face of the faith to most followers, providing spiritual support and guidance.Deacon
Deacons serve as the scribes, messengers, and servants of the faith. They handle the administrative duties of the religious order, documenting teachings, assisting in the dissemination of doctrine, and supporting the clergy in their daily functions.Abbot
The Abbot is the head of a religious monastery, where novices and candidates for the ecclesiastical order are trained, educated, and evaluated. The Abbot plays a vital role in shaping the future leaders of the faith, instilling them with knowledge and discipline.Novice
Novices are the aspiring members of the clergy, undergoing rigorous training and spiritual development in their journey toward joining the ecclesiastical order. Their path is long and demanding, designed to test their devotion, wisdom, and commitment to The Light.
Rhymes & Prayers
''With the blessings of The Light, the dawn is in our sight. We do not fear the darkness, we do not fear the night.'' ''Holy Light, i beg thee, please protect and guide me. Lead me down thine righteous path, so that i might avoid all evil's wrath.'' ''Does it not make sense for one to offer recompense if one caused damage lightly? For if one does not, and no amends are sought, it may haunt one mightily.'' ''Woe is the orphan who hath no roof, nor food, nor love, for he suffers greatly. Offer him care, some food you might spare, let him not envy your plenty.'' ''Oh, Holy Light, please forgive our wrongs against you as we forgive those who have wronged us. We beg you, guide us away from temptation, so that we may not become pawns of evil.'' ''Holy Light, i beg from thee thine love, thine grace, thine mercy, and in turn, i offer thee all love of mine, my body, my soul.'' ''Blessed be the food on our table, the drink in our cups, and the company at our side. Blessed be the day The Light hath given, and pray we to be blessed again by The Light's grace in the morrow.''History
Origin
The Faith of Light emerged from the ashes of the Cataclysm, a religion born during a time when the world was in chaos and its Arcane energy was all but depleted. Its foundation traces back to the miracle performed by Saint Arish, the Elven arch-mage known as the Lightbearer. At the height of the early Ice Age, when the land was shrouded in frost and the seas were impassable, Arish was blessed with a divine power that was neither his own nor Arcane in nature. With this newfound gift, he parted the waters of the Nord Sea, creating a dry corridor that allowed waves of refugees to flee to safety. This power was believed to have been bestowed by The Light itself, a benevolent force guiding the pure and the charitable. Arish recognized the true purpose of this gift: to unite the displaced Jermane tribes of western Humanity with the Feynarin Elves, and the Dwarves who were also emerging from their devastated underground realms. The Light's message was clear - to foster unity and cooperation between all races, building a new world based on mutual respect and shared purpose. The Faith of Light spread rapidly across what would become the realms of Sturmgard and Lynora, inspiring Jermane pagans, pantheonic Elves, and ancestral Dwarves to convert as they witnessed the truth in its teachings. It became the cornerstone of one of the most tolerant and progressive societies in the world. However, the faith met fierce resistance when it encountered the Church of the Mason in the east, the ancient Elven and Dwarven remnants in the south, and other traditional beliefs that clung to the past. The faith's growth continued to be rekindled by miraculous events and influential figures like Saints Eamon and Elluriel, whose love and unity led to the partial conversion of both Veyrun and the Elven realm of Lithayne. Likewise, Saint Baldrick's revolutionary inventions inspired the acceptance of the faith among the Dwarves of Ezrenhelm, as his innovations were seen as gifts from The Light itself. Although these remarkable individuals were separated by centuries, their influence helped sustain the Faith of Light during times of opposition from archaic religions and ideologies. The Reich of Sturmgard took on the role of the faith's protector, standing as the beacon of The Light against all threats, and opening its doors to migrants from diverse cultures who sought enlightenment and a better life.Present time
Today, the Faith of Light stands as a powerful force in the western Arboria. Its ideals of unity, wisdom, and tolerance have shaped nations, leading to the establishment of moralistic governments that strive to live by its principles. The faith has found a firm hold in the nations of Sturmgard, Lynora, Veyrun, Lithayne, and Ezrenhelm, all united under an alliance called the Pact of Light - a coalition dedicated to confronting any threat as a unified force. However, the Faith of Light continues to face challenges. Its primary rivals remain the Church of the Mason in Ardechia, which rejects magic and condemns its practitioners in favor of technological advancement. The Nine of the Vallerian Empire, whose doctrine of Elven superiority opposes the faith's inclusive beliefs. And the pagan Heimer Clans, who follow the Old Gods and see the southern faithful as traitors for abandoning their ancient ways. Despite these adversaries, the Light continues to guide its followers, shining ever brighter in the hearts of those who seek enlightenment and unity in a world still healing from its past.
Followed by:
- Reich of Sturmgard
- Princedom of Lynora
- Kingdom of Veyrun
- Dutchy of Lithayne
- Dwarfholds of Ezrenhelm
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
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