The Church of the Golden Vow

History

The Church's accepted past is set on High Garden, a galaxy that lies at the dead center of Midgard, the Middle Realm, where the Midgardian Yggtree lies at its center. The Golden Vow have made Midgard the Interstellar HQ of their religion and the absolute home of their Faith. As the story goes, the first scholars of the Yggtree were natives of High Garden and their entire culture was centered around it. This is the official origin of the Church, but the faith itself stretches back further.

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During The 1st Age: Order of Dragons, circa 721 δράκων, a race of people known as the Dhalgeds from the Frægiligrvegr (Magnificent + Dimension) Realm documented the findings of their study of the Yggtree, how it connects and binds all Realms, and births all life. However, even older texts point to Elven Scholars who studied the Yggtree when developing travel on the Bifröst. The alternative sources are numerous but the actual start of the faith as we know it now is accredited to High Garden circa 2981 δράκων.

Military

The Yggtree Sentinels

"Pride in Service, Strength in Unity"

The Yggtree Sentinels are the ones who stand up for the Golden Vow, their religion, and their people. They are made up of brave knights and soldiers who have made it their life's work to uphold the values of the Church of the Golden Vow and the Yggtree's teachings. Their starship fleet constantly monitors the vastness of space for potential threats to their faith and people. The Yggtree Sentinels move in groups on the ground, their armor reflecting the Yggtree's light, ready to defend their homes and places of worship.

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The Yggtree Sentinels are a military force, but they are not aggressive. Their doctrine places an emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution and nonviolence. However, they are ready to defend both themselves and their people in the event of a crisis. They will not go to war, but if they are provoked, they will not back down. The Yggtree Sentinels are a fundamental piece of the Brilliant Commitment's general public since they give security as well as on the grounds that they act as good examples for the devoted. Others are inspired to strive for excellence in their own lives by their dedication to the Yggtree values and willingness to put themselves in danger for the greater good.

1. Yggtree Sentinel High Command: The overall leadership of the military, responsible for strategic planning, decision-making, and the overall direction of the Yggtree Sentinel forces.
2. Yggtree Sentinel Legates: The second-in-command of the Yggtree Sentinel forces, responsible for leading armies in the field and implementing the strategic plans of the High Command.
3. Yggtree Sentinel Tribunes: The officers in charge of individual units within the Yggtree Sentinel forces, are responsible for their training, discipline, and tactical operations.
4. Yggtree Sentinel Centurions: The experienced soldiers who lead squads of soldiers in battle, responsible for their morale and discipline.
5. Yggtree Sentinel Optios: The soldiers who assist the Centurions and serve as their second-in-command.
6. Yggtree Sentinel Decurions: The soldiers who lead small groups of soldiers, such as scouts or patrols.
7. Yggtree Sentinel Legionnaires: The bulk of the Yggtree Sentinel forces, are trained soldiers who serve in combat units.
8. Yggtree Sentinel Auxiliaries: The support troops, including engineers, medics, and logistical personnel.

Infrastructure

The Golden Vow has a vast infrastructure that spans multiple star systems because it is an interstellar religious order. At the focal point of their framework is the Yggtree Religious communities, which act as the two spots of love and managerial centers. It is simple to access the Yggtree for worship and guidance because these monasteries are frequently situated on planets or moons with a Lesser Yggtree.

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Additionally, the Golden Vow maintains a fleet of starships that support their various missions and operations with transportation and logistical assistance. The fleet is divided into various wings, each of which serves a distinct purpose or mission. The Primary Wing, for instance, is liable for the investigation and planning of new star frameworks, while the Subsequent Wing offers clinical help and help to those out of luck.

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The Golden Vow also has a network of communication relays, making it possible for orders and information to be sent quickly and safely between its various divisions. To guarantee consistent coverage, these relays are strategically positioned throughout their territory. The Golden Vow supports its operations with advanced technologies in addition to its physical infrastructure. Holographic communication systems for virtual meetings and gatherings, cutting-edge medical technologies for healing, and artificial intelligence systems for administrative tasks are all examples of this.

Tenets of Faith

1. Thou shalt work together and support one another to achieve harmony and peace, for all beings are connected through the Yggtree.
2. Thou shalt show proper respect and honor the power of the Yggtree, which is a sacred symbol of the Golden Vow's faith.
3. Thou shalt emphasize the importance of serving others, both within and beyond the religion, as an expression of thy faith in the Yggtree.
4. Thou shalt show compassion to all beings, for they are deserving of love and kindness in the eyes of the Yggtree.
5. Thou shalt pursue knowledge and personal growth throughout thy life, for it is a means of strengthening thy connection to the Yggtree.
6. Thou shalt respect and care for the environment, in order to honor the power of the Yggtree and preserve it for future generations.
7. Thou shalt avoid violence whenever possible, and resolve conflicts through peaceful means, as an expression of thy faith in the Yggtree's unifying power.

Ethics

The Church of the Golden Vow has a strict code of ethics that is based on the respect and worship of the Yggtree. They strive to avoid violence whenever they can and believe in peace and harmony among all beings. They view the Yggtree as a sacred symbol of the interconnectedness of all things and hold it in high regard as part of their faith. They are open to other religions and ways of thinking, but when it comes to their own beliefs and practices, they are regarded as antiquated and resistant to change. This is due to the fact that they believe that the Yggtree and the lessons it teaches are timeless and eternal and that they contain wisdom that has been passed down through time. In general, the Church of the Golden Vow's ethics is based on a deep respect for the natural world, a commitment to unity and peace, and a belief in the significance of adhering to established practices and teachings.

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Worship

Yggtree Monasteries, which are temples constructed within Lesser Yggtrees, is where followers of the Church of the Golden Vow hold their worship services. During their love administrations, devotees supplicate kneeling down three times each day, with guys asking after females. They usually pray at the base of a Lesser Yggtree, which they consider to be a powerful and holy symbol of their faith. On the off chance that they can't ask at a Lesser Yggtree, they convey a unique compass called a Genuine Leaf that generally focuses towards the closest Lesser Yggtree, and they implore face that bearing. The Yggtree and the interconnectedness of all things in the universe are typically the focal points of their prayers. They may also express gratitude for the blessings of their lives and the natural world. During their love, supporters might light candles or copy incense as an approach to offering their requests and commitment to the Yggtree.

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Members of the Church of the Golden Vow can pray and meditate privately at home or in natural settings like forests or meadows in addition to attending formal worship services. This practice is seen as a way to connect with the Yggtree and the natural world more deeply and to seek wisdom and direction from their faith. In general, the Church of the Golden Vow's worship is highly reverent and ritualized, with a focus on the Yggtree's worship and reverence as well as the interconnectedness of everything in the universe.

Priesthood

1. Ard-Druid: The Ard-Druid is the high priestess/priest of the Golden Vow religion. They are responsible for interpreting the teachings of the Yggtree, guiding the community toward greater understanding and wisdom, and leading the community in ritual and worship.
2. Ollamh: The Ollamh is a senior religious scholar and advisor, responsible for interpreting the teachings of the Yggtree and providing guidance on matters of faith and ethics.
3. Filidh: The Filidh are the spiritual leaders of the Golden Vow community. They lead prayers, ceremonies, and other religious activities, and provide guidance and support to community members.
4. Brehon: The Brehon is responsible for ensuring that the religious laws and tenets of the Golden Vow are upheld within the community. They act as judges and mediators in disputes and work to maintain harmony and justice within the community.
5. Druidecht: The Druidecht are the spiritual guides of the Golden Vow community. They help individuals deepen their understanding of the Yggtree's teachings, and provide guidance on personal and spiritual development.
6. Bean Feasa: The Bean Feasa, or "Wise Woman," is responsible for the physical care and maintenance of the Yggtrees, as well as the upkeep of the Golden Vow's temples, shrines, and other holy places.
7. Oirfidh: The Oirfidh are the lay members of the Golden Vow community, responsible for upholding the tenets of the religion in their daily lives and striving to live in harmony with the teachings of the Yggtree. They are expected to support the work of religious leaders and seek to deepen their understanding of religion through study and contemplation.

Granted Divine Powers

Yggtree Blessings

"Golden Rays of Mercy whcih rewards the Devout"

Devout adherents of the Church of the Golden Vow are granted Yggtree Blessings, which are believed to originate from the limitless power of the Yggtree itself rather than the occult forces of the 5th Dimension. These endowments come in different structures and can be either latent capacities or ones that are enacted through unambiguous conditions. The faithful receive a divine reward in the form of a unique blessing. Yggtree Blessings include the following:

1. The Blessing of Resilience: providing a heightened resistance to physical harm and endurance in difficult situations.
2. The Blessing of Clarity: granting a clear and focused mind in the midst of chaos.
3. The Blessing of Insight: revealing hidden knowledge and intuition to the faithful.
4. The Blessing of Serenity: calming emotions and reducing stress in difficult situations.
5. The Blessing of Protection: creating a shield around the faithful and warding off harm from enemies.

Sects

• The Yggtree Gardeners: This sect of the Church of the Golden Vow is focused on the preservation and protection of the Yggtrees. Members of this sect are responsible for caring for the trees, planting new ones, and ensuring they are not harmed by outsiders or natural disasters.
• The Order of the Golden Quill: This sect of the Church of the Golden Vow is focused on the study and practice of magic related to the Yggtrees. Members of this sect believe that the trees are powerful conduits of magical energy, and they seek to unlock the secrets of this magic in order to serve the Yggtrees and their faith better.
• The Yggseers: This sect of the Church of the Golden Vow is focused on divination and prophecy related to the Yggtrees. Members of this sect believe that the Yggtrees hold the key to the future, and they seek to interpret signs and symbols in order to gain insight into the fate of their world.
• The Skaldic Academy of Religious Arts: This sect of the Church of the Golden Vow is focused on using music and song in worship of the Yggtrees. Members of this sect believe that music has a special power to connect people to the natural world, and they use their voices and instruments to offer praise and devotion to the Yggtrees.
• The Tree Sentinels: This sect of the Church of the Golden Vow is focused on defending their faith and the Yggtrees from external threats. Members of this sect are skilled in combat and martial arts, and they see themselves as the protectors of their people and their sacred sites. The Golden Vow advocates for non-violence where possible and strictly only employs the Tree Sentinels for defensive purposes.

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The Minor Word Churches

The 7 Words of Order are 7 metaphysical words that embody El-Shinra, the Aeon who commands the Yggtree and embodies it. El-Shinra is thought to be the accumulation of these 7 Words, and the Church also worships an Icon who embodies each. Each of these seven Icons occurs their own smaller sects of worshipers under the umbrella of the Golden Vow. The Seven Words are often referred to as The Seven-Part Name of El-Shinra. They are referred to as the Minor Word Churches because one Word does not encompass the entirety of El-Shinra.

• The Garden of Eden (Dal-MISJUN)
• The Death-Right Singers (Dal-VAAIS)
• The Wayfinders Union (Cali-ATSUS)
• The Yggdrasil Inquisition (Cali-RESEYAR)
• The White Lotus (Dal-YSUS)
• The Old Firekeepers (Dal-KYSYN)
• The Covenant of the Sun (Cali-RALIAS)

The Garden of Eden worships Dal-MISJUN and their Word is REBIRTH. This Church stresses letting go of individualism for the sake of the realms, community, and family. This Church is most likely to be found maintaining and managing Yggtrees located throughout the Realms ensuring they yield a fruitful harvest. Dal-MISJUN is the Icon of Fertility, Agriculture, and the Hearth.

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The Death-Right Singers worship Dal-VAAIS and their Word is ENDINGS. This Church and its members meditate for years to contemplate their death and compose their Death Song, a melody that will be sung upon their death to see their way through the 50 Dead Worlds. They focus on the purification of the SOUL via the eradication of sin, to cleanse their souls. Dal-VAAIS is the Icon of Funeral Practices, to refuse this Icon is to forfeit the right to a good and true death.

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The Wayfinders Union worship Cali-ATSUS and their Word is VOYAGE. This Church is composed of nomadic wandering priests who live as beggars, receiving only that which is freely given to them and never taking more than they need to continue the journey. Their voyage is eternal and cyclical with no destination but rather the pursuit of basking in the glory of Cali-ATSUS and his works, spreading the word of the faith similar to missionaries. Cali-ATSUS is the Icon of Travelers, Messengers, and Smithing.

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The Yggdrasil Inquisition worships Cali-RESEYAR and their Word is ORDER. This Church is composed of Inquisitors charged with seeking our Khaos and Scholars of the Formless Mother, in the act of suppressing it and slowing down the regression of the Multiverse back into the Singularity. The Inquisition is a secretive Church that often strays from the tenets of the Golden Vow in the name of service and safety. Cali-RESEYAR is the Icon of Justice, Order, and Stability.

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The White Lotus worships Dal-YSUS and their Word is FLOW. This Church adheres to the idea that all beings and all things must change to match the inherent flow of the cosmos. They obey the Will of El-Shinra and accept all states of being as his divine will and purpose. Dal-YSUS is the Icon of Change and Aging.

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The Old Firekeepers worship Dal-KYSYN and their Word is RUINATION. This Church believes that ruination is the pathway to enlightenment through the will of El-Shinra, they are thought to bring death and destruction but in reality, they come to pose a question, one asked in fire and blood and one that can only be answered by destroying and ruining what once was to build something that never was. They keep the Old Fire, the Cosmic Flame, the Spark of Cinder, the very heat source of Muspelheim, Embrace of the Cosmic Flame. There is a flame within us all, and it must be fed to sustain ourselves. Dal-KYSYN is the Icon of Fire and Destruction.

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The Covenant of the Sun worships Cali-RALIAS and their Word is LEGENDARY. This Church is composed of great heroes and warriors and poets who worship the image of a rising sun as it symbolizes greatness and rising power. Cali-RALIAS is the Icon of War & Heroes.

Unity Under Golden Rays

Type

Religious, Cult

Demonym

Golden Pilgrim(s)

Deities

• Galahad, Beholder of the Word Rebirth & Father of the New Gods
• Godfrey the Golden
• Godrick the Blighted
• Godwyn the All-Knowing, the Holy God of Wisdom
• Hasadiah, the Second Name of God
• Níðhöggr, the First Name of God

Divines

• Galahad, Beholder of the Word Rebirth & Father of the New Gods

Related Historical Events

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  The Second of the Empyrean Wars & the Fall of Dragon-King Níðhöggr
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  The Seven Draconic Seals of the Dragon Cultist

Bound by Fire, Faith & Blood

The Church of the Golden Vow

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The Order of the Dragon's Head

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The Dragon Cultists are the religious body of the Archdagon Knights. The Britannians are kings and warriors by nature, they believe a crown is warranted only with strength, but the Cult of the Dragons brought new Magic, innovation, and purpose to their kingdoms. The Dragon King adheres to the teachings and wisdom of the Arch Vicar in all matters.