Orthodox Azraen Faith
The Azraen Faith, centered in the city of Sancta Regia within The Aeternus Imperium, holds a powerful influence over the realm, having once conquered the Imperium through religious persuasion. The faith exudes an aura of order and righteousness, often resorting to bouts of persecution for religious minorities. It emphasizes the avoidance of temptation, the eradication of sin, and the significance of tithing, indulgences, and according to its detractors: the privileged lifestyle of the clergy. With a strong political presence, the Azraen Faith spreads its influence across the world through the deployment of priests and missionaries. Their worship centers on Azrael, the esteemed creator god, holding him above all other angels, he heard the call of the one father and became God. According to their origin story, Azrael fashioned mankind in his divine image. The faith boasts its own secretive Paladin and Clerical orders, many say they harbor hidden divine magic. Doctrine assures the faithful that Azrael safeguards Solacea from demonic threats, assuring that these malevolent entities are confined within Hell and pose no immediate physical danger to humanity.
Warriors of the faith are told to sharpen their skills for the afterlife, after death they are supposed to go to Azraen's home in heaven and recruited into the armies of Heaven to one day, conquer Hell and destroy evil from the cosmos.
Clerics, Paladins and Priests of the faith are trained in Caelum.
Mythology & Lore
The Orthodox Azrean Faith, as practiced extensively within the Aeternus Imperium, reveres Azrael, often termed the "Father" or "Odim", as the Ascendant God. Once the Archangel of Concord, he was elevated to a state of supreme divinity, making him the singular embodiment of divinity after he closed the gates to Hell and heard the call of Annu. The faith, rooted in teachings of unity, order, and perfection, has spread its influence across the globe, becoming the most dominant religion known.
Divine Origins
The Founding of the Orthodox Azrean Faith: The Seven Disciples of Concord
In the early days, when the world was still finding its shape and mankind was young, the figure of Azrael, then known as the Archangel of Concord, graced the land. Radiating a divinity that was yet to be fully realized, he gathered around him seven devout and wise followers. They became known as the Seven Disciples of Concord.
1. Seraphus the Wise: A sage renowned for his knowledge and calm demeanor, Seraphus was the first to recognize the divinity in Azrael. He was the primary scribe, responsible for penning down Azrael's teachings and prophecies.
2. Laelia the Compassionate: A healer and empath, Laelia spread the teachings of love, mercy, and charity, emphasizing that Azrael’s message was one of unity and understanding.
3. Dominic the Valiant: A skilled warrior, Dominic exemplified the principles of honor, duty, and sacrifice. He laid the groundwork for the faith's paladin order, blending martial prowess with spiritual fervor.
4. Cassia the Just: A magistrate of her time, Cassia represented the principles of justice and order that Azrael stood for. She became the foundation for the clerical order, emphasizing the importance of divine law and righteousness.
5. Baelor the Ascetic: Renowned for his austerity and discipline, Baelor's teachings emphasized the virtues of humility, purity, and detachment from worldly desires, drawing followers who sought a monastic life.
6. Elysia the Songbird: With a voice that could move the heavens, Elysia spread the word of Azrael through song and melody. She became the patron of hymns and religious chants, establishing the sacred chorales that still echo in the sanctuaries of Sancta Regia.
7. Thorne the Navigator: A voyager who traveled distant lands, Thorne was instrumental in spreading Azrael's message beyond the borders. He was the precursor to the missionaries, emphasizing the importance of bringing unity and order to the chaotic corners of the world.
Under Azrael's guidance, the Seven Disciples forged the foundational tenets and traditions of the faith. As time passed, the figure of Azrael transformed from Archangel to the embodiment of divinity itself, with the Seven Disciples revered as the pillars of the faith, their teachings shaping the ethos of the Orthodox Azrean doctrine.
From their efforts, the faith grew from a small gathering of devout followers to a mighty religious institution, one that would eventually plant its roots in Sancta Regia, and from there, stretch its influence across the lands.
Cosmological Views
Cosmology: The afterlife is imagined as a stratified realm, with souls judged based on their deeds. While the righteous ascend to paradisiacal realms, those who err are condemned to dire strata, distant from Azreal's fellowship.
Doctrine of Protection: Believers are taught that after the Dawn War, Azreal shields Solacea from Demons, insisting these malevolent entities are imprisoned in Hell and no longer pose a physical threat. This is embodied in his closure of the door to hell, and his consquential assention to Godhood.
Origin Myth: Central to Azrean's teachings is the belief that mankind was molded in Azreal's image, marking the birth of humanity.
Tenets of Faith
The Ascension: Central to the faith is Azreal's transformation from Archangel to God, signifying every soul's goal: perfection, unity, and order.
Doctrine of Unity: The faith staunchly believes in an interconnected world held together by celestial order. Actions disrupting this order are seen as heretical.
Rituals and Liturgy: Intricate ceremonies are a hallmark, filled with melodious hymns, grand places of worship, and aromatic incense, always reminding the faithful of the divine order and Azreal's grace.
Divine Hierarchy: The clergy's hierarchical structure reflects Azreal's rise, with every rank having a defined role in preserving the sacred order.
Duties to the Divine: Believers are encouraged to lead disciplined lives, practice benevolence, partake in religious services, and uphold the principles of unity and order.
Worship
Missionary Work: Priests and missionaries from the faith are stationed globally, propagating Azreal's teachings and influencing diverse cultures.
Priesthood
The faith boasts its paladin, priestly (non magical) and clerical orders. However, their ability to harness divine magic is shrouded in secrecy, perpetuating an aura of mystery.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Originally based in another influential city, the faith's epicenter shifted to Sancta Regia, a move driven by a blend of political maneuvering and divine prophecy. Through its spiritual might, Sancta Regia later subjugated the Aeternus Imperium, thereby melding religious dominance with political clout.
The Orthodox Azrean Faith, as practiced extensively within the Aeternus Imperium, reveres Azreal, often termed the "Father" or "Odim", as the Ascendant God. Once the Archangel of Concord, he was elevated to a state of supreme divinity, making him the singular embodiment of divinity. The faith, rooted in teachings of unity, order, and perfection, has spread its influence across the globe, becoming the most dominant religion known.
Unity in Order, Salvation through Obedience.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Capital
Demonym
Azreanite
Leader
Leader Title
Founders
Head of State
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Unitary state
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Divines
Location
Notable Members
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