Alcorism
Alcorism is the name for the very broad group of religions based on worship or veneration of Alcor. Broadly, it is divided into 3 groups - the Universal Church of Alcor, the Orthodox Estinos Church of Alcor and the far smaller Disciples of al-Qor.
Divine Origins
Over seven centuries ago, an itinerant human preacher-prophet named al-Qor (which isn't really a name - it means "of the people") taught in the coastal desert regions of southern Corvalis. He taught that the Gods were far too demanding and that the intelligent species properly owed their allegiance and veneration to those among them who humbly served others. He taught that all races were equal, all people were equal, and that service to others was the highest form of holiness.
His teaching was a direct threat to the various cults of the different Gods. After a while, the priesthood of one of the Gods, Uvarsh, began challenging al-Qor whenever he taught in public. His preaching and logic were superior to that of the Uvarshan priests, however, and al-Qor only gained more followers. At length, the Uvarshans, with aid from political and religious allies, were able to convince the Itarosan governor that Alcor's teachings were threatening the peace of the province. After a sham trial, Alcor was sentenced to death. He had gained enough followers that during his attempted execution in the city of Hashelayuv, he ascended, and became a god, himself.
The Early Church, the Qemishite Apostasy, and the East-West Schism
At first, his followers remained outlaws, but their message of service to others resonated in an empire devoted only to rule-by-strength. The name "al-Qor" became Itarosanized into "Alcor." In the third century, the Imperator Hadrotus converted to Alcorism, changing his name to "Fidelius," and declared it a legal religion in the Edict of Estran. From that point in history, the Church exploded in prestige and power. A small faction, officially labeled a heretic movement, split off shortly after Estran, forming the Qemishite Church. Later, when the Imperium contracted back from Avernalis, a de facto schism formed as the Avernalan Alcorites abandoned the principle of peace which had been universally seen as foundational to the faith. In 543, that schism became formal, as the Rustan of the Avernalans and the Biscopos of Estinos publicly feuded over leadership of the Church. The Avernalan branch became the Western Church, formally known as the Universal Church of Alcor and the Corvalan branch became the Eastern Church, formally known as the Orthodox Estinos Church of Alcor.Cosmological Views
The Gods exist (beyond Alcor, that is). Their demand for subservience and worship is self-serving and they are not fully to be trusted. Service by mortals to and for other mortals will free the Multiverse of the need for Gods. Alcor, though ascended, would welcome his obsolescence and demise.
Tenets of Faith
Universal Tenets
The broad ethical teachings of classical Alcorism are:- All are equal
- All should have equal standing in society
- Service to to others is the highest form of holiness
- Violence is blasphemy
- Failure to serve others is to do violence to them
Granted Divine Powers
Alcorite priests may come from the Knowledge, Grave, Light, Life or Peace domains.
Sects
There are three major sects of Alcorism.
- Estinos Orthodox Church of Alcor
- Universal Church of Alcor
- Discipleship of al-Qor
The Canon of Alcorism
There is not a single, agreed-upon canon of Alcorism. Instead, each of the three major sects of Alcorism has developed its own Canon. Below are the works that are considered canonical, and by whom.- The Book of Alcor, a volume outlining the stories of al-Qor's life and ministry. There are three source manuscripts of this book, each with very minor differences. Considered canonical by the Eastern and Wester church, only.
- The Discorses of al-Qor and the 22 Scribes of Uvarsh, a series of debates between al-Qor and the Uvarshans. There are 16 debates, in total, each named for the chief Uvarshan scribe who argues with al-Qor. There are hundred of versions of each of these discourses. The Eastern Church recognizes one distinct set of them as authentic canon, while the Western church accepts a different set, which ignores al-Qor's inclusion of all races, as well as his most vociferous denunciations of violence. Other versions are generally considered apocryphal by all branches of Alcorism. Interestingly, the Qemishite Church does not recognize the authority of any of the Discourses.
- The Odyssey of al-Qor's Spirit, a mystical/gnostic text only recognized by the Qemishite Church as authoritative. In fact, both the Eastern and Western churches have denounced it as heretical.
Founding Date
7535
Type
Religious, Sect
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