Universal Church of Alcor
By far the most aggressive branch of Alcorism, the Universal Church of Alcor, more commonly referred to as the Western Church of Alcor, is the variety of Alcorism most commonly practiced on the continent of Avernalis. Indeed, in several Avernalan states, it is the official religion.
Public Agenda
- Exert public influence over government wherever possible to promote Alcorite policy
- Eradication of non-Alcorite religion wherever possible
- Subjugation of non-humans as a threat to (Western) Alcorite principles
History
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 veneration from his disciples and followers, though, that during his attempted execution in the city of Hashelayuv, he ascended, and became a god, himself.
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 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.
Tenets of Faith
- All male Alcorites are equal
- All male Alcorites should have equal spiritual standing in society
- Service to the Alcorite faith is the highest form of holiness
- Violence employed outside of the preservation or advancement of the faith is sin
- Failure to serve other Alcorites is violence
- The Church must be defended, by force, if necessary, against heresy and the influence of non-Alcorite gods.
Priesthood
Ordained priesthood within the Western Church is confined solely to human males. By custom, in most cases, they remain celibate, though there is no body of church law that requires them to do so. Some take on vows of poverty, though this is not the norm.
The structure of the Western Church is rigidly hierarchical.
Granted Divine Powers
Clerics of the Western Church may come from one of the following domains: Light, Life, Grave.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Western Church heavily influences the politics of the Avernalan continent. Grand Archbishops in many states have nearly as much power as the civil sovereigns. Simony is common.
Canon of the Universal Church of Alcor
- 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, but subservient to the Discourses (see below).
- The Discourses 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. Though hundreds of versions of each of these discourses exist, the canonical version in the Western Church is the Rustadic Bull compilation. It ignores, completely, al-Qor's inclusion of all races, as well as his most vociferous denunciations of violence. Other versions are considered heretical and the mere possession of a copy can be cause for imprisonment, torture, and execution in places where the Inquisition holds sway.
The Apostles of Alcor
- Erishem, originally a blacksmith. Leader of the Apostles.
- Iyeshevel, Founded the See of Qemish.
- Emilin, originally an Itarosan head of household. Founded an important and secret chapter of the faith within the Itarosan aristocracy. Executed publicly in Itaros as a subversive.
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