Church of the Radiant Saints

The Church of the Radiant Saints is the dominant religion of the human kingdoms of Imera, and the most widely accepted faith among the humans in general. Centered around five virtuous humans, and adapting many of the core tenets of the Way of the Light, the Church was established to provide its followers with a model of good moral conduct, and an example of what virtues they should strive to emulate in their lives. As of the current age, the teachings of the Church have become ingrained in the lives of many throughout the human kingdoms, and serve as a connecting thread across social class and nationality.

Structure

High Radiant: The highest title one can hold in the Church, the High Radiant is a High Father/Mother elected to the position by their fellows. It is the duty of the High Radiant to represent the Church in matters of great importance, and to serve as a mediator in gatherings of the High Fathers/Mothers.
High Father/Mother: The senior-most members of the clergy. Usually, there are five High Fathers/Mothers in each of the human kingdoms (one for each of the five saints), all of whom periodically meet to form a council to discuss matters of the Church.
High Priest/Priestess: Members of the Church responsible for overseeing Church matters in a region, with multiple temples under their supervision.
Priest/Priestess: Members of the clergy responsible for overseeing their local temple.
Initiate: New recruits to the Church, tasked with aiding the Priest/Priestess of their temple in both spiritual and administrative matters.

Other Terms
Brother/Sister: Typically used by members of the clergy to refer to members of a similar rank.
Father/Mother: Typically used by members of the clergy to refer to members who rank above them, and the terms used by the commonfolk when addressing members of the clergy, regardless of their rank.
Lightbearer: A title given to Clerics (those capable of using divine magic) aligned with the Church, particularly those who draw their power from the Archaiel, the Elari of light. Lightbearers can hold any rank within the Church, and are the most likely members of the Church to join adventuring parties.

Culture

The priests and clerics of the Church of the Radiant Saints strive to live their lives by the virtues the Saints have set for them, and to inspire others to follow their example to the best of their ability. Additionally, the clergy are encouraged to provide aid to those who need it, from commonfolk to passing adventurers.

Public Agenda

The Church of the Radiant Saints was established to honour the memory and deeds of the saints that laid its foundations, and to guide their followers in following the example they've set.

Assets

The Church of the Radiant Saints has a number of temples and sanctuaries throughout the various human kingdoms (as well as some of the surrounding areas), and the support of their nobility and royalty. Additionally, the Church has ties to various other organisations (such as the Wardens of the Radiant Shield) that they may call on when needed.

Mythology & Lore

The Creator and the Elari: The story of how the Creator shaped the universe from the Void, how they shaped the Elari from their essence to aid them in shaping and ordering Creation (while chiefly focusing on the creation of Taeva), and the roles each of the Elari play in the Creators grand design.

The Saints: The stories of each of the Five Saints, of the deeds they accomplished in their lives, and the lessons they left behind for their followers.

Divine Origins

The Church of the Radiant Saints is believed to have been descended from the Way of the Light, a collection of various schools of thought venerating the Creator through Archaiel, the Elari of light, and focusing on the ideals of order, justice, and selflessness. It wasn't until the time of Saint Aione (the Founder Saint) that these beliefs began to coalesce into a singular, formal faith dedicated to upholding the old faiths tenets of order and justice, as well as easing the suffering of others, and being a beacon of hope in dark times.

Cosmological Views

As with the other faiths of Taeva, the Church holds that the universe (referred to as "Creation") was brought into existence at the dawn of time by an all-powerful divine being known simply as "The Creator", who then created seven lesser divine beings known as the Elari from a fraction of their own essence to aid them in shaping and watching over the fundamental elements of Creation. In particular, the Church venerates the Creator through Archaiel, the Elari of light, order, and justice, and the most devout servant of the Creator, as well as the chief enforcer of their will (due to the belief that the light is the medium through which the Creators laws are imposed on Creation).

Tenets of Faith

All things were made of the Light. Our mortal realm and its inhabitants, our very beings, even the Elari, were all born of the Creators radiance.

The Light is sanctuary. Just as the light of a torch can provide sanctuary on a moonless night, so too does Creation, and the light of the Creator, provide sanctuary from the darkness of the formless Void.

The Light is truth. No lie can hide in the revealing presence of the Light.

The Light is pure. All things newly formed of the Light are pure in thought and action, and no unnatural thing can survive in the Lights presence.

Be a healing light to the world. Tend to the suffering and downtrodden, and be a beacon of hope and compassion to all.

A generous heart is a bright heart. Give to those less fortunate in whatever way you can, even if there will be no reward for your deeds.

A heart full of valour will shine like a beacon. Be brave in the face of opposition, and you will inspire others to do the same. Do not confuse foolishness for bravery, and be careful what causes you hold on to.

A just heart shines with the Light. One who lives a life of honesty, diligence, and justice is a life blessed by the Light.

A love of the Light is a love of Life. Take joy in the beauty of the Creators works, and share your joy with those around you.

Ethics

The Radiant Church teaches that inspiring hope, being compassionate, holding on to your ideals, giving to those in need, standing for truth and justice, and taking joy in life are the keys to a righteous life.

Worship

There are numerous temples throughout the human kingdoms where the faithful of the Radiant Church may congregate and listen to the teachings of the local priest. Additionally, it's common practice for followers to practice their faith from home, most commonly through prayer (usually before a pivotal life event). Beyond this, simply living ones life by the teachings of the Radiant Church is considered to be worship in itself.

Priesthood

The Radiant Church is lead by numerous priests and priestesses. A priest may only be promoted to a higher rank within the clergy by a priest higher in authority than them, and a new High Father/Mother or High Radiant may be promoted if a previous ones position has been vacated.

Priests/Priestesses are identified by their white and yellow robes, with those of higher rank wearing robes of white and gold. Lightbearer Clerics often wear similar clothing, as well as a variant designed for ease of movement with some light armour for added protection, given that they are the most likely members of the clergy to venture far into the wider world.

Granted Divine Powers

Among the clergy of the Radiant Church, some are able to become Lightbearers, Clerics capable of using divine magics tied to Archaiel, the Elari of light. The light magic of these Clerics is heavily influenced by Archaiel, as well as the five Saints, and allows the caster to heal, shield, and inspire their allies, and calling down bolts of light, and summoning weapons of light. However, like all divine magics, these abilities can be taken from them if the Cleric misuses them.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Radiant Church has become a facet of many of the inhabitants of the human kingdoms, including their nobility.

Sects

The Devoted of Aione: A group within the Radiant Church that focus on following the example and teachings of Aione, the Healing Saint. To this end, the Devoted focus their efforts on tending to the sick and injured, providing sanctuary to those who need it, and in general trying to inspire hope in others. Since Aione is considered to be the Founding Saint of the Radiant Church, the Devoted are also one of the most influential groups within the Radiant Church.