The Holy Tree Ministry

Created and written by Khali A. Crawford

Yggdradism:

The prominent religion of the Imperium is Yggdradism, which is defined as the religion based on the philosophy and wisdom of the World Tree YGGDRASIL, or its beliefs and practices. Yggdradism centers around the idea that the universe, like the World Tree Yggdrasil, is a vast and interconnected web of life. This interconnectedness is a fundamental belief. Followers believe that every living being, from the mightiest starship captain to the smallest microorganism, is a part of this cosmic web and has a role to play in the grand scheme of things. Yggdrasilians see the universe as a constantly evolving entity, and they believe in the cyclical nature of existence, where death leads to rebirth, much like the changing of seasons.

Military

The Holy Arms: Guardians of Faith

The Holy Tree Ministry's military wing, officially known as the Holy Arms of the Yggdrasil Ministry or more colloquially as the Holy Arms, stands as an imposing force deeply intertwined with the faith of Yggdradism. This military apparatus is a manifestation of both martial might and unwavering devotion to the sacred cause.

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Comprising seven distinct Arms, each dedicated to one of the Minor Word Church sects within the Ministry, the Holy Arms represent the pinnacle of faith-infused martial power. Within each Arm lies a Navy armada, legions of troopers, and an esteemed order of Holy Knights. These Arms symbolize the faith's unwavering commitment to its teachings and serve as protectors of its values. Together, they form the backbone of the faith's military, renowned not only for their effectiveness but also for their unyielding devotion.

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The Holy Arms operates with a degree of autonomy, answering directly to the Ministry itself and separate from the Department Of War (DOW). This independence is pivotal in safeguarding the faith's integrity and ensures that the military remains unswayed by external influences, except when the occasion demands cooperation in joint exercises or operations. Their loyalty is unwavering, their devotion absolute.

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The primary raison d'être of the Holy Arms is to prepare for and execute Holy Wars—a sacred duty inscribed in their very foundation. In the early days of the Imperium, when it bore the name Imperium of Man, the Holy Arms reigned supreme as the foremost military force, instrumental in the subjugation of the universe and the unification of its realms under the Emperor's banner. Throughout the Imperium's storied history, whenever the call for a Holy War resounded, it was the Holy Arms that took up the mantle of leadership, embodying the faith's martial spirit and commitment to order and reason.

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In times of peace, when Holy Wars are not declared, the Holy Arms pivot to safeguarding the holiest of sites—places such as the revered High Garden and other locales of profound religious significance. Their presence serves as an impenetrable shield, preserving the sanctity of these grounds and perpetuating the faith's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. An equally solemn duty bestowed upon the Holy Arms is the protection of the Minor Yggdrasil Trees that grace the planets throughout the Imperium's dominion. This guardianship is not limited to preservation from external threats but extends to the rare scenario where the native populations themselves pose a risk to the sanctity of these sacred symbols. The Holy Arms stand as the unwavering sentinels of Yggdrasil's essence.

The Imperial Inquisition: Enforcers of Divine Order

The Imperial Inquisition is tasked with rooting out heresy in all its forms, from those who worship false gods to those who dare to idolize the Prophets or deface holy sites. Even those who openly preach against the faith itself find themselves within the Inquisition's watchful gaze. In the eyes of the Inquisition, heresy, regardless of its degree, is a malignant force that must be extinguished. While the existence of the Imperial Inquisition is widely acknowledged within the Imperium, its operational methods remain shrouded in secrecy. They do not employ brash, daylight raids; rather, they operate with cunning and discretion. It is not uncommon for an individual to vanish from the streets without warning, leaving no trace behind. Those who are less fortunate become public examples of the Inquisition's might, their fates serving as stark warnings to those who would dare to challenge the faith.

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The Imperial Inquisition answers to one authority alone—the Faith itself. Even the heads of the Faith, in the past, have been dragged out of their lavish castles, stripped of their fancy robes, and humiliated in the street like a beggar. No man is above Justice and no Justice is above the judgement of the Almighty. Little is known about their internal workings, the extent of their spy networks, the identities of their informants, or the scope of their operations. They are an enigma wrapped in shadow, dedicated to preserving the purity of the faith at any cost. The Inquisition is well aware that the love and devotion of the faithful are the foundations of the faith's strength. However, when these fail to quell the fires of heresy and rebellion, the Inquisition steps forth with a cold and calculating demeanor, using fear as a potent instrument of control. The fear of vanishing into obscurity or becoming a public spectacle keeps heresy at bay when persuasion and love cannot.

Divine Origins

The Holy Church was founded on High Garden by the First Men to worship their God and tend to Eden, his gift to them. The Great Journey was the name of the mass exodus of Faithful who began to explore the universe and spread their Faith far and wide. They encountered some resistance but the biggest was the Sobek Empire which possessed technology from the future. They had been defeated in an event called the Great War in Heaven that had not yet taken place by the Knights of Camelot. Defeated, they limped back in time to the start of the universe to conquer it. While minor players in the future, they were a superpower in the past and crushed any who opposed them. The Holy-Sobek War was the first war the Holy Church fought and won via the divine power granted to their Lord of the House of Zion. The Holy Church took the Sobek technology and engineered it for their own purposes and quickly became a superpower.

Tenets of Faith

1. The First Commandment, The Supreme Icon of Order: "Thou shalt hold Yggdrasil as the supreme icon of cosmic order, the unshakable foundation of existence."
2. The Second Commandment, Embrace Logic: "Embrace logic as the sacred guiding light, leading thee through the abyss of chaos."
3. The Third Commandment, Be Champions of Reason: "Thou art champions of reason, advocating order in all aspects of life."
4. The Fourth Commandment, Guard Meaning: "Guard meaning and purpose, for Yggdrasil's embrace bestows significance upon thy existence."
5. The Fifth Commandment, Rebellion Against Khaos: "Rebel against Khaos, the embodiment of madness and entropy, for in order we find salvation."
6. The Sixth Commandment, Acknowledge the Structure: "Acknowledge Yggdrasil as the living embodiment of cosmic structure, the framework of all things."
7. The Seventh Commandment, Celebrate Existence: "Celebrate thy existence as an act of defiance against the engulfing abyss of chaos."
8. The Eighth Commandment, Harmony Through Order: "Strive to bring harmony and balance to the world, as do the branches of Yggdrasil in their intricate design."
9. The Ninth Commandment, Safeguard Order: "Safeguard the omniverse from the encroaching forces of chaos, for thy duty is the preservation of structure."
10. The Tenth Commandment, Seek Enlightenment Through Order: "Seek enlightenment through the study of the ordered universe, drawing closer to the essence of Yggdrasil."

These tenets of faith were prescribed to the Ministry by one of their Minor Word Churches, the White Lotus. The Prophet Sodam-Yodell received them in his visions and thus the foundation of the faith was made.

Worship

Minor Yggtree Monasteries are temples built around the base of a Minor Yggdrasil Tree and serve as the point of worship for the Ministry as well as their schools of thought and community centers on planets. Worship at the base of these Minor trees is formally carried out once a day throughout the week (Edendus - Fidus) and twice on a weekend day, typically Solardus. However, per the doctrine and logic of the church, all things are connected, and worship can be done anywhere at any point in time. Prayers within this religion are typically 3-4 lines long and no more than 25 words in length in total.

"Sacred Tree, grant wisdom.

Guide our steps, guard our souls.

Yggdrasil's light, our goal."

Priesthood

1. Arboreal Hierophants: These are the highest-ranking priests and priestesses, responsible for interpreting the sacred texts and guiding the faithful in matters of doctrine and faith.
2. Sylvan Sages: These scholars and philosophers serve as teachers, imparting wisdom and knowledge about Yggdrasil's role in the universe and the importance of order and reason.
3. Logic Wardens: They act as the guardians of rationality and order within the faith, ensuring that the teachings of Yggdrasil are upheld and chaos is kept at bay.
4. Philosophical Rootkeepers: These priests are responsible for deepening the philosophical understanding of Yggdradism, exploring its connection to the cosmic order, and fostering intellectual discourse.
5. Dendrochronic Oracles: Specializing in divination and prophecy, these priests seek visions and insights within the patterns of Yggdrasil, guiding the faithful in times of uncertainty.
6. Scholarly Arborists: These priestly scholars study the intricate structure of Yggdrasil, delving into its cosmic significance and sharing their findings with the faithful.
7. Orderly Synthesists: They are responsible for harmonizing the diverse beliefs within the faith, ensuring unity and cohesion among the followers of Yggdrasil.

The process of choosing members for the priesthood is a meticulous one. Individuals are selected not merely for their faith but also for their profound comprehension of Yggdradism's core teachings, their unwavering commitment to its principles, and their ability to illuminate and inspire others. To prepare for this esteemed role, aspiring priests and priestesses undergo rigorous theological and philosophical training, delving into the intricacies of Yggdrasil's cosmic significance and the nuances of maintaining order and reason within the faith.

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A pivotal rite of passage for those aspiring to the priesthood is the sacred pilgrimage to the High Garden, a fabled planet at the very heart of the universe. It is believed to be the place where the First Men were created and where the Garden Eden, tended by the highest among the faithful, flourishes in eternal harmony. These arduous journeys embarked upon with humility, are undertaken only a few times in the life of a faithful member. Travelers rely on the kindness of strangers, wearing humble rags as a testament to their devotion. The pilgrimage is seen as a transformative experience, deepening the connection between the pilgrim and Yggdrasil's wisdom.

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Members of the priesthood are instantly recognizable by their distinctive attire. They often don robes adorned with intricate tree-like patterns and symbols that serve as a visual representation of their dedication to the tenets of logic and order. Some among them may choose to bear tattoos or marks on their bodies, each symbolizing their profound connection to Yggdrasil and their unique roles within the priesthood.

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Priests and priestesses carry ceremonial staffs with leaves and branches, signifying their unbreakable connection to Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and the responsibility they bear in preserving cosmic order. Those engaged in scholarly roles within the priesthood are often seen wearing scholarly regalia. These robes are adorned with patches that signify their specific areas of expertise within the faith, signifying their commitment to furthering the intellectual aspects of Yggdradism.

Granted Divine Powers

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.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Macro-Level

• On a grand scale, the Ministry does not occupy a formal position within the Imperial Congressional Body (ICB), which constitutes the Legislative Branch of government. However, their influence extends significantly over the Imperial Leadership Council (ILC), a vital component of the Executive Branch. Within the Emperor's Small Council, a distinguished council of Arboreal Hierophants, the highest-ranking members of the Faith, serve as advisors to the reigning Emperor. Their counsel carries substantial weight and can shape imperial policies, especially when it concerns matters that intersect with the faith's teachings.
• The Ministry's core responsibilities include safeguarding the faith and culture of the Imperium, tending to the hallowed High Garden, and maintaining the Minor Yggdrasil Trees found on each planet across the universe. This mandate grants them substantial control and authority over the Department of Environment and Wildlife Welfare (DEWF), responsible for ensuring the health and safety of planetary ecosystems and wildlife (both flora and fauna).

Micro-Level

• At the micro level, the Ministry's presence is felt planet by planet and system by system. The Imperium mandates that each planet house a certain number of Ministries for the faithful and adhere to laws and regulations that respect the rights and obligations of these Ministries. While the Holy Tree Ministry could theoretically exert political influence on a local scale, they have thus far exhibited minimal interest in planetary politics. They have the Emperor's ear, and what little power some less than insignificant petty lord or king may offer them pales in comparison and would most surely be taken as an insult.
• Many Great Houses, which do hold seats within the Imperial Congress, maintain strong ties with their local chapters of the Faith. It is common for these Houses to send their children to train under the guidance of the Ministry on the High Garden, further cementing the interplay between faith and politics within the Imperium.
• However, the Ministry wields a potent legal tool to protect its beliefs and interests. They possess the authority to review Legislative Edicts proposed by Congress, assessing whether these edicts violate the tenets of the Faith. Furthermore, they hold the power to veto an Edict before it even reaches the Executive Branch, should it be found in conflict with their religious principles. This prerogative grants them a significant lever to ensure that imperial laws and policies align with the teachings of Yggdradism.

In essence, while the Holy Tree Ministry does not have a formal role within the legislative body of the Imperium, its profound influence over the executive leadership, along with its legal rights and spiritual significance, positions it as a formidable force in shaping the political landscape of the empire, both at the highest echelons of power and at the grassroots level.

Sects

The Minor Word Churches are sects within the Holy Tree Ministry that each make up a body of the faith that embodies 1 of the 7 Words of Reality, the seven foundational Words that are the basis of the structure of this cosmos. They are ENDINGS-FLOW-LOVE-LEGENDARY-REBIRTH-CINDER-VOYAGE

1. The Church of the Death-Right Singers (ENDINGS): The Death-Right Singers behold the Word ENDINGS and spend their lives preparing the 32 Verses of their own Death Song. Upon their death, their Death Song is complete and they leave behind all 32 verses. On the prayer worlds of this Church, the faithful sing the death songs of those who have passed. They believe it is all beings' right to one day die and find eternal peace in the 52 Dead Worlds.
2. The Church of the White Lotus (FLOW): The White Lotus beholds the Word FLOW and they abolish the idea of resistance, surrendering to Taoism, the meaning of the way of the universe. By going with the flow and not resisting the natural order of things, individuals can achieve a state of balance and inner peace. They can learn all 32 Syllables once they have become instruments of the Way. They study the depths of Yggdrasil and it is from them many of the faith's doctrines and ideologies manifest.
3. The Church of the
4. The Church of the Skáld College (LEGENDARY): The Skálds behold the Word LEGENDARY and are the greatest repository of sagas ever written. They journey across the Realms, becoming great heroes or seeking employment with such figures to recount their exploits. They believe that stories and myths are what inspire others to greatness, not facts and documentaries. They learn the 32 Syllables of LEGENDARY by continuing to face their own limits and surpassing them.
5. The Church of the Gardeners (REBIRTH): The Gardeners behold the Word REBIRTH and are devoted to looking after the Garden of Eden on the planet High Garden but are also responsible for the maintenance and care of all Minor Yggdrasil Trees across the universe. Moreover, they are responsible for nurturing and preserving all the Minor Yggdrasil Trees scattered throughout the cosmos. As each planet inevitably approaches the culmination of its existence, in harmony with the natural order, the Gardeners oversee the planting of a fresh Minor Yggdrasil Tree upon its rebirth, thereby sustaining the vitality of the Universe. They confront the perpetual cycle of demise and resurgence, repeatedly, until they master all 32 Syllables.
6. The Church of the Firekeepers (RUINATION): The Firekeepers behold the Word CINDER and are the Faith's division within the Realm Múspellsheimr to keep watch of the Cosmic Flame of Ruin, the flames Old King Surtr will conjure during Ragnarök to wreak havoc on creation and trigger the 2nd Argument. The Cosmic Flame cannot be allowed to die nor can they be allowed to run rampant, thus a Firekeeper learns the 32 Syllables of CINDER by bearing an Ember of the Flame within themselves.

The Giant with the Flaming Sword by John Charles Dollman

1. The Church of the Nomads (VOYAGE): The Nomads behold the Word VOYAGE and are nomadic beggar priests who are on a constant pilgrimage across Miðgarðr, each one guided by the faith of Yggdrasil. It is on their voyage that these beggar nomads learn the 32 Syllables of VOYAGE, they are also excellent navigators and draft the best star charts.

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As Above, So Below; As Within, So Without

Alternative Names

The Faith of the Imperium | The Holy Church

Demonym

Arborians

Parent Organization

The Imperium of Miðgarðr

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