Andorian Church
The Androian Church is a popular religion practiced on Epeoris. The church was founded in 329 BB by Agustin Andor who is claimed to be an avatar of Rhaan and is foretold to return and judge the wicked by the church's scriptures; this return occured in 740 AB when, according to church canon, Kairoz the Enlightened became one with Agustin. It is the state religion of The Holy Kadian Pact and is the oldest organized human religion existing.
Structure
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Arch Priest of the Andorian Church
The head figure of the Andorian church is a former Arch Bishop, usually of Rhaan. They must be male and of human descent. A new Arch-Priest is appointed when the former dies. They are in charge of the day to day operations of the church and ruling on religious matters of entire states and empires.
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Arch Bishop
Each arch bishop is tasked with different matters, depending on the god they worship:
The Arch Bishop of Rhaan oversees all matters related to justice and redemption.
The Arch Bishop of Nymm oversees all matters related to the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden.
The Arch Bishop of Talador oversees all matters related to magic and knowledge.
The Arch Bishop of Eyre oversees all matters related to nobility and royalty.-
Assembly of Bishops
The Assembly of Bishops is the church's legal sanctum. The bishops vote on new regulations and rules, while overseeing the public teachings of their respective divines. There are four arch bishops, each is in charge of the bishops that are sworn to the divine they represent.
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Bishop
Selected by their respective arch bishop from among the priesthood, bishops are in charge of spreading and enforcing the decisions of their superior while also serving as the supreme religious authority within their parish. Bishops fill strictly a religious role, and do not partake in politics.
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The Priesthood
The general priesthood is comprised of clerics, healers, pastors and other smaller roles of the church. They report to the bishop whom parish they serve in, though depending on their role, they might report to a cardinal instead.
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The Priesthood
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Assembly of Bishops
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Cardinal of the Inquisition
The Cardinal of the Inquisition is the supreme commander of the Andorian Inquisition. The cardinal is appointed by the assembly of bishops in complete concensus. Once appointed, they answer only to the arch priest himself and are otherwise completely outside the church's hierarchy.
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The Inquisition
The inquisition is the executive arm of the Andorian church. The are trained similarly to officers in the military, but undergo studies of divine law and civilian legal matters. Much like their cardinal, the inquisition is considered to be outside the church's hierarchy.
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The Inquisition
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Cardinal Cardinalis
Also known as the "Cardinal of Cardinals", the Cardinal Cardinalis is the political figurehead of the church, acting on its behalf when interacting with nations and kingdoms.
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Assembly of Cardinals
The Assembly of Cardinals contain 36 cardinals who are selected based on a popular vote. The assembly does not hold religious power, instead it functions as a mediator between church and the nobility on whose land the church operates.
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Cardinal
Each cardinal is appointed by the Arch-Bishop from the general clergy and priesthood to serve as a direct advis of a noble. The cardinals work to ensure healthy and righteous relationship between the nobility and the church. They represent all bishops and priests who operate in their jurisdiction.
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Assembly of Cardinals
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Arch Bishop
Tenets of Faith
While there are many rules traditions and practices, only 16 of those are considered the 'Core Tenets'. Those tenets are to be held by anyone who considers themselves a follower of the church. The church entrust the teaching of the tenets and their implications to the local clergy, with the Andorian Inquisition acting as a body to enforce their adherence and punish those that are considered offenders of the faith. The 16 Core Tenets are:
A: Light and Justice
A:A One should witness the break of dawn.
A:B One should always have a light source in their home.
A:C One should avert their eyes to not witness the Sliver of Bane.
A:D One should adhere to justice and pursue it wherever they go.
B: Life and Valor
B:A One should value life as it was gifted by the gods to all of creation.
B:B One should protect the weak from the wicked.
B:C One should respect those who gave them their life above all.
B:D One should not gather or hunt more then they are able to carry.
C: Knowledge and Magic
C:A One should never abuse the forces magic.
C:B One should use their magic to give onto others.
C:C One should respect and love their teachers.
C:D One should never lie and trick for their gain.
D: Leadership and Royalty
D:A One must respect the rule of a noble for it is a divine gift.
D:B One must never allow corruption to set inside their home.
D:C One must appoint a shepherd to their community.
D:D One must not fall to crime or acts of wickedness.
Founding Date
329 BB
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Permeated Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments