The Church of the Sun

"We are all brothers and sisters united under the glorious incandescence of the Sun!" -Patriarch Vossen

The Church of the Sun was a powerful religious group that amassed numerous followers in the Osmad Desert. Headed by the great Patriarch Vossen, the Church's followers devoted themselves to a life of devotion to the great power that is the Sun in the sky. They worshiped the Sun as if it were a god, however, it is emphasized that the Sun is not a god and that they are recognizing the immense power that it holds over life. The followers, also known as Children of the Sun, were also reminded not to look directly at the Sun, despite its significance.
In the year 1411 CE, the Church of the Sun amassed such a huge following that they were able to start an insurrection against the Sultanate and take control in just a day. For the next seven years, the Church of the Sun was in power and molded the Osmad Desert to their vision. Sinners were brutally punished for their disgrace. Sins included larceny, deception, murder, witchcraft, heresy, dissent, infidelity, and various other frowned upon acts. It was common for these sinners to be executed in public rituals so that everyone could "witness the sun's bright judgement." Some individuals rose up against against these practices, but they were soon imprisoned and/or executed.
Eventually, it was discovered that the Church had more nefarious intentions than it seemed. From using mind-controlling magic to dealing with fiends, the truth began to spread about the so called Church. In the year 1418 CE, a group known as the Eclipse, along with the former princess, Nala Al-Sharaf, and her allies, fought back against the Church of the Sun. The Patriarch was slain, the Church defeated and disavowed, and the city liberated back into the hands of its original rulers.   
Today, only remnants of what was once the Church remain. Now properly branded as a cult, anyone suspected of dealing with them is heavily investigated. Despite all the evils the cult has committed, it still attracts the attention of the Sultanate's traditionalist extremist groups.

Disbandment

The Church was defeated by the forces of The Eclipse in Bekilk in 1418 after controlling the city for seven years in an oppressive regime.

DISBANDED/DISSOLVED

All hail the glorious Sun!

Founding Date

1400

Type

Religious, Cult

Leader

Patriarch Vossen

Location

Bekilk

Notable Members

• Commander Paladin Trevil
• Patriarch Vossen