Iashien Order

The Iashien Order, the one true religion of Drissau according to the priesthood.

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The Iashien Order is a pantheon of seven gods known only by their titles. The Farmer, The Teacher, The Soldier, The Artisan, The Moon, The Sun and The Traveller. Together they are known as both the Divine Seven and as the dragon slayers for the deeds that ascended them to godhood: The liberation of Drissau from the grip of the dragons, a deed that until then was considered an impossible feat. The Order is now the rulers of Drissau, where the upper echelons of the priesthood are in charge of the country.
The Order has a creed for each of the seven, with every adult being expected to swear to uphold the tenets of their chosen creed when they come of age, or when they are converted to the religion. Each member is also expected to uphold the law of the order, known as the Ieshen Creed which is considered the universal law of Drissau. The origins of the seven creeds is said to originate from their acts during the rebellion and is what ultimately helped them ascend to godhood.

The Farmer nurtures life. It is he who oversees growth, who cares for the little ones and he who raises the sick.
The Teacher learns of the world and teaches us about it, furthering our understanding of what is.
The Soldier guards our border and thresholds, reminding us to never become like those who once oppressed us.
The Artisan creates our cities and homes, for he makes the hearth that we gather by.
The Moon lead us on our way, showing us the destiny that was waiting for us.
The Sun moves and brings with it the change of seasons, letting the time pass and reminding us that nothing is forever.
The Traveller spoke for us, when we had no voice, and he remained silent when we spoke, for his job was done.
-Iashien prayer of the seven.

Divine Origins

The Iashien Creed began in the past, when dragons still ruled southern Ikune. The splintered sects and groups, with the dragons owning each of their territories within the sprawling wilderness.
The Creed was formed in the wake of a group called the Iashien, who lead the rebellion against the dragons of Ikune. During the rebellion, it was the Iashien who infiltrated the capital to confront the dragon elder, and it was in this battle that they brought down the leadership that kept the dragons together, splintering them but at the cost of their lives in the battle. Even as the rebellion subsided after their success, the bodies were yet to be found. It was declared, that the Iashien had rosen to godhood for their actions that day, and that they would watch over their people and their newborn nation until heaven itself would fall.
Each of the seven were originally known by their names until the church officially struck it from records, declaring that their mortal names were no longer a part of their divine nature, though this has not kept some sects from still revering the old names. Since then they have become known for their deeds in life as well as their ideals. The Farmer who took care of people and the sick, the Teacher who helped discover the weapons against the dragons and the Artisan who made them. The Soldier who trained the rebellion and the Traveller who came from far lands and encouraged people when they were afraid. The Moon who led them through the darkness of night with only the moon to guide them and the Sun who showed them Moon's changes as daylight enroached.
It was only with each of them that the rebellion managed to be a success and originally they were revered as heroes, but as time passed the cult that worshipped them as gods grew. The first Ieshen Speaker, a follower of the Moon, began to expand her influence fast as the last of the dragons fled or were slain, as they now had to begin rebuilding and lacked a central leadership. For this, the cult of the Seven stepped up, setting the stepping stones for what is today the theocracy of Drissau.

Priesthood

The priesthood of the Iashien Order is characterized by a structured hierachy. There are four distinct types of places of worship: chapels, sanctuaries, temples and the Sacred Summit, which is the most important location and is located within the capital. Each holds authority over the former, ordaining priests and other people of interest to the ones below and each is designated accordingly to its significance, often correlating with its size and sphere of influence.
The Protectors have a different hierachy as their duty is to protect the church and the priests, as well as to enforce the church law within the church's property. They are usually assigned to the church through an agreement between the priest and the local military commander, and are considered under the authority of the priest while assigned to this duty.
Contrasting this are the Wardens, who are the soldiers dedicated directly to the church and who are part of one of the orders. They fall outside the authority of the local priests, though they often work with them, and have their own superiors who share the titles of the ordained priests, but only answers to their own orders, their creed and the Ieshen Speaker.

1. Ieshen Speaker: The leader of the Sacred Summit and considered the highest living authority of the religion.
2. High Archon: Oversees the temples, that are often found in the larger cities within Drissau.
3. Archon: Supervises the sanctuaries that are typically found in towns.
4. Paragon: Manages the chapels which are typically situated in or near villages. Despite being considered the lowest-ranking overseers of churches, their authority remains significant.
5. Warden: Soldiers of the churches or orders. They either enforce church law or fulfill duties assigned by their orders.
6. Protector: The guards of the churches. They are under the authority of the priest in charge of the church they are assigned to.
7. Scholar, Scribe and Acolyte: Though their responsibilities vary, they hold equal rank. Scholars delve into the study of holy texts, scribes copy and write them, and acolytes assist with the day-to-day affairs of the church.

Tenets of Faith

Each of the seven has a creed, with every adult being expected to swear fealty to one creed. Regardless of the creed one swears to, the Ieshen Creed is considered the universal law and is the only one in which the order indicates the importance.

Ieshen Creed

1. Sanctuary is above all.
2. Respect those who rest eternal.
3. Only truth may be spoken.
4. Blood should never be drawn needlessly.
5. Never take, what is not owned.
6. Privacy of the dwelling is sacred.
7. Acknowledge only true Divines.

Creed of the Farmer

1. Where it is to be found, life shall be nurtured, however faint it may be.
2. To oversee the flock, is the most sacred of duties.
3. Mercy begets mercy. Blood is shed only, when all else is gone.
4. Even the most barren of land, has yet the potential, if only it may be nurtured.

Creed of the Teacher

1. To learn is to grow, and to grow is to live.
2. Ignorance is a blight, that may yet be banished.
3. Treat one no less, for what they have yet to know.
4. To forsake knowledge for comfort, is to forsake one's duty.

Creed of the Soldier

1. A shield is the weapon of a warrior, and a blade the tool of a dragon.
2. To envy others, is the path to greed, and greed forsakes oneself.
3. To step forward is to bring wrath, to step back is to forsake a comrade.
4. We are the shield of the order. To defend life, is our sacred duty.

Creed of the Artisan

1. One makes an object, the many makes the home.
2. A home is the hearth, and the hearth makes the home.
3. The man makes the tool, but the tool does not make the man.
4. When one calls, the many reply.

Creed of the Moon

1. When the many bow, we stand.
2. Our destiny matters not, for we are but guides to lead.
3. We lead the blind, carry those who can't walk, encourage the scared.
4. One may endure, so the many may pass.

Creed of the Sun

1. To see what is to be, never to see what was.
2. To remain still is stagnation, to follow the moon is growth.
3. When all else seem still, take a step of faith.
4. Salvation awaits all, who forgives the past.

Creed of the Traveller

1. When they are silent, speak.
2. When they talk, silence.
3. When they are ready, leave.
4. And when they are threatened, be the dragon.

Type

Religious, Pantheon

Alternative Names

Order of Seven.
Pantheon of the Dragon Slayers.
The Divine Light.

Demonym

Ieshen

Location

Drenkrirz Hillsides

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