Church of the Eternal Flame

The Church of the Eternal Flame, is the religion of the Valeran Hold, and is currently practiced widely throughout of the Kingdom of Valera. The first Church was established in the world of Abexilas at the dawn of Valera in 1 VE and the ignition of the Prime Fire, and to this day interpretations of the Church’s beliefs are debated by the state’s religious scholars. The church follows a vast Pantheon of gods, each nurturing their own element in the world and having many mythical stories told. Some gods have avid sub-religions, praising and following their teachings. Others, are better left alone...
== Origins ==
Central to the belief system of the Church is the titular Eternal Flame, a holy fire which burns as the heart of Valera and her people. According to the writings of the Church, the origin of the flame was as a divine gift from the lights of the sky, the great sun of day, and moon and stars of the night. The gods of Valera. Eirene, goddess of the sun, Lunos, God of the moon, and all other gods, in their shapes and forms that mend the worlds at which we exist. At the dawn of Valera, King Avryee and his followers, led by a great beacon in the stars, traveled harsh lands and vast oceans in a new world they entered trough the blessing of eirene. in search of their promised homeland in Abexilas. The stars led them to Xrayem Iristoya, and to the valley of what is now Valera.
A conflict between various parties and tribes jockeying for the prized northern valley ensued. As King Avryee and his ingenious General Haname led a surprise attack during a great blizzard, a beacon of light came down from the stars and ignited a great tree, sparking the rout of the other tribes competing for the promised land. By the light of the fire, the tactical genius of Haname, the wisdom and loyalty of the Valeran tribesmen, and guided by holy visions King Avryee been blessed with in dreams, Valera was able to seize strong holdings across the valley: what would later become the capital city of Valcrest. By the grace of Eirene, the Prime Fire, a flame that shall not cease to burn unless tampered with was given to the King. Symbolizing the hearts of all Valerans. The prime flame was placed within the grand Basilica, establishing the first Church of the Eternal Flame.
=== House Avestar ===
King Avryee also adopted the moniker of Avestar in worship of the guidance Valera was given. He formed the noble House Avestar to embody the characteristics of exploration, trade, and religion in worshipping the Eternal Flame.
=== House Dawn ===
The most noble of his followers also established their own noble houses by the light of the Flame. Lord Culterpress established House Dawn, named after the dawning of a new era, and sought out the soils of Valera, made fertile by the holy fires, to cultivate food and give charity to those in need.
=== House Corbeau ===
House Corbeau formed from the northern mountain-dwelling followers known as “the Ravens” who joined forces with King Avryee in the battle for the valley. Corbeau would go on to codify Valera’s tradition, and become a bastion of the kingdom’s knowledge by the light of holy candles. They are lead by a mysterious figure that Avryee himself is even said to have pause for. 
=== House High Haven ===
In the south, Houses Mono and Platano would join together to form House High Haven, formed from those who followed King Avryee to seek new sanctuary. Together, they would master the arts of combat and form the backbone of Valera’s defense, a flame that burns with a passion and destruction for all in its wake. 
=== House Mezos ===
on the Ocean, A descendant of the Mezonian Wizards of old: Miesneus Used his powers to Raise an island from the depths of the ocean. On this island, a giant cathedral was made, in order to honor all of the gods within The Eternal Flame Pantheon. In honor of the prime goddess: Eirene, goddess of peace, He set open the Island for all nations. to make a city not just for one Valera. but for all nations.
== Beliefs ==
The Eternal Flame holds divine meaning in its relation to the Valeran Hold. Its burning depicts Valera’s immortality, and propensity to take care of the surrounding valley. Should Valera fall or the king die, the Kingdom shall see a divine rebirth from the Fire’s ashes. The Church of the Eternal Flame emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence, where life and death are part of a divine cycle. Death is viewed not as an end but as a transition, akin to a spark returning to the Eternal Flame before being reborn into a new life. Once a year, its mythical being the Phoenix is spotted. Flying over the skies amidst the prettiest sunset, Bursting into flame to the realms beyond, and then turning the flames into ash. Raining down onto Valeran land. Giving life and fertility in its rich substance. 
Furthermore, the Church’s containment and controlled growth of the Prime Fire depicts Valera’s duty to protect the people of the valley from devastation. Without the tending and care of its believers, the Flame would spread unchecked, wreaking divine apocalypse upon the land. 
The flame’s origin, the stars, are also a subject of worship within the Church. It is believed that the stars themselves are each deities. With origins similar to the Prime Fire, maintained by powerful deities. The maintenance of the Prime Fire is Valera’s beacon of solidarity with the Eternal Flame, and the heart of King Avryee’s and the Kingdom of Valera’s divine dominion. 
The Eternal Flame symbolizes both the past and the future of Valera, as an immortal heart of the kingdom. It is believed to be the destiny of the kingdom and her people, and this fortune is read and interpreted by the Oracle of the Odyssey.
=== Worship ===
Worship in the Church of the Eternal Flame involves regular ceremonies centered around the Prime Fire. These rituals include prayers, offerings of symbolic items and communal gatherings where teachings are shared and celebrated by followers of the Church. Offerings may be burned, or otherwise set alight in celebration of the power and purpose of the flame. 
As the state religion of Valera, the Church of the Eternal Flame plays a significant role in governance and societal norms. Its teachings and values influence laws, customs, and cultural practices, reinforcing moral integrity and social cohesion. Priests and priestesses devoting their lives to the study of the Flame work closely with the government of Valera, and both advise and carry out the will of the King.
The Pantheon of Gods is ever expanding, as more knowledge about the ancient deities that created the universe are unraveled.