Creed of the Lightbringer

The Creed of the Lightbringer, or the lightbringers, is the central religious doctrine followed by the Builders within the continent of Talasi in Abexilas, based on the teachings of the Codex of the Creator. It teaches that the Lightbringer, the divine architect and creator, brought order and life to the world by crafting it block by block from the primordial Void. The Creed emphasizes that all creation is sacred, and building is the highest form of worship. Followers believe they must continuously build and maintain the world to keep the Void at bay, as the forces of darkness (represented by creatures like Creepers, Zombies, and the Ender Dragon) seek to corrupt and destroy what has been built.
The Creed is upheld by religious orders, including the Clerics of the Code, who guard the sacred texts and spread the teachings, and the Templars of Light, who protect the faithful from the dark forces of the Void. They are friendly towards all matter of travelers and impoverish people, as they see labor and aid as a form of penitence.
== History ==
The Creed of the Lightbringer originated during the rise of an ancient and powerful civilization known only as The Builders, who inhabited the continent of Talasi in the world of Abrexilas. The Builders were renowned for their unparalleled mastery of construction and architecture, shaping vast cities and monuments that towered over the landscape. Their entire way of life revolved around building and expanding, which they saw as a divine mandate from the Lightbringer, their god of creation and order. 
The religion developed alongside their technological advancements, with the Builders believing that their creative powers were granted directly by the Lightbringer, who had tasked them with protecting the world from the Void and its chaotic forces. Temples to the Lightbringer were constructed across Talasi, and the faith became deeply intertwined with the culture and governance of the Builders' civilization. The Glowstone altars, relics of the Creed, were scattered across their cities, casting an eternal light that was said to hold back the Void.
However, despite the Builders' might, their civilization mysteriously declined. Little is known about the cause—some legends speak of internal strife, others of an overwhelming resurgence of the Void’s creatures. Their cities fell into ruin, and with them, the organized practice of the Creed faded into obscurity. Only fragmented records and ancient structures remain, the full glory of their faith lost to time.
After the fall of the Builders, the Creed of the Lightbringer survived only in the form of a few scattered cults and secret societies, who passed down the teachings of the Codex of the Creator in hidden places. These remnants of the faith struggled to preserve their knowledge and rituals in a world that no longer revered the Lightbringer and the supposed disappearance of the creatures of the night.
In recent years, the religion has experienced a small resurgence in the lands governed by the Regnum Aquilarum, a growing power in Abrexilas. A humble church dedicated to the Lightbringer has been constructed in these lands, signaling the slow reawakening of the ancient faith. Led by a group of newly devoted Clerics of the Code, the church is attempting to restore the forgotten teachings and spread the Lightbringer's message to a world that has all but forgotten the Builders and their legacy. Though still small and not widely accepted, the faithful believe that the Lightbringer’s light will once again shine across Abrexilas, and the holy mission of creation will resume.
== Scriptures ==
=== The Codex of the Creator ===
The Codex of the Creator is the most sacred text of the Creed of the Lightbringer, believed to have been directly imparted by the Lightbringer to the First Builders during the rise of their ancient civilization on the continent of Talasi. It serves as both a historical record and a guide for the faithful, outlining the divine commandments, creation myths, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
The Codex is divided into several chapters, each containing stories and lessons that shape the beliefs and practices of the Lightbringer's followers. Central themes include the act of building as a holy duty, the importance of faith, the need to push back the Void, and the dangers of pride, as illustrated in the **Fall of Aegis**, one of the most important stories within the Codex. The text also provides detailed guidance on how the faithful should live, work, and fight, drawing connections between spiritual purity and the physical act of creation.
Structure of the Codex:
- Chapter 1: The First Creation – Describes the Lightbringer's formation of the world from the primordial Void, crafting the land, sea, and sky through the power of Glowstone, the source of eternal light.
- Chapter 2: The Fall of the First Builder – The tale of Aegis, the First Builder who, in his pride, turned from the Lightbringer and attempted to build a monument to his own glory. His downfall serves as a warning against arrogance and a reminder that all creation comes from the divine, not mortal hands.
- Chapter 3: The Forge of Faith – Chronicles the rise of Elyon, a humble mason who restored the faith of the Builders after the collapse of Aegis’s empire, teaching that every act of creation is sacred and must be done in devotion to the Lightbringer.
- Commandments and Teachings – Scattered throughout the Codex are the Lightbringer’s divine laws, such as building with humility, maintaining faith through creation, and the responsibility to defend the world from the Void and its creatures.
The Codex is not just a spiritual guide; it is considered a blueprint for the universe itself. Followers of the Lightbringer believe that every structure in the world echoes the original acts of creation performed by the Lightbringer. The Builders, through their faith, continue this divine task by crafting and shaping the world, ensuring its survival against the Void.
Throughout history, the Clerics of the Code have memorized the Codex, teaching its lessons to the faithful and interpreting its commandments for everyday life. The Templars of Light, the martial arm of the faith, are known to inscribe verses from the Codex onto their weapons and armor, believing that the words provide protection and strength in battle against the Void's creatures.
Though much of the ancient Codex was lost following the collapse of the Builders' civilization, fragments, and copies of the text were preserved by small cults and underground groups. In recent years, efforts have been made to reconstruct the Codex from these surviving texts, as the Creed of the Lightbringer is slowly reemerging in the Regnum Aquilarum. The faithful view the Codex as the ultimate authority on the divine purpose of creation, holding that only through the proper interpretation and adherence to its teachings can they keep the world safe from the ever-encroaching Void.
=== Chronicles of Elyon ===
The Chronicles of Elyon is an ancient collection of scrolls that document the life, teachings, and journey of Elyon, a figure of great renown whose impact on the world spans generations. These scrolls are believed to have been written by various followers, scholars, and observers of Elyon over the course of his life, making the Chronicles a patchwork of perspectives and styles.
The exact number of scrolls in the Chronicles is unknown, but it is believed that there were once hundreds, though many have been lost or destroyed over time. What remains of the collection offers fragmented insights into Elyon’s exploits, his role as a leader, and his connection to divine forces. Due to the chaotic history of Elyon’s world and the scattered nature of his followers, many of the original scrolls have been lost to time, war, and decay. Only a handful of scrolls have been recovered and preserved, with several locked away in the archives of powerful factions who claim ownership of Elyon’s legacy. The Codex of the Creator contains references to some of the lost scrolls, hinting at their existence but leaving their contents unknown.
Efforts to recover missing scrolls continue, driven by those who believe the full Chronicles could unlock the true meaning of Elyon’s life and the divine forces that shaped it.
== Beliefs and Tenets ==
The Creed of the Lightbringer is a faith rooted in the teachings of the Codex of the Creator, with its followers, known as Lightbringers, devoted to spreading and protecting the light of creation. The Creed emphasizes the balance between creation and destruction, with its central tenets focusing on the belief that the Lightbringer—the divine force of light and creation—brought the world into existence and fights against the encroaching darkness of the Void.
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The Creed of the Lightbringer is a faith rooted in the teachings of the Codex of the Creator, with its followers, known as Lightbringers, devoted to spreading and protecting the light of creation. The Creed emphasizes the balance between creation and destruction, with its central tenets focusing on the belief that the Lightbringer—the divine force of light and creation—brought the world into existence and fights against the encroaching darkness of the Void.
=== Tenets of the Creed ===
# The Light is Life The Lightbringer is the source of all creation. Everything that exists, from the stars to the smallest creatures, was formed through the divine light of the Creator. Life itself is a manifestation of this light, and the faithful are charged with nurturing and protecting life in all its forms.
# Creation is Sacred To create is to honor the Lightbringer. Whether through art, construction, knowledge, or innovation, acts of creation are seen as sacred. Followers of the Creed are encouraged to build, craft, and cultivate, leaving behind something greater than themselves to strengthen the world against the Void.
# The Void Must Be Opposed The Void represents the antithesis of the Lightbringer—the force of destruction, entropy, and darkness. The Void seeks to undo all creation, and it is the duty of the Lightbringers to fight against it in all its forms, be they physical threats, spiritual decay, or moral corruption. This is the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
# The Flame of Knowledge Burns Bright Knowledge is a form of divine light, and ignorance is akin to darkness. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a sacred duty within the Creed. Followers are tasked with seeking wisdom, learning from the past, and passing down the flame of knowledge to future generations.
# Humility Before the Light The Lightbringer’s power is beyond comprehension, and all followers must approach the divine with humility. No matter how great one’s achievements, they pale in comparison to the might of the Creator. Pride and arrogance lead to the shadows of the Void.
# Unity Through Faith The Lightbringer’s strength lies in the unity of its followers. The faithful must stand together, for division allows the Void to seep into the cracks of society. Brotherhood, community, and shared purpose are pillars of the Creed. When one falters, others must lift them up in the Light.
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=== Beliefs ===
* The Cycle of Creation The Creed teaches that creation is cyclical. The Lightbringer creates, sustains, and eventually renews all things. Followers believe that destruction can be a necessary part of the cycle, but it must always be in the service of a new creation. The Lightbringers abhor senseless destruction, seeing it as an act of the Void.
* Divine Guidance Through the Codex The Codex of the Creator is regarded as the purest form of divine revelation. It contains parables, teachings, and commandments from the Lightbringer itself, delivered through Elyon and other prophets. The Codex is not a static text but a living document that continues to offer guidance to the faithful in times of need.
* Eternal Vigilance The Lightbringers are taught to be ever-vigilant against the Void’s influence, which can manifest in subtle ways—greed, malice, despair, and betrayal. Every follower is seen as a guardian of the light, tasked with protecting both the physical and spiritual realms from the encroaching darkness.
* Light in All Beings The Creed holds that a spark of the Lightbringer resides within all beings, even those who stray into darkness. Redemption is possible for those willing to turn back to the Light, but those who embrace the Void must be opposed, as they endanger the balance of the world.
== Festivals ==
The Creed of the Lightbringer revolves around a series of sacred practices and festivals, each designed to honor the Lightbringer and uphold the core tenets of creation, protection, and vigilance. These rituals and celebrations are key aspects of the faith, fostering unity among the followers and strengthening their connection to the Light.
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=== Glowstone Altars ===
Type: Devotional Practice  
Frequency: Daily  
Followers of the Creed of the Lightbringer regularly visit Glowstone Altars, sacred places said to channel the purest light of the Creator. Here, they engage in quiet meditation, prayer, and contemplation, often leaving small offerings of creative work such as writings, drawings, or crafted items. The glowstone's radiant light symbolizes the eternal presence of the Lightbringer, and visiting the altar is considered a key act of devotion.
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==== The Vigil of the Flame   ====
Type: Annual Rite  
Frequency: Once per year  
Each year, Lightbringers participate in the Vigil of the Flame, a night-long vigil in which followers keep a sacred flame burning until dawn. This flame represents the eternal light of the Creator, and the vigil serves as a reminder of the constant struggle against the **Void**. Participants reflect on the tenets of vigilance and creation, using the time to renew their commitment to the faith.
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==== The Artisans' Procession ====
Type: Communal Event  
Frequency: Monthly  
On the first day of every month, Artisans of Light gather to display their most recent creations in a grand procession through the city or village. The Artisans' Procession showcases paintings, sculptures, writings, and innovations that are then blessed by the local Cleric of the Code. The event is seen as a way to celebrate the act of creation and offer thanks to the Lightbringer for inspiring the artisans’ works.
=== Major Festival ===
==== Festival of First Light ====
Type: Festival of Creation  
Frequency: Annual  
The Festival of First Light marks the beginning of the new year in the Creed’s calendar and commemorates the moment when the Lightbringer first brought light into existence, driving away the primordial darkness. Followers celebrate by creating and sharing works of art, building new structures, and offering prayers at Glowstone Altars. The festival is a time of renewal, where the faithful reflect on the cycle of creation and destruction and set their intentions for the year ahead.
==== The Ascension of Flames ====
Type: Fire Ritual  
Frequency: Annual 
A fire-centered festival, the Ascension of Flames is a celebration of the transformative power of light and creation. Giant bonfires are lit in towns and cities, symbolizing the victory of the Lightbringer over the forces of the Void. The festival features storytelling, dance, and communal rituals where followers write down their sins or burdens and cast them into the flames, signifying their rebirth through the light.
Lightbringer’s continued guidance and protection.
== Hierarchy ==
* The High Builder: The highest religious leader, believed to have direct communion with the Lightbringer. The High Builder oversees major religious structures and ceremonies, interprets the Codex of the Creator, and leads holy wars when necessary.
* Arch-Masons: These are high-ranking priests tasked with overseeing various regions. They are responsible for building grand cathedrals, monuments, and the defense of the faith against enemies.
* Clerics of the Code: Religious scholars and warriors dedicated to preserving the Codex of the Creator. They act as advisors to the High Builder and Arch-Masons and are responsible for preaching the faith to the masses.
* Templars of Light: Holy warriors dedicated to purging the land of dark creatures and those who defy the Creed. They lead expeditions to cleanse the Nether and fight against griefers.
* Lay Builders: Ordinary followers of the Creed who work in service of the faith. They build, farm, and fight in the name of the Lightbringer, living by the Codex's commandments.