Church of the Imperial Creed

**The Church of the Imperial Creed**, more commonly referred to as **the Creed,** was a religion promoted in the Empire of Greater Vesryn based on the old druidic faith. Founded after the troubles of the early Blessed Era by the newly crowned King Lucièn I, it enjoyed great patronage by the state and people that followed it.

It was the official state religion of Vesryn and all of its territories, spreading rapidly due to aggressive and often hostile tactics aimed at dismantling its religious predecessor. The huge population that it soon converted provided a vital amount of worship and belief, a fact that became vital in maintaining the aethereal energies needed for the druidic celestials to manifest on Esria.

The head of the Church of the Imperial Creed was known as the Hierophant. Below him were the Deacons, who managed their own regional denominations. Common priests and leaders of cloisters did not have official titles, but often were known as Druids.

Its introduction had a profound effect on the world of Esria. Especially prevalent and widely accepted within Vesryn, it tremendously diminished the influence of the Heavens upon the mortal plane. By 1606 I.E, Adenism had become a distinct minority. Even Archangels, previously the ultimate authority presiding over Esria, began to be rejected by the very world they had created.

## The Three Patron Goddesses of the Empire

The Imperial Creed promoted the major worship of the three deities Adrastei, Astoreth and Eswenna. The texts did not even mention the existence of Arioch, and often made efforts to censor texts that made reference to her. Citizens did not know the goddesses by their true names, and instead knew them by what was set out by the Creed. These names were called upon in specific situations, to call upon the goddess for a specific purpose.

Alternatively, each of the goddesses could be called upon by reading tarots to ascertain the type of help needed. The names can be found below:

### Lavinia

* **The Magician** (major tarot arcana)
* **Wands** (minor tarot arcana)
* **of the Dawn** (in revealing mysteries)

### Olivia

* **The Moon** (major tarot arcana)
* **Pentacles** (minor tarot arcana)
* **the Cultivator** (by the peasantry)

### Meridia

* **The Lovers** (major tarot arcana)
* **Chalices** (minor tarot arcana)
* **the Infatuator** (for courtship)
* **Lady of Sleeves** (for aid in divination)

## Other Patrons

### Avaricia

**Avaricia** was the name given to Arioch in Imperial Vesryn. Her existence was never officially acknowledged by the Creed, although it was still possible to contact her using the same methods. In this way, many inexperienced tarot readers happened upon her existence, and rarely they beseeched her. The shadowy practice of worshipping Avaricia was severely frowned upon in society, and so it became a well-hidden secret amongst the cults and cabals that wished to contact her.

* **The Hanged Man** (major tarot arcana)
* **Swords** (minor tarot arcana)
* **the Harlequin** (for aid by soldiers)
* **the Coquette** (for aid in illusion)
* **the Vagrant, of Many Names** (names referring to Avaricia's nature)

## The Six Points of Belief

Although no official book existed outlining the origins of the Creed, there were six points of belief that remained common amongst all denominations. These were:

1. Placing emphasis on the importance of the mortal soul. Rejecting the predetermined belief of fate and destiny outlined by the Church of the Heavens and the belief in Cethell.
2. Opposing the corruption and excesses of the Archangels. Destroying icons of divinity, and allowing no heathens to intrude where they do not belong.
3. Worship of the new celestials, who do not look away from starving farmsteads, who bring protection to the people of Vesryn, and who promote peace between all mortal races of Esria, sentient and non-sentient.
4. Destroying the teachings of Aden, and rejecting the sovereignty lorded over the mortal realm by those in Heaven.
5. Teaching the values of the Vesryne state, and the expectations of society. Also outlines the duty of the government to keep the safety of the people in mind.
6. Teaching the morals of life. Promoting literacy and intelligence.