Balmorianism

Balmorianism is a poly-theistic religion, with it's origin in Goblin Town. The God's of the Light reside in the "Hall of Balmoria," in a constant strife with the God's of the Abyss. It's main two Gods are Herethia, Goddess of Life, Birth, and Rebirth, and Moralius, the God of the Sun, Fire, and the Forge of Light.

## History

Modern Balmorianism originated from a vision the prophet Galdrok received in his sleep. This occured fairly recently, as it's stories appear to be told only to about three generations of Goblin prior. Unfortunately, this is a noncredible measurement system, but derives from the Goblins lack of written language. It moved into the area of Rathnir as the Goblins migrated southward into the region of Andorn, specifically Askonia. It's primary religious site is the Cathedral of Herethia in Goblin Town. Marc, King of Synderia and SeniorCaution, the Chancellor of Xiani-Undosa, were married under a Balmorian priest, BarryBan.

## Major Practices and Beliefs

### The Four Dimensions

Balmorianists believe that the Gods did not form the universe, but simply exist as another being within it, though being able to cross between dimensions. There are four of these dimensions, with only two being accessible to mortal people while being alive. These four dimensions are Balmoria, Materialis (Rathnir and the Galaxy we know), Kalenmor (The Nether as we know it), and Malaksis (The Abyss). The center of the Balmorian belief stems from a war raging between the Gods of Balmoria, and the Gods of Malaksis. This is usually simplified to the Gods of the Light, and the Gods of the Abyss. In this strife, people have been placed on this planet as warriors against the Malaksis. According to Balmorianists, Rathnir is the center of the doomsday prophecy, and if the people cannot unify against them, the Great Devourer will break free.

### Practices

Practitioners believe in rebirth after death, so long as their connection to Herethia has not been severed. This drives them not to fear death, especially as warriors of the light. Souls that are not reborn are either confined to the limbo of the Nether, managed by Doreleus, or lost forever to the Abyss. Another major practice is strict adherence to "Waste Not," in which no item is ever to be discarded, either used, stored, or granted to the church or Gods. Construction of shrines are common, and flowers are seen as symbols of the different aspects of the Gods, making them common place on many shrines and homes. Every Saturday, Balmorianist churches hold an event of some kind. What is practiced varies wildly between churches, but always contains a sermon and tithe. It is a common practice to serve a term of military service at least once within their life. Upon becoming an official member of the religion, an inductee must select a Protector God, the God that they worship over the others, in a prayer.

#### The Flowers

Allium - Wisdom of Pruvius; Azure Bluet - Joy of Utrava; Blue Orchid - Doreleus' Comfort; Cornflower - Growth; Dandelion - Herethia's Mercy; Lilac - Friendship; Lily of the Valley - Mark of the Moon; Peony - Strength of Argdraal; Poppy - Pruvius Foresight; Rose Bush - Moralius' Protection; Sunflower - Alisria's Safety; Tulip - Beauty; Wither Rose - Symbol of Malaksis and the Dark Gods.

### Acceptance of Non-believers

Balmorianism believes that most religions are partially correct. After the event they call "The Great Cataclysm", the Gods connection to Rathnir was heavily hindered. This has caused their communications to be strenuous at best. Due to this, they believe, many people have become lost, following only one or a few of the true Gods, or confusing their realms of command over Materialis. This makes them relatively accepting of other religions, seeing non-believers as simply ignorant. Few religions, however, are seen as worshiping Malaksis, and for those, all restrictions are off, treating them as an extent of the dark Gods themselves.

### The Commandments

1. Waste Not Your Gifts
2. Waste Not The Blood of Fellow Soldiers
3. Waste Not Your Time
4. To harm another Balmorianist or their property is to serve Malaksis
5. To abandon your promises is to allow the Abyss an entrance
6. Blind Obedience Makes Blind Men
7. No mortal serving the light is holier than another

## The Church Structure

The Church is headed by the Pope, followed by the Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Order Masters, Clergy, and finally the Followers. The Bishops and Order Masters have the same rank authoritatively, but have different jobs within the Church. Any member may step down at any time.

### **Rights of all who participate:**

Anyone may make a request of the rank above them. If this is not met, they may go a rank higher. For instance, a member may request the construction of a new church in his city, and request the nearest clergyman. The clergyman may not have the resources needed to supply this, and can ask the next rank up. This can continue up the chain. Additionally, any member may request resources, money, or manpower from the chain. All they must do is provide reason, and how it will benefit the fight with the Dark Gods. Any member may of course give anyone else the right to speak to them directly, and ignore the chain. Any Member may at any point requisition housing in a church, food, and up to iron tools, and cannot be turned down, unless the request is unable to be met.

### **The Pope**

The Pope is elected every 21 days from the Arch-Bishops, and they have all the same rights and privileges as those below them in addition to their own. Additionally, they may call Crusades, bestow Divine Rule, excommunicate individuals of the clergy or below, declare saints, declare holidays, promote new Arch-Bishops, veto or propose modification to the interpretation of the religion/church law, call to convention the Arch-Bishops, declare a Grand Convention in which all members who are able are to report, and establish new Knight Orders. They must carry all Religious texts with them at all times. Any previously removed Arch-Bishops must be voted back into power rather than appointed. They are able to requisition funds, or materials, and request manpower from any rank below them, though no more than they are able, and only if reason is given. If misuse or fraud is discovered, it is an immediate excommunication.

### **The Arch-Bishop**

A maximum of 6 are allowed at any one time, not including the Pope, making 6 Arch-Bishops and one Pope. They have all the same rights and privileges as those below them in addition to their own. Under a unanimous vote, not including the Pope, they may impeach the current Pope and then immediately commence a new election. Including the Pope, they may strip any Arch-Bishop of their rank, status, property, and/or excommunicate to the extent they see fit, with at least 5 in agreement, or 71% of the vote if there are less members. 2 Arch-Bishops may jointly propose a new law or interpretation to the religion, and then vote to enact it, with the Pope counting as one vote. Under a majority vote, they may strip the titles, rank, possessions and/or excommunicate any member of the Bishops, Order Masters, or below to the extent they see fit. If the Pope chooses to veto any of these changes, the Arch-Bishops must vote unanimously to overrule the veto. If, at any time, an established Knight’s Order runs out of members, they may appoint a new master with a second Arch-Bishop’s approval. They may perform ritual sacrifices. They are able to establish artifacts. They are able to requisition funds, or materials, and request manpower from any rank below them, though no more than they are able, and only if reason is given. If misuse or fraud is discovered, it is an immediate excommunication.

### **The Bishop**

The Bishop is in equal power with the Order Master, though they may still operate within each other’s territory. They have all the same rights and privileges as those below them in addition to their own. They may request new churches, and delegate clergy members to operate them. At any time, they may remove a clergy member as leader of a church, but can not remove their rank. They may conduct investigations on anyone, or delegate someone beneath them to investigate anyone, though can not take any items. An investigator cannot be expelled by anyone of equal rank with the authorizer, or lower. They are able to requisition funds, or materials, and request manpower from any rank below them, though no more than they are able, and only if reason is given. If misuse or fraud is discovered, it is an immediate excommunication. They are to carry the Book of Prayers, and the Servant’s Handbook at all times. They must record their funds, and record the reports of the clergy beneath their command, and report when asked. If fraud within these records are discovered, it is to be met with no less than excommunication from the Church.

### **The Order Master**

The Order Master is a leader of a Knight’s Order. They are allowed a lot of autonomy in this role, as to the structure of their order, but may not hold any more than one title. They may pledge their support to any leader who follows the religion, to their own discretion. They are, however, to keep records and report when asked about their current funds, manpower, and combat history. If fraud within these records are discovered, it is to be met with no less than excommunication from the Church. They are to carry the Warrior’s Code at all times. All Knight’s Orders are required to have at least one Warpriest.

### **The Clergy**

The Clergyman may lead a church, a service, promote a member to a Warpriest, or become one themselves and step down from their church, perform rituals (not sacrifice), and may take the tithe. They must record their funds and report when asked. If fraud within these records are discovered, it is to be met with no less than excommunication from the Church.

### The Warpriest

The Warpriest can be of any rank, but their main service is to follow the army and bless any dead, both ally and foe, so that their souls may find Herethia and return to the cycle, this time serving the light. In any combat situation, there must be one acting as the warpriest.

## The Gods

### Balmorians

Herethia, The Goddess of Life, Birth, and Rebirth.

Moralius, The God of the Sun, Fire, Warmth and the Forge of Light.

Vodnia, The Goddess of the Sea, Weather, and Water.

Utrava, The Goddess of the Earth.

Pruveus, The God of Knowledge and Enchantment.

Argdraal, The God of War and Strength.

### The Neutral

Alisria , The Messenger Goddess of Travel and Luck.

Doreleus, The God of Limbo, the Lost, the Nether.

### Malaksis

Inmortuae, The God of Death, Decay and Fear.

Locia, The Goddess of the Moon, Mischief, and Monsters.

Gormil, The God of Hunger, Poison, and Loss.

Zamtoryll, The Goddess of the Endless Cold and Stagnation

Hel Ob'Kraxius, The God of the Abyss, the Eternal darkness, the Great Devourer

## Important People

BarryBan, the Priest.

Mr\_Madness, the Missionary.