Holy Light

## Overview

Otherwise known as Solisanctia, the Enlightened Path, or simply as the Truth, the Holy Light is the religion of the Estlandi. it acknowledges one deity, Aurorae, god of the Sun, Order and Life. Saint-Emperor Justinius is universally acknowledged for his key role in freeing humanity physically, but also spiritually as he revealed the truth. Other key attributes of the religion are its Intercessor-Saints, 11 Archetypes of mankind, drive to expand civilisation and the practice of *moderation.*

## Origin

Before time, beautiful Crelen floated in the void, but was barren and without life. Aurorae traveled amongst the stars, but once seeing Crelen He would wait by Her, admiring her as she slept. He brought the four elements to life, gifting to her a green gown. He brought Her many more gifts - the Created beings. For an unknown time, Man lived in perfect harmony with the world. The Moons too loved Crelen, so much that they would not part from Her, but they could not bring forth life. Luna reflected the light of Aurorae, a false imitation of man that was filled with intense jealousy. This imitation is known as The Traitor, or Faras, and in his jealousy he would corrupt all that lived on the face of the earth. Humanity fell under his influence, and Aurorae would send ten further gifts, the Archetypal Prophets to guide them back to order and beauty. The final Prophet, Saint-Emperor Justinus freed mankind from physical and spiritual enslavement. Mankind must now preserve order and beauty, and return it to the rest of the world.

## Archetypal Prophets and the Traitor

### Faras, the Traitor

(OOC: Where the church reveres Forma as a prophet for instance, the Cult of Forma rejects this and worships her as a god.)

## Sects

( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MRRpPnqwN8HRz6a6EYvAxxIYk7OcCpeWiZPKTUNhzPg/edit?usp=sharing)

### Ordo Crimsonus

The Crimson Order is the orthodox sect of Solisanctia. They largely control the ecclesiastical heirarchy, centres of education, and much of the church's property. They worship Aurorae, and revere the Archetypes and Saints. It participates greatly in the expansion of civilisation, establishing schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. From them has also arisen the tradition of the Paladin, or holy warriors. It has a strong current of human supremacism. This sect has a plethora of sub-sects, but they are mostly regionally organised rather than in theological debate. Orders of this sect have full power to supersede local authorities, a law that many nobles find sour.

#### Carolian Order

When one thinks of Paladins, the Carolian Order comes to mind. But they are not only holy fighters, but scribes, craftsmen and artists too. The Carolian Order has a strong monastical tradition, with their monks that live to serve at a distance. Their righteous conduct and heroism is known from north to south. They are typically granted temporary custody of wartorn lands, and charged with the monumental task of restoring order. Unfortunately, they are spread thin as the needs of the Empire are many.

#### Crimson Crusade

The Crusade is comprised of the most fanatical men in the Empire. Perhaps because nobody else could stomach the deeds they must preform in service to the Holy Light. Always smelling of smoke, these men are the diehards sent into the most foul and corrupted of places to cleanse them. They are not known to retreat, fighting till the end to protect humanity from the darkness. This group is polarising, however, as they are strict human supremacists, and are occasionally known to drive out Smallfolk with the same intensity as they would monstrous beings. The Crimson Crusade are headquartered near Mount Zarion in Highglen Keep, where they endeavour to root out the Twilight Brotherhood.

### Ordo Officium

The Order of Service is a fringe sect that believes that under specific circumstances, undead may not be derivative beings. Their teachings focus on humanity far more than Aurorae, or the Prophets. It is their view that raised correctly, undead can serve humanity in a practical manner, decreasing the need for laborious work so that man may focus on Enlightenment. Further, they are isolationist, believing the Empire should focus on preserving order rather than expanding it. Since the Blood Wars have begun, many demand them to anathematised and put to the death for colluding with the Twilight Brotherhood. They are widely seen as heretics only tolerated thanks to the Order of the Sepulchre, who are proficient in fighting the forces of darkness. The Ordo Officium is found only in places recovered from the vile control of necromancers.

### Ordo Mericius

Established by Saint Mericius in 149 K.E, a great miracle worker, the Order of Mercy believes that only through great kindnesses and acts of mercy can those that have lost their path find their way. The Ordo Mericius believes that because other sentient beings are perversions of humanity, that their souls are ultimately recoverable, and it is their goal to save them from damnation. This Order largely works at the borderlands of the Carolian Empire. This order is known for its strict pacifism, and its many martyrs who have been slain by unbelievers.

### Ordo Unitatis

Decades after the Freefolk Rebellion, some Smallfolk were drawn to the Holy Light and the Carolian Empire. The Dwarven theologian Daylan worked with several Carolian priests, publishing the *Absoluta Unitatis Vitae.* It argued that the Carolian interpretation was correct, referring to history and Smallfolk sacred texts as evidence. As humanity had become wayward, so had Smallfolk. Most in this sect profess that Mankind and Smallfolk were created as stewards for different purposes, an interpretation favoured by many. This group's contention with the Ordo Crimsonus arises from the unfortunately common occurrence of Smallfolk priests asserting that mankind is in-fact a helper for them, or that Moradin was a Dwarf and He is the supreme prophet. See the *Moradin Heresy*.

### Ordo Imperius

The Ordo Imperius can best be described as zealots of Justinius. They believe that Justinius is the pinnacle of Humanity. They believe that the Emperors are infallible reincarnations of the 'Eternal Emperor' Justinius. Redemption may be found in submission to Him, even for derivative beings. Seeing the great prosperity the Emperor provides, this Heartlander sect demand all submit to the Emperor - for their own good. This group too produces heretics, fervent nationalists that eschew Aurorae altogether. See the *Magisterial Heresy*.