Church of Barry the Blue Sheep

The **Church of Barry the Blue Sheep** is a polytheistic religion that worships sheep-based idols and sacred relics. The religion is heavily centered around the religion's martyr, Barry the Blue Sheep. The religion was founded in Terroja, the capital city of Montroig. The religion mostly exists inside the nation of Montroig; with the most important church building being in the country. The religion focuses on performing specific rituals to appease sheep-based idols.

## History

In mid-March 2021, the original Barry was found in the forests outside the city of Terroja. He was quickly brought back and given a home outside the walls of the city. The sheep was dyed blue and given the name 'Barry the Blue Sheep'. Weeks later bandits raided the city of Terroja and Barry was killed. Many mourned his death and players Arcadian\_Sheep and CoColaxxative built a monument to honor him. Barry was replaced with Barry II. Barry II was killed by an unknown assailant and once again his death was mourned. Barry II was then replaced with Barry III. After this Player Fernas\_ built a church to honor Barry near the original monument. Next to the church, a crypt was built where the original Barry's bones were stored. Despite the construction of the Church, no formal religion was established yet.

On April 28th, 2021 players CoColaxxative, DimitrisDuchos, and Agapitikos witnessed a miracle. On the citadel of Terroja, the players were visited by 3 holy sheep. The 3 who witnessed the miracle were awestruck by such a divine event. The 3 sheep asked several cryptic questions which vexed the players. An anvil then descended from the sky and was struck by lightning catching it on fire. The anvil miraculously continued to burn for several days after. Those who already saw Barry as a martyr took this event as a sign that a religion needed to be created to better worship and commune with the sheep gods. Several days later it was discovered the crypt of the original Barry was now empty. It was determined that at some point Barry had risen from the grave and his spirit had occupied the body of each new sheep named Barry. Worshipers took this as further proof that they should worship sheep and start a formal religion.

On May 9th, 2021 the first ecumenical council was held to formalize the doctrine for the Church of Barry. Member Arcadian\_Sheep was voted in as the high oracle. Mr. Zimble began construction of the new cathedral for the religion after the meeting.

On May 10th, 2021 Oracle Arcadian\_Sheep, along with allies of other sheep-worshiping faiths, began a holy war against followers of pig-based religions. Both sides met at spawn to taunt each other. It was eventually decided that one champion from each side would fight in a pitched battle at Walmart to decide the superior faith. Player Obsidianman fought for the sheep and player Darzivor fought for the pigs. Two battles were fought and Darzivor won both. After the battle peace and harmony between the two sides were declared. Darzivor (leader of the pig faction) and Arcadian\_Sheep (leader of the sheep faction) exchanged gifts and pledged friendship.

On May 15th, 2021 Mr. Zimbel completed the construction of the Cathedral of Barry after working countless days and nights fueled by his devotion to Barry.

On May 15th, 2021 construction on the Cathedral of Barry was finished and the first mass was held inside. As the mass occurred worshipers were granted special status effects such as floating and slow fall. All were awestruck as this was a clear blessing from Berry and the sheep gods. To prove their devotion all present climbed to the roof of the cathedral and jumped in a leap of faith being promised Barry would save them. The Oracle's words were true and all safely floated down without harm.

Mr. Zimbel already the head mason was appointed the new high priest by Oracle Arcadian\_Sheep.

On May 17th, 2021 construction of the crypts under the Cathedral of Barry was finished.

## Barryist Party of Montroig (BPM)

The Barryist Party of Montroig (BPM) is a political party created in the nation of Montroig. The party is made up of citizens who vote in Montroig's parliament. Montroig is a direct democracy meaning that every citizen gets to vote in parliament and propose legislation. The BPM is a center-left party concerned with sheep's rights and advocating for ideals that are in line with church doctrine. The BPM is the 3rd largest party in Montroig.

## Church Beliefs and Doctrine

* Barry the Blue Sheep is an enteral god and cannot die. If his corporal body is killed his spirit will simply move to another sheep. While Barry may occupy a mortal body his true form is immortal and will resurrect while Barry chooses to remain on Rathnir.
* Just like Barry all players who follow Barry are immortal as well and will resurrect after death.
* The 3 Red Sheep are seen as angels, emissaries from the gods, who come to Rathnir to communicate their will.
* The religion not only worships sheep but also holy relics. The most important relic is the Holy Anvil.
* Acolytes of the Church are forbidden from harming or shearing sheep. Members are forbidden to use wool that is not anointed by the church.
* Those who wish to become new members must be baptized and struck in the presence of the holy anvil.
* Those who follow the faith can invoke a rain ritual to summon a rainstorm in Rathnir. The ritual for rain requires one to burn wheat on fire and twerk to appease Barry. If Barry is pleased, he will grant them rain for better fishing and harvests.
* During church meetings, members are required to wear formal Barry garb. Which consists of blue wool on their head and blue boots.
* The hierarchy of the church:
	+ The church is led by the Oracle of Barry who interprets miracles, leads worship, and decides matters of faith.
	+ The High Priest is appointed by the Oracle. The high priest has similar powers to the Oracle and acts on important decisions when the Oracle is away.
	+ The Head Mason is in charge of all church construction projects.