The Six

"The Six" (formerly known as the Six Gods of the Imperium) is a title given to a group of six deities collectively worshipped by citizens within the Imperium. Although they may share similar domains and alignments, they are not intrinsically bound to another and are an arbitrary grouping. The Six include: Bastion, Bahamut, Melora, Lathander, Ioun, and Talos. The Six as an entity is the largest known spiritual following in the world only challenged by the worship of Teos, the One-Above-All, by the Pyridians.

## History

The Six were introduced as the primary religious order around 49 years ago (circa 883 PGW) following the ascension of Emperor Curidros Eridia. The belief is that the throughout the Emperor's conquest of the current lands of the Imperium, these six deities were the ones that had chosen him as champion of their beliefs and guided his way forward. Bastion bolstered his military forces and inspired recruits, providing order and leadership. Bahamut instilled courage in his forces to face insurmountable odds, but offered compassion to those he defeated. Melora produced bountiful harvests and fed his people through. Lathander represented the coming of the new dawn each day and imparted resolve to the meek. Ioun gave him the knowledge to defeat his enemies and lead with wisdom. Finally, Talos granted his people safe passage over the seas and sheltered them from harsh storms.

To honor these deities for rewarding his faith, Emperor Eridia established the Six and erected churches in every city, town, and village across the Imperium, ensuring these buildings are one of the first built within new settlements. He had also integrated each God into every aspect of Imperial life. Bastion is represented in all Imperial military doctrine and training. Bahamut is a virtuous guide for the commonfolk and revered as such. Both are the figureheads in law and justice in Imperial courts. Melora has shrines all over the Imperium and offers are brought in droves. Lathander is represented in all infirmaries, clinics, and in most homes. Ioun is the spiritual director within schools and other educational institutions. Talos is prayed to by all sailors and coastal settlements, monuments established near the sea.

All churches are government owned and government run, but churches in smaller settlements may have heads that are locally sourced. The Imperium is separated into different religious dominions and each church leader reports to a Bishop, a head of church located in the largest city of each dominion. Every Bishop answers to Arch-Bishop Sanctorius who leads the religious arm of the Imperium and consults with the Emperor directly.

Prayer is held three times a week and although participation isn't mandatory, the majority of citizens join due to faith, being persuaded, over fear of alienation by their peers. Praying to other deities is looked down upon though generally uncommon for citizens of the Imperium. Open reverence for non-Six deities may lead to public humiliation and possible arrest if it persists. Government shutdown of organized religious efforts are few, most notably the quell of the Tempus Aeternum. No further efforts to uproot the Six's established worship has been publicly seen.

## Notable Members of the Church of the Six

* Emperor Curidros Eridia: Creator and "Champion" of the Six
* Arch-Bishop Sanctorius: Head of Imperial religious affairs, royal consult, and sacred lawmaker
* Prince Allagon Eridia: The Son of the Emperor
* Sister Corine: Local church leader in Dalyard
* Bishop Kopliger: Leader of the Church within Anchorage, Member of The Council of Anchorage