The Church of Light

The Church of light are by far the most widespread religion in Randore, they worship not just the Angels that can be seen floating through the sky, but also another invisible god, Sol.

## Introduction

The Most widespread religion, found through the old world, the north and some parts of the new world. The Church of light has been around longer than almost any other.

Their primary god is Sol, who they believe commands and controls the Angels.

## History

The Church itself claims to have been founded by the angles in the early years of the first age, with the ultimate goal to be Sol's voice on Randore. However, given the lack of any Holy churches in the original documents of Amin it is unlikely that this is true. It was probably formed sometime in the second age as Human's spread all over the world.

While many scholars agree on this theory, admitting that they believe this would possibly result in receiving the wrath of the Brotherhood of Light. As such, few do.

## Practices & Rituals

#### Weddings and marriage

For much of the Old World and The North the most solid way to commit to a partner is to be bound under holy light together. This is a pretty simple wedding ceremony, with vowels traditionally spoken at midday. Preformed at any church of light. Overseen by a Father or Mother of light or higher.

#### Funerals

The Church of light also patrols and keeps most of the funerals. Giving the rites and blessing that ensure the dead stay in the ground.

If one cant find a Church of Light Cleric, or another religious practitioner - its best to burn bodies.

#### **Running the state and counseling kings**

Nearly every king, queen, emperor or monarchical leader has a Cardinal in their court. These are high ranking members of the church who advise rules. The High Cardinal is also traditionally the one to crown kings and queens, offering them legitimacy.

## **Ranks and titles within the Church**

There are many different ranks and titles within the church of light.

**Initiate** - those who are training to become wither a father, mother, nun or other rank.

**Cleric** - a recognized cleric of the church typically has a job as a healer or other such menial jobs. They require less study than a Father or Mother, as they are not as learned in the lore and practices. They know how to berry a body, but not christen a child or a marriage.

**Minister (Father/Mother)** - Those who are studied and been ordained by an Abbot are granted the rank of Father or Mother, they occupy the greatest number within the church. They typically take confession, christen children, ordain weddings and other jobs. Some are also Clerics, but the majority have little magical talent.

**Friar** - The Friar is member of the church trained in both the skills of a Minister as well as a often having a magical ability above a cleric. They are also trained in other tactics of the church, wider read and expected to be more knowledgeable. They topically travel either with themselves or with small groups of Ministers around adventuring. Friars are also know for being instructed to lead Missionary trips to try and expand the churches presence.

**Abbot** - Abbot's run a church that they live at. They ordain Ministers and run important ceremonies. They are also often involved in local government or politics. With a number of towns, especially in the old east, having their Abbot work as a second assistant to the mayor. They report to their Bishop about the goings on in their town.

**Bishop** - The Bishops are a more select class of abbot who oversee a number of churches (and even towns). While having an Abbot ordain ones wedding is a sign of respect, a Bishop doing such is an honer awarded to only nobles and heroes. Bishops commune with their Abbots to stay informed about the goings on. They are often placed in key cities around the world. Their are few in number, most likely no more than 500 or so at any time.

**High Bishop** - The title of High Bishop is a somewhat of a guarded secret. Only the other Bishop's and few select others known the identities of these Individuals. On the nights of full moon the Abbots meet with the bishops, who then meet on the following night to pass information on to their High Bishop. In the events when it is needed the High Bishops are summoned to meet with the cardinals. Their numbers are hard to track, but it is likely that there are around 100.

**Cardinal** - One of the Highest Ranks within the church. The most powerful political courts in the world have a cardinal. Their job is to advise the most powerful people in the world. Their are two in Bacland, Cardinal Ellis in the court of King William the Elder, and Cardinal Rishna in Eastern Downs. They report directly to the head of the church.

**Head Cardinal** - The head Cardinal is chosen from the counsel of Cardinals to act as a figurehead for the Church of Light. They are without doubt one of the most powerful people in Randore.