Vashian Chapel

The Vashian disdain for other religious sects is partial due to the widespread belief in their own cultural superiority over other nations, but also due to a fear by authorities that foreign religions could be used to spread subversive messages and ideals.

Although the Sarkation Empire is the site of frequent pilgrimages by the more devout citizens of the Republic, and is acknowledged as the site of origin of the Gloria-Etalian Faith, the Church of Divine Duality itself is seen as needlessly strict and dogmatic in its interpretation of the Faith.

Although they share many core values including the importance of spreading civilization, encouraging innovation, preserving knowledge, expanding built infrastructure, and using refined goods, the Vashian Chapel differs from the Church of Divine Duality on a number of other points:

- The Vashian Chapel places extra emphasis on encouraging its followers to legally acquire wealth (since personal wealth is seen as a sign that they have contributed to preserving/expanding civilization), to hone their martial skills (civilization isn't going to spread/defend itself), and to preserve the traditions of the Verani Empire (the closest thing that Gloria-Etalia has seen to true civilization for millennia, may those who didn't fight to preserve this paragon of civilization be damned forever).

- Heavy robes and tattoos are reserved primarily for members of the Vashian Chapel. The robes and tattoos are made of the finest materials and the feature elaborate artistry that only the best professionals can create, in order to better separate themselves from the crude tattoos and heavy rags worn by many borderline pagan cultures in the region.

- Nobility and citizens wear relatively tight fitting clothing of the best materials they can afford, in order to both demonstrate their wealth, and to show off physiques developed by the rigorous martial training required of all citizens (though they are not nearly as fanatical about physical training as some Westrasi Sea cultures). Masks and various types of hats are not uncommon, but are seen as fashion statements rather than religious. Fashions change often in order to encourage people to acquire more wealth to buy more clothes, but fashions are always at least partially inspired by Verani Empire fashions (luckily there are many over the 700 year period the Verani Empire existed).

- Tattoos are rare except by those that can afford elite tier artists (and even then is usually seen as more of a fashion rather than religious statement), since tattoos and body paints are common among some of the more barbaric cultures in the region. Fastidious personal hygiene, elaborate hairstyles, and expensive makeup and foundations are seen as a better way to mark oneself as civilized.

- The ban on leather is seen as a northern cultural practice needlessly inserted into religious dogma. Leather was frequently used by the Verani Empire for boots, straps, and light armor sections, therefore it is good enough for the Vashians as well. The ban on hunting (at least by the wealthy) is likewise ignored as it is seen as a good opportunity to demonstrate martial skills.

- Although excessive nudity by living individuals is still seen as shameful and barbaric, Verani sculptures and paintings frequently feature partial or full nudity, therefore Vashian art does as well. Vandalism by affronted foreigners of artwork is punished severely, particularly if it is original Verani work.

- Vashians are prudish about sexuality, but not to the extent of many other Gloria-Etalia sects. Although marriage is important, bastard children of wealthy elites are tolerated as long as they are discretely looked after financially. Children being born to those that can't support them financially (whether married or not) is extremely frowned upon though and is illegal in more extreme cases since poverty is seen as the same as barbarity. Children are sometimes seized by the state, either on a term or permanent basis, and depending on circumstances the parents may be hit with jail time, or even forced sterilization.