Organizations/The Drowned Church

# The Drowned Church

## The Drowned Church

**The Drowned Church** - is one of the oldest organizations present and active in the Holy State of Akkalat. It was established in the late 800s A.C. by a group of so-called Drowned priests - the devote followers of Umely, the Goddess of Sea. The Drowned Church is the state religion of the Holy State and is one of the two influential political and social powers within the kingdom.

The Drowned Church is interchangeably used for both the state religion and the physical church building itself located in Akkalat.

## About

The Drowned Church of Umely, an institution that looms large over the Holy State of Akkalat, boasts a rich and multifaceted history that is deeply intertwined with the island nation's identity. With its origins dating back centuries to a time when Akkalat was a part of the Kingdom of Qyrasz, the Church emerged as an expression of faith and devotion to Umely , the Goddess of the Sea. Its humble beginnings, as a gathering place for a group of fervent Umely followers known as the Drowned Priests, gradually evolved into a symbol of spiritual unity among the island's inhabitants.

Central to the Church's identity is its veneration of Umely, a deity associated with the vast and mysterious ocean that envelops the Southern border of the self-proclaimed Holy State. The rituals and ceremonies performed within the hallowed walls of the Church have always been inextricably linked to the sea, reflecting a deep-seated reverence for the life-giving and capricious nature of the waters. Devotees of Umely would flock to the chapel, offering intricate seashell jewelry, handcrafted trinkets, and even carefully prepared meals as gifts to the sea. These offerings, sent adrift on small rafts, were believed to demonstrate reverence and elicit the goddess's favor in return. In addition to its role as a place of reverence and spiritual sustenance, the Drowned Church has played a pivotal role in the maritime history of Akkalat. Sailors, seafarers, and even pirates would visit the chapel before embarking on their journeys, seeking Umely's guidance and protection. Priests would offer blessings and sprinkle sacred seawater on their vessels to ensure safe and prosperous voyages, solidifying the Church's importance in the lives of those whose livelihoods depended on the sea.

However, the Drowned Church has a darker aspect, one that overshadows its spiritual offerings. Enforced with ruthless zeal by the dreaded Faith Keepers, the Church's strict orthodoxy leaves little room for dissent. Those who dare to oppose Umely or practice different faiths are subjected to harsh and often brutal measures. The Faith Keepers, acting as the enforcers of the Church's will, employ methods that include torture, public executions by drowning, and the ruthless suppression of any form of opposition. The Church's public drownings serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of defiance and a means to maintain its grip on the hearts and minds of the faithful. As the de facto state religion, the Drowned Church wields immense influence over the governance and culture of the Holy State of Akkalat. Its spiritual unity and authoritarian rule have shaped the destiny of the island nation, leaving an indelible mark on its history. The Drowned Church of Umely, a paradoxical institution that embodies both reverence for the sea's bounty and the unforgiving nature of its depths, continues to hold sway over the lives of Akkalat's inhabitants.

### Location

The Drowned Church is located in the Old Town district of Akkalat.

## State religion

As the state religion of the Holy State of Akkalat, the Drowned Church stands as an ancient and unwavering pillar of faith, dedicated to Umely, the Goddess of the Sea. It serves as the spiritual heartbeat of the realm, fostering a profound connection between the inhabitants and the boundless depths of the ocean. Rooted in a rich tapestry of traditions, the church's rituals include offerings to the deep, cleansing rites, blessings for seafarers, and solemn sacrifices. These practices are believed to not only honor Umelybut also safeguard the seafaring nation and its people from the unpredictable moods of the sea. At the heart of the church's devotion lies a sense of unity with the natural world, as it beckons followers to embrace the relentless tides, surrender to the waves, and seek redemption amidst the boundless expanse of the sea's embrace.

While revered by many in the Holy State of Akkalat, it has a dark and oppressive underbelly that extends its reach through the fanatical enforcers known as the Faith Keepers. These zealous agents are tasked with maintaining absolute adherence to Umely's faith and quashing any dissent. The Church's fervent dogma does not tolerate deviation, and those who dare oppose Umely's rule or embrace different beliefs face harrowing consequences. Dissidents are subjected to brutal torture, gruesome public executions, and forced exile to distant and often perilous lands.

Perhaps one of the most horrifying practices associated with the Drowned Church is the public drowning, used as a form of execution. This merciless method involves binding the condemned and submerging them in water, forcing them to gasp for breath until the unforgiving embrace of the sea claims their lives. The intention behind this gruesome spectacle is not only to end lives but also to serve as a terrifying warning to all who witness it, reinforcing the Church's absolute authority and deterring any thought of rebellion. Under the oppressive rule of the Faith Keepers, the Holy State of Akkalat is marked by a pervasive atmosphere of fear and submission, where citizens dare not speak out or challenge the Church's absolute dominion over their lives.

### Rituals and traditions

Within the sacred halls of the Drowned Church, a tapestry of rituals has unfurled over the ages, each one weaving a deeper connection between its devout worshipers and the enigmatic goddess, Umely, the embodiment of the sea's vast and tumultuous depths. These ancient practices, shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides, hold profound significance within the faith, offering both spiritual solace and, at times, demanding profound sacrifice from the faithful. From offerings cast upon the waves to the cleansing rites of serene sunlit pools, from blessings sought by seafarers embarking on perilous voyages to the surrender of the chosen in times of crisis, these rituals are the very heartbeat of the Drowned Church, forging a bond between its followers and the relentless forces of the ocean. Below is a list of some notable and commonly known rituals the Church performs:

* **Offerings to the Deep**: To honor Umely's domain, devotees would offer gifts to the sea. These offerings typically included intricate seashell jewelry, handcrafted trinkets, or even carefully prepared meals placed upon small rafts. The Priests believed that by returning these offerings to the sea, they demonstrated their reverence and received the goddess's favor in return.
* **Cleansing Rites**: Water was seen as a symbol of purity, and the chapel provided a tranquil space for cleansing rituals. Worshipers would wade into the shallow, sunlit pools at low tide, allowing the gentle waters to wash away their sins and impurities.
* **Seafaring Blessings**: Sailors and fishermen would visit the chapel before embarking on their journeys, seeking Umely's guidance and protection. The Priests would offer blessings and sprinkle sacred seawater on their vessels to ensure safe and prosperous voyages.
* **Harvest of the Deep**: To demonstrate their gratitude for the bounties of the sea, the followers would organize gatherings to share freshly caught seafood and celebrate their connection to Umely's realm
* **Surrender to the Waves**: In times of severe crisis or to appease Umely during a storm, the most devout would volunteer to undergo the Rite of Submergence. Bound and weighted, they would willingly step into a chamber beneath the chapel, which was slowly filled with seawater. It was believed that their sacrifice would absorb the wrath of the sea, protecting the community from calamity.
* **Sacrifice of the Forsaken**: During prolonged droughts or times of famine, the most desperate followers would perform the "Sacrifice of the Forsaken". They believed that offering a chosen member of their community to the sea would appease Umely's wrath, ensuring an abundant catch and prosperous harvest.
* **Tide of Torment**: Individuals burdened by guilt and regret would undergo the ritual called "Tide of Torment". They would be bound and left within the lower levels of the Church, awaiting the rising waters to cleanse their souls. The ritual was a desperate attempt to seek forgiveness and absolution from Umely for their transgressions... should they survive.

### Connection with Faith Keepers

*\* This section partially mirrors Faith Keepers' page segment "Years of creation".*

Amidst the growing prominence of Akkalat as a bustling port and township, a wave of change rippled through the community. With the influx of traders, sailors, and travelers from diverse backgrounds, new beliefs and faiths began to find a foothold on the island. The conservative population, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Drowned Church and dependent on the sea for their livelihoods, viewed these newcomers with suspicion. As alternative confessions and religions sought to establish themselves within the burgeoning township, a palpable tension began to mount. The indigenous people of Akkalat, fiercely protective of the Drowned Church and its status as the island's spiritual cornerstone, felt compelled to safeguard their faith. It was during this pivotal moment in Akkalat's history that the enigmatic and formidable Faith Keepers emerged.

The Faith Keepers, an order dedicated to preserving the sanctity and dominance of the Drowned Church, arose as a response to the perceived threat of encroaching beliefs. Comprised of devout followers of Umely, these zealous protectors adopted a strict and unyielding stance against any divergence from the established faith. Their mission was to uphold the primacy of the Drowned Church and ensure that its doctrines remained unchallenged. Under the banner of the Faith Keepers, the Church's authority was enforced with an iron fist. The Keepers became the enforcers of religious orthodoxy, suppressing the influence of other faiths with ruthless determination. Their methods, which included intimidation, persecution, and violence, served as a powerful deterrent to any who dared to question the supremacy of the Drowned Church. Public drownings, in particular, became a notorious symbol of the Church's uncompromising resolve.

The Faith Keepers' unyielding commitment to the Drowned Church solidified the Church's position as the de facto state religion of Akkalat. Over time, the Keepers' influence extended beyond matters of faith and spirituality, permeating the governance and culture of the Holy State. Through their unwavering devotion to Umely and their unwavering protection of her faith, the Faith Keepers ensured that the Church remained the unchallenged spiritual authority in Akkalat, a legacy that endures to this day.

## History

### Years of creation

In the late 800 A.C., the region that would eventually become the Holy State of Akkalat was still an integral part of the Kingdom of Qyrasz. During this time, a dedicated group of followers, known as the Drowned Priests, fervently worshiped Umely, the Goddess of the Sea. Comprising primarily of seafarers, sailors, and those whose lives were intimately connected to the ocean's ebbs and flows, these devoted adherents yearned to establish a sacred sanctuary that would reflect their deep reverence for Umely. The journey of these devout souls led them to the rugged coastal cliffs, where the relentless crash of the waves against the shore seemed to resonate with the spirit of Umely herself. It was amid this awe-inspiring natural backdrop that they resolved to create a holy place of worship. Undeterred, they set to work crafting a modest wooden chapel nestled in the lower reaches of the cliffs, where it would be partially sheltered from the brunt of the ocean's wrath.

The construction of the chapel was no small feat. The devoted priests toiled tirelessly to fell towering trees from the nearby forests, fashioning them into sturdy wooden beams and panels. These materials were painstakingly transported to the chapel site, where the relentless roar of the surf provided a ceaseless soundtrack to their efforts. They built the chapel upon a foundation designed to withstand the regular deluge of seawater that washed over the coastal cliffs during high tide.

### Present day

Today, the Drowned Church stands as the preeminent religious institution in the Holy State of Akkalat, serving as both the spiritual heart and the cornerstone of the island's identity. Rooted in ancient traditions and bound by the worship of Umely, the Goddess of the Sea, the Church continues to exert a profound influence over the lives of Akkalat's inhabitants. As the state religion, the Drowned Church enjoys not only spiritual significance but also considerable political and social power. Its clergy, led by the High Inquisitor, wields authority that extends beyond religious matters, often shaping government policies and societal norms. The Faith Keepers, a devoted order of guardians, are the vigilant enforcers of the Church's doctrine, ensuring that the primacy of Umely's worship remains unchallenged.

In Akkalat, the daily life of its people is intrinsically tied to the sea, reflecting the Church's central role. Fishermen, sailors, and traders continue to turn to Umely for blessings, guidance, and protection in their maritime endeavors. The Church's rituals and ceremonies, such as offerings to the sea and cleansing rites, remain an integral part of the community's customs. However, there is a darker side to the Drowned Church's influence. The Church's conservative nature has led to a vehement suppression of other faiths and beliefs within Akkalat's borders. The Faith Keepers, with their unwavering commitment to orthodoxy, use brutal methods to ensure religious conformity, leading to a climate of fear and repression for those who dissent.

Public drownings, a form of execution that remains a macabre symbol of the Church's authority, continue to be employed as a means of punishment and control. Those who oppose Umely or dare to pray to different gods often find themselves subjected to these horrific public spectacles. The Drowned Church today stands as the dominant religious and political force in Akkalat, its influence extending far beyond the realm of spirituality. While it continues to serve as a source of guidance and unity for many, its rigid doctrines and oppressive methods have cast a shadow over the island's otherwise vibrant and diverse culture.