Sect of Eternal Allegiance

The **Sect of Eternal Allegiance** is one of the three officially recognized sects of the White Faith. It is otherwise known by its followers as the Sect of Allegiance Eternal. It is a relatively recent sect, having only started to develop over the last sixty years. It was recognized by the Faith twenty-three years ago and founded by the priest Lutherus Astron, who currently leads the sect.

## Beliefs and Practices

The Sect of Eternal Allegiance upholds that the central figures officially recognized by the Faith (the Good Mother, Lady of Light, Lion of Light, Blind Traveler, and Paladin) are archaic relics of the past and should be left to history. They believe these figures draw away energy from worshippers that should be focused solely on the Paragon.

This sect rejects the figures of the Faith, priestly supremacy, the oath of the White Tenants, adherents, and the role of secular rulers in religious matters. Members believe that Paragon should be the only being worshipped in the White Faith. They believe priests should not be granted supreme authority over all workings of the sanctums, as is customary in the main body of the Faith. They believe priestly power should be checked and balanced by the clerics. They reject the oath of the White Tenets as an unnecessary barrier to the Faith, believing the concept of adherents further divides the Faithful.

Allegiance members also believe in the separation of the Faith and what they view as the secular world of politics. They do not think leaders of the Faith have a place in governance, and that their true power lies within sanctum walls. Outside places of worship, they hold little influence over the people.

Within this sect there is a desire to return to the Faith in its "pure" form, before the formation of the cathedrals. They view themselves as reformers who are purging the White Faith of outdated practices to return to the eternal pillars which have withstood the test of time: the White Tenants. Members believe the Tenants should be followed and understood by all. There is a movement to make the text from which these tenants come, Baelorian's Book, available in simplified Equin.

The allegiance the Sect refers to is an eternal devotion and dedication to Paragon above all other figureheads in the Faith.

Members of this branch uphold literacy and education above most aspects of society. They believe followers of the Faith should be familiar with the holy texts and free to interpret them on their own will. Interpretation by a priest or cleric is not necessary for understanding, as understanding is personal and each person is guided into their own enlightenment by Paragon.

Members uphold that the relationship between the Paragon and the individual is holiest when it is solitary and intimate, in its purest form without the presence of a sanctum or gathered worship. Sanctum attendance is thus not as strongly emphasized as it is within the main body of the Faith.

### Founder

Lutherus Astron is a mid-ranking priest former in the main body of Faith who lived and worked in Everrest City, the capital of the Second District. He is a devoted scholar, healer, author, and astronomer. He founded the sect as a means to reform what he perceived as outdated parts of the Faith.

### Standard

Like the other great Sects, the Sect of Eternal Allegiance has its own standard and symbols. It was created by Prince Arthane. The original standard