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|pronunciation = Yoon-yen-is-m
|pronunciation = Yoon-yen-is-m
|origins = Emperor [[Theomar]]
|origins = Emperor [[Theomar]]
|deities = The Imperial Spirit
|deities = The Everwatcher and various other Gods and Goddesses
|subsects = Various Sects and Churches
|subsects =  
* The Evintarian Cult
* The Guided Cult
* The Armageddon Cult
|}}
|}}
Unionism is a polytheistic religion based on the life and oral teachings of the Emperors of Regalia, and the Everwatcher supreme divine being that inhabits them. The Everwatcher, in turn, is supported by God Emperors and God Empresses who after their death shed their mortal form and pass into immortality, thus becoming gods and goddesses in their own right. Unionism is the largest religion in Aloria and is practiced by millions of people of all different races--particularly the Ailor race. The core belief of Unionism is that one day, by the shepherding of the Regalian Empire, its Emperor and the Ailor people, all races and all peoples of the world will achieve paradise through what they call "The Great Way", which roughly corresponds to the ambition to make Regalia a globe spanning Empire that controls all the seas and land there is. They believe that all those who died will return to the land of the living, and all shall live in immortality and infinity in a forever-paradise. Despite its great message, Unionism also has its controversies and schisms. It is the most divided religion, perhaps a reflection of its Ailor origin, as several split beliefs have caused major rifts in their religious community. Unionism is generally considered the fastest-growing religion, quickly replacing all other religions across the world due to a combination of its universal message and its enforcement by the military might of the Regalian Empire.


==Origins==
==Origins==
* '''Beginnings & Founders''': Unionism was founded by Emperor Theomar I, the first Emperor of the Regalian Empire who also functions as the faith's chief prophet. He proclaimed he received visions from the Everwatcher, who chose to bestow the right of the so-called Mantle of Creation unto the Ailor race; it is believed that Unionism was a religion that existed for thousands of years, but was always rejected by the dominant races. Theomar proclaimed that the Everwatcher had rejected the hubris and degeneracy of the Altalar, and now favored the Ailor as the true agents of paradise, or the Makers of the Great Way. This meant that while in the past other races held the Mantle of Creation (an abstract concept that implies a specific race is the protector of all living things), it was now time for the Ailor race to fulfill this task. Emperor Theomar I wrote his visions and intentions into a large holy book called [[The Creed]], which then started spreading from its creation point in the city of Regalia (this is why Regalia is sometimes also called the Holy City Regalia) to all surrounding lands as more and more nobles adopted the faith and spread it to their subjects, before it took to the global stage.
Unionism as a [[Religion]] was created in the year 5 AC when Emperor [[Theomar]] (the founding [[Regalian Emperor]]) proclaimed the Creed (the holy Scripture) as visions received from the Everwatcher. In the beginnings of the Empire, the faith was slow to spread, but through providence and divine intervention, as well as [[Regalia]]'s military spread and aggressive missionary proselytizing, Unionism quickly spread from its small cult-like origins to a world-religion. It has over the years also absorbed Gods from smaller religions, and included Gods form other Religions to become a very all-inclusive cosmopolitan Religion. While most other Religions are [[Race]] specific with some caveats, Unionism is a cross-Race religion that invites all Races to join under the Everwatcher.  
* '''Creation Theory''': Unionist Creation theory describes a time called the Uhr-Era, a time before memory and writing, where the Everwatcher wasan immortal form-less being alone in the universe with the power of perpetual creation. It is written in The Creed that the Everwatcher wished to create paradise, but could not realize true paradise without free will. Each time the Everwatcher created a new cycle of creation without free will, the world would eventually succumb to darkness as there was no spark of creativity or innovation. However, when the Everwatcher gave complete free will without guidance, all of creation perpetually destroyed itself in disastrous hellfire, with bright flashes of destruction lighting up the horizon followed by eternal winter. It was finally that on the last cycle, when the Uhr-Era ended, the Everwatcher chose to seek out a Vessel to provide guidance through visions and direct communication on how to achieve paradise without removing free will. Creation was still prone to sin, but was then also able to overcome it.
* '''Racial Access''': Unionism is a religion that is inclusive for all with a caveat. While standard Unionism does include means for all Races to be included, Ailor have a privileged position above all others. The Emperor is always an Ailor, and the Everwatcher has designated the Ailor to be "First among equal races"; that the task of leadership falls upon them. Strictly speaking, this is not a judgment that non-Ailor are forbidden from positions of leadership or and priesthood within the faith. The responsibility for achieving the destiny of all Races falls on the Ailor to uphold. Furthermore, Unionism is a very schismatic religion, meaning many different cults and interpretations of The Creed exist, and not all agree on an all-inclusive vision for the other Races. There are plenty of Cults that do not believe in the inclusion of other races, and some who are outright hostile to what they call the lesser races. Refer to the Schisms and Sects for more information.  


==History==
After the creation of Unionism, several nobles joined the Emperor as a show of loyalty and started spreading the faith among their subjects. This caused a slow but galvanizing wave of conversions that kept picking up speed until whole nations would instantly fold to follow Unionism in the third century after the cataclysm. While once the [[Old Gods]] or other Pagan Faiths were dominant among Ailor, within 200 years, Old Gods had been reduced to a minority religion that was largely only followed in the northern realms and the [[Drixagh]] area of the [[Regalian Archipelago]]. Meanwhile, Unionism quickly took root in vast swathes of Ithania, Daenshore and the older Ceardian Kingdoms. Holdouts still remain and the recent decay of Old Gods and conversions away from the [[Faith of Estel]] have been much slower than in the second century, but Unionism still continues to grow at the expense of all other religions that are turning  into fringe beliefs.
===Schisms===
===Schisms===
Unionism has endured several Schisms, all caused at various points in time over major religious differences. Each Schism usually came about following the death of the previous Emperor, which resulted in the priests of Unionist calling for a Diet of Deliberation. During this time, thousands of priests from all over the world are invited to discuss the future of the faith, and to have theological debates, as the priests are the only ones allowed to look at the holy words in The Creed. Unfortunately, sometimes these events are also hotbeds of religious politics, and large groups of priests unify behind an idea that incites violence and opposition from the majority or minority, who might break away. There exist more differences between the Schisms than explicitly stated on this page for ease of reading. For more information on additional differences, consult the [[Unionist Schisms]] Page.
Unionism has had a series of schisms in the past centuries, notably the Evintarian schism which was the result of dogmatic differences and a civil war, and the Supremoclast schism which followed a more critical and humanist conscience of the people. This resulted in the Religion splitting in three (with some smaller cults that were later re-absorbed) that engaged in some degree of religious war on each other to proclaim supremacy over the concept of the Everwatcher. It took several centuries, but in recent times, the conflict wounds healed, and the priests of all Schisms came together to re-merge the religious communities, founding the Unionist Divine, which represents the current faith and priesthood. Some Cults like the Evintarian and Guided Cult still exist, however these add optional additional Gods, rather than radically diverging from religious beliefs.  
* '''The Evintarian Schism''' is the first Schism that appeared directly after the death of Emperor Theomar I. In his later years, Emperor Theomar I changed his mind on the matter of Godsparks, the process by which Unionist Heroes are declared. Emperor Theomar I originally wrote in The Creed that Godsparks could only be declared by the priests in a Diet of Divinity, once the subject person had died. In his later years however, he decided Godsparks could be detected in still living mortals during a Diet of Divinity. However, he never wrote this down for unclear reasons. After his death, the majority of priests decided if the Emperors did not write their dissent on previous dogma in The Creed (they are allowed to edit it), it is not considered divine will and is irrelevant in the eyes of Holy Law. The Evintarian minority faction believed the Emperor's word is always divine will, and that it does not matter if he has or has not written it down into The Creed; if he changes his mind about something and verbalizes it, it must be followed. Because the majority of the priests refused to legalize the Diet of Divinity for living people, the Evintarian faction split from the main Unionist religious community and created the Evintarian religious community--Evintarian Commune. This Commune suffered severe repression at the hands of the dogmatic Unionists, and were expelled from the Empire to the inhospitable [[Etosian Isles]]. This is also why sometimes the religion is called Etosian Unionism, but Evintarian Unionism is the official name. Evinters, as they are called, consider themselves more holy and pious followers of the Emperors and consider the other schisms to be more secular and thus more prone to corruption and sin. The Evintarian Unionists are the second largest Unionist belief in modern days with a powerful army and nation-state for itself.
* '''The Dogartan Schism''' is the second Schism that appeared directly after the death of [[Emperor Henri III]]. Emperor Henri III was known to live a pious and virtuous life while rejecting wealth and excess, and due to the rapid growth of Unionism, the dogmatic Unionist religious community had become very wealthy, as priests were allowed to tax the peasants in their lands. A minority of priests wanted to establish a wealth-cap for all priests, forcing them all to give away their wealth to the poor, which most priests rejected. As such, the Dogartans left the main structure of priesthood and created their own Dogartan Unionism that is more based on a vow of poverty and helping others than glory and the self. The Dogartans were less repressed, and in many ways, the dogmatic Unionists simply let them go; they continue to exist in modern times but are few in number of adherents.
* '''The Vultragon Schism''' is the third Schism that appeared as a direct response to the [[Seasonal Emperors]], though murmurings of its origins had already begun during the [[Three Years of Three Emperors]] much sooner. Many priests, particularly from the south, believed court politics and intrigue dictated who would become Emperor over the inheritance clauses clarified in The Creed. They argued that the Everwatcher could not just be assumed to be the next-in-line heir to the throne, because this would imply the Everwatcher just jumped into whomever, regardless of how competent they were. The priests argued that the Everwatcher is much more intentional, and would take a Vessel that would not become subject to court intrigue. Because it is impossible to tell who the Everwatcher had chosen, these priests argued for a waiting period after the death of the last Emperor in which they waited for a sign from the Everwatcher. The majority of the priests declared this heretical and in direct contradiction to The Creed, so they violently expelled the Vultarin priests. These priests went home to [[Vultaro]] and their beliefs quickly spread among the locals due to the harsh societal environment the southern lands lived under, stoked by constant warfare between its nobles. Eventually, the situation exploded into a rebellion, and the [[Regalian Army]] harshly repressed the Vultragon heresy that continued to spread regardless. Eventually, the Regalian Army backed off and relations were normalized into peace. Now, the Vultragon Unionist religious community is the third-largest Schism of Unionism, and has firmly established a Unionist belief structure centered around critical thinking in the southern regions of Regalian Archipelago.
===Sects===
Smaller Sects exist within Unionism, though they are not full Schisms. Most sects are intersectional, meaning that a priest from both Vultragon and dogmatic Unionists can be a member of a specific Sect, since Sects only add beliefs and do not subtract from or conflict with pre-existing beliefs. Sects usually have very small support bases, but are entirely legal within the Regalian Empire or the Unionist religious communities at-large, even the Schisms.
* '''The Horopadosi Sect''': This Sect believes in the idea of "physical evolution to a greater being," meaning that being Ailor is an abstract concept, and that physical alterations to Ailor, such as mutations or becoming an Url, are still Ailor--but only if the physical mutations are seen as a way of improving what constitutes the Ailor body or mind. This Sect specifically rejects [[Magic]], but believes Magic can be used to elicit physical mutations that are beneficial. Urlification is particularly popular among the Horopadosi.
* '''The Priscelle Sect''': This Sect believes that the inheritance clause in The Creed is incomplete and that the presumption that the inheritance of the Emperors must always be gendered toward the first-born male who survives the Emperor is wrong. They argue that the first-born child, regardless of gender, is the one chosen to become the heir, thus allowing female Empresses to carry the Everwatcher as a Vessel. This Sect does not support changing the inheritance line of succession as it stands now and favor providence in the [[Kade Succession]]. They do, however, lobby to get the inheritance changed for the future, so that if the next Emperor should have a daughter first, that daughter becomes the heir.
* '''The Minoth Sect''': this Sect believes in a more intellectual approach to Unionism that considers the Everwatcher a more abstract "learning" and "knowledge" transferral between Emperors, rather than an actual being with intentions and thoughts of its own. The Minoth Sect believes that the [[Imperial]] inheritance should be based on elective choice, meaning the current Vessel of the Everwatcher Emperor or Empress should be allowed to choose the next Emperor or Empress regardless of their birth order.The Everwatcher should aid the Vessel in choosing who is most competent to carry the Everwatcher as a future Vessel. This Cult is currently in-favor in the Court, and the [[Emperor Alexander I]] has chosen the elective inheritance clause.
* '''The Silvershroud Sect''': this Sect rejects the all-demon status of the [[Occult]], and believes that non-Affliction-based Occult, and to some degree [[Silvenism]], are beneficial, and blessings of the Everwatcher, as opposed to Demons from a different plane of existence. They argue that because some Afflictions or Occult beings are beneficial, or at least not repugnant to life and existence, they must be ordained by the Everwatcher who is the chief creator of all things good. They argue for the legalization of vast swathes of the Occult .
* '''The Diviner Sect''': this Sect rejected the all-inclusion of other Races into the Unionist fold, and argued for the sacrificing of other races as lesser beings to divine the future or receive visions from the Everwatcher. Because this Sect implied that the Everwatcher would speak to anyone other than the Emperor, this Sect was uniformly denounced by all Schisms, and made holy war upon by the dogmatic Unionism religious community. The [[Holy Herebrand Order]] exterminated the Diviner Sect in 308 AC, killing their last supporters in [[Girobalda]].
* '''The Vierzehn Sect''': this Sect rejects the all-inclusion of other Races or Half-Ailor into Unionism, though not as severely as the Diviner Sect does, while also sticking closer to The Creed. Vierzehners believe that all other races are by nature inferior, and should have their status reduced to serving classes, and be barred from military or priestly or administrative positions and certainly nobility. Vierzehners also believe in an expansion of immoral sins, which largely involve importing more bigoted laws against non-conforming minorities in society who do not portray the exact pure vision of the Vierzehners.
* '''The Thyemic Sect''': this Sect believes that Undead are resurrected by the Spirit with a unique duty to the Great Way. Thyemics (who are usually undead themselves) tend to fill roles that would be difficult for living members of the faith, such as guarding remote holy sites or ministering to communities stricken by disease. Of note, there is a great disagreement within the Sect over [[Therin Ivrae]], the son of [[Justinian II]] who rose from the grave to kill his older brother. Some hold that Therin was given an opportunity for redemption, but rejected it. Others instead assert that Therin's return and subsequent crime were both divinely inspired, setting in motion a chain of events that will bring about a new era of the Empire.


===Spread===
==Core Beliefs==
Unionism is spread through Missionaries who travel to lands where Unionism is not yet present or present in a minority to establish a so-called [[Celate]]. Celates are areas that the Unionist priests use to define boundaries between their spheres of influence, as each priest has a rough jurisdiction(sometimes just a town, or a city, or a whole valley) where they administer their religious service. A priest or missionary in Unionism are as such the same, and most priests have been missionaries at some point or another. Priest is the most common term for a religious figure of authority within Unionism, though Celate can also be used to refer to a priest.
Unionism is a polytheistic Religion with one single superior being and his mortal vessel on earth, and a whole host of paired Gods who all offer specific lessons of the faith. The Religion's primary objective is world domination, that is to say, to create a globe-spanning Regalian Empire that can create eternal peace and stability, and bring about paradise by banishing war and suffering and death, and bring back all the dead from the Afterlives into an eternal paradise. Each of the God Pairs (except the Vessel) provides what the Unionists call, a Golden Lesson, which acts like a virtue, and opposes a sin in the belief of Unionism. If a person dies and their soul is judged by the Everwatcher they are found to be virtuous, they join the Everwatcher on the Great Stairway where they watch down on the living in wait for paradise to come. If they are deemed sinful, they are re-incarnated in the mortal world, so they are given another chance. The following Golden Lessons can be found in Unionism:
===Violence===
* '''Theomar and Thedmir:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that Unionism is good, and that spreading the faith is a virtue, and that sin is turning away from the Great Way, or outright sabotaging its intent.
Violence has always been a contentious point within Unionism, as The Creed professes the need for all Ailor to spread the one true faith--by the sword, if need be. Unionism is likely the most aggressive religion that is forced onto other peoples and nations even against their will, and that many thousands of people have died because they refused to convert to Unionism. The Creed never explicitly states non-Unionists must die; however, The Creed does permit holy warriors of the faith to slay those who would stand in the way of the spreading of the faith. This has allowed some blood-thirsty priests and nobles to slay large numbers of non-believers to soften up populations for the actual conversion, as they have no warriors left to oppose the missionaries’ influence. In modern times, the Regalian Empire has simmered down the violence, but the spreading of Unionism still is built on a bloodbath, especially against the Velheim people in Drixagh who intermittently waged Holy War against Regalia for several decades. These Velheimers also committed atrocities against the Unionists, and in most cases, Holy Wars are considered defensive for the Unionists, adding more nuance than is often assumed. There are also large segments of Unionist society that are entirely pacifist, and even those who vehemently oppose Holy Wars or other forms of religious violence, while sectarian violence also happens within Unionism itself.  
* '''Ness and Eora:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that kindness and compassion are good things, and that even the most criminal seek love and affection and are deserving, while sin is to be bereft of mercy.
* '''Juvin and Glanzia:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that virtue is with the pure soul not tainted by the corrupt powers, and with knowing pure fact from wrong, while sin is spreading corruption and false information.
* '''Allest and Brand:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that loyalty to the state, the army, and fellow believers is a virtue, as is physical strength, and that sin is treason, deceptiveness without morals, and adultery.
* '''Elia and Leona:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that responsibility and protecting society is shared by everyone, no one can be excused, and that sin is to indifferent and not watching for the dangers of the world.
* '''Neal and Nolven:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that culture and art fill the soul with light, and that even in the darkness of war is beauty, and that sin is pure blind hatred without grace or beauty.
* '''Al-Asir and Marani:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that Technology brings forth great progress, and to share with society is a virtue, and that sin the creation of killing machines that automate death.
* '''Tanthor and Dari:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that even the most wretched, unwanted, and outcast of society have a role in the Great Way, and that sin is to find sadism and satisfaction in hurting the unloved.
* '''Mendes and Hor:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that wealth is there to be shared, but ultimately needed for the greatness of the faith, and that sin is to hoard wealth alone, and to steal from others.
* '''Sinnavei and Eirlys:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that even those outside the Faith can have an indispensable role to fill in paradise, and that sin is the wanton destruction of all that is alien and unknown.
* '''Caan and Kaldric:''' The Golden Lesson preaches that Magic and the Occult are a tainted burden that come with great responsibility, and that virtue can be found in good use, and sin in selfish destructiveness.
===Divine Mechanics===
All Religions provide 1 single Mechanic to their Believers that fits within the flair of their Religion. This Mechanic is lost if the individual stops believing in the Religion, or becomes a heretic, but can be regained. Afflicted can use this mechanic, but having the mechanic does not imply that they have blanket forgiveness from their Gods, just that there is more nuance to it than that.
* Unionist Faithful can be blessed by the gods by having a divine intervention and being cured of their Affliction or being cleansed of their Affinity through a divine event. Such a divine event should be orchestrated by the player themselves, does not necessarily require a pre-condition like "this character destroyed a Unionist Temple so the Gods intervened" or "this Character tore apart a painting of the Emperor so the Gods punished them", but can require one. This should generally only occur once per Affliction/Affinity, and is entirely up to the player's own consent over their character when and where it occurs.


==Beliefs==
==Gods and Goddesses==
The following Beliefs are recorded for Unionism:
Unionism differs from other Religions, in that it has Duo-Gods. All Duo-Gods are divine and each have divine powers in the afterlife (though some Gods may be yet living). Unionists worship all Gods equally, though they may choose specific Patron gods which they worship more. The Everwatcher acts like an overarching God of Gods, but the Everwatcher cannot directly be interacted with, so most people end up praising the Everwatcher through the Gods and Goddesses. Unionism also has the Cults further below. Cults add Gods onto the standard Pantheon, but they are not mandatory for vanilla Unionists who don't worship the Cults. It is possible to be a believer of both Cults.
* '''Narrative''': The Unionists believe that all Ailor have a destiny to lead the other races and people to a realm of paradise where there is no suffering or death and everyone lives immortal with the dead returning to life among the living. It is believed that this paradise will arrive when all the world is subject to the Regalian Empire, and believes in Unionism (or any of its Schisms).  
<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
* '''Purpose of Life''': Is to love and serve the Emperor and the Everwatcher and the God Emperors and Empresses. The primary directive is to follow the secular will of the Emperor, live in the virtues set out by the God Emperors and Empresses and earn the worthiness of the Everwatcher by living a virtuous life free of sin.  
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Prophet Gods Theomar and Thedmir'''</center></span>
* '''Suffering''' is believed to be a test of faith for the mortals that exposes sin and weakness in the mortal soul. All souls are savable, and it is the duty of the priests to elicit reform and improvement in souls so that when a person dies, the Everwatcher will deem them worthy for the afterlife.
{|
* '''Canonical Evil''' does not formally exist in Unionism, but generally speaking spirits from other dimensions are considered Evil. These are called [[Demons]], even if they are in fact not a sentient entity and rather just an infection of the mind on a person. Other evil simply derives from the mortal flaws of Free Will.  
[[File:Thomur.png|220px|caption|left]]
* '''Magic''' is considered a taint and corruption brought about from Demons, though some Cults and even Schisms tolerate vast swathes of Magic or what they call "Occult", and some even see it as a direct blessing from the Everwatcher as a tool to be used to achieve paradise.  
|
* '''After Death''', each person's soul is believed to be judged by the Everwatcher. Those with excessive sin are forced to reincarnate into a newborn, and get another chance at proving the value of their soul. Those who are judged virtuous are permitted onto the [[Great Staircase]], where all worthy souls look down on the living and exist in bliss until Paradise arrives.  
* '''Name:''' Theomar (left) and Thedmir (right), the Prophet Gods, first believers.
* '''Burial''', involves burning of the body or beheading and burial, as Unionism has had an issue with mindless [[Undead]], and standardized practices to deny Undeath. When a person dies, a mourning period of several days is announced with mourning robes in White, and [[Silent Sisters]], a female caste of priests, perform the burial rituals along with a priest offering the blessings of the dead and sympathy for the living.
* '''Patron:''' Fathers, Rulers, Nobles, Leaders, Commanders, and Best Friends.
* '''Scriptures''': There is only one holy scripture:The Creed, a 300 year-old book carefully preserved in the writing of Emperor Theomar I. Each successive Emperor, as outlined by The Creed, is able to remove, add or change anything in The Creed, and anything they write automatically becomes Holy Law and truth. The Creed is so holy that it is forbidden for those without priestly training at the [[Divine College]] to read it. This heresy calls for the removal of the offender’s eyes as punishment. Only ordained priests may speak the words written in The Creed.
* '''Symbols:''' Theomar and Thedmir are symbolized by the necklace of friendship.
* '''Calendar''': There exists a Holy Calendar, with yearly holidays and holy periods of the year, each divided into the four holy quarters which roughly correspond with spring, the period of ambitions; summer, the period of the future; autumn, the period of glory, and winter; the period of reflection. . To find out more about the religious holidays, read the [[Unionist Calendar]] Page.  
* '''Role:''' Theomar and Thedmir were the Prophets of Unionism, spreading the faith.
===Divine Beings===
* '''Traits:''' Patriarchy, Insight, Good Governance, Loyalty, Friendship, Faith.
====The Everwatcher====
* '''Temple:''' The All-Beacon Temple in Regalia proper, the largest Unionist Temple.
* '''Allies:''' Regulus Worshipers, Dáuw Worshipers, anyone in the military.
* '''Enemies:''' In essence all Evolist worshipers, and all Vola Fornoss Gods.
* '''Rituals:''' Theomar and Thedmir Rituals involve re-enacting the struggles of them in the early days of Unionism. This involves preaching the faith to non believers, aiding the faithful in the defense of their holy shrines and places of worship, to mediate and act as diplomat for embattled groups, and to provide spiritual guidance to the Military. Theomar and Thedmir also have rituals concerning the sanctification and re-affirmation of friendship.
|}
</td><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Mother Gods Ness and Eora'''</center></span>
{|
[[File:Ness.png|220px|caption|left]]
|
* '''Name:''' Ness (left) and Eora (right), Empress and Chancellor in life.
* '''Patron:''' Mothers, Healers, Caretakers, Protectors, Empaths, Martyrs.
* '''Symbols:''' Ness's Butterfly Mask, and the Habit (head scarf) of Eora.
* '''Role:''' Ness and Eora are the savior Goddesses of Unionism who care for believers.
* '''Traits:''' Protective, Motherly, Nurturing, Caring, Self-Sacrificing, Forgiving.
* '''Temple:''' The Temple of Salvation in Old-Town forest side, which doubles as Hospital.
* '''Allies:''' Leif Worshipers, Severena Worshipers, Daiana Worshipers, Medics of any Faith.
* '''Enemies:''' Murderers, people who adopt adults, people who attack medics/the unarmed.
* '''Rituals:''' Ness and Eora rituals are all about forgiveness and nurturing and healing others. This may involve taking confessions, but can also involve volunteering at a medical station or healing house. Furthermore, Ness and Eora faithful travel prisons and downtrodden areas to give forgiveness to the damned, and offer them love and kindness where there is only the cold sting of rejection and apathy to the fates of the forgotten.  
|}
</center>
</tr></table>
<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Pure Gods Juvin and Glanzia'''</center></span>
{|
[[File:Talli.png|220px|caption|left]]
|
* '''Name:''' Glanzia (left) Goddess of Pure Soul, and Juvin (right) God of Pure Reason.
* '''Patron:''' Intellectuals, Mundanes, Anti-Magi, Scholars, Teachers, Archeologists.
* '''Symbols:''' Books with the Unionist Eye and Black Granite statues of Heroes.
* '''Role:''' To teach the faithful purity of soul (Magic-apprehension) and Logic.
* '''Traits:''' Analytical, Apprehension, Thoughtfulness, Anti-Magical, Purist.
* '''Temple:''' Temple of Greater Understanding, which doubles as a Library.
* '''Allies:''' Lothar Knights, Melca Worshipers, Severena & Aurora Worshipers.
* '''Enemies:''' Mage-Radicals, Theurgists, Those with Demon/Arken Pacts and Deals.
* '''Rituals:''' Rituals belonging to Juvin and Glanzia usually involve the Rites of Investigation. This usually involves an in-depth investigation to some kind of mystery, for Juvin that being discovery of new information and publication to the masses, and for Glanzia to uncover hidden Mages and the Occult, and to warn the general public. General rituals and customs also just involve educating the masses on general factual information and debates of skill.
|}
</td><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Martial Gods Allest and Brand'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:Unionismspirit.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:GAYS.png|220px|caption|left]]
|The Everwatcher, also known as the Spirit, though this term is diminutive and should not be used, is the supreme divine being of Unionism, the source of all creation and the final destiny of all things. The Everwatcher was the first thing that was created in the beginning of times and created all other races, creatures, the land and all that was and will be. The Everwatcher is not traditionally depicted in any way shape or form, because it never had a physical form and always presented itself through a host, a “Vessel” in which it existed, and dispensed its holy visions and wisdom so the mortal being it inhabited could rule in its stead. Eventually as its Vessel aged and died, it would pass onto the Vessel’s first born child as it would continue to guide its blessed Race to the [[Everwatch]], a time in which all creation would join together with the souls of the dead into an eternal paradise, when creation has proven that it is worthy of eternity.
|
 
* '''Name:''' Allest (right) God of Warriors, Brand (left) God of Gladiators.
The nature of the Everwatcher is a subject of strong debate, especially between the schismatic religious communities within Unionism. Unionism is an immensely divided religion that has several major Schisms: the Divine Unionism (the standard religious community of Unionism), Evintarian Unionism (sometimes also called Ionism), Vultragon Unionism (sometimes also called Clastism), Dogartan Unionism (sometimes also Dosstism) and several smaller sects. The Everwatcher is the same for all of these Schisms, but these Schisms disagree on who should be the Vessel of the Everwatcher, because the Everwatcher does not ever make this explicitly apparent. For example, the common understanding is that the Everwatcher only resides in the first-born male heir, while Vultragon Unionism believes it should be the first-born heir regardless of gender that makes it to adulthood, which the other Schisms disagree with.
* '''Patron:''' Soldiers, Generals, Commanders, Gladiators, Warriors, Homosexuals.
 
* '''Symbols:''' Two crossed holy swords, one with blood, and one dripping with tears.
Regardless of the interpretation, the Everwatcher is considered the supreme being, through which all the God Emperors and Empresses are created as divine beings who ascend to godhood as they shed their mortal form. As such, the God Emperors and Empresses are less important than the Everwatcher in the Unionist faith, but they are more generally present because they are far more personal and once lived, thus leaving behind a memory to their existence to be worshiped. One can use the Everwatcher or any of the God Emperors or Empresses in blessings interchangeably; although they all roughly correlate to the same thing, there is only ever one Everwatcher, while there are currently seven God Emperors and Empresses, and more can be declared after their death in the future. The Everwatcher is eternal; it sees all and knows all, though it only works through the divine hands of the living Emperor who acts as its Vessel, while the God Emperors and Empresses function on the peripheries giving individual blessings to the faithful who are not heard by the Everwatcher in particular.  
* '''Role:''' To encourage fraternity and loyalty in the army, and strength of arms in warriors.
 
* '''Traits:''' Brave, Boisterous, Glorious, Victorious, Martial, Dependable, Unwavering.
Choosing a single God Emperor or Empress as a patron God or Goddess is very common in Unionism. That being said, active worship of all Gods or Goddess is not required, and so long as at least one God or Goddess is actively worshiped, even worshiping the Everwatcher is not strictly necessary, as the Gods and Goddesses are all more personalized extensions of the Everwatcher. Worshiping the Everwatch alone and largely ignoring the Gods and Goddesses is also possible. It is even possible to perform active worship of one of the Gods more than the others, or only the male Gods, or only the female Goddesses, or any combination of them. Most Unionists invoke the names of all Gods and Goddesses and the Everwatch, but might choose to have a shrine to all of them, or only one of them.  
* '''Temple:''' The Divine Heroic Contemplation Temple in Gloomrot Forest in Regalia.
* '''Allies:''' Cemaan Worshipers, Bard & Njal Worshipers, Bloodcast Knights.
* '''Enemies:''' Pacifists, cowards, enemies of Unionism and those who attack Priests.
* '''Rituals:''' Allest and Brand were lovers in live and death, where most of their rituals involve some kind of brotherly oath, a promise to protect someone until one's dying breath, or swearing fealty and undying loyalty to an overlord in war. Allest and Brand were glorious warriors each in their own right, so in many ways, prayer before battle and battle itself is a form of worship in their names, as is love persevering through war.
|}
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<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Protector Gods Elia and Leona'''</center></span>
{|
[[File:LESBIANS.png|220px|caption|left]]
|
* '''Name:''' Elia (left) Goddess the Watchful Gaze, and Leona (right) Goddess of Knights.
* '''Patron:''' Guards, Knights, Hunters, Rangers, Explorers, Scribes, and Lesbians.
* '''Symbols:''' Elia's Longbow and Leona's Blacksteel sword, along with Blacksteel in general.
* '''Role:''' To teach the faithful to guard one another and be responsible for one another.
* '''Traits:''' Chivalrous, Alert, Mindful, Responsible, Dedicated, Precise, Awareness.
* '''Temple:''' Temple of Unyielding Overwatch which doubles as the Imperial Hunting Lodge.
* '''Allies:''' Urlan, Knights of all Kind, Metropolitan Guards, Tame Marken, Huntsmen.  
* '''Enemies:''' Criminals, Monsters in the wild, Kathar, Argentum Knights, Womanizers.
* '''Rituals:''' Elia and Leona were lovers in life and death, where most of their rituals involve some kind of communal or co-operative practice of the hunt or respect and support of the Knights (as well as being Knights). Knighthood is considered the greatest form of "keeping watch over society", and so many of their patrons become Knights. Other forms of rituals are couple or group hunts, and inspections of garrisons and walls and armories.
|}
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Vessel Gods Alexander and The Everwatcher'''</center></span>
{|
[[File:Alexander.png|220px|caption|left]]
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* '''Name:''' Alexander (see) Emperor of Regalia and The Everwatcher (not depicted).
* '''Patron:''' Alexander is the Vessel of the Everwatcher, He speaks through him only.
* '''Symbols:''' The Unionist Eye represents the Everwatcher, the Crown Alexander.  
* '''Role:''' To be living embodiment of the divine will of the Everwatcher in Regalia.
* '''Traits:''' Divine, Sagely, Wise, All-Loving, All-Inclusive, All-Caring.  
* '''Temple:''' The Imperial Palace in essence doubles as the Temple of the Vessel.
* '''Allies:''' Alexander is ostensibly an Ally of all and everyone who will listen.
* '''Enemies:''' He has no Enemies. Even those who reject him in Crookback get his love.
* '''Rituals:''' There aren't strictly any rituals for Alexander, as he is only the Temporary Vessel. When Alexander dies, the next Emperor will take his place as the Vessel God, so that only ever the living Emperor will be Vessel God. It's also worth noting that Gladiator God Brand's name in life was also Alexander, as Brand is Alexander's ancestor. The latter is styled "Alexander II", the former has the Divine name of Brand from his living nickname Bram.  
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<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Culture Gods Neall and Nolven'''</center></span>
{|
[[File:Artgods.png|220px|caption|left]]
|
* '''Name:''' Neall (left) is the God of Visual Arts, Nolven (right) is the God of Military Arts.
* '''Patron:''' Painters, Sculptors, Make-up Artists, Fashion Designers, Gardeners, Designers.
* '''Symbols:''' Nolvens's golden radiant sword, or Neall's golden radiant paintbrush / pencil.
* '''Role:''' To teach the faithful the facets of culture in peace and war, and to love art.
* '''Traits:''' Creative, Artistic, Expressive, Gregarious, Welcoming, Inclusive, Visual.
* '''Temple:''' Temple of the High Arts inside the Imperial Palace Art Galleries.
* '''Allies:''' Artists, Njall Fornoss Worshipers, Viridian Knights, Beauty Arkenborn.
* '''Enemies:''' Argentum Knights, the Mutated and Monstrous, Evolist Worshipers.  
* '''Rituals:''' Neall and Nolven's rituals invariably involve the combination of cultural beauty and the art of war, whether that is a dramatic renaissance-style painting of a battlefield, or finding ways to depict what is in essence militarist propaganda in beautiful ways (statues, poetry, literature, art, etc). Because art is a skill, most worshipers of Neall and Nolven tend to perform their worship by paying artists to make art, a form of patronage.
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Inspired Gods Al-Asir and Marani'''</center></span>
{|
[[File:Eastgods.png|220px|caption|left]]
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* '''Name:''' Al-Asir (right) the God of Invention, and Marani (left) the god of Inspiration.
* '''Patron:''' Technicians, Engineers, Inventors, Architects, Craftsmen, Laborers.
* '''Symbols:''' Al-Asir's golden gears, or Qadir Ailor arm tattoo shapes in glowing gold.
* '''Role:''' Divine inspiration and guard against inventions of Evil in Technology.
* '''Traits:''' Eureka, Technical, Resourceful, Inspired, Altruistic, Conscientious.
* '''Temple:''' The Telocator Temple in Al-Alus, the only one outside Regalia's Empire.
* '''Allies:''' Those that help society at large, Those that make everyone's lives easier.
* '''Enemies:''' Death Cultists, Rishiq Qadir, Machinist Worshipers, War-Machine Inventors.
* '''Rituals:''' Al-Asir and Marani rituals involve the act of inventing, or just tinkering with technology, reading books and improving skills, or just generally engaging in crafts from simple wood carving furniture to advanced architectural planning. The act of production for someone else, even at the cost of payments, is considered a virtuous activity for the patron Gods of Craftsmen, this is why object creations are always blessed by the Gods.
|}
|}
====God Emperor Theomar====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Persevering Gods Tanthor and Dari'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:GodTheomar.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:Lizardgods.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Emperor Theomar, or just Theomar (sometimes also nicknamed the Sun-Father), was the first Emperor of Regalia, Emperor Theomar I Ivrae. Theomar ascended to Godhood after his death when the Everwatcher passed on to Lilienmar I. Theomar was the founding Emperor of the Regalian Empire and the creator of the Unionist Faith, writing the first version of The Creed, the holy book of Unionism. As a God Emperor, Theomar is the representing God of Fatherhood and Leadership, the Beginning of everything, and Founders. Theomar was known to be an Emperor with exceptional charisma even at an early age who could seduce even his most staunch opponents into allies, steering the future of Unionism on the path of ever-growth and ever-greatness. Theomar is also remembered as an excellent father who sired several children who all loved him unconditionally, and proved to be very skilled and well educated Princes in their own right.  
|
 
* '''Name:''' Dari (left) and Tanthor (right) are the Allar and Kathar Gods of the Forgotten.
Theomar is often depicted holding up his hand, with the palm to the viewer. This is to emulate his proclamation of Unionism, as his hand is sometimes also holding a book meant to represent The Creed. He is always depicted very dignified, and clothed in his royal purple and cream yellow robes, his favorite colors in life. Shrines to Theomar usually feature a golden bowl in which promises of good lives and good wishes for children are deposited by fathers, or good wishes and promises for fairness and kindness from one employer to employees. As such, Theomar shrines featuring this bowl and his likeness can be found in the home, or in workplaces, where Theomar’s name is invoked for the good fortunes of the business and the good wellbeing of its leadership, who in turn invoke the wellbeing of the workers and productivity. It is believed that Theomar blesses the perpetual goodness of the world and the goodness in Unionist hearts to this day.
* '''Patron:''' No specific Patronage, they are for the Downtrodden, Forgotten and Unwanted.
 
* '''Symbols:''' Golden neck chains or other forms of personal restraint around the neck.  
It should not come as a surprise that Theomar is often worshiped by laborers, employers and business runners, leaders, fathers, patriarchs and overseers. In the wake of Theomar, a cult rose to specifically worship him above the other God Emperors and Empresses: The Theomarite Cult. The Death of Theomar also created the Evintarian Schism, as Theomar was known to be favorable in his later life to the declaration of living Heroes, those who would inherit a spark of divinity from the God Emperors and Empresses, while the majority of the clergy disagreed, resulting in the creation of Evintarian Unionism, a schismatic religion. Theomar’s Cloister Trial involves several tests of morality and making the right decision in a tough situation to test the ethics and fairness of the pilgrim. Theomar’s Cloister Trial is at the Temple of the All-Beacon, with the inner Faith Chamber containing the circlet of Theomar, as his actual Sarcophagus is buried at the Imperial Palace.
* '''Role:''' To bless even the weakest and most unwanted in society with strength to go on.
* '''Traits:''' Dignified, Charitable, Austere, Sharing, Seeking Equity over Equality.  
* '''Temple:''' There currently is no Temple, it was demolished in Crookback for housing.
* '''Allies:''' Tanthor and Dari see any and all who want to be included in Regalia as Allies.
* '''Enemies:''' Tanthor and Dari see anyone who kicks down on the downtrodden as enemies.
* '''Rituals:''' Dari and Tanthor mostly give hope to the lost that there is still a place for them in the Everwatcher's Grace and the Regalian Empire. Rituals of Dari and Tanthor often involve charity and bringing care and warmth to the poor, the dispossessed, the unwanted, and to show compassion and no bigotry against those who look or act different. They involve rituals to combat racism, discrimination, and general radical inclusion, perhaps, even Vampires.
|}
|}
====God Emperor Juvin====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Prosperity Gods Mendes and Hor'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:GodJuvin.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:Furrygods.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Emperor Juvin, or just Juvin (sometimes also nicknamed the All-Knower), was the 11th Emperor of Regalia, Emperor Henri III Ivrae de-Sange. Juvin ascended to Godhood after his death when the Everwatcher passed on to Lillienmar III. Juvin is commonly remembered as the most pious and religiously pure Emperor, who lived an ascetic life of inner peace and perfection, and outward serenity and virtue. As a God Emperor, Juvin is the representing God of Piety and Virtue, the Perfection of Leaning, and Thinkers. Juvin was known to be an Emperor with exceptional wit and knowledge even at an early age when he could easily debate and out-wit his teachers and superiors. Juvin was also an exceptional philosopher and thinker who would spend long periods of his rule contemplating the meanings of everything, and make modifications to the Creed to reflect a more pure lifestyle. Juvin is also praised for his divine detachment, his ability to perceive the world and morals without the biases of the living and the common folk, thus allowing him to reach a greater plane of enlightenment.  
|
 
* '''Name:''' Mendes (left) and Hor (right) are the Gods of Prosperity and Wealth.
Juvin is often depicted in simple garb with only minimal decorations and dull colors, bowing, kneeling or in some form of submissive stance. This is to emphasize that Juvin never considered himself above everyone else, and served knowledge and virtue more than anything. He is depicted tall and frail, with a bald head and a long robe that may sometimes also contain several scrolls and items that intellectuals use to ply their crafts. Shrines to Juvin are usually put into an alcove inside a larger bookcase, surrounded by knowledge and learning. Candles are lit to his will in front of his statue, while incense is let to absorb the knowledge of the books, in the hopes that Juvin will give the offering person the means to learn faster. Juvin shrines can be found in any library or school, while his statues are also frequently found in Dogartan Cloisters and places of learning for the Unionist priests. It is believed that Juvin continues to watch over all Unionists, believing he grants them the means to learn, and unveils truth to those who seek it.  
* '''Patron:''' Merchants, Bankers, Traders, Shopkeepers, Bureaucrats, the Filthy Rich.
 
* '''Symbols:''' The Golden Coins of Union, Regal Coins with the Eyes of the Everwatcher.
Juvin is often worshiped by priests, librarians, scribes, teachers, tutors, researchers, alchemists, philosophers and thinkers. In the wake of Juvin, a cult rose to specifically worship him above the other God Emperors and Empresses: The Juvinite Cult. The Death of Juvin also created the Dogartan Schism, as Juvin was known to lead an immensely ascetic lifestyle, and rejected any and all aesthetics or wealth not forced on him by protocol. There were a number of priests who supported his vow of poverty lifestyle above the wealth that the Unionist religious community had acquired at the time of his death, resulting in the creation of Dogartan Unionism, a schismatic religion. Juvin’s Cloister Trial involves several tests of wit at the Temple of Greater Understanding, before pilgrims can reach the inner Faith chamber containing Juvin’s Sarcophagus.
* '''Role:''' To bless the people with wealth and prosperity and good wit in commerce.
* '''Traits:''' Business Acumen, Opulent, Responsible, Self-Sufficient, Insightful.
* '''Temple:''' The Temple of Mendes and Hor is the Regalian Central Bank and Exchange.
* '''Allies:''' Mendes and Hor see anyone who spreads Order and Stability as Allies.
* '''Enemies:''' Mendes and Hor see anyone who spreads Anarchy and Chaos as Enemies.
* '''Rituals:''' It perhaps sounds ironic, but one of the most common forms of worship to Mendes and Hor is paying taxes. The act of paying taxes is considered virtuous, because it both shows a willingness to part with wealth, and a willingness to trust the State to do good by the people with said Taxes, and to contribute to communal greatness. Other rituals involve squeezing foreigners for money and signing unequal trade treaties with foreign merchants.
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====God Emperor Allest====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Allied Gods Sinnavei and Eirlys'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:GodAllest.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:Elfgods.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Emperor Allest, or just Allest (sometimes also nicknamed the Bear-Claw), was the 15th Emperor of Regalia, Emperor Allestrain I Ivrae de-Sange. Allest ascended to Godhood after his death from an arrow in the back that penetrated his heart on the field of battle while holding off a hundred soldiers by himself allowing his own soldiers who had been cornered by the enemy to escape certain death. Allest is best remembered for being a beast of a man, alongside his best friend Arch-Chancellor Alexander I the Giant Kade, the both of them forming an inseparable warrior duo on the frontlines as the Empire expanded. Allest oversaw the Empire’s fastest and widest expansion, creating the practice of “Beat and Submit”, where the Regalian Army and Navy would submit other nations through economic isolation or outright invasion. Allest was the first frontline commander and warrior Emperor, and was an undefeated warrior who seemed to get that much more skilled with every champion he defeated. Allest is the representative God of Conquest, Rule, Brotherhood, and Fame.  
|
 
* '''Name:''' Sinnavei (left) Goddess of the Elves, Eirlys (right) Goddess of the Tribes.
Allest is often depicted either in his massive bulky armor, or in some state of removal of this armor to emphasize his god-like physique, in a victorious or intimidating stance. He is depicted tall and glorious as an example for all Ailor to strive to physically, and for the many victories he brought Regalia despite his short time on the throne. Allest is often also depicted with two large claymores, or scabbards holding his favorite swords: Blutkraft and Sangria, weapons that passed into Artifact Legend after his death. Shrines to Allest feature larger wardrobes or tables than most other shrines, allowing the owner to cover the surface with a cloth, and put their weapon in front of the shrine to ask for Allest’s blessings. The cloth is often wrapped over the weapon, with the cloth then doused in some form of alcoholic beverage, as Allest was also known to be a heavy drinker, before the liquid is washed off and the item removed from the Shrine. It is believed that Allest continues to lend strength and right of conquest to Unionists to this day.
* '''Patron:''' Solvaan, Elves, Breizh Ailor, Pre-Empire Tribes, Ancient peoples, heritage.
 
* '''Symbols:''' The Sollerian Mist-Gryphon, and the Breizh Santwr, Feather-Winged Warriors.
Allest is often worshiped by Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, Commanders, Generals, Gladiators, but even many in the criminal element, due to his inherent connection with victory and conquest of others who are weaker and less willing. In the wake of Allest, a cult rose to specifically worship him above the other God Emperors and Empresses: The Allester Cult. The death of Allest did not result in a Schism specifically. However, many years after his death, Allest’s memory was used as an argument in favor of the Vultarin Heresy that would eventually form the Vultragon Schism, which did create a schematic religious community.  Allest’s Cloister Trial involves several mental tests of self-sacrifice and willpower at the Temple of Perpetual Glory, before pilgrims can reach the inner Faith chamber containing Allest’s Battlearmor, as his body was never recovered from the battlefield and rumored to be preserved in a perfect state somewhere.  
* '''Role:''' To show that non-believers and outsiders may find Solace and Alliance in Faith.
* '''Traits:''' Arcane, Enchanting, Ancient, Glory of Ages, Respect, Venerability of Age.
* '''Temple:''' Bryn Dwyfol in Kintyr, and The Skyward Palace in the capital of Solleria.
* '''Allies:''' Sinnavei and Eirlys see any who would join Regalia's ambitions as Allies.
* '''Enemies:''' Sinnavei and Eirlys see any who would obstruct Regalia's ambitions as enemies.
* '''Rituals:''' Rituals of Sinnavei and Eirlys involve (much like Tanthor and Dari) radical inclusion, but as opposed to Regalia's own citizens, that of outsiders. To ally with other faiths for the good in the world, to respect outsiders, to give them human decency and dignity, and to help them help the faith. It also involves healing racial tensions, and uncovering and sharing ancient lost knowledge to the world for the wisdoms that it may hold.
|}
|}
====God Emperor Almar====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Burdened Gods Caan and Kaldric'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:GodAlmar.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:Magicgods.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Emperor Almar, or Almar (sometimes also nicknamed the Blind Jester or Allmaverick, the word Maverick comes from his name), was the 13th Emperor of Regalia, Emperor Allamaria I Ivrae Heiligenblut (surname differs as he was the first New-Regalian Emperor). Emperor Allamaria I was also the third son of Emperor Henri III, making Almar the God Emperor son of God Emperor Juvin, while he is also the grandfather of God Emperor Allest. Almar is remembered for several things. Firstly, he is remembered as a rambunctious adolescent, spending much of his early years being a boisterous and wild man with many conquests and broken hearts. He spent money like no tomorrow, and offended many foreign dignitaries with his crude behavior, equally letting many of his stewards and guards land in prison, taking the blame for his juvenile actions. As rule came closer to him however, a series of visions of the past and future caused him to completely reform his life. Where there in the past was celebration and endless nights in leisure, there now was endless nights studying and codifying law to create a semblance of order and justice. Almar was so profoundly touched by his visions and the injustice in the world that he sought to right wrongs. He later also created the School of Marshalry, which he had envisioned to be the arm that would spread his justice and honor for all across the lands. Almar is the representative God of Justice, Law, Honesty, but also of Leisure, Entertainment, Vanity, and Ego.  
|
* '''Name:''' Kaldric (left) and Caan (right) are the Gods of Burdened but Beautiful Magic.
* '''Patron:''' Mages, Aelrrigan Knights, Arcane Researchers, those seeking Redemption.
* '''Symbols:''' Kaldric's horned bramble crown, and Caan's Arcane tome symbolisms.
* '''Role:''' To teach the faithful proper & virtuous Magic usage, and warn for corruption.
* '''Traits:''' Self-Sacrificing, Penitent, Humble, Pious, Stalwart, Holy, Paladins.
* '''Temple:''' The Hall of Golden Ascension in the Holy Agatha Mountains of Regalia.
* '''Allies:''' Those who use Magic respectfully, virtuous, and care for world & others.
* '''Enemies:''' Those who abuse Magic for selfish or hedonistic purposes and ego.
* '''Rituals:''' Kaldric and Caan rituals involve forms of self-sacrifice and penitence. Self-flagellation is one form of self-punishment practiced by some of their worshipers, but other forms of self-enforced humility through the praising or service of others are also common. Kaldric (once called Kristoph in life) is more for the self-loathing/punishing Mages and Occult, while Caan is more for the restrained and dignified Mages and Occult.  
|}
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==Cults==
Cults exist in Unionism as "add-ons" for the Religion itself. While all Unionists by default worship the Gods and Goddesses listed in the Pantheon above, some Cults within Unionism worship additional gods that most of the main stream believers do not. These are holdouts from the old Schisms, that albeit while joining the main current of religious worshipers, still have some leftover of their old beliefs. Each Cult is represented by a single theological belief, and with Gods who are included by this theological belief, while all other aspects of the Religion are the same. It is possible to be a member of multiple Cults as they just add additional beliefs, but it is also possible to believe in one of the Cults, or none at all.  
===Evintarian Cult===
The Evintarian Cult was established by the Evintarian Schisms many centuries ago when the Evintarian priests split off, and were expelled from Regalia and founded their own country in [[Etosil]]. The Evintarian Schism happened, because the Evintarian Priests thought that Trans-Dimensional Entities (such as certain Demons) could become Gods too if they shed off their sinful nature and were blessed by the Everwatcher, which the main dogmatic branch rejected. The Evintarian Priesthood voted to join the Unionist Divine, and so they became a Cult that has included several Trans-Dimensional Entities as God Pairs. Each of the Evintarian Gods requires some explanation of how they came to be accepted as Gods in the Evintarian Cult, which will be explained first, before the Gods are discussed.  


Almar is often depicted as a suave and handsome young man (even if his reforms came at a later age), always with either a blindfold or some kind of unraveling cloth disappearing from his eyes. This cloth is meant to represent the blindness of justice, but also the fact that Almar was blind to the truths of duty and fate for so long in his life, until he saw the light and reformed. He is also always depicted with a scale, the symbol for the Regalian Judiciary, that weighs the value of crime and punishment for those who are subject to Almar’s laws. Almar’s shrine equally has a scale, one with a golden feather, and another with a small box. These items normally weigh roughly the same, however anyone wishing to bring offering or pray to Almar, writes a plan or thought on a piece of paper, inserts it into the box, and then lets the scale weigh the value of this thought. If it is heavier than the feather, it is unlawful or sinful. If it is lighter than the feather, it is lawful and righteous. It is believed that Almar provides justice and fairness, even for non-Unionists to this day, as he also cares for those who do not believe in the Everwatcher.  
Kithemon is an Exist entity from another realm that possessed an Aetosian man named Nikolaos (surname lost to time). Kithemon was verified as a God for the Evintarians, as he granted them many protections of the mind against incursions from Demons and other entities who would corrupt and usurp them and rob them of their freedom and identity. Amandaros is a Void Entity that was somehow related to the Evolist God Armas, but always dodges the subject when discussed. Amandaros possesses his host an Asha named Amon, though it is important to mention that Amandaros as an entity does not reside in a single place, but can be in many places (and hosts) at once. Amandaros is also summoned by the Mask of Amandaros which is held in Evintarian Shrines, which the faithful may use to help conceive children if they cannot themselves (see: Amandaros [[Godborn]]). Yvasi is an Ordial Entity possessing a Half-Eronidas named Girin who has proved to be of aid to the Great Way, by traveling the lands and helping the faithful realize and manifest their true self in gender, appearance, and heritage. It is not known what entity Yvasi is related to, but she did show her loyalty to mortals and the living, by aiding in the defense of the [[Last City of the Living]], before traveling on to Aloria to aid the Unionists.  


Almar is often worshiped by Justicars, Bureaucrats, Lawmakers, but also Entertainers, Musicians, Dancers, Romancing Couples, and those looking for the perfect partner. Almar’s name is often invoked for good blessings to a Courtship or wedding and lots of healthy offspring before the worshipers “grow up” and transition to Theomar worship. In the wake of Almar, a cult rose to specifically worship him above the other God Emperors and Empresses: The Almar Cult. The death of Almar did not result in any Schisms. Almar’s Cloister Trial involves several tests of restraint and self control as the pilgrims are led from one seduction to the other, until they finally pass into the final Faith Chamber in the heart of the Temple of Eternal Justice, where the Sarcophagus of Almar rests with his favorite scales on top that are said to weigh the heaviness of a soul as they enter the chamber.  
Yvasi in particular discusses many concepts of transhumanist and transgender concepts with the faithful, as she is a female-presenting spirit in a male-presenting body, and how that generally affects gender presentation to the faithful, as well as gender roles in society. Finally, Eredicos is a divine name for the Imperial Prince Frederick Kade (second son of the Emperor), who shares his body with an ancestral spirit of Betheoric I Kade. Unlike the other entities who have mostly subsumed their host, Eredicos represents both Frederick in the mortal body and Betheoric in the immortal self, and the two frequently exchange host status. Eredicos is a very recent addition as God, because Frederick only ascended to godhood when he became an Urlan in the past 3 years, and in doing so, proved to have divine god-like powers of command and venerability over even non-believers through Betheoric. The fact that an Imperial prince is technically possessed by a Primal Revenant is a very much not-so-secret at the Imperial Palace, but out of respect nobody causes an issue over it.
<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Exist/Void Gods Kithemon and Amandaros'''</center></span>
{|
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* '''Name:''' Kithemon (left) Protector of Minds and Amandaros (right) Protector of Proginy.
* '''Patron:''' Kithemon, Patron of protections against the dark arts, and Amandaros of parents.
* '''Symbols:''' The shielded silhouette of a head, and a tree of descendance or ancestry.
* '''Role:''' Kithemon protects from mind incursions, while Amandaros helps with childbirth.
* '''Traits:''' Resolute, Stalwart, Protecting, and Hedonistic, Capricious, Lustful.
* '''Temple:''' The Temple of Ethereal Naether in the capital of Aetosil, Regalian Empire.
* '''Allies:''' Leyon and Sapphora faithful, Aelrrigan Knights, those with big families.
* '''Enemies:''' Those that bargain with Arken and Demons, the possessed, and incels.
* '''Rituals:''' Kithemon and Amandaros rituals vary greatly, as they are obviously very different. Kithemon rituals involves seeking out and revealing the corruption of Spirits and mind control affecting others and then freeing them. Amandaros rituals involve hedonistic self-satisfying parties, preferably those which involve in copious amounts of romantic matches or flings that may expand the population through conventional means.  
|}
|}
====God Empress Elia====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Ordial/Primal Gods Yvasi and Eredicos'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:GoddessElia.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:New Canvasgsgerhfghjyt.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Empress Elia, or just Elia (sometimes also nicknamed the Brass-Fist), was the wife of Emperor Allestrain I, as his wife Empress Eolaria I of House Cadar. This makes God Empress Elia thus the wife of God Emperor Allest. Empress Eolaria became the Dowager Empress on the death of her husband, however instead of staying at the palace, she continued her husband's warfare and conquest in his name. Much like her husband, Eolaria died in battle, and was declared the second God Empress. Elia is the representative Goddess of Fighting, Combat, Warfare, Victory, Love and Loss. She is remembered for having been at the very frontline of every battle she participated in, letting the generals do the planning, and just punching her way through the enemy lines with her legendary shield Draackenbuster and her spiked war-glove called Porcelain-Face, both of which passed into Artifact Legend after her death. Elia was the only spouse ever suitable for Allest, rivaling him in size, and reputedly being able to knock-out punch an Eronidas with one heavy punch in the face.  
|
* '''Name:''' Yvasi (left) Bringer of Self-Love and Eredicos (right) of Elder Wisdom.
* '''Patron:''' Those struggling with anxiety/depression, and children of heritage.
* '''Symbols:''' The mask of anonimity, and the banner of command and the staff of rule.
* '''Role:''' Yvasi to help believers become their true self, Eredicos to embody ancestors.
* '''Traits:''' Guiding, Mentorly, Authoritative, Venerable, Wise, Erudite and Thorough.
* '''Temple:''' The House of the Patrilineal Divinity in the capital of Aetosil.  
* '''Allies:''' Urlan, Therapists, Estelley and Fornoss Priests, the Elderly.
* '''Enemies:''' Bigots who bully on matters of identity, and those who betray family.
* '''Rituals:''' Yvasi and Eredicos rituals similarly diverge due to their diverging nature, but they are more similar than Kithemon and Amandaros. Many of the rituals for Yvasi and Eredicos converge on praising and worship of ancestors, to showcase the skill and achievements of ancestors, and to keep a clean grave or shrine to them. Yvasi has rituals of self exploration, meditation, and both also have rituals with experimentation with self-presentation.
|}
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</tr></table>
 
===Guided Cult===
The Guided Cult has a long and troubled history, as Dogmatic Unionists tried to violently suppress so-called religious-critical movements that challenged the clergy by asking questions instead of blindly believing everything that was fed to them. The Guided Cult inevitably agreed to re-join the Unionist Divine, as the priests of the other groupings agreed to accept their Duality-God (each God representing two) entities, while also admitting some of their more free-thinking ideas in how to interact with the priests. While prior the priests could not be questioned, with the Guided Unionist re-interpretation, Priests were actively challenged to be questioned in their preaching and faith, so that everyone would become stronger in belief. The Guided Cult still exists, because they hold on to some of the so-called [[Dragon]] Gods.  


Elia is often depicted with her fist up, sometimes with or without her spiked war-glove, but always with her shield Draackenbuster by her side. She always wears a muscle-fitting bronze armor with a long crimson dress (which she did not wear into battle) complementing her crimson hair. Shrines to Elia feature her as a statue guarding a small locket box underneath that has a small key-hole. Owners of the shrine put their secrets and diaries inside, along with notes of the names of their loved ones to protect them from harm. It is an unspoken law among Unionists never to steal documents from shrines of Elia, in order not to evoke her wrath. It is also believed that putting things inside this small locket box will aid Elia in protecting them from harm, especially loved ones. Flowers are sometimes also offered to a statue of her likeness as a sign of adoration or love that she had for her husband, even in death. Elia is believed to bring victory to those deserving and bless Regalian armies to this day, her name often invoked before and during a battle by Regalian soldiers.  
This means that while critical thinking, questioning faith, and keeping an innovative and independent mind are aspects of the Guided Cult, what is more important to them is the divinity of Dragons, that being also the separation between them and the dogmatic beliefs: that Dragons can be Gods. Dragons are all Divine, and while not all Dragons are Gods, some of them are, and they should be adhered to when they make proclamations. Some make the incorrect assumption that this means Guided Unionists believe in both Unionism and [[Draconism]], but the Guided Unionists specifically delineate between Draconist Gods, and Unionist Gods, in that the Dragons that are Gods, are specifically not Dragons from Draconism, because they represent a different faith. That being said, Archon do exist in an in-between function, in that the Guided Cult does accept Archon as holy warriors if they worship Unionism. Each Duo-God pairing is a pair of a Dragon Soul God, and an Archon God who acts as their protector. The first Dragon God is Nicholas Kade, the Glorious Arch-Chancellor who is commonly remembered as the most competent government leader the Regalian Empire ever had, and Aarthes his Fin'ullen Archon Bodyguard. Nicholas has been dead for over a century, but Aarthes is still alive, living in Nicholas's old Estate in Anglia alone.  


Elia is often worshiped by Soldiers, Sailors, Knights, Regalian Guards, Mercenaries, but even criminal thugs on the street who simply wish to strive for the strength and power she had, as well as the endurance to continue on even in the face of loss and suffering. In the wake of Elia, a cult rose to specifically worship her above the other God Emperors and Empresses: The Elin Cult. The death of Elia did not result in a Schism. Elia’s Cloister Trial involves several rooms of increasingly difficult duels of combat against other Pilgrims as a test of strength, before the final victor of the tournament is allowed into the inner Chamber of the Temple of Unyielding Perseverance (though locally known as the Temple of Punching Harder). Inside this inner chamber, lies the sarcophagus of Elia, next to an empty sarcophagus which is meant for her husband, who she longs to be united with in death.
The second Dragon God is Morgan Kade who is commonly remembered as a highly competent, but extremely morally corrupt and cruel Arch-Chancellor, and Narsil his Snake-Marken Archon Bodyguard who was painted in Gold as he slithered through the Imperial Palace. Morgan died several decades ago, and Narsil was put to death immediately after Morgan, as he was no longer around to protect his bodyguard-pet Marken. The duality of virtuous Nicholas and sinful Morgan as Gods is that the Guided Unionists believe that Gods can also be just awful people, and be extremely selfish and capricious, but that bad qualities and ugly personalities are not reasons to write off the skills and competencies that people do have. The Guided Cult holds that Dragon-Souls (like Prince Cedromar, or his children August and Florian) would be more suitable heirs to the throne, but have agreed with their re-integration into Dogmatic Unionism to cease their opposition to Emperor Alexander's rule.
<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Dragon Gods Nicholas and Aarthes'''</center></span>
{|
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* '''Name:''' Nicholas (left) and Aarthes (right), Gods of political and architectural design.
* '''Patron:''' Intellectuals, strategists, philosophers, diplomats, patriarchs and matriarchs.
* '''Symbols:''' The scepter of regality, government buildings, the Regalian state banner.
* '''Role:''' Nicholas teaches those in positions of power responsibility and careful design.
* '''Traits:''' Foresight, Calculated, Intellectual, Informed, Responsible, Unwavering.
* '''Temple:''' The Golden Seed Temple in Axford, capital of Anglia, Regalian Archipelago.
* '''Allies:''' Regulus faithful, those who favor charisma and speech over combat.
* '''Enemies:''' Chaos agents and those who would disrupt the order and stability of states.
* '''Rituals:''' Nicholas and Aarthes rituals involve the bridging of duality, to seek out "the mind" and "the body" in friendships, and form a perfect union between the person who plans and thinks, and the person who acts and completes. The intention is to build friendships from unlikely partners, to create unbreakable bonds and collaborative efforts that showcase the perfection cooperation, that dependency is not weakness but beautiful and meaningful.
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====God Empress Ness====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Dragon Gods Morgan and Narsil'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:GoddessNess.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:Snakegods.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Empress Ness, or just Ness (sometimes nicknamed Nessie or Mutt-Mother by non-Ailor), was the wife of Emperor Henri I the Honorable, as his wife Empress Nessaria I of House van Sherburne. Empress Nessaria is best remembered as being an indignant wife to her husband early on, resenting the marriage with Emperor Henri I. Through her early years, she committed many sins of unfaithfulness to her husband in spirit and name. This led to her being punished with being blinded, after which she wore her signature silver butterfly wing eye covers and coronet piece. Despite being vengeful after being blinded, it is said that the Everwatcher gave her sight back after she discovered love for her first born child by the Emperor, Bartolomeux, who would also later become Emperor. Still, her Godhood has little to do with her motherhood, but rather the redemption she afforded for the assassins of her children. While their implicit assassination of the Emperors Bartolomeux, Carvallais and Maxelle were never proven, the story goes that Ness gave them penultimate repentance and forgiveness despite the horror they had inflicted on her. She spent many years a devoted mother, only to have her most prized thing in the world taken from her, her children, and still she found it in her heart to forgive the assassins, and gave them blessings as they wept for forgiveness at her feet, clawing at her mourning dress. She would later on continue to go out and seemingly turn the hearts and minds of many of the most ruthless criminals, spending a night with them in their cell by candlelight, and having converted them to pious men full of repentance and seeking forgiveness come morning, continuing on to her dying days. Ness also showed exceptional favor to non-Ailor races, being nicknamed “Mutt Mother” in a time when all other Ailor hated the sight of Half-Ailor, and some of the more radical religious sects continued to attack non-Ailor over radical beliefs of exceptionalism. Elia is the representative Goddess of Forgiveness, Acceptance, Repentance, Absolution, but also the Downtrodden, the Forgotten, the Non-Ailor and the Half-Ailor who feel abandoned.  
|
* '''Name:''' Morgan (left) and Narsil (right), Gods of the corrupted excellence.
* '''Patron:''' Those who question leadership and faith in the right and respectful ways.
* '''Symbols:''' The Cobra hooded head, and the snake-forked tongue and snake-hair head.
* '''Role:''' Morgan and Narsil exist as warnings to blind faith and unquestioning obedience.
* '''Traits:''' Selfish, Greedy, Cruel, Wroth, Prideful, Hyper-Competent, Self-assured.
* '''Temple:''' Morgan and Narsil don't have an official Temple because of vandalism.
* '''Allies:''' Slizzar, Criminals, Gang Leaders, Spies, Saboteurs, and Rogues.
* '''Enemies:''' Those who use Emperor, Faith, or Law, to justify cruelty and evil.
* '''Rituals:''' Rituals of Morgan and Narsil are less in service to them, and more in deterrence to the qualities of Morgan. The most common form of ritual is the Public Examination, where large crowds gather in front of a speaking stand, where citizens and commoners hold a public debate on the competency and virtues and morality of an individual in office or power, as a means to hold them accountable to good governance and keep them on the right track.
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Ness is always depicted in her mourning dress with her signature butterfly eye-covers and accessories. Butterflies strongly represent Ness, a being and symbol of forgiveness of Unionists, and for those seeking repentance. She often carries a golden Unionist Eye chain, along with a golden rose and two sets of rose-thorn stalks. These items are meant to represent her objects of the many facets of forgiveness through faith, repentance through loss, and the beauty of absolution. Sometimes her statue has three infants around her pedestal to signify motherhood, and sometimes it has three chained criminals to signify the forgiveness she gave. Offerings to her are silent candle vigils, or the repentance those who have wronged seek to the priests of Unionism. It is believed that Ness continues to whisper conscience into the hearts of the most hardened criminals, and that all feelings of guilt come from her, but also all feelings of liberation and acceptance, and that she continues to protect non-Ailor.
===Armageddon Cult===
The Armageddon Cult originated in the preaching of the Evintarian priest Belisarius, whose core belief was that while Paradise is certain to come at the end of the Great Way, that the traditional doctrine does not account for the non-mortal elements of the world. In essence, while believers and mortal non-believers alike could bring about Paradise, the dogma does not account for the existence of Demons, those who reject the Emperor's love, and Vampires who by nature cannot love his grace. Belisarius believed that on the Eve of Paradise, an event would occur called the Armageddon, where all the Demons, Demon worshipers, Arken, Void Gods, and other entities that wish to prevent Paradise, would unleash a holy war on Unionism and that the final test before Paradise would be winning this cataclysmic war that would touch all corners of the mortal realm. Armageddon Cultists in essence believe in an inevitable "War in Heaven", and express their belief mainly in daily "thinning the herd" of Demons and Vampires so as to reduce the overwhelming forces that the Demons will come to possess when Armageddon begins.  


Ness is often worshiped by non-Ailor, Criminals, Judges, Half-Ailor, those who are poor and feel forgotten and downtrodden, those seeking redemption and forgiveness, and those who seek the strength to forgive others. In the wake of Ness came the Nessilia Cult, which holds her above all other Emperor Gods and Goddesses. Ness’s Cloister Trial involves priests drawing out the sins and crimes of the individual in confessional, after which they are confronted with the circumstances and challenged to find peace and love for themselves despite them. If they are proved worthy by the priests, they are allowed into the Faith Chamber of the Temple of Forever Motherhood, where four sarcophagi stand, for Ness and her three beloved children.
They are doomsday preppers, with many even entertaining that Armageddon will not come in their lifetime, but that they will contribute to a reduction of the numbers of the enemy, and preparing the Empire and their descendants for the final war by producing more weapons, and researching every edge they might gain against the Demons. The Armageddon Cult is unique in Unionism in that it acknowledges an actual canonical evil, the supreme devil as it were, and entertains the idea that there is actually a chance that the Armageddon war might be lost if too many people fall to the vices of Demon worship and consorting with the Devil. The Armageddon Cult was accepted into the faith along with the other Cults, and conformed just like the others. It is a relatively small cult, but it is immensely popular among purists and those who make it their daily employment to hunt down Demons and serve the Emperor by slaying his detractors. It should be noted that a more twisted version of the Armageddon Cult also exists. Because the "evil" Gods (perceived similarly to Guided Unionism in more of a fear-worship, or appeasement to keep them away) are still immensely powerful, some Vampires have developed a twisted version of the Armageddon Cult where they believe that when Armageddon begins, they will all rise up against the Gods of Evil, and join the righteous in the war in heaven for Paradise, and redeem themselves.  
 
Through this belief, some of them have become pro-Regalian pro-Emperor, acting from the shadows in the benefit of the Regalian Empire, even if the Empire would have them slain at the earliest convenience. This Vampiric interpretation is obviously heretical and not supported by the Cult itself, but it is notable enough to be mentioned, and why some Vampires might worship the Armageddon Cult Gods. On a closing note, while the Armageddon Cult only has two Devil Gods, the theology allows for a much larger range of evil entities to be acknowledged as "Aspects of the Endwar", such as Void Gods, Arken, Greater Demons, and in some interpretations even Estelley Gods. The Armageddon Cult has many superstitions concerning the Endwar, and players are encouraged to experiment with catholic apocalypse visions and the circles of hell.
<table style="width: 100%;"><tr><td style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Anticipating Gods Celestina and Eòin'''</center></span>
{|
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* '''Name:''' Celestina (left) and Eòin (right), Gods of service for bounties they may never see.
* '''Patron:''' Doomsday preppers, Purists, Demon Hunters, Vampire Hunters, Anti-Evolists.
* '''Symbols:''' The Habit and mask of the Silent Sisters, and the Imperial Guard Seal.
* '''Role:''' Celestina and Eòin teach the virtue of doing good without material reward.
* '''Traits:''' Altruistic, Resolute, Combative, Unforgiving, Unrelenting, Prepared.
* '''Temple:''' The Divine Advent Temple in Regalia, found in the countryside on roads.
* '''Allies:''' Those that fight, restrain, or otherwise hamper the forces of the Void.
* '''Enemies:''' Evolists, Kathar, Demons, Theurgists, Those that consort with Demons.
* '''Rituals:''' Celestina and Eòin represent the spoken word and the prepared mind, and the physical arm and execution of the divine plan. Their rituals involve preparing one's self, or the world around one, for the inevitable Armageddon, and to find peace in the fact that all the toil of a lifetime may not ever see fruits while alive, and that the benefit of one's labor must be for one's descendants or those who come after. and never for one's self.
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====God Emperor Vess====
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<span style="font-size:150%;><center>'''Endwar Devils Belialus and Sablael'''</center></span>
{|
{|
|[[File:Hfhdf.png|260px|thumb|left]]
[[File:New dsadCanvasgsgerhfghjyt.png|220px|caption|left]]
|God Emperor Vess, or just Vess (sometimes nicknamed Vilgy), was the 26th Emperor or Regalia, Emperor Vilgemar I Ivrae de Sange. Vess ascended to Godhood after his death when the Everwatcher passed on to Justinian II. Vess was the Emperor who rid the Empire of corrupt politicians and served as the last Emperor before the Regalian pessimism, heralding the last period in time during which the Empire was truly content and there was true hope for the future instead of a constant battle to stave off apocalypse. Vess is the representing God of Happiness, Liberty, Liberation and Freedom, more specifically the breaking of chains and bondage, as he liberated an unprecedented amount of indentured servants and slaves from cruel masters, and spent a large amount of time interfering with foreign nations who tyrannically repressed their local people. Vess is also remembered for being a general fun-loving person who could never be caught in a bad mood, except for that one day that the Morgannt reached too far with his Tyranny, thus bringing an end to the last Regalian Tyrant.
|
 
* '''Name:''' Belialus(left) devil of the Sanguine, and Sablael (right) devil of Shadows.
Vess is always depicted as a very youthful looking young man (though he is equally often depicted as androgynous or of ambiguous gender as he enjoyed breaking gender expectations), as he still looked youthful even towards the end of his life. He wears the traditional garb of the palace entertainers, a group of people who he had good relations with, and is always standing in some sort of playful position or pose that elicits some sense of playfulness or youthfulness. Vess’s statues often double as ponds or fountains, with water reaching from some object he is holding, or his hand, with flowers being very common in and around the water. Prayers to Vess are usually made by releasing wishes and prayers into budding flowers, and then inserting said flower into the water and letting the petals open up as time passes, believing the wishes to be released into the world with Vess’s blessings as the flower flowers before it wilts. It is believed Vess continues to bless the Regalian forces to bring freedom from Tyranny abroad, and has more recently also been adopted as the symbol for the abolition movement of slavery across the Archipelago.
* '''Patron:''' The Devils are not patrons, they are entities to appease into inaction.  
* '''Symbols:''' The Vampiric Curse, the twisted and coiling shadow, and the hooked tail.
* '''Role:''' Belialus and Sablael act as a focal point of a clearly defined evil to fight.  
* '''Traits:''' Destructive, Corrupting, Seducing, Enrapturing, Dangerous, Evil.
* '''Temple:''' No official Temple, but Vampires worship in the House of Blood in the sewers.  
* '''Allies:''' Those who would seek evolution and advances through the Demonic and Void.
* '''Enemies:''' Paladins, Priests, Holy Figures and those who hunt Vampires and Demons.
* '''Rituals:''' Rituals of Belialus (called Behesael by Elves) and Sablael involve candle night vigils and ritual purification of objects and people touched by the Devils. The idea is to cast away the evil presence of the Devils (a word itself taken from the Velheim Djevel or "evil one"), because the belief is held that if their influence is cast back into the Void, that their connection with the mortal world is disrupted and they enter a state of slumber.  
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Vess is worshiped by party-goers, children, those who treasure freedom and liberty above all, journalists, bartenders, inn-keepers, indentured servants and slaves, particularly for their liberation from bondage. Vess is in fact so common among Children that many men have a natural process of Vess for their childhood, Almar for their early adolescence, and Theomar for their adult years, but Vess is equally common among adults because of his strong focus on perpetual happiness and fostering a positive view and attitude on life and events. The Vessper Cult came into being to worship Vess above all, though this cult has not been traditionally seen as a true Cult as they spend less time worshiping Vess and more time having fun. Vess did not cause any Schisms. Vess’s Cloister Trial involves challenging the pilgrims to entertain or provide happiness for those struck with mental illnesses or depression, who often gravitate to the Temple of Joyous Everwatch to seek help for their despair. If the pilgrims succeed, they are permitted into the Faith Chamber of Vess, where a single sarcophagus stands surrounded by a sea of broken chains, each belonging to a slave he helped free, tens of thousands of them.
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====Heroes of Unionism====
Heroes of Unionism can come into being through Godsparks. When a God Emperor or Empress dies, their spirit becomes immortal, but a piece of their Soul can be reincarnated into a newly born person after their death, as this Godspark becomes part of their Soul. It is believed that this process causes the person to become exceptionally pious, but to also grant them gifts bestowed by that particular God Emperor or Empress. For example, Theomar would Godspark a mortal into being exceptionally good at leading, while Juvin grants them exceptional Wit. It is doctrine to declare Godsparks only after a person has died in Diets of Divinity, where the priests debate on whether the person's actions and their piety deserves the title of Hero of Unionism. If approved, that person becomes legal to worship, which usually takes the form of votive offerings for blessings. To read more about Heroes, read the [Heroes of Unionism] Page. The Evintarian Schism of Unionism has some living Godsparks, as their religious community is the only one that maintains that Diets of Divinity can be held before a person has died, instead of only after. This has recently resulted in the Diet of Evintarian Divinity declaring [[Prince Cedromar I]] to have the Godspark of Allest.
==Rituals==
* '''Sacred Spaces''':Each God Emperor and Empress has an Arch-Temple devoted to them, they can be found in Regalia. Beyond the seven Arch-Temples in the Regalian Holy City, each region with Unionist-majority inhabitants has one Great-Temple, which usually contains shrines to each God Emperor and Empress, but also smaller shrines to the Heroes of Unionism and one big one to the Everwatcher. Finally, smaller Celates own regular Temples, which are usually devoted to a single God Emperor or Empress, the Everwatcher, or a group of Heroes of Unionism.
* '''Sacraments''' are religious rituals and practices that herald a new period in the life of a Unionist. To see the full list of Sacraments, see the [[Unionist Traditions]] Page.
* '''Worship''' to Unionism is not strictly done on a daily basis. For many of the faithful, Unionism is not meant to interrupt their daily activities, and as such, most Unionists perform their worship at home, with shrines to their chosen patron God Emperor or Empress, or just the Everwatcher in general. There is no real communal service for Unionists, as priests engage in a very specialized and personal service that is often only given when the faithful seek them out.
* '''Symbolism''' is mostly centered around the lidded eye that represents the Everwatcher, though statues of the God Emperors and Empresses,and the Heroes of Unionism are also frequently seen as Symbols. The colors purple and yellow are considered holy, though only by circumstance of being Theomar's favorite colors.
==Community==
* '''Structure'''All priests within a Schism community communicate with one another, and also have a hierarchy among them. At the lowest rank exists the lay-priest. The lay-priests are not formally educated priests, but individuals who have a good grasp of Unionist doctrine, and teach others the ways of Unionism. They are not permitted to perform priestly activities however. This is for the regular priests who are often also called Celates. They go to the Divine College where other Celates teach them the exact practices of the priests before they are either assigned a Celate to rule or venture out in the world to seek one out to build up from scratch. Celacy is sometimes inherited, meaning that Celates can marry and have children, and their children can become Celates and inherit the Celate territory as the next priest. A vow of Celibacy is not required in Unionism, but many priests do it anyway for virtue’s sake. Any race can be a Celate or Arch-Celate or even Primae-Celate, though Primae-Celates as of yet have been exclusively Ailor, and the majority of Celates are Ailor.
* '''Leadership''': Above the Celates are the Arch-Celates who mostly administer several dozens of Celates under their authority. Finally, above the Arch-Celates is the Primae-Celate, a single supreme ruler who calls for Diets and issues orders to the Arch-Celates. Each Schism community has their own Primae-Celate.
* '''Morality''': Unionism has a strict but very expansive list of sins and virtues. The sins are fairly standard: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride, versus Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness and Humility. In the views of Morality, Unionism does not wildly differ from other Religions. What does differ from other religions  is that forgiveness from sins can be bought with military service in the army or heavy donations to the priests and their Celates, or the cause of Unionism as a whole through payments to the Emperor. This concept of purchasing waivers for sins is controversial, but has not faded from Unionist society. The sin-forgiveness of being a soldier is common, resulting in Regalia's massive army of those wishing to buy absolution with their service.
* '''Gender and Sexuality''': There is gender equality for Unionists in general, except for a few things. Firstly, Emperors have only ever been male. Secondly, the Vierzehn Sect of Unionism has strict male-preference and denies the right of women to be priests or military leaders. In general doctrine, The Creed does not disallowsame-sex relations, nor does it enforce a gender binary or assign gender (thus allowing those who wish to self-style gender). That being said, the Vierzehn Sect is strictly against the latter two subjects, believing that because The Creed proclaims the need for Ailor to reproduce, that women and men have a strict role, and that same-sex relations go against the instructions of The Creed, while gender-non-conformity is an unwanted change of the creation of the Everwatcher, as they believe the Everwatcher creates everything perfect by default.
* '''Syncretism''': Unionism cannot be combined with any other religion, as the divinity of the Everwatcher and the God Empresses and Emperors is absolute, no other divinity may be expressed.
==Priestly Activities==
==Priestly Activities==
Priests do not administer communal services, in fact, Unionism does not have any large communal service that involves the worship of a divine entity in large groups. Rather, Unionism is designed more around individual and personal experiences with priests. Sometimes, priests will stand on the proverbial soapbox and preach to a crowd, but the majority of a priest's interactions with their flock are in private settings. Priests act like spiritual guides of their Celate territory as a guiding father, or a wise grandfather (even if they are young), or a world-weathered sage. Locals seek them out for personal guidance and direct interaction. Below are listed the individual practices that Celates and Arch-Celates partake in. These activities are not unique to only Unionists. While the descriptions below mention "faithful" as a subject to perform the priestly activity on, these activities are routinely offered even to non-Unionists, both as a form of attempting to sway them to Unionism, but also just because Unionists believe in the betterment of mental health of even non-Unionists, as that way they are better able to aid Unionists in their goals of Paradise.
Unionist priests are part of the so-called Covenant College. At the very top is the Secilly Council. Originally this organization had a leader called the Supreme Reverend, however the Supreme Reverend position was abolished when the last Supreme Reverend discovered insidious corruption within the religious community, tried to expose it, and was assassinated for it. To compensate, Conclave determined that the Dogmatic community should henceforth be ruled by a Council of elder Arch-Everians. Below the Secilly Council, are the Arch-Everian, which are equivalents to Dukes in the Regalian Empire. They wield considerable power and rule over vast areas of land, subdivided into Everies. Below the Arch-Everian is the Everian, or just the average priest. Each Everian administrates an Everie, which is usually a piece of land donated to the clergy where they maintain temples, shrines, and convents, while also producing crops and tending to cattle. Everians perform all religious tasks such as confession, preaching, hearing concerns, and simply taking care of Unionist needs like a social caretaker or mental health worker. Arch-Everians on the other hand are more administrative in that they take care of the treasury, any military attached to the religious orders, and communication between the Secilly Council and the vast wide-spread Unionist elements. Formally the Emperor is the leader of the Holy Seat, which is more of a group term for the Palace and the Secilly Council grouped together, but historically Emperors have interfered very little in the day to day running of the Everies, and as such, this fact is usually ignored, the Emperor being considered a completely independent entity. This has also historically separated the Emperor from controversy among the Everians, and vice versa.  
* '''Hearing''' is the act of the faithful seeking out the priest for personal spiritual guidance. This can involve up to three individuals seeking out a single or more priests for a wide range of issues. These issues can range from a crisis of faith, a conflict of beliefs, wanting more explanation about spiritual doctrine or any other form of spiritual assurance. This is a common activity to do with other loved ones, for example partners, siblings or even parents, if a member in the family has some sort of crisis where spiritual relief can help, but might not approach the priest on their own. In many ways, a Hearing is a spiritual form of therapy, where the priest primarily functions to reinforce and remind Unionist beliefs, but also offer philosophical guidance with Unionism as context.
==Expanded Lore==
* '''Relieving''' is the act of the faithful seeking out the priest for relief of their sins. This process involves the priest seeking out a comfortable place, and having a truly confidential one-on-one with the faithful. The faithful then pours out all the sins they have committed and all things they feel guilty for to a listening ear, who may give advice on how to move on, or offer words of encouragement to face their guilt head on and find absolution.
The Expanded Lore section contains additional contextual information about the Gods. While the above sections will provide enough information to get a clear picture, there are some nuances and subtext to the Gods that are not apparent on first inspection, but that may be very useful for super-pious Characters. This section will tackle each God pair in greater detail (eventually) and discuss various additional pieces of information available for the faithful.
* '''Blessing''' is the act of the priest seeking out situations where conflict may soon arise, or where large groups of faithful are in need of blessings or spiritual guidance. These priests then arrive with an incense thurible they swing around while speaking out the seven blessings of the God Emperors or Empresses, or just a general Everwatcher blessing. Another way of blessing those present is through the Theraffar, which is a long pole, twice the length of the priest in silver, atop which sits an ornate silver holder with a [[Solacrox]] in the middle surrounded by small mirrors. This Solacrox gem is then geared in such a way that it shines a bright beam of light on whatever the priest is aiming the Theraffar on, while speaking the blessings of the eye of Unionism. This practice is frequently done before battle, and any army has a few dozen Celates to perform Blessings before any major battle.
*[[Silent Sisters]]
* '''Cloistering''' is the act of a priest guiding a pilgrim or faithful through the [[Cloister Trial]] in the Arch-Temples devoted to their God Emperors or Empresses. While other practices done by priests are permitted for non-Unionists, it is not permitted for a non-Unionist to enter the Cloister Trials in the bowels of the Arch-Temples without being a believer. During the Cloister Trial, the priest guides the pilgrim through the various chambers and challenges, dispensing wisdom and guidance along the way, and explaining the challenges, before finally letting them part into the Chamber of Faith, the innermost and most holy place inside the Temple, usually containing the remains of the Arch Emperor or Empress.  
*[[Pious Brothers]]
* '''Creed Eleracy''' is the act of priests coming together in a form of meeting in Regalia to discuss ongoing events and potential religious community stance changes before a Diet of Deliberation takes place, because an Emperor has not yet died. [[Creed Eleracies]] are held to make the religious community more flexible in responding to pressing events or crises, and it is also a form of cross-Schism communication, as all Schismatic religious community priests and Arch-priests are invited to participate. Decisions made by Creed Eleracies are not binding, but generally do permeate to all other Schisms if they can agree on something.  
* This section is not yet fully written, as it will come very last when all other immediate Religion update tasks are done.
* The '''Everloving Choir''' is the act of a priest opening a larger social setting where both spectators and active speakers may join. The priest stands on the stage, waiting for any willing speaker to approach. The willing speaker is usually a believer in the audience who wishes to share a story about how good things happened in their life, or about how they were in a tough spot, but how their faith pulled them through. They speak in front of the crowd their experience, and the priest stands flanked to offer guidance or encouragement, while also commenting to the crowd where the hand of the Everwatcher or the Gods and Goddesses could be felt in the story. This is generally a very positive experience where sharing one's personal and intimate experiences with faith and spirituality is encouraged.  
==Faith Syncretism==
==Unionist Lexicon==
All Gods and all Religions in Lore are valid, because they physically exist in the world and constantly provide evidence to their divinity, however, Religions have boundaries to which Gods to worship and which ones not to. Faith Syncretism is an optional concept where a person who is faithful to the Religion found on this Page, includes two Gods from another Religion to expand their Pantheon and acquire additional beliefs. While this concept stands on shaky grounds when examining canon lore too closely, it is mostly motivated because Religion sometimes creates unnecessary obstacles for Roleplay Alliances or interactions. By allowing Religious figures to expand their Religious loyalty, they gain access to a wider range of people to interact with that would otherwise be closed due to Religious dogma. Syncretism has several rules applied:
* '''The Creed''' is the single volume large holy book of the Unionist faith which Emperor write and edit.
* Only one Syncretism may be chosen, and this choice is permanent. The Syncretism should be recorded in the same place where Religions are mentioned on a Character Application.
* '''Celate''' and '''Priest''' are both terms used to describe the preachers of Unionism.
* Syncretic believers do not worship all the Gods of the second faith, only the two included in the Syncretic belief, it is not possible to expand beyond that or choose other Gods.
* '''Celate''' also refers to the territory managed by a single Priest.
* Syncretic beliefs do not grant access to Religious Mechanics of the secondary Religion or other bonuses acquired from Religions or Gods as mentioned on their Pages.
* '''Arch-Priest''' or '''Arch-Celate''' refers to a higher rank Priest that does more paperwork.
* Syncretic believers cannot be Priests, Godchosen, or any other type of Religious figure as described on the Pages. They must be singularly loyal to their own Religion.
* '''Primae-Celate''' or '''Primae-Priest''' refers to the highest office in a Unionist religious community that leads.
* Syncretic believers are not discriminated against by believers of the secondary Faith. They can however be criticized by their primary faith for their choice of Syncretism.
* '''God Emperor''' or '''God Empress''' refers to the sub-gods of Unionism, but they can also be called God or Goddess.
===Syncretism Variants===
* '''The Everwatcher''' or the Spirit is the supreme religious being and the all-creator.
* '''[[Fornoss]] Syncretisms'''  
* '''The Everwatch''' is the temporary afterlife in which all souls are judged by the Everwatcher.
** '''Love for Life Syncretism:''' Leif and Eikki form the basis of the Love for Life Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Love and Affection God Leif, and the Feasting and Joy God Eikki. This Syncretic theme incorporates a love for life and others, while bringing more nature-elemental and shamanistic aesthetics to Unionism.  
* '''The Great Way''' is the purpose of Ailorkind to produce paradise on Aloria.
** '''Chained Guilt Syncretism:''' Bard and Hrymrök form the basis of the Chained Guilt Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with Retribution and Judgement God Bard, and the Freedom and Liberty Goddess Hrymrök. This Syncretic theme incorporates a more violent and aggressive hostility towards the enemies of Unionism, and taking the initiative on destroying Unionism's rivals, while bringing more while bringing more nature-elemental and shamanistic aesthetics to Unionism.  
* '''Arch-Temple''' are great temples, usually housing the remains of God Emperors or Empresses.
* '''[[Draconism]] Syncretisms'''
* '''Cloister Trials''' are trials that pilgrims undergo to earn the right to visit the Faith Chamber.
** '''Imperial Core Syncretism:''' Regulus and Gaia form the basis of the Imperial Core Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Rulership and Time God Regulus, and the Preservation and Redemption God Gaia. This Syncretism theme incorporates Dragons as divine beings created by the Everwatcher to preserve Unionism, and identify the so-called Imperial Dragons as Regalian-native Gods, while bringing respect and preservation of old Draconic Sites and Radicals of the Dragons along with it.  
* '''Faith Chamber''' is the most holy and sacred place inside an Arch-Temple that houses the Reliquary.
** '''The Black Flame Syncretism:''' Caius and Umbra form the basis of the Black Flame Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Violence and Battle God Caius, and the Death and Decay dragon Umbra. This Syncretism draws direct lines from the Immortal War and the fight of Dragons against the Occult, and the Unionist Purist stance on Magic usage, identifying the Dragons as some type of Everwatcher ordained holy protector, and bringing with it the use of Leytech to fight the Occult.  
* '''Dogmatic Unionism''' is the term used to describe the standard Unionist religious community.
* '''[[Estelley]] Syncretisms'''  
* '''Evintarian Unionism''' or Etosian Unionism is the term used to describe the first Schism Unionist religious community.
** '''The Fae Queens Syncretism:''' Vyrë and Mana form the basis of the Fae Queens Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Commanding Ocean Goddess Vyrë and the Compassionate Nature Goddess Mana. This Syncretism poses that Unionism lacks an explanation for the natural realm, a Nature Goddess to praise for the bounty of the forests, and a Sea Goddess to worship for safe passage on the open seas. This Syncretism also ports pro-Magic and Elven Mysticism into Unionism.  
* '''Dogartan Unionism''' is the term used to describe the first Schism Unionist religious community.
** '''The Moon Gazer Syncretism:''' Leyon and Melca form the basis of the Moon Gazer Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Protection and Benevolence God Leyon, and the Foresight and Mysteries Goddess Melca. This Syncretism poses that Unionism focuses too strongly on the mechanical industrial world, failing to see the mystical and often Magical reality that exists also, and assumes too much from a Mundane point of view, thus expanding horizons to truly connect with Mysticism.
* '''Vultragon Unionism''' of Vultarin Unionism is the term used to describe the second Schism Unionist religious community.  
* '''[[Baskarr]] Syncretisms'''
* '''Hero of Unionism''' is a mortal who after death is declared a champion of Unionism, and to have inherited a Godspark.
** '''The Golden Hour Syncretism:''' Tjafar and Akhet form the basis of the Golden Hour Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Insight and Rulership God Tjafar, and the Unaccountable Reclaimer God Akhet. The Golden Hour Syncretism incorporates the Asha as brother-folk to the Unionists, in that much of their Allorn-oppressed history is aligned, and their long term goals also align. Golden Hour Syncretism believers acknowledge Asha and Ailor as the same people.  
* '''Godspark''' is a piece of a soul that a God Emperor or Empress allowed to reincarnate with their divinity into a mortal.
** '''The Relentless Vengeance Syncretism:''' Khannar and Wadj form the basis of the Relentless Vengeance Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Hateful Vengeance God Khannar, and the Intrigue and Deceit God Wadj. This Syncretism takes a lesson from the Revenge Asha: Unionism and the Regalian Empire move too slowly to punish evil, and all forces should be more aggressively forced away from inaction and apathy, and into Violence against the Allorn.
* '''Diet of Divinity''' is a Diet in which priests gather to discuss elevating a mortal to the rank of Hero of Unionism.
* '''[[Evolism]] Syncretisms''' do not exist in Unionism, due to their extreme opposition to one another.  
* '''Diet of Deliberation''' happens after every Emperor dies, to discuss the future of Unionism among priests.
* '''Holy War''' is when priests call for a Diet of Fury, and call for a nation or group of people to be purged by the sword.
* '''Hearing''' is a form of priestly therapy for the faithful or non-Unionists.
* '''Relieving''' is a form of priestly confession for the faithful or non-Unionists.
* '''Blessing''' is a form of priestly blessing before battle for the faithful or non-Unionists.
* '''Cloistering''' is a form of priestly guidance during a Cloister Trial reserved for Unionists.
* '''Creed Eleracy''' is an emergency meeting of all Schisms to discuss ongoing theological events for cross-faith dialogue.
* '''”May he watch over you”''' is a common term used by Unionists to bless each other while departing from one another.
* '''“Everwatcher guide your way”''' is a common term used by priests and lay-priests to bless Unionists or non-Unionists alike.
 
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The matter of depicting the God Emperors or God Empresses is controversial at best. Many priests believe that mortals are fallible and cannot depict the Gods and Goddesses in an accurate or divine manner. Any art produced of the Gods or Goddesses is extremely scrutinized. More curiously yet, the eyes of all depictions of the Gods or Goddesses are always depicted in white. This is because the iris colors of the Emperors or Empresses is always a matter of intense debate and historical revision.
*Unionism used to be mandatory for nobility somewhere during the second century after Cataclysm, though this Holy Law was removed when the war against the [[Skagger Horde]] ceased, and the Empire benefited more from including non-Unionists into the peerage. An exception had always been made for the [[Solvaan]] nobles in [[Solleria]] however, called the Confessions of Melennar.
*Unionism used to be mandatory for [[Nobility]] somewhere during the second century after Cataclysm, though this Holy Law was removed when the war against the [[Skagger Hordes]] ceased, and the Empire benefited more from including non-Unionists into the peerage. An exception had always been made for the Altalar nobles of [[Solvaan]] origins in [[Solleria]] however, called the [[Melennarian Confession]] (who was, in fact, not an Altalar himself).
*Sectarian violence largely came to an end at the turn into the fourth century as the last attacks on Vultragon Unionist by state forces ceased, and an uneasy truce was signed between the Schism religious communities. They still do not see eye-to-eye, and the different Schismatic groups still prod at each other, but instead of murdering each other over sectarian differences, they mostly fight with words nowadays, a legacy of the Kleine Rechnung, the document that called for the truce.
*Sectarian violence largely came to an end at the turn into the fourth century as the last attacks on Vultragon Unionist by state forces ceased, and an uneasy truce was signed between the Schism religious communities. They still do not see eye-to-eye, and the different Schismatic groups still prod at each other, but instead of murdering each other over sectarian differences, they mostly fight with words nowadays, a legacy of the [[Kleine Rechnung]], the document that called for the truce.  
* Despite Eirlys's absorption into Unionism, the [[Breizh]] still maintained a high level of cultural autonomy, some even clinging to old beliefs. As such, even when Magic became illegal in the Empire, the Breizh [[Aelrrigan Order]] continued to find and train Mages safely in their sanctuaries while the rest of the Empire turned to brutal oppression (and the Magic part of Eirlys was suppressed from dogma). Eirlys' faithful among the Aelrrigan Order are commonly cited as the reason why Magic acceptance eventually returned, and Eirlys' magical nature in theological teachings was returned.
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[[category:Religion]] [[category:Human Religions]]
[[category:Religion]]

Revision as of 00:39, 8 May 2024

Unionism
Religion
PronunciationYoon-yen-is-m
OriginsEmperor Theomar
Deities
The Everwatcher and various other Gods and Goddesses

Origins

Unionism as a Religion was created in the year 5 AC when Emperor Theomar (the founding Regalian Emperor) proclaimed the Creed (the holy Scripture) as visions received from the Everwatcher. In the beginnings of the Empire, the faith was slow to spread, but through providence and divine intervention, as well as Regalia's military spread and aggressive missionary proselytizing, Unionism quickly spread from its small cult-like origins to a world-religion. It has over the years also absorbed Gods from smaller religions, and included Gods form other Religions to become a very all-inclusive cosmopolitan Religion. While most other Religions are Race specific with some caveats, Unionism is a cross-Race religion that invites all Races to join under the Everwatcher.

Schisms

Unionism has had a series of schisms in the past centuries, notably the Evintarian schism which was the result of dogmatic differences and a civil war, and the Supremoclast schism which followed a more critical and humanist conscience of the people. This resulted in the Religion splitting in three (with some smaller cults that were later re-absorbed) that engaged in some degree of religious war on each other to proclaim supremacy over the concept of the Everwatcher. It took several centuries, but in recent times, the conflict wounds healed, and the priests of all Schisms came together to re-merge the religious communities, founding the Unionist Divine, which represents the current faith and priesthood. Some Cults like the Evintarian and Guided Cult still exist, however these add optional additional Gods, rather than radically diverging from religious beliefs.

Core Beliefs

Unionism is a polytheistic Religion with one single superior being and his mortal vessel on earth, and a whole host of paired Gods who all offer specific lessons of the faith. The Religion's primary objective is world domination, that is to say, to create a globe-spanning Regalian Empire that can create eternal peace and stability, and bring about paradise by banishing war and suffering and death, and bring back all the dead from the Afterlives into an eternal paradise. Each of the God Pairs (except the Vessel) provides what the Unionists call, a Golden Lesson, which acts like a virtue, and opposes a sin in the belief of Unionism. If a person dies and their soul is judged by the Everwatcher they are found to be virtuous, they join the Everwatcher on the Great Stairway where they watch down on the living in wait for paradise to come. If they are deemed sinful, they are re-incarnated in the mortal world, so they are given another chance. The following Golden Lessons can be found in Unionism:

  • Theomar and Thedmir: The Golden Lesson preaches that Unionism is good, and that spreading the faith is a virtue, and that sin is turning away from the Great Way, or outright sabotaging its intent.
  • Ness and Eora: The Golden Lesson preaches that kindness and compassion are good things, and that even the most criminal seek love and affection and are deserving, while sin is to be bereft of mercy.
  • Juvin and Glanzia: The Golden Lesson preaches that virtue is with the pure soul not tainted by the corrupt powers, and with knowing pure fact from wrong, while sin is spreading corruption and false information.
  • Allest and Brand: The Golden Lesson preaches that loyalty to the state, the army, and fellow believers is a virtue, as is physical strength, and that sin is treason, deceptiveness without morals, and adultery.
  • Elia and Leona: The Golden Lesson preaches that responsibility and protecting society is shared by everyone, no one can be excused, and that sin is to indifferent and not watching for the dangers of the world.
  • Neal and Nolven: The Golden Lesson preaches that culture and art fill the soul with light, and that even in the darkness of war is beauty, and that sin is pure blind hatred without grace or beauty.
  • Al-Asir and Marani: The Golden Lesson preaches that Technology brings forth great progress, and to share with society is a virtue, and that sin the creation of killing machines that automate death.
  • Tanthor and Dari: The Golden Lesson preaches that even the most wretched, unwanted, and outcast of society have a role in the Great Way, and that sin is to find sadism and satisfaction in hurting the unloved.
  • Mendes and Hor: The Golden Lesson preaches that wealth is there to be shared, but ultimately needed for the greatness of the faith, and that sin is to hoard wealth alone, and to steal from others.
  • Sinnavei and Eirlys: The Golden Lesson preaches that even those outside the Faith can have an indispensable role to fill in paradise, and that sin is the wanton destruction of all that is alien and unknown.
  • Caan and Kaldric: The Golden Lesson preaches that Magic and the Occult are a tainted burden that come with great responsibility, and that virtue can be found in good use, and sin in selfish destructiveness.

Divine Mechanics

All Religions provide 1 single Mechanic to their Believers that fits within the flair of their Religion. This Mechanic is lost if the individual stops believing in the Religion, or becomes a heretic, but can be regained. Afflicted can use this mechanic, but having the mechanic does not imply that they have blanket forgiveness from their Gods, just that there is more nuance to it than that.

  • Unionist Faithful can be blessed by the gods by having a divine intervention and being cured of their Affliction or being cleansed of their Affinity through a divine event. Such a divine event should be orchestrated by the player themselves, does not necessarily require a pre-condition like "this character destroyed a Unionist Temple so the Gods intervened" or "this Character tore apart a painting of the Emperor so the Gods punished them", but can require one. This should generally only occur once per Affliction/Affinity, and is entirely up to the player's own consent over their character when and where it occurs.

Gods and Goddesses

Unionism differs from other Religions, in that it has Duo-Gods. All Duo-Gods are divine and each have divine powers in the afterlife (though some Gods may be yet living). Unionists worship all Gods equally, though they may choose specific Patron gods which they worship more. The Everwatcher acts like an overarching God of Gods, but the Everwatcher cannot directly be interacted with, so most people end up praising the Everwatcher through the Gods and Goddesses. Unionism also has the Cults further below. Cults add Gods onto the standard Pantheon, but they are not mandatory for vanilla Unionists who don't worship the Cults. It is possible to be a believer of both Cults.

Prophet Gods Theomar and Thedmir
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  • Name: Theomar (left) and Thedmir (right), the Prophet Gods, first believers.
  • Patron: Fathers, Rulers, Nobles, Leaders, Commanders, and Best Friends.
  • Symbols: Theomar and Thedmir are symbolized by the necklace of friendship.
  • Role: Theomar and Thedmir were the Prophets of Unionism, spreading the faith.
  • Traits: Patriarchy, Insight, Good Governance, Loyalty, Friendship, Faith.
  • Temple: The All-Beacon Temple in Regalia proper, the largest Unionist Temple.
  • Allies: Regulus Worshipers, Dáuw Worshipers, anyone in the military.
  • Enemies: In essence all Evolist worshipers, and all Vola Fornoss Gods.
  • Rituals: Theomar and Thedmir Rituals involve re-enacting the struggles of them in the early days of Unionism. This involves preaching the faith to non believers, aiding the faithful in the defense of their holy shrines and places of worship, to mediate and act as diplomat for embattled groups, and to provide spiritual guidance to the Military. Theomar and Thedmir also have rituals concerning the sanctification and re-affirmation of friendship.
Mother Gods Ness and Eora
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  • Name: Ness (left) and Eora (right), Empress and Chancellor in life.
  • Patron: Mothers, Healers, Caretakers, Protectors, Empaths, Martyrs.
  • Symbols: Ness's Butterfly Mask, and the Habit (head scarf) of Eora.
  • Role: Ness and Eora are the savior Goddesses of Unionism who care for believers.
  • Traits: Protective, Motherly, Nurturing, Caring, Self-Sacrificing, Forgiving.
  • Temple: The Temple of Salvation in Old-Town forest side, which doubles as Hospital.
  • Allies: Leif Worshipers, Severena Worshipers, Daiana Worshipers, Medics of any Faith.
  • Enemies: Murderers, people who adopt adults, people who attack medics/the unarmed.
  • Rituals: Ness and Eora rituals are all about forgiveness and nurturing and healing others. This may involve taking confessions, but can also involve volunteering at a medical station or healing house. Furthermore, Ness and Eora faithful travel prisons and downtrodden areas to give forgiveness to the damned, and offer them love and kindness where there is only the cold sting of rejection and apathy to the fates of the forgotten.
Pure Gods Juvin and Glanzia
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  • Name: Glanzia (left) Goddess of Pure Soul, and Juvin (right) God of Pure Reason.
  • Patron: Intellectuals, Mundanes, Anti-Magi, Scholars, Teachers, Archeologists.
  • Symbols: Books with the Unionist Eye and Black Granite statues of Heroes.
  • Role: To teach the faithful purity of soul (Magic-apprehension) and Logic.
  • Traits: Analytical, Apprehension, Thoughtfulness, Anti-Magical, Purist.
  • Temple: Temple of Greater Understanding, which doubles as a Library.
  • Allies: Lothar Knights, Melca Worshipers, Severena & Aurora Worshipers.
  • Enemies: Mage-Radicals, Theurgists, Those with Demon/Arken Pacts and Deals.
  • Rituals: Rituals belonging to Juvin and Glanzia usually involve the Rites of Investigation. This usually involves an in-depth investigation to some kind of mystery, for Juvin that being discovery of new information and publication to the masses, and for Glanzia to uncover hidden Mages and the Occult, and to warn the general public. General rituals and customs also just involve educating the masses on general factual information and debates of skill.
Martial Gods Allest and Brand
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  • Name: Allest (right) God of Warriors, Brand (left) God of Gladiators.
  • Patron: Soldiers, Generals, Commanders, Gladiators, Warriors, Homosexuals.
  • Symbols: Two crossed holy swords, one with blood, and one dripping with tears.
  • Role: To encourage fraternity and loyalty in the army, and strength of arms in warriors.
  • Traits: Brave, Boisterous, Glorious, Victorious, Martial, Dependable, Unwavering.
  • Temple: The Divine Heroic Contemplation Temple in Gloomrot Forest in Regalia.
  • Allies: Cemaan Worshipers, Bard & Njal Worshipers, Bloodcast Knights.
  • Enemies: Pacifists, cowards, enemies of Unionism and those who attack Priests.
  • Rituals: Allest and Brand were lovers in live and death, where most of their rituals involve some kind of brotherly oath, a promise to protect someone until one's dying breath, or swearing fealty and undying loyalty to an overlord in war. Allest and Brand were glorious warriors each in their own right, so in many ways, prayer before battle and battle itself is a form of worship in their names, as is love persevering through war.
Protector Gods Elia and Leona
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  • Name: Elia (left) Goddess the Watchful Gaze, and Leona (right) Goddess of Knights.
  • Patron: Guards, Knights, Hunters, Rangers, Explorers, Scribes, and Lesbians.
  • Symbols: Elia's Longbow and Leona's Blacksteel sword, along with Blacksteel in general.
  • Role: To teach the faithful to guard one another and be responsible for one another.
  • Traits: Chivalrous, Alert, Mindful, Responsible, Dedicated, Precise, Awareness.
  • Temple: Temple of Unyielding Overwatch which doubles as the Imperial Hunting Lodge.
  • Allies: Urlan, Knights of all Kind, Metropolitan Guards, Tame Marken, Huntsmen.
  • Enemies: Criminals, Monsters in the wild, Kathar, Argentum Knights, Womanizers.
  • Rituals: Elia and Leona were lovers in life and death, where most of their rituals involve some kind of communal or co-operative practice of the hunt or respect and support of the Knights (as well as being Knights). Knighthood is considered the greatest form of "keeping watch over society", and so many of their patrons become Knights. Other forms of rituals are couple or group hunts, and inspections of garrisons and walls and armories.
Vessel Gods Alexander and The Everwatcher
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  • Name: Alexander (see) Emperor of Regalia and The Everwatcher (not depicted).
  • Patron: Alexander is the Vessel of the Everwatcher, He speaks through him only.
  • Symbols: The Unionist Eye represents the Everwatcher, the Crown Alexander.
  • Role: To be living embodiment of the divine will of the Everwatcher in Regalia.
  • Traits: Divine, Sagely, Wise, All-Loving, All-Inclusive, All-Caring.
  • Temple: The Imperial Palace in essence doubles as the Temple of the Vessel.
  • Allies: Alexander is ostensibly an Ally of all and everyone who will listen.
  • Enemies: He has no Enemies. Even those who reject him in Crookback get his love.
  • Rituals: There aren't strictly any rituals for Alexander, as he is only the Temporary Vessel. When Alexander dies, the next Emperor will take his place as the Vessel God, so that only ever the living Emperor will be Vessel God. It's also worth noting that Gladiator God Brand's name in life was also Alexander, as Brand is Alexander's ancestor. The latter is styled "Alexander II", the former has the Divine name of Brand from his living nickname Bram.
Culture Gods Neall and Nolven
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  • Name: Neall (left) is the God of Visual Arts, Nolven (right) is the God of Military Arts.
  • Patron: Painters, Sculptors, Make-up Artists, Fashion Designers, Gardeners, Designers.
  • Symbols: Nolvens's golden radiant sword, or Neall's golden radiant paintbrush / pencil.
  • Role: To teach the faithful the facets of culture in peace and war, and to love art.
  • Traits: Creative, Artistic, Expressive, Gregarious, Welcoming, Inclusive, Visual.
  • Temple: Temple of the High Arts inside the Imperial Palace Art Galleries.
  • Allies: Artists, Njall Fornoss Worshipers, Viridian Knights, Beauty Arkenborn.
  • Enemies: Argentum Knights, the Mutated and Monstrous, Evolist Worshipers.
  • Rituals: Neall and Nolven's rituals invariably involve the combination of cultural beauty and the art of war, whether that is a dramatic renaissance-style painting of a battlefield, or finding ways to depict what is in essence militarist propaganda in beautiful ways (statues, poetry, literature, art, etc). Because art is a skill, most worshipers of Neall and Nolven tend to perform their worship by paying artists to make art, a form of patronage.
Inspired Gods Al-Asir and Marani
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  • Name: Al-Asir (right) the God of Invention, and Marani (left) the god of Inspiration.
  • Patron: Technicians, Engineers, Inventors, Architects, Craftsmen, Laborers.
  • Symbols: Al-Asir's golden gears, or Qadir Ailor arm tattoo shapes in glowing gold.
  • Role: Divine inspiration and guard against inventions of Evil in Technology.
  • Traits: Eureka, Technical, Resourceful, Inspired, Altruistic, Conscientious.
  • Temple: The Telocator Temple in Al-Alus, the only one outside Regalia's Empire.
  • Allies: Those that help society at large, Those that make everyone's lives easier.
  • Enemies: Death Cultists, Rishiq Qadir, Machinist Worshipers, War-Machine Inventors.
  • Rituals: Al-Asir and Marani rituals involve the act of inventing, or just tinkering with technology, reading books and improving skills, or just generally engaging in crafts from simple wood carving furniture to advanced architectural planning. The act of production for someone else, even at the cost of payments, is considered a virtuous activity for the patron Gods of Craftsmen, this is why object creations are always blessed by the Gods.
Persevering Gods Tanthor and Dari
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  • Name: Dari (left) and Tanthor (right) are the Allar and Kathar Gods of the Forgotten.
  • Patron: No specific Patronage, they are for the Downtrodden, Forgotten and Unwanted.
  • Symbols: Golden neck chains or other forms of personal restraint around the neck.
  • Role: To bless even the weakest and most unwanted in society with strength to go on.
  • Traits: Dignified, Charitable, Austere, Sharing, Seeking Equity over Equality.
  • Temple: There currently is no Temple, it was demolished in Crookback for housing.
  • Allies: Tanthor and Dari see any and all who want to be included in Regalia as Allies.
  • Enemies: Tanthor and Dari see anyone who kicks down on the downtrodden as enemies.
  • Rituals: Dari and Tanthor mostly give hope to the lost that there is still a place for them in the Everwatcher's Grace and the Regalian Empire. Rituals of Dari and Tanthor often involve charity and bringing care and warmth to the poor, the dispossessed, the unwanted, and to show compassion and no bigotry against those who look or act different. They involve rituals to combat racism, discrimination, and general radical inclusion, perhaps, even Vampires.
Prosperity Gods Mendes and Hor
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  • Name: Mendes (left) and Hor (right) are the Gods of Prosperity and Wealth.
  • Patron: Merchants, Bankers, Traders, Shopkeepers, Bureaucrats, the Filthy Rich.
  • Symbols: The Golden Coins of Union, Regal Coins with the Eyes of the Everwatcher.
  • Role: To bless the people with wealth and prosperity and good wit in commerce.
  • Traits: Business Acumen, Opulent, Responsible, Self-Sufficient, Insightful.
  • Temple: The Temple of Mendes and Hor is the Regalian Central Bank and Exchange.
  • Allies: Mendes and Hor see anyone who spreads Order and Stability as Allies.
  • Enemies: Mendes and Hor see anyone who spreads Anarchy and Chaos as Enemies.
  • Rituals: It perhaps sounds ironic, but one of the most common forms of worship to Mendes and Hor is paying taxes. The act of paying taxes is considered virtuous, because it both shows a willingness to part with wealth, and a willingness to trust the State to do good by the people with said Taxes, and to contribute to communal greatness. Other rituals involve squeezing foreigners for money and signing unequal trade treaties with foreign merchants.
Allied Gods Sinnavei and Eirlys
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  • Name: Sinnavei (left) Goddess of the Elves, Eirlys (right) Goddess of the Tribes.
  • Patron: Solvaan, Elves, Breizh Ailor, Pre-Empire Tribes, Ancient peoples, heritage.
  • Symbols: The Sollerian Mist-Gryphon, and the Breizh Santwr, Feather-Winged Warriors.
  • Role: To show that non-believers and outsiders may find Solace and Alliance in Faith.
  • Traits: Arcane, Enchanting, Ancient, Glory of Ages, Respect, Venerability of Age.
  • Temple: Bryn Dwyfol in Kintyr, and The Skyward Palace in the capital of Solleria.
  • Allies: Sinnavei and Eirlys see any who would join Regalia's ambitions as Allies.
  • Enemies: Sinnavei and Eirlys see any who would obstruct Regalia's ambitions as enemies.
  • Rituals: Rituals of Sinnavei and Eirlys involve (much like Tanthor and Dari) radical inclusion, but as opposed to Regalia's own citizens, that of outsiders. To ally with other faiths for the good in the world, to respect outsiders, to give them human decency and dignity, and to help them help the faith. It also involves healing racial tensions, and uncovering and sharing ancient lost knowledge to the world for the wisdoms that it may hold.
Burdened Gods Caan and Kaldric
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  • Name: Kaldric (left) and Caan (right) are the Gods of Burdened but Beautiful Magic.
  • Patron: Mages, Aelrrigan Knights, Arcane Researchers, those seeking Redemption.
  • Symbols: Kaldric's horned bramble crown, and Caan's Arcane tome symbolisms.
  • Role: To teach the faithful proper & virtuous Magic usage, and warn for corruption.
  • Traits: Self-Sacrificing, Penitent, Humble, Pious, Stalwart, Holy, Paladins.
  • Temple: The Hall of Golden Ascension in the Holy Agatha Mountains of Regalia.
  • Allies: Those who use Magic respectfully, virtuous, and care for world & others.
  • Enemies: Those who abuse Magic for selfish or hedonistic purposes and ego.
  • Rituals: Kaldric and Caan rituals involve forms of self-sacrifice and penitence. Self-flagellation is one form of self-punishment practiced by some of their worshipers, but other forms of self-enforced humility through the praising or service of others are also common. Kaldric (once called Kristoph in life) is more for the self-loathing/punishing Mages and Occult, while Caan is more for the restrained and dignified Mages and Occult.

Cults

Cults exist in Unionism as "add-ons" for the Religion itself. While all Unionists by default worship the Gods and Goddesses listed in the Pantheon above, some Cults within Unionism worship additional gods that most of the main stream believers do not. These are holdouts from the old Schisms, that albeit while joining the main current of religious worshipers, still have some leftover of their old beliefs. Each Cult is represented by a single theological belief, and with Gods who are included by this theological belief, while all other aspects of the Religion are the same. It is possible to be a member of multiple Cults as they just add additional beliefs, but it is also possible to believe in one of the Cults, or none at all.

Evintarian Cult

The Evintarian Cult was established by the Evintarian Schisms many centuries ago when the Evintarian priests split off, and were expelled from Regalia and founded their own country in Etosil. The Evintarian Schism happened, because the Evintarian Priests thought that Trans-Dimensional Entities (such as certain Demons) could become Gods too if they shed off their sinful nature and were blessed by the Everwatcher, which the main dogmatic branch rejected. The Evintarian Priesthood voted to join the Unionist Divine, and so they became a Cult that has included several Trans-Dimensional Entities as God Pairs. Each of the Evintarian Gods requires some explanation of how they came to be accepted as Gods in the Evintarian Cult, which will be explained first, before the Gods are discussed.

Kithemon is an Exist entity from another realm that possessed an Aetosian man named Nikolaos (surname lost to time). Kithemon was verified as a God for the Evintarians, as he granted them many protections of the mind against incursions from Demons and other entities who would corrupt and usurp them and rob them of their freedom and identity. Amandaros is a Void Entity that was somehow related to the Evolist God Armas, but always dodges the subject when discussed. Amandaros possesses his host an Asha named Amon, though it is important to mention that Amandaros as an entity does not reside in a single place, but can be in many places (and hosts) at once. Amandaros is also summoned by the Mask of Amandaros which is held in Evintarian Shrines, which the faithful may use to help conceive children if they cannot themselves (see: Amandaros Godborn). Yvasi is an Ordial Entity possessing a Half-Eronidas named Girin who has proved to be of aid to the Great Way, by traveling the lands and helping the faithful realize and manifest their true self in gender, appearance, and heritage. It is not known what entity Yvasi is related to, but she did show her loyalty to mortals and the living, by aiding in the defense of the Last City of the Living, before traveling on to Aloria to aid the Unionists.

Yvasi in particular discusses many concepts of transhumanist and transgender concepts with the faithful, as she is a female-presenting spirit in a male-presenting body, and how that generally affects gender presentation to the faithful, as well as gender roles in society. Finally, Eredicos is a divine name for the Imperial Prince Frederick Kade (second son of the Emperor), who shares his body with an ancestral spirit of Betheoric I Kade. Unlike the other entities who have mostly subsumed their host, Eredicos represents both Frederick in the mortal body and Betheoric in the immortal self, and the two frequently exchange host status. Eredicos is a very recent addition as God, because Frederick only ascended to godhood when he became an Urlan in the past 3 years, and in doing so, proved to have divine god-like powers of command and venerability over even non-believers through Betheoric. The fact that an Imperial prince is technically possessed by a Primal Revenant is a very much not-so-secret at the Imperial Palace, but out of respect nobody causes an issue over it.

Exist/Void Gods Kithemon and Amandaros
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  • Name: Kithemon (left) Protector of Minds and Amandaros (right) Protector of Proginy.
  • Patron: Kithemon, Patron of protections against the dark arts, and Amandaros of parents.
  • Symbols: The shielded silhouette of a head, and a tree of descendance or ancestry.
  • Role: Kithemon protects from mind incursions, while Amandaros helps with childbirth.
  • Traits: Resolute, Stalwart, Protecting, and Hedonistic, Capricious, Lustful.
  • Temple: The Temple of Ethereal Naether in the capital of Aetosil, Regalian Empire.
  • Allies: Leyon and Sapphora faithful, Aelrrigan Knights, those with big families.
  • Enemies: Those that bargain with Arken and Demons, the possessed, and incels.
  • Rituals: Kithemon and Amandaros rituals vary greatly, as they are obviously very different. Kithemon rituals involves seeking out and revealing the corruption of Spirits and mind control affecting others and then freeing them. Amandaros rituals involve hedonistic self-satisfying parties, preferably those which involve in copious amounts of romantic matches or flings that may expand the population through conventional means.
Ordial/Primal Gods Yvasi and Eredicos
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  • Name: Yvasi (left) Bringer of Self-Love and Eredicos (right) of Elder Wisdom.
  • Patron: Those struggling with anxiety/depression, and children of heritage.
  • Symbols: The mask of anonimity, and the banner of command and the staff of rule.
  • Role: Yvasi to help believers become their true self, Eredicos to embody ancestors.
  • Traits: Guiding, Mentorly, Authoritative, Venerable, Wise, Erudite and Thorough.
  • Temple: The House of the Patrilineal Divinity in the capital of Aetosil.
  • Allies: Urlan, Therapists, Estelley and Fornoss Priests, the Elderly.
  • Enemies: Bigots who bully on matters of identity, and those who betray family.
  • Rituals: Yvasi and Eredicos rituals similarly diverge due to their diverging nature, but they are more similar than Kithemon and Amandaros. Many of the rituals for Yvasi and Eredicos converge on praising and worship of ancestors, to showcase the skill and achievements of ancestors, and to keep a clean grave or shrine to them. Yvasi has rituals of self exploration, meditation, and both also have rituals with experimentation with self-presentation.

Guided Cult

The Guided Cult has a long and troubled history, as Dogmatic Unionists tried to violently suppress so-called religious-critical movements that challenged the clergy by asking questions instead of blindly believing everything that was fed to them. The Guided Cult inevitably agreed to re-join the Unionist Divine, as the priests of the other groupings agreed to accept their Duality-God (each God representing two) entities, while also admitting some of their more free-thinking ideas in how to interact with the priests. While prior the priests could not be questioned, with the Guided Unionist re-interpretation, Priests were actively challenged to be questioned in their preaching and faith, so that everyone would become stronger in belief. The Guided Cult still exists, because they hold on to some of the so-called Dragon Gods.

This means that while critical thinking, questioning faith, and keeping an innovative and independent mind are aspects of the Guided Cult, what is more important to them is the divinity of Dragons, that being also the separation between them and the dogmatic beliefs: that Dragons can be Gods. Dragons are all Divine, and while not all Dragons are Gods, some of them are, and they should be adhered to when they make proclamations. Some make the incorrect assumption that this means Guided Unionists believe in both Unionism and Draconism, but the Guided Unionists specifically delineate between Draconist Gods, and Unionist Gods, in that the Dragons that are Gods, are specifically not Dragons from Draconism, because they represent a different faith. That being said, Archon do exist in an in-between function, in that the Guided Cult does accept Archon as holy warriors if they worship Unionism. Each Duo-God pairing is a pair of a Dragon Soul God, and an Archon God who acts as their protector. The first Dragon God is Nicholas Kade, the Glorious Arch-Chancellor who is commonly remembered as the most competent government leader the Regalian Empire ever had, and Aarthes his Fin'ullen Archon Bodyguard. Nicholas has been dead for over a century, but Aarthes is still alive, living in Nicholas's old Estate in Anglia alone.

The second Dragon God is Morgan Kade who is commonly remembered as a highly competent, but extremely morally corrupt and cruel Arch-Chancellor, and Narsil his Snake-Marken Archon Bodyguard who was painted in Gold as he slithered through the Imperial Palace. Morgan died several decades ago, and Narsil was put to death immediately after Morgan, as he was no longer around to protect his bodyguard-pet Marken. The duality of virtuous Nicholas and sinful Morgan as Gods is that the Guided Unionists believe that Gods can also be just awful people, and be extremely selfish and capricious, but that bad qualities and ugly personalities are not reasons to write off the skills and competencies that people do have. The Guided Cult holds that Dragon-Souls (like Prince Cedromar, or his children August and Florian) would be more suitable heirs to the throne, but have agreed with their re-integration into Dogmatic Unionism to cease their opposition to Emperor Alexander's rule.

Dragon Gods Nicholas and Aarthes
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  • Name: Nicholas (left) and Aarthes (right), Gods of political and architectural design.
  • Patron: Intellectuals, strategists, philosophers, diplomats, patriarchs and matriarchs.
  • Symbols: The scepter of regality, government buildings, the Regalian state banner.
  • Role: Nicholas teaches those in positions of power responsibility and careful design.
  • Traits: Foresight, Calculated, Intellectual, Informed, Responsible, Unwavering.
  • Temple: The Golden Seed Temple in Axford, capital of Anglia, Regalian Archipelago.
  • Allies: Regulus faithful, those who favor charisma and speech over combat.
  • Enemies: Chaos agents and those who would disrupt the order and stability of states.
  • Rituals: Nicholas and Aarthes rituals involve the bridging of duality, to seek out "the mind" and "the body" in friendships, and form a perfect union between the person who plans and thinks, and the person who acts and completes. The intention is to build friendships from unlikely partners, to create unbreakable bonds and collaborative efforts that showcase the perfection cooperation, that dependency is not weakness but beautiful and meaningful.
Dragon Gods Morgan and Narsil
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  • Name: Morgan (left) and Narsil (right), Gods of the corrupted excellence.
  • Patron: Those who question leadership and faith in the right and respectful ways.
  • Symbols: The Cobra hooded head, and the snake-forked tongue and snake-hair head.
  • Role: Morgan and Narsil exist as warnings to blind faith and unquestioning obedience.
  • Traits: Selfish, Greedy, Cruel, Wroth, Prideful, Hyper-Competent, Self-assured.
  • Temple: Morgan and Narsil don't have an official Temple because of vandalism.
  • Allies: Slizzar, Criminals, Gang Leaders, Spies, Saboteurs, and Rogues.
  • Enemies: Those who use Emperor, Faith, or Law, to justify cruelty and evil.
  • Rituals: Rituals of Morgan and Narsil are less in service to them, and more in deterrence to the qualities of Morgan. The most common form of ritual is the Public Examination, where large crowds gather in front of a speaking stand, where citizens and commoners hold a public debate on the competency and virtues and morality of an individual in office or power, as a means to hold them accountable to good governance and keep them on the right track.

Armageddon Cult

The Armageddon Cult originated in the preaching of the Evintarian priest Belisarius, whose core belief was that while Paradise is certain to come at the end of the Great Way, that the traditional doctrine does not account for the non-mortal elements of the world. In essence, while believers and mortal non-believers alike could bring about Paradise, the dogma does not account for the existence of Demons, those who reject the Emperor's love, and Vampires who by nature cannot love his grace. Belisarius believed that on the Eve of Paradise, an event would occur called the Armageddon, where all the Demons, Demon worshipers, Arken, Void Gods, and other entities that wish to prevent Paradise, would unleash a holy war on Unionism and that the final test before Paradise would be winning this cataclysmic war that would touch all corners of the mortal realm. Armageddon Cultists in essence believe in an inevitable "War in Heaven", and express their belief mainly in daily "thinning the herd" of Demons and Vampires so as to reduce the overwhelming forces that the Demons will come to possess when Armageddon begins.

They are doomsday preppers, with many even entertaining that Armageddon will not come in their lifetime, but that they will contribute to a reduction of the numbers of the enemy, and preparing the Empire and their descendants for the final war by producing more weapons, and researching every edge they might gain against the Demons. The Armageddon Cult is unique in Unionism in that it acknowledges an actual canonical evil, the supreme devil as it were, and entertains the idea that there is actually a chance that the Armageddon war might be lost if too many people fall to the vices of Demon worship and consorting with the Devil. The Armageddon Cult was accepted into the faith along with the other Cults, and conformed just like the others. It is a relatively small cult, but it is immensely popular among purists and those who make it their daily employment to hunt down Demons and serve the Emperor by slaying his detractors. It should be noted that a more twisted version of the Armageddon Cult also exists. Because the "evil" Gods (perceived similarly to Guided Unionism in more of a fear-worship, or appeasement to keep them away) are still immensely powerful, some Vampires have developed a twisted version of the Armageddon Cult where they believe that when Armageddon begins, they will all rise up against the Gods of Evil, and join the righteous in the war in heaven for Paradise, and redeem themselves.

Through this belief, some of them have become pro-Regalian pro-Emperor, acting from the shadows in the benefit of the Regalian Empire, even if the Empire would have them slain at the earliest convenience. This Vampiric interpretation is obviously heretical and not supported by the Cult itself, but it is notable enough to be mentioned, and why some Vampires might worship the Armageddon Cult Gods. On a closing note, while the Armageddon Cult only has two Devil Gods, the theology allows for a much larger range of evil entities to be acknowledged as "Aspects of the Endwar", such as Void Gods, Arken, Greater Demons, and in some interpretations even Estelley Gods. The Armageddon Cult has many superstitions concerning the Endwar, and players are encouraged to experiment with catholic apocalypse visions and the circles of hell.

Anticipating Gods Celestina and Eòin
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  • Name: Celestina (left) and Eòin (right), Gods of service for bounties they may never see.
  • Patron: Doomsday preppers, Purists, Demon Hunters, Vampire Hunters, Anti-Evolists.
  • Symbols: The Habit and mask of the Silent Sisters, and the Imperial Guard Seal.
  • Role: Celestina and Eòin teach the virtue of doing good without material reward.
  • Traits: Altruistic, Resolute, Combative, Unforgiving, Unrelenting, Prepared.
  • Temple: The Divine Advent Temple in Regalia, found in the countryside on roads.
  • Allies: Those that fight, restrain, or otherwise hamper the forces of the Void.
  • Enemies: Evolists, Kathar, Demons, Theurgists, Those that consort with Demons.
  • Rituals: Celestina and Eòin represent the spoken word and the prepared mind, and the physical arm and execution of the divine plan. Their rituals involve preparing one's self, or the world around one, for the inevitable Armageddon, and to find peace in the fact that all the toil of a lifetime may not ever see fruits while alive, and that the benefit of one's labor must be for one's descendants or those who come after. and never for one's self.
Endwar Devils Belialus and Sablael
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  • Name: Belialus(left) devil of the Sanguine, and Sablael (right) devil of Shadows.
  • Patron: The Devils are not patrons, they are entities to appease into inaction.
  • Symbols: The Vampiric Curse, the twisted and coiling shadow, and the hooked tail.
  • Role: Belialus and Sablael act as a focal point of a clearly defined evil to fight.
  • Traits: Destructive, Corrupting, Seducing, Enrapturing, Dangerous, Evil.
  • Temple: No official Temple, but Vampires worship in the House of Blood in the sewers.
  • Allies: Those who would seek evolution and advances through the Demonic and Void.
  • Enemies: Paladins, Priests, Holy Figures and those who hunt Vampires and Demons.
  • Rituals: Rituals of Belialus (called Behesael by Elves) and Sablael involve candle night vigils and ritual purification of objects and people touched by the Devils. The idea is to cast away the evil presence of the Devils (a word itself taken from the Velheim Djevel or "evil one"), because the belief is held that if their influence is cast back into the Void, that their connection with the mortal world is disrupted and they enter a state of slumber.

Priestly Activities

Unionist priests are part of the so-called Covenant College. At the very top is the Secilly Council. Originally this organization had a leader called the Supreme Reverend, however the Supreme Reverend position was abolished when the last Supreme Reverend discovered insidious corruption within the religious community, tried to expose it, and was assassinated for it. To compensate, Conclave determined that the Dogmatic community should henceforth be ruled by a Council of elder Arch-Everians. Below the Secilly Council, are the Arch-Everian, which are equivalents to Dukes in the Regalian Empire. They wield considerable power and rule over vast areas of land, subdivided into Everies. Below the Arch-Everian is the Everian, or just the average priest. Each Everian administrates an Everie, which is usually a piece of land donated to the clergy where they maintain temples, shrines, and convents, while also producing crops and tending to cattle. Everians perform all religious tasks such as confession, preaching, hearing concerns, and simply taking care of Unionist needs like a social caretaker or mental health worker. Arch-Everians on the other hand are more administrative in that they take care of the treasury, any military attached to the religious orders, and communication between the Secilly Council and the vast wide-spread Unionist elements. Formally the Emperor is the leader of the Holy Seat, which is more of a group term for the Palace and the Secilly Council grouped together, but historically Emperors have interfered very little in the day to day running of the Everies, and as such, this fact is usually ignored, the Emperor being considered a completely independent entity. This has also historically separated the Emperor from controversy among the Everians, and vice versa.

Expanded Lore

The Expanded Lore section contains additional contextual information about the Gods. While the above sections will provide enough information to get a clear picture, there are some nuances and subtext to the Gods that are not apparent on first inspection, but that may be very useful for super-pious Characters. This section will tackle each God pair in greater detail (eventually) and discuss various additional pieces of information available for the faithful.

  • Silent Sisters
  • Pious Brothers
  • This section is not yet fully written, as it will come very last when all other immediate Religion update tasks are done.

Faith Syncretism

All Gods and all Religions in Lore are valid, because they physically exist in the world and constantly provide evidence to their divinity, however, Religions have boundaries to which Gods to worship and which ones not to. Faith Syncretism is an optional concept where a person who is faithful to the Religion found on this Page, includes two Gods from another Religion to expand their Pantheon and acquire additional beliefs. While this concept stands on shaky grounds when examining canon lore too closely, it is mostly motivated because Religion sometimes creates unnecessary obstacles for Roleplay Alliances or interactions. By allowing Religious figures to expand their Religious loyalty, they gain access to a wider range of people to interact with that would otherwise be closed due to Religious dogma. Syncretism has several rules applied:

  • Only one Syncretism may be chosen, and this choice is permanent. The Syncretism should be recorded in the same place where Religions are mentioned on a Character Application.
  • Syncretic believers do not worship all the Gods of the second faith, only the two included in the Syncretic belief, it is not possible to expand beyond that or choose other Gods.
  • Syncretic beliefs do not grant access to Religious Mechanics of the secondary Religion or other bonuses acquired from Religions or Gods as mentioned on their Pages.
  • Syncretic believers cannot be Priests, Godchosen, or any other type of Religious figure as described on the Pages. They must be singularly loyal to their own Religion.
  • Syncretic believers are not discriminated against by believers of the secondary Faith. They can however be criticized by their primary faith for their choice of Syncretism.

Syncretism Variants

  • Fornoss Syncretisms
    • Love for Life Syncretism: Leif and Eikki form the basis of the Love for Life Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Love and Affection God Leif, and the Feasting and Joy God Eikki. This Syncretic theme incorporates a love for life and others, while bringing more nature-elemental and shamanistic aesthetics to Unionism.
    • Chained Guilt Syncretism: Bard and Hrymrök form the basis of the Chained Guilt Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with Retribution and Judgement God Bard, and the Freedom and Liberty Goddess Hrymrök. This Syncretic theme incorporates a more violent and aggressive hostility towards the enemies of Unionism, and taking the initiative on destroying Unionism's rivals, while bringing more while bringing more nature-elemental and shamanistic aesthetics to Unionism.
  • Draconism Syncretisms
    • Imperial Core Syncretism: Regulus and Gaia form the basis of the Imperial Core Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Rulership and Time God Regulus, and the Preservation and Redemption God Gaia. This Syncretism theme incorporates Dragons as divine beings created by the Everwatcher to preserve Unionism, and identify the so-called Imperial Dragons as Regalian-native Gods, while bringing respect and preservation of old Draconic Sites and Radicals of the Dragons along with it.
    • The Black Flame Syncretism: Caius and Umbra form the basis of the Black Flame Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Violence and Battle God Caius, and the Death and Decay dragon Umbra. This Syncretism draws direct lines from the Immortal War and the fight of Dragons against the Occult, and the Unionist Purist stance on Magic usage, identifying the Dragons as some type of Everwatcher ordained holy protector, and bringing with it the use of Leytech to fight the Occult.
  • Estelley Syncretisms
    • The Fae Queens Syncretism: Vyrë and Mana form the basis of the Fae Queens Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Commanding Ocean Goddess Vyrë and the Compassionate Nature Goddess Mana. This Syncretism poses that Unionism lacks an explanation for the natural realm, a Nature Goddess to praise for the bounty of the forests, and a Sea Goddess to worship for safe passage on the open seas. This Syncretism also ports pro-Magic and Elven Mysticism into Unionism.
    • The Moon Gazer Syncretism: Leyon and Melca form the basis of the Moon Gazer Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Protection and Benevolence God Leyon, and the Foresight and Mysteries Goddess Melca. This Syncretism poses that Unionism focuses too strongly on the mechanical industrial world, failing to see the mystical and often Magical reality that exists also, and assumes too much from a Mundane point of view, thus expanding horizons to truly connect with Mysticism.
  • Baskarr Syncretisms
    • The Golden Hour Syncretism: Tjafar and Akhet form the basis of the Golden Hour Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Insight and Rulership God Tjafar, and the Unaccountable Reclaimer God Akhet. The Golden Hour Syncretism incorporates the Asha as brother-folk to the Unionists, in that much of their Allorn-oppressed history is aligned, and their long term goals also align. Golden Hour Syncretism believers acknowledge Asha and Ailor as the same people.
    • The Relentless Vengeance Syncretism: Khannar and Wadj form the basis of the Relentless Vengeance Syncretism, which supplements the Unionist Pantheon with the Hateful Vengeance God Khannar, and the Intrigue and Deceit God Wadj. This Syncretism takes a lesson from the Revenge Asha: Unionism and the Regalian Empire move too slowly to punish evil, and all forces should be more aggressively forced away from inaction and apathy, and into Violence against the Allorn.
  • Evolism Syncretisms do not exist in Unionism, due to their extreme opposition to one another.

Trivia

  • Unionism used to be mandatory for nobility somewhere during the second century after Cataclysm, though this Holy Law was removed when the war against the Skagger Horde ceased, and the Empire benefited more from including non-Unionists into the peerage. An exception had always been made for the Solvaan nobles in Solleria however, called the Confessions of Melennar.
  • Sectarian violence largely came to an end at the turn into the fourth century as the last attacks on Vultragon Unionist by state forces ceased, and an uneasy truce was signed between the Schism religious communities. They still do not see eye-to-eye, and the different Schismatic groups still prod at each other, but instead of murdering each other over sectarian differences, they mostly fight with words nowadays, a legacy of the Kleine Rechnung, the document that called for the truce.
  • Despite Eirlys's absorption into Unionism, the Breizh still maintained a high level of cultural autonomy, some even clinging to old beliefs. As such, even when Magic became illegal in the Empire, the Breizh Aelrrigan Order continued to find and train Mages safely in their sanctuaries while the rest of the Empire turned to brutal oppression (and the Magic part of Eirlys was suppressed from dogma). Eirlys' faithful among the Aelrrigan Order are commonly cited as the reason why Magic acceptance eventually returned, and Eirlys' magical nature in theological teachings was returned.
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Last EditorMonMarty on 05/8/2024.
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