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| ==Gods and Goddesses==
| | Unionism V2: Electric Boogaloo |
| 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. | |
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| ===Template=== | | ===Holy Orders=== |
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| | * Nonnatean Order of the Silent Sisters |
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| | **Burial and Caretakers/Nuns |
| | rowspan="4" | [[File:GAYS.png|300px|caption|left]]
| | * Dogartan Order of the Pious Brothers |
| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
| | **Monks/Friars |
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| | * Crimson Order of the Holy Inquisition |
| Allest and Brand are the Martial Gods of Unionism, the promoters of strength in martial arms, and of fraternity and loyalty in the military.
| | **Secret Service |
| | * White Order of the Helerian Guard |
| | **Military |
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| Allest is the God of Warriors, and was also a Vessel-God in life before ascending to the Pantheon following his death in battle.
| | ===Feast Days=== |
| | No such thing as days off of work, so make them community feast days/lunches and stuff |
| | *Feast of the Emperor, May 22nd |
| | **Regalian 4th of July/national founding day. Celebrates the Empire as a whole with the Emperor as an easy focal point |
| | *Feast of Love, Valentine's Day |
| | **Duh |
| | *Feast of all Souls, Halloween/Day of the Dead/ |
| | **Remember the dead. Throw in trick or treating, also jack o' lanterns for Undeath Terror |
| | *Feast of Summertide |
| | **Summer Festival |
| | *Feast of Wintertide |
| | **We have Saint Nicholas. He was Regulus. Draconists have a gift-giving holiday the same month. Yay religious appropriation. |
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| Brand is the God of Gladiators, and was a God to the Emended and later Guided Unionists, before being incorporated to the unified Pantheon in recent times.
| | ===Priestly Hierarchy=== |
| | Within the Unionist College exist several ranks of priests, otherwise known as Celates. These ranks hold various responsibilities within the College, and thus those with higher offices are consider the most versed in matters of theological and bureaucratic knowledge. Below is a list of all priestly ranks, in order of seniority: |
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| Together, the Martial Gods represent the bravery and unwavering discipline of the Regalian Military, while also representing victories in battle, boisterous celebration among friends and lovers, and dependability.
| | *The '''Primae-Everian''' was the official head of the Unionist College, considered to be the Unionist equivalent of a pope. Their duties included presiding over Holy Diets (a gathering of Celates to discuss religious dogma) as well as serving as the chaplain of the Imperial Palace. The last Primae-Everian was Piete Kade, who was assassinated by radicals within the College for attempting to reconcile with the various Schisms. While the Emperor is able to appoint a new Primae-Everian, the Concilly Council has advised him to leave the position vacant, out of respect for the previous officeholder. |
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| They are represented by two crossed swords, one with blood to symbolize the battlefield, and one dripping with tears to represent the loss of comrades in these conflicts.
| | *The '''Concilly Councillors''' are a group of well-learned Celates who are responsible for overseeing the vast bureaucracy of the Unionist College. Due to the prestige associated with bei9ng a Concilly Councillor, this position also suffers from political intrigue, with various faction plotting to place, or keep, their preferred Celates on the council. Despite this potential for corruption, Concilly Councillors are nevertheless very competent in their duties, as only those most theologically gifted can hope to be appointed to this position. |
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| Their main holy place is the Divine Heroic Contemplation Temple, located in the Gloomrot Forest of the Crown Isle.
| | *The '''Arch-Everians''' are Celates who administer the most populous cities within the Regalian Empire, with their Celeries often including one of the Arch- or Grand- Temples of Unionism. Arch-Everians are highly influential figures, and often compete with the secular Dukes over authority within their cities (as the line between secular and religious boundaries starts to blur in these areas). Arch-Everians are formally appointed by the Primae-Everian on the recommendation of the Concilly Council, though it is well-known that the regional Duke also plays a notable role in suggesting their preferred candidate. |
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| Rituals belonging to the Martial Gods 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.
| | *The '''Everians''' are senior-ranking Celates who oversee a collection of Celeries within a geographic area. The position is usually appointed by the local Duke or Count, and confirmed by the Concilly Council. Everians are often the highest rank achieved by Celates, as higher offices start to involve political games that remove well-meaning yet naive Celates from rising in the ranks. |
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Martial Gods is to be loyal to the state, military, and fellow believers. While the Prophets also speak of loyalty, their lesson is more about faith and trust in general cooperation, whereas the Martial Gods preach for the actual demonstration of this loyalty, by actually pledging to support others and work alongside them through thick and thin. A secondary virtue is physical strength, as promotes reliability and the ability to help others, rather than becoming dead weight and a liability. General exercise is seen as paying respects to the Martial Gods, as a fully sedentary life isolated from others breeds inaction and a lack of comradery with the faithful. | |
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Martial Gods is treason, and deceiving one's allies for personal gain. It is seen as the greatest betrayal of Unionists to spend decades fighting alongside brothers and sisters against common enemies on the worst battlefields, only to turncoat and become the very thing you fought against for so long. While the term backstabbing is metaphorical in most cases, to Unionists the act of deceiving one's comrades may as well be a literal knife in the back, as the harm caused may as well be the same. Finally, adultery is equally considered a Vice against the Martial Gods, as the act of marriage is considered a sacred pairing between two lovers, where there are no secrets shared between them. To betray such an intimate bond is to be the scum of the earth, and unworthy of even the Everwatcher's unconditional love.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| In Life, Allest was known as Allestrain Ivrae Heiligenblut, later known as Emperor Allestrain I. Brand was known as Arch-Chancellor Alexander I Kade, though his divine name was taken from his nickname Bram given by Allestrain. Allestrain and Alexander were lovers in life, despite each of them being married (Allestrain to Eolaria Brunig, and Alexander to Leona Weissburg). It is believed that due to the Emperor needed to have an Empress to sire future heirs, that the four of them entered into sham marriages for political convenience, while actually being intimate with their "true spouses". Allestrain and Brand were instrumental in launching a rapid series of military conquests for the Regalian Military, while also implementing the Navigation Acts to cement Regalian authority over states that surrendered peacefully. Allestrain would be killed in battle against the Nordskaggers, after which the Concilly Council declared his ascension to the Pantheon as God-Emperor Allest. Alexander would continue to fight in the name of his deceased lover, eventually dying on the same battlefield several years later. He would be declared a God by the Emended and later Guided Unionists, before the mending of the schisms made him a Duo God with Allest.
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| ===Theomar & Thedmir, the Prophets===
| | *The '''Celates''' are the standard rank of priest within the Unionist College, achieved after completing clerical training and becoming ordained by an Everian. Most priests remain Celates for life, though this lack of upward advancements is hardly met with frustration due to the fulfilling experiences most Celates have with the faithful. While higher ranks become more focused on administrative duties, Celates are more focused on the spiritual needs of Unionists, and so spend most of their time providing various services to others. |
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Theomar (left) and Thedmir (right) are the Prophet Gods of Unionism, the spreaders and founders of the faith. Theomar is also known as the first God-Emperor of Unionism, a title used to refer to the Emperors and Empresses who ascend to godhood after their deaths. In life, Theomar was the first Vessel-God of Unionism, making him the first physical speaker of the Everwatcher, and thus was responsible for proclaiming the message of Unionism through the Creed. Thedmir was a God of the Guided Unionists, but following the mending of this community with the rest of the Unionists, was included as the Duo-God with Theomar, as Thedmir was equally responsible with spreading the faith of Unionism during its beginning. Together, the Prophet Gods represent the Faith of Unionism, the spreading of it to further the Great Way, and strengthening the Religion through various rituals and practices. They are often represented by the necklace of friendship, as the bond between friends is the same type of bond that should be shared between all Unionists. Their main place of worship is the All-Beacon Temple in the center of the City of Regalia, which is the tallest temple in Unionism. Rituals of the Prophets include the preaching of Unionism to non-believers, aiding in the defense of holy places, mediating disputes between adversaries, and providing spiritual guidance to the military. There are also rituals concerning the sanctification and re-affirmation of friendship.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Prophets is to be faithful, which is practiced in a multitude of ways. First, the act of preaching and spreading the faith is an act to honor the Prophets, as well as ensuring the safety of all Unionist holy places to ensure the faithful can worship freely. Secondly, faith is practiced by supporting the Regalian Empire. As the State Religion, Unionism expects that its practitioners are good citizens, from the lowest commoner working an honest job, to the highest Duke governing fairly as a representative of the Emperor. Finally, the Virtue of Faith is expressed as friendship, or faith in one another, as only through shared bonds and experiences can the Great Way be progressed.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Prophets is to turn away from the Great Way, or to impede it. The most obvious example of such sabotage is treason against the Regalian Empire. As the State Religion, Unionism and Regalia are treated as one and the same in the hearts of Unionists, meaning that to harm the State by cooperating or aiding foreign adversaries is considered both a secular and religious crime. Likewise, the hindering of missionaries is likewise seen as a sin against the Prophets' message. As a tenet of Unionism is loyalty to the Regalian Emperor, spreading the faith to foreign nations is often a first step in incorporating them into the Empire's territory or network of alliances. Preventing the spread of Unionism to these states makes future diplomatic missions far more difficult, which can lead to setbacks in the Empire's ambitions.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| In life, Theomar was known as Thulric Ivraan, later known as Theomar Ivrae, the First Emperor of Regalia. It was Theomar who received visions from the Everwatcher which led to the proclamation of Unionism via the Creed, and set the foundations for the religion. Theomar was the Vessel-God, and was considered to be a mortal God. Following his death, the Covenant Council confirmed his ascension to the Pantheon, maintaining the same divinity he held in life. Thedmir was known in life as Thedmir Kade, Grand Alder of Anglia and first Arch-Chancellor of the Regalian Empire. As a lifelong friend of Theomar, Thedmir co-led the Five Family Rebellion which established the Regalian Empire, before working on laying out the government structure alongside the Emperor. When Theomar recieved his visions, Thedmir became the first convert to Unionism, and aided in its spread among the ruling nobility of the Empire. Following his death, Thedmir was not immediately seen as a God, though the Guided Unionists would deify him centuries later to be a Duo-God with Theomar, a status which eventually was adopted by all Unionisms following the mending of the schisms.
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| ===Ness & Eora, the Saviors===
| | *The '''Lay Priests''' are not part of the Unionist College, or even considered clergy to begin with. Any Unionist can be a Lay Priest, which is an unofficial title given to those who are very knowledgeable about Unionism, and assist the Celates with their duties. There is no formal training required, though many Lay Priests often study Unionist theology in order to better assist their fellow Unionists. As there are no Celates within the Guided Unionist community, Lay Priests are responsible for overseeing community maintenance of the local Temples and guiding spiritual discussions. |
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Ness.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| Ness (left) and Eora (right) are the Savior Gods of Unionism, the saviors of the faithful, and the granter of mercy. Ness was the first God-Empress of Unionism, a title which refers to an Empress of Regalia who obtains Godhood following her death. Eora was a God of the Guided Unionists, but following the mending of this community with the rest of the Unionists, was included as the Duo-God with Ness, as the two were contemporaries and worked together during their mortal lives. Together, the Savior Gods represent the mercies of Unionism, to care for those in need, to heal those with illness, and to forgive those who transgress others. There are represented by the Butterfly Mask of Ness and the Habit (head scarf) of Eora, as both were notable belongings of them in life. Their main place of worship is the Temple of Salvation on the outskirts of the City of Regalia, which also doubles as a hospital. Rituals to the Saviors involve forgiving, nurturing, and healing others. The act of taking private confessions, volunteering as a medic or aid in a clinic, and visiting prisoner to offer love and kindness where there is often rejection and apathy.
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| The Virtue of the Saviors is to be merciful, and show kindness and compassion to others, even if they would be underserving of it. To Unionists, the ability to forgive those who have wronged them is seen as a deep spiritual conviction just as much as it is a mental one. Even the most damned individual is still deserving of mercy, which is why this Virtue is often a struggle for Unionists to uphold at all times. Ultimately, all people are mortals with free will, and thus are prone to sin from time to time. The Saviors thus task Unionists to be understanding of this reality, and to always be willing to offer the same love and care that they would expect from their closest friends and family.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Saviors, is to be bereft of mercy, and to close off one's heart to the possibility of forgiving others. As mortals, Unionists are well aware that it can difficult, if not seemingly impossible, to forgive some people for their actions. However, the Saviors warn that unless one opens up their heart to the possibility of forgiveness and mercy, one cannot every truly recover from the harm done to them. Likewise, if one does not consider extending mercy to others, they can often become blind with grudges that rub off onto others, perpetuating a cycle of hatred and cruelty. As such, Unionists should always try to forgive those who wrong them, even if it is difficult, as they may end up being the ones who seek out such mercy, and would be defeated if they were not forgiven for their own transgressions. | |
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| In Life, Ness was known as Nessaria Calontir, Empress to Henri I. Nessaria lived a life of infidelity until she was blinded by her husband as punishment, eventually finding love in Henri after the births of their children. Following Henri's death, Nessaria would lose three of her children to assassins during the Years of the Three Emperors. As the Dowager-Empress, Nessaria personally forgave the assassins, an act of mercy unheard of for a mother who lose her family. She would spend the rest of her life visiting Greygate Prison at night to turn the worst criminals into repentant faithful. Following her death, the Covenant College proclaimed her divinity and ascension to the Pantheon. Eora was known in life as Eotranna Kade, serving as an Arch Chancellor of Regalia for a brief period before resigning after suffering a stroke. During her tenure and afterwards, Eotranna helped promote the medical field by funding the construction of hospitals and clinics across the Empire. Following her death, she was not immediately seen as a Goddess, though the Guided Unionists would deify her centuries later to be a Duo-God with Ness, a status which eventually was adopted by all Unionisms following the mending of the schisms.
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| ===Juvin & Glanzia, the Purists===
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| Juvin (right) and Glanzia (left) are the Pure Gods of Unionism, the teachers of the purity of reason and logic, and the purity of the soul through magical-apprehension. Juvin is another God-Emperor of Unionism, and was the Vessel God in life before the Covenant College proclaimed his ascension as the God of Pure Reason to the Pantheon following his death. Glanzia is the Called Goddess of Pure Soul, a title which refers to mortals who ascended to Godhood through a higher calling. Together, the Pure Gods represent the purity of thoughtfulness and scholarship, and the desire to foster a lifelong passion for leaning, as well as the purity of the soul, in that one should be apprehensive of magic due to its history of unpredictability. They are often represented by Books with the Unionist Eye, as literature is a source of understanding of the wider world, and Black Granite statues of Heroes, which are mortal individuals known for their piety and service towards Unionism. Their main holy place is the Temple of Greater Understanding in the City of Regalia, which doubles as one of the Empire's greatest libraries. Rituals belonging to the Pure Gods 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.
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| The Virtue of the Pure Gods is the pursuit of knowledge which has not been tainted by corruption, and knowing the pure truth from lies. At a surface level, this Virtue warns Unionists from lying towards others, as being deceptive and untruthful harms the progress of the Great Way, as an open and honest individual is one who others find more receptive to cooperate with. In a deeper level, this Virtue also tasks Unionists with uncovering the truth of statements and accounts, and to hold those who record such events to higher scrutiny. As knowledge ultimately is passed down through the generations, any manipulation of the facts in the present can greatly undermine the progress of the future. Likewise, scholars are encouraged to doubt the findings of their peers until they are able to verify their findings on their own, a practice which promotes higher quality research and greater understanding.
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| The greatest Vice against the Pure Gods is to corrupt others through lies and deceptive practices. Knowledge is a powerful tool which has the capacity to benefit society as a whole, but also has the ability to manipulate society by withholding critical information. The Pure Gods warn of these sinister agents, who withhold knowledge from others, and proclaim falsehoods in order to create various echo chambers to divide society. As such, Unionists should always seek to spread information with one another, and to seek out different viewpoints to come to a greater understanding of the subject at hand. Likewise, the faithful should also be quick to point out conflicting information, and seek out the reason for such discrepancies, lest a false narrative be passed down to future generations, robbing a future from the truth they are deserved.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| In life, Juvin was was known as Heinrich III Ivrae Heligenblut, later crowned as Emperor Henri III. As Emperor, Henri brought about the Blessed Reign, a golden age of the Regalian Empire where the borders of the realm greatly expanded, bringing in new peoples to foster growth in scholarship and economic growth. He was also the most pious Emperor, rivaled only to Theomar himself, which set him apart from his predecessors, who often had reputations of being puppets to the Viridian Order. In fact, the revelation of a coup conspiracy within the knights led to Henri greatly stripping away Viridian authority in the Empire in an effort to eradicate corruption, which ultimately succeeded. Following his death, the Covenant College declared his ascension to the Pantheon as God-Emperor Juvin (his middle name which he often used with his closest friends). Glanzia was a mortal who grew up in the Osteiermark area of the Regalian Archipelago, which was known to harbor several Vampire covens since the days of the Sarnan Tribes. Glanzia often preached about uncovering hidden Vampires in society, while also preaching of general apprehension to magic. She ascended to Godhood after displaying an ability to create a material known as Purestone, which was used to combat hostile occult across the region. Glanzia is still alive today, and often resides in the city of Praag to preach to the faithful, also warning about manipulating her message to be a corruption in and of itself.
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| ===Allest & Brand, the Marshals===
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| Allest (right) and Brand (left) are the Martial Gods of Unionism, the promoters of strength in martial arms, and of fraternity and loyalty in the military. Allest is the God of Warriors, and was also a Vessel-God in life before ascending to the Pantheon following his death in battle. Brand is the God of Gladiators, and was a God to the Emended and later Guided Unionists, before being incorporated to the unified Pantheon in recent times. Together, the Martial Gods represent the bravery and unwavering discipline of the Regalian Military, while also representing victories in battle, boisterous celebration among friends and lovers, and dependability. They are represented by two crossed swords, one with blood to symbolize the battlefield, and one dripping with tears to represent the loss of comrades in these conflicts. Their main holy place is the Divine Heroic Contemplation Temple, located in the Gloomrot Forest of the Crown Isle. Rituals belonging to the Martial Gods 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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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Martial Gods is to be loyal to the state, military, and fellow believers. While the Prophets also speak of loyalty, their lesson is more about faith and trust in general cooperation, whereas the Martial Gods preach for the actual demonstration of this loyalty, by actually pledging to support others and work alongside them through thick and thin. A secondary virtue is physical strength, as promotes reliability and the ability to help others, rather than becoming dead weight and a liability. General exercise is seen as paying respects to the Martial Gods, as a fully sedentary life isolated from others breeds inaction and a lack of comradery with the faithful.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Martial Gods is treason, and deceiving one's allies for personal gain. It is seen as the greatest betrayal of Unionists to spend decades fighting alongside brothers and sisters against common enemies on the worst battlefields, only to turncoat and become the very thing you fought against for so long. While the term backstabbing is metaphorical in most cases, to Unionists the act of deceiving one's comrades may as well be a literal knife in the back, as the harm caused may as well be the same. Finally, adultery is equally considered a Vice against the Martial Gods, as the act of marriage is considered a sacred pairing between two lovers, where there are no secrets shared between them. To betray such an intimate bond is to be the scum of the earth, and unworthy of even the Everwatcher's unconditional love.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| In Life, Allest was known as Allestrain Ivrae Heiligenblut, later known as Emperor Allestrain I. Brand was known as Arch-Chancellor Alexander I Kade "the Giant", though his divine name was taken from his nickname Bram given by Allestrain. Allestrain and Alexander were lovers in life, despite each of them being married (Allestrain to Eolaria Brunig, and Alexander to Leona Weissburg). It is believed that due to the Emperor needed to have an Empress to sire future heirs, that the four of them entered into sham marriages for political convenience, while actually being intimate with their "true spouses". Allestrain and Brand were instrumental in launching a rapid series of military conquests for the Regalian Military, while also implementing the Navigation Acts to cement Regalian authority over states that surrendered peacefully. Allestrain would be killed in battle against the Nordskaggers, after which the Concilly Council declared his ascension to the Pantheon as God-Emperor Allest. Alexander would continue to fight in the name of his deceased lover, eventually dying on the same battlefield several years later. He would be declared a God by the Emended and later Guided Unionists, before the mending of the schisms made him a Duo God with Allest.
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| ===Elia & Leona, the Protectors===
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| Elia (left) and Leona (right) are the Protector Goddesses of Unionism, the guardians of the faithful, and promoters of responsibility towards others. Elia is the God-Empress of the Watchful Gaze, and Leona is the goddess of Knights, and was a God to the Emended and later Guided Unionists, before being incorporated to the unified Pantheon in recent times. Together, the Protector Goddesses represent chivalry, alertness, mindfulness, responsibility, dedication, precision, and awareness. They are represented by Elias's Longbow and Leona's Sword, with Blacksteel in general representing the strength and durability required of defenders of the faith. Their main holy place is the Temple of Unyielding Overwatch, otherwise known as the Imperial Hunting Lodge on the Crown Isle. Rituals belonging to the Protector Goddesses 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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| The Virtue of the Protectors is to be responsible for society as a whole, and to protect those around you. As the world is a dangerous place, and enemies of Unionism are ever present, it is the duty of all faithful to remain vigilant for such threats, and be ready to take up the call to protect all that they cherish. It is important to emphasize that this duty is not only for those martially inclined, as the Protectors preach for everyone to contribute what they can, be it a baker providing bread for a knight, or a street sweeper ensuring that the roads are able to be traversed quickly in an emergency. By watching out for one's fellow citizen, they in turn will watch out for you, ensuring that society as a whole is well protected and cared for.
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| The greatest Vice against the Protectors is to be apathetic and uncaring to the world around them. As Unionists are expected to further the Great Way by doing their part to bring about Paradise, the act of general apathy not only impedes the Great Way, but might also hinder the duties of fellow citizens. For example, a farmer that decides not to harvest grain for the day prevents the miller and baker from producing the bread for the village, causing everyone to go hungry due to the laziness of one person. Likewise, a careless disregard to the dangers of the world invite even greater calamities upon those who were not prepared. As such, the Protectors emphasize the need for Unionists to pull their weight and contribute to society as a whole, while also remaining ever vigilant and prepared for any emergency that arises in the future.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| In Life, Elia was known as Eolaria Brunig, Empress to Allestrain I, while Leona was married to Arch-Chancellor Alexander I. As mentioned previously, both marriages were public fronts to placate the demands of an Emperor to have an Empress. Eolaria was a fierce warrior, but fought more so for personal glory and to train the common soldier, rather than Allestrain and Alexander's ambitions for territorial expansion. Leona was the silent supporter of her lover's work, caring for the Empress when she was injured, and taking hits for Eolaria who was not paying attention, suffering through them. Both women would outlive their spouses, with Eoalaria continuing to fight in a few minor campaigns as the Dowager Empress alongside Leona. When Eolaria died after years of sustaining battle wounds, the Covenant Council declared her ascension to the Pantheon as God Empress Elia. Leona would retire to the Thousand Blade Monastery following the death of the true love, maintaining a silent vigil and training the next generation of knights. Following her death, the Emended and later Guided Unionists would declare her a Goddess in her own right, before recent times saw her paired with Elia in the Pantheon.
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| |}
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| ===The Everwatcher & Alexander, the Vessel===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Alexander.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| The Everwatcher (not pictured) is the Supreme Being of Unionism, the source of all creation, and the final destiny of all things. Unionists believe it was the first thing created at the beginning of time, holding supremacy over all other Gods and Goddesses. The Everwatcher des not manifest in Aloria, and utilizes the Vessel-God to be the living embodiment of its divine will. Alexander is the Emperor of Regalia, and is thus the current Vessel-God of Unionism until his death or abdication (as only the reigning Emperor can be the Vessel-God). Together, Alexander and the Everwatcher represent Divinity, Sageness, Wisdom, Benevolence, Inclusivity, All-Loving, and All-Caring. The Imperial Palace is seen as the chief holy place for the Vessel God, and seen as the holiest site for Unionists. There are no Rituals for the Vessel God, as they are only divine in life, and each successor takes a different approach to carrying out the Everwatcher's will, making it difficult to find any common rituals beyond the imperial coronation and other ceremonies of state.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Vessel is to be humble and aware of one's own mortality. Nobody lives forever, as even the Vessel God will one day die, so Unionists make an effort to use what time they have to celebrate their achievements and gains in life, while also preparing the way for their inevitable successors. Likewise, Unionists in positions of authority are tasked with being fair representatives of the Emperor's positive characteristics, as the Emperor in turn is representative of the Everwatcher's divinity. By being a fair and just example, Unionists demonstrate the benevolence of the Vessel-God, which helps to encourage even non-believers to emulate his characteristics to benefit the Regalian Empire and further the Great Way.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Vessel God is pride itself, and the refusal to prepare the stage for one's inevitable successor. The only way for a society to continue to improve is when one's forebears adequately prepare the next generation with the tools needed to carry on the torch of leadership. To deny and obstruct the transfer of power when the time comes not only causes the creation of incompetent leaders, but also creates cults of personality which detract from the needs of the greater Unionist community. As such, Unionists are obliged to make arrangements to ensure that stability is maintained, so that their deaths do not lead to a power vacuum or future incompetence. Likewise, the faithful should be willing to forfeit their power to another if it benefits the Great Way.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| Alexander was born Alexander Kade, son of Arch-Chancellor Moriarty Kade and Princess Alianne Ivrae de Sange, through whom the line of Succession passed through after the death of the previous Emperor, Justinian II. Alexander was brought up to one day succeed his father as Arch-Chancellor, though the Sanction of 302 AC saw him become Emperor instead. Emperor Alexander is actually Alexander II, as the God Brand was known as Alexander the Giant in life. However, the regnal number is often omitted, as Alexander is the first reigning Emperor with that name, and also because Alexander the Giant is referred to by his divine name Brand since his death. Emperor Alexander is the only mortal to have become the Vessel-God twice, as he abdicated the throne to his brother Cedromar before being reinstated after an interregnum period. Despite the Emperor's absence in recent times, he remains the Vessel-God, as he has not been declared dead, nor has any successor taken the Imperial Throne.
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| |}
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| ===Neall & Nolven, the Cultured===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Artgods.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Neall (left) and Nolven (right) are the Culture Gods of Unionism, the teachers of the facets of culture and art, both in times of peace and war. Neall (left) is the Joined God of Visual Arts, while Nolven is the Joined God of Military Arts. Together, the Culture Gods represent creativity, artistic expression, gregariousness, welcomeness, inclusivity, and visuals. They are represented by Neall's golden paintbrush/pencil, and Nolven's golden sword. Their main holy place is the Temple of High Arts, which serves as the Imperial Art Gallery. Rituals of the Culture Gods 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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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Culture Gods is to find the beauty in all aspects of life, through cultural and artistic expressions. Unionists believe that art is a way to fill the soul with the Everwatcher's divine light, and often decorate their holy spaces with stained glass, chiseled statues, and ironic paintings. The Culture Gods also preach about the beauty which can be found in war. While the battlefield can often be seen as a bloody hellscape void of emotion, it is also the place where great heroic feats are performed that pass into song and legend, and well-planned strategies are executed with precision. It is thus a virtue to always seek the positives in every situation, and find the beauty in even the most mundane of things, as often there is a divine order to all things.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Culture Gods is barbarism, and the blind hatred of things. To lash out against the world without grace or beauty is to be no different from a wild beast, fueled off of primal instinct and lacking true sentience. To give in to one's primal urges is to cast aside one's humanity, and thus fall astray from carrying out the Great Way. Even when emotions run high, Unionists are reminded to demonstrate a sense of grace in their setbacks, and to understand that such obstacles are simply part of life's process. Failure is bound to occur, as nobody creates a masterpiece the first them they start something. To rage against one's misfortunes is to lack the ability to grow, and thus become an animal lacking any culture.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| Neall and Nolven are Joined Gods, meaning they were once the Gods of a tribe whose name has been lost to time. They are also unique in that the Covenant College declared them as Duo-Gods decades before the concept was adopted by the Emended and later Guided Unionists. Neall is generally seen as a reserved as shy God, more focused on his artistic pursuits, while Nolven as a war God is more gregarious and prone to carnal desires. It comes to no surprise that Nolvan is one of the Unionist Gods who sires Godborn, who are often expected by Unionists to represent their divine father and uncle's pursuits of cultured warriors.
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| |}
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| ===Al-Asir & Marani, the Inspired===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Eastgods.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Al-Asir (right) and Marani (left) are the Inspired Gods of Unionism, the divine inspirers of innovation and technology to better wider society. Al-Asir is the God of Invention, and often works with creators to improve their designs for greater effectiveness. Marani is the God of Inspiration, and the best friend of Al-Asir, often providing ideas for future technological advancements. Together, the Inspired Gods represent technology, resourcefulness, inspiration, altruism, conscientiousness, and discoveries. They are represented by Al-Asir's golden gears, or Qadir arm tattoo shapes in glowing gold. Their main holy place is the Telocator Temple in Al-Alus, the only one outside of the Regalian Empire. Rituals belonging to the Inspired Gods 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.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Inspired Gods is to better society through the sharing of knowledge and technology. The concept of research and development is one valued highly by Unionists, as improving the functioning of the Regalian Empire and well-being of its citizens not only makes the Empire a better place to live, but also frees up resources to focus on other areas in need of development. The ability to constantly improve upon previous systems is a strong tenet of Unionism, allowing the faith to adapt to changes in society. Even if some technological changes may come to a surprise to those unfamiliar with the science behind them, Unionists nonetheless are quite open to such advancements, and often speculate on how a new invention can make life easier.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Inspired Gods is to create machines which automate death. Technology should always be built with the intentions of improving the quality of life to those around them. To create a machine for needless killing only aims to take life from others, and does not benefit society in any capacity. There is a key difference between inventing a new firearm, which has a benefit of reducing the number of casualties in battle and preventing needless bloodshed, and creating a machine programmed only to kill, which only automates the killing process and removed the morality behind going to war. All technology much be created as a response to the saving of life or the reduction in death, and never designed for making killing more efficient for killing's sake.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| Al-Asir was born as Nadir Al-Taqdeer, and predates the founding of Unionism by a century. He is believed to have been immaculately conceived by the Everwatcher before the Great Storm, and tasked a group of Qadir to raise him into the God he is known for today. He is also believed to be the reincarnation of the Dragon Marik, though most Unionists are indifferent with the notion. Marani, known by his full name of Marani Keita, is Al-Asir's stalwart protector and confidant, acting as an invaluable friend around the Qadir who are often too comfortable and casual around the God of Invention. Their pariing is unique, as Al-Asir is a Qadir, whereas Marani is a Songaskian. Together, they reside in Al-Alus by creating technology to help out society, but also work to mend the societal trauma between the Qadir and Songaskians which has existed for centuries during the Sariyd Empire.
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| |}
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| ===Tanthor & Dari, the Preservers===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Lizardgods.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Tanthor (right) and Dari (left) are the Preserving Gods of Unionism, the advocators for the weak and downtrodden by blessing them with the strength to go on. They are unique Gods in that they come from two peoples who have historically been the enemies of Unionism, with Tanthor being a Kathar God, and Dari being a Sendrassian Allar God. Together, the Preserving Gods represent the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the unwanted in a society that are often pushed around by everyone around them to fit their needs. They are represented by golden neck chains or other forms of personal restraint around the neck, giving off notions of slavery and all the connotations associate with it. The Preserving Gods have no Temple, as it was demolished in Crookback to make way for housing, though shrines to them are found in the slums and undercities of the Regalian Empire. Tanthor and Dari 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.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| The Virtue of the Preserver Gods is to see the contributions that all people make to the Great Way, even the most wretched, unwanted, and outcast of society. Regardless of one's birth or station in life, Unionists should endeavor to find a way to help everyone contribute to the betterment of society, and fight against bigotry and discrimination which aims to split society into an "us" vs "them" mentality. Unionism is first an foremost a religion for all people, and thus the act of including others as participants is seen as a virtuous act. As such, the faithful are tasked with finding sympathy with the downtrodden, and offer them alms and the ability to have their voices heard, while serving as an advocate and ally if they cannot speak for themselves.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| The greatest Vice against the Preservers is to find sadism and satisfaction in the hurting of the unloved. As recent conflicts have seen the Regalian Empire fight against various peoples who are often seen as the embodiment of evil to Unionism, so too has prejudices risen against individuals who simply belong to same heritage, despite not being blameless is the actions of such adversaries. To give into bigotry and to kick those who are already down is seen as a sin in the eyes of the Gods, as those who are already at rock bottom do not need to be tormented more than they already are. To oppress those who have done no wrong is to simply become the evil that is to be fought against. As such, Unionists must train themselves to be conscientious about the plights of the downtrodden, and to keep their well-being in mind, lest the Great Way be forgotten in the pursuit of oppression.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Legacy
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| Very little is known about either Thanthor or Dari's past, as both of them are more concerned about the plight of the downtrodden rather than their personal histories. They appeared first during the tenure of Arch-Chancellor Morgan Kade, known for his tyranny against others. Following his execution, the duo ascended to the Pantheon as Called Gods after moving Emperor Vilgemar to begin his emancipation efforts of the many slaves across the Regalian Empire. Rather than preach to the everyday faithful, the Preserver Gods took to the slums of the Empire, hearing the concerns of the downtrodden and unwanted and advocating for them on their behalf, leading to an improvement of conditions, and a returning of faith to those who once felt that Unionism was a religion for the well-off, and could care less for those without two coins to rub together. In recent times Tanthor and Dari have been advocating for better treatment of refugees fleeing the Dread and Sendrassian Empires, reminding Unionists that the best way to defeat an enemy is to make them a friend, and any refugee who seeks out Regalia should be welcomed and offered a chance to contribute towards the Great Way.
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| ===Mendes & Hor, the Prosperous===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Furrygods.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Aurora is the mother of creation, all living creatures (except those with very niche creation origins) descend from her Craters of Creation. These Craters were the impact sites where Orion called down a meteor, wiping out all living organisms, only for Aurora to re-populate it with ever-changing creations while she experimented with the fine-tuning of ecosystems and biodiversity. For every butterfly, or otter, or crocodile mortals know, there were a thousand failed experiments in the Craters of Creation, all who lived out their lives but ultimately failed to meet her piercing and judging eye. To many Draconists, Aurora is a stern and mal-content mother who scolds and judges her creations from afar, but whose work is still so crucial to the continued existence of the world, as she perpetually repairs damaged food supply chains and animal hierarchies. Aurora was together with Gaia the original Dragon to be worshiped by the Allorn Dregodar Cult, and fled Daen where her Craters of Creation used to be, to Ellador in the hopes of escaping the prying encroachment of the Allorn Princes on her work. There, she met an untimely demise after the Dregodar-Dwarven Wars, which were incited by Allorn deceit. In her death, her body was inhabited by Frisit, an Ordial abomination under control of the Ordial Glacial. For hundreds of years, they pretended to be Aurora who slept in the immaterial until she was awoken and revived by Regulus and Renita, the Blue Dragons. Following her revival, she found the world in a sordid state, with many ecosystems having collapsed and whole regions deprived of wildlife. While her people descended into civil war over her legacy, she studiously did what she did best, to ignore the problems of the world and concern herself only with the creation particles of her hyperfixation.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| Despite her frigid and apathetic nature to the existence of mortals, Aurora does embody a variety of virtues that may be hard to understand from her work. In the Craters of Creation, there is total equity and freedom for all beings of creation. As such, her virtues have become associated with justice and equality of opportunity. She demands that the faithful live in the same virtue that she holds her work, to judge fairly and equally between all, and to hold no favoritism or sentimental benefit to any one party, and to not withhold the freedom of choice to those who have earned it.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| Aurora's vices are equally perhaps surprisingly to behold, but become more sensible when examining her work. She considers cruelty, sadism, or other forms of glee from the suffering of others to be a vice. She loathes wroth and acts of callousness, and the entire concept of hatred is anathema to her. Those who bear hate in their heart cannot see to their work with impartiality, and those who respond to indignity with callousness commit the same errors that were inflicted on them with injustice. Aurora demands a fair and even-handed approach from the faithful to all that they endure.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Association
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| Aurora has a strong association with the Isldar, though this cultural association has considerably weakened since her revival, as many of them were under the impression they followed her, when they actually followed the Ordial Glacial. Aurora in turn does not truly recognize the Dregodar of old anymore, her death changed them, but this was a change she did not preside, so while much of Life-Isldar society is still centered around the concept of her worship, in practicality they have veered more towards Regulus patronage, due to Aurora's apathetic demeanor.
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| ===Sinnavei & Eirlys, the Allies===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Elfgods.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Gaia is not a Dragon exactly, but a mortal Aelrrigan Knight named Iorwerth (depicted right) who was an Archon serving the Dragons, carrying the soul of the dead Dragon Gaia. For centuries, Iorwerth was forced to serve the Malefica, one of the greatest unseen enemies of the Dragons, forced to conjure up vast magical structures, mazes, and fortresses for the Malefica and its Shades to use to deal death on mortals in the living world. He was forced to do this because his lover Cadell's (depicted left) soul had been captured by the Malefica, who used him as a bargain to string Iorwerth along. Through the intervention of mortals in Regalia, Iorwerth and Cadell were able to break free from the Malefica's control, and return to Aloria. There he rekindled with the Dragons he once served, but also still held the power of Ordial god-hood. For this, the Dragons tasked him to ascend to their pantheon by being the (somewhat reluctant) host of Gaia's Dragon Soulspark, a Dragon who had perished many centuries ago during the Denial of Immortality. While many of Iorwerth's structures still serve the Malefica, all have become overgrown with lush vines and the Lillies of the Valley, Iorwerth and Cadell's favorite flower. In this, Gaia's powers manifest as the Dragon of Nature, the other half of Aurora's Craters of Creation. While she created the living beings that inhabited nature, it was Gaia who created the plants and trees and flowers that decorate all the realms. Thus, carrying life and death in his body and his love by his side, Iorwerth is the Draconic God of Nature, tranquility, absolution, and redemption in rebirth.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| Virtue to Gaia (This God is both called Gaia and Iorwerth) is preserving balance of nature, in the give and take between the forces within an ecosystem, and preventing cascade collapse due to dying flora. From the smallest of maggots, to the largest of mammals, nature exists as the bedrock of life on Aloria. Iorwerth specifically adds to this, by making the act of redemption both in receiving and offering others the chance, a true virtue and to never give up in the face of even the most malicious of death-bound forces to return to a righted world and make amends.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| Vices to Gaia, are the stupidity and naivety to outsmart forces greater in power than the self. In this, Iorwerth and Cadell's centuries-long imprisonment in the Beyond acts as a deterrent and a warning that evil forces are not interested in playing fair or honest, and that respecting duels or challenges of powerful entities is foolish. Iorwerth and Cadell express above all that it is a Vice to not seek help, to not ask for saving, and to foolhardy insist that the individual can overcome all trials and struggles alone. Gaia looks down on lone wolves who risk others with their own recklessness.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Association
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| Prior to merging with Iorwerth, Gaia was primarily seen and worshiped among the Dregodar Cults in the Allorn Empire, where he and Aurora were most visible to the Allorn Elves. Through some process that is not well understood today, Gaia and all other Nature Dragons were killed by the Allorn , causing the flight of Aurora and Dregodar. Now, Gaia is more associated with Kintyr and the Breizh people, due to Iorwerth and Cadell's Breizh nature. Effigies to Gaia or Iorwerth are often placed in buildings built by Draconists, sometimes even secretly. Gaia's historical domain is south Daen.
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| |}
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| ===Caan & Kaldric, the Burdened===
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| {|
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| | rowspan="4" | [[File:Magicgods.png|300px|caption|left]]
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Description
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| Where Severena is both the spiritual and secular leader of the Sihai people, Orion functions like the exemplar spiritual ambition of the Sihai people. While Severena teaches the people detachment from material possession, attachment, and trauma, the worshipers acknowledge that Severena's functions in the world are rooted in attachment, and that she can never reach enlightened existence. Orion is however that enlightened existence made manifest. They are the only Dragon that exists outside of what Draconists call the Terrasphere, a boundary between the breathable air of Aloria, and the immaterial beyond in the cosmos. Orion is the Dragon of the stars and the Celestial Bodies (Planets, Moons, and Sun). They exist in a state of perpetual detachment from the events of Aloria itself, because they are not bound to it by any intention or purpose other than their loyalty and membership of the Draconic conclave. Historically this has meant that Orion was not traditionally present in the Draconist Pantheon, they were more a cultural symbol for the Sihai, but since The Advancement, Orion has taken a more direct role in the lives and virtues of mortals on Aloria. It was Orion whose sober detachment from the world, allowed for them to take on the task of creating and shepherding the afterlife of Draconism among the stars. They are the ferry-person who delicately fetches the wandering souls from the Soul River after they have passed on, and weaves stars and constellations as their souls are carried into the enlightened immaterial. In short summary, Orion has become the guardian of the Draconic afterlife.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Virtues
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| Orion is the patron of Draconism priests and mortuary people, those who perform rites for the dying and the dead, and those offering religious services. To many, their greatest quality is their detachment from material obsession, from desire to own and consume, or from holding on to painful memories and wishes of vengeance. Virtues to Orion, are charity in possessions, temperance in want, and forgiving of the wrongs that have been done to either the person themselves or society at large. A less common virtue, is the acceptance and inclusion of atheists to hold a protected place among Draconists.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Vices
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| Orion's greatest vice is directly related to Draconism as a religion itself. While other religions loosely acknowledge Dragons as the tenders of the material world's operating functions, their divinity is only acknowledged among Draconists. However, the fact that their Gods are ever-so-slightly more important than other Gods to the functioning of the world, breeds some kind of smugness or self-righteous superiority among the Draconism faithful. It is exactly this self-centered sense of superiority that is the greatest Vice that Orion speaks out against as the downfall of enlightenment.
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| | style="font-weight:bold; width:75px; vertical-align:top;" | Association
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| Orion's role is most prominent among the Sihai people in the east, but their presence can roughly be traced through nearly all Dragon-worshiping communities, including the early Aml Tribes in the Regalian Archipelago, the Dregodar Cults in the Allorn Empire, the Slizzar of Sarakand, and more. Due to the prevalence of cosmic symbolism and the stars in so many early cultures, Orion's name has been present and consistent among nearly all languages, being the one word that is universal everywhere. Orion has largely been absent from the world until recent, however.
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