Chronicles of Eternia
Godhede, the Old Orthodoxy - Printable Version

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Godhede, the Old Orthodoxy - Eclipse - 01-07-2025

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The Elder Constants.
The Dragons of Creation.
The Cosmos of Amier.
Hope in Life and Peace in Death.

An old faith dating circa the Pantheon's formation, during the primal struggles and establishment of man. Once popular among the upper-class of Aen, especially among theological academics, the popularity of the Old Orthodoxy at large, historically known as the Godhede, declined in tandem with the Pantheon's involvement in the primal conflicts of old. As time progressed, the Godhede and its various traditional assertions, have have fallen to obscurity, small sects found in many long-standing human cities on Eternia. These churches are either held in renown or contempt by local sects, significant context held only by educated magi, arguably radical traditionalists, or village elders. Despite doubts and an unattended public image, the once devout sect of holy-soldiers sit aside as unassuming naturalists, the Old Orthodoxy seen as a family inheritance by some and the start of a new life by others less fortunate.

The destruction of Aen, the usurping of Amier's guardians, and the return of Azrael's oath sworn bring a new era for the forgone religion, summoning the faithfuls of the Old Will to service after centuries of silence. Most Royal lines of mankind have fallen, spurring call for the Godhede, displaying a need for the return of Order, the true cosmic balance, and a rival to undeath. The Old Orthodoxy serves a sanctum from the worship of mere mortals, void influence, and the narratives of corruption, a domain of holy conquest in image to the Old Divinity. A conquest taken somberly, knowing only a fragment of Kraus will suffice in destroying Azrael, should he be freed and the flawed rule of the Pantheon remain unchecked.

Tenants of the Orthodoxy :
  • The Pantheon are guardians of Amier's Cosmos and nothing more, they are not gods and their worship is not divine, excess devotion to these false gods can be seen as heretical. It is unlike the Godhede to crusade against the Pantheon, though they hold them in great skepticism.

  • No divine within the Faith is seen as more significant than another, so long as one is not heretical, they may divide their attention amongst the Godhede as they please. Selective worship within the Godhede is also permitted, so long as worship does not extend beyond the Orthodoxy.

  • The Old Orthodoxy stands to uphold the Cosmic Order, which does not exclude Hel, though occult presence is to be rivaled and policed, they are not to purged like devotees of the Void, Azrael, and undeath. If able, the Godhede does not oppose such forces, instead focusing efforts on uprooting undeath in their ranks.

  • Corruption is a result of longevity upon Eternia, states mimicking immortal life such as undeath, the Cain, synthetics, and other mockeries are heretical to the Cosmic Order and threats to the common life. This is nonnegotiable. Only longevity granted by the Godhede stands free.

  • Bloodlines blessed by the Godhede are rulers and guardians upon the material world, they have been entrusted to advise and provide for mankind, you are expected to do the same onto them. Fealty to Great Houses is a privilege and a life of blessing, members of the Orthodoxy are encouraged to pursue conscription to such causes.

  • The Call of Dominion must be answered. Dominion may only be called in face of an existential threat, though once identified, able-bodies must make pilgrimage to add the cleansing effort. Not since the clash of Arthor Pendragon and Mordred, after the fall of Aegis, have the Orthodoxy heard such calls, dating now nearly two millennium.

  • Hope in the Common Life, as well as Peace in Death, thus protection in the afterlife, should always be upheld. It is imperative the life-cycle be maintained and the Common Life be protected. Failure to do so will be the end of Eternia.
Structure of Godhede :
-Regent Ecumenical-

The 'first among equals', this figurehead serves as voice for the Godhede, directing the faith and claiming leadership of every church within the Orthodoxy. This title is filled by the Royal Crown of a blessed family, passed quietly down the secondary Godwin line for centuries, as a matter of formality and historical tradition, although previously held by other prominent bloodlines on Eternia. Only the Regent may make a Call of Dominion and holds a final say on all judicial matters.

-Arbiter-

Trusted powerhouses of the Godhede's might, these extensions of the Old Will coordinate sects discretely, undertake unnerving odds, and provide Hope for the common soldier by sheer presence alone. Many a conflict has seen itself turned by the arrival of a Godhede Arbiter, usually showering in the Light of Pylae or the Shroud of Mortyl. They are trusted as extensions of the Regent Ecumenical, most ruling without question or hesitation.

-Voice-

A learned acolyte of the Old Orthodoxy, most Voices find themselves in partnership to an Arbiter. Understudies and assistants in some cases, yet more often loyal retainers or oath sworn brothers in war. No more than two Voices may be assigned to any one Arbiter, without an Arbiter amongst ranks, there may be no Voices appointed. Authority carries with the Voice, allowing them to charge others with heresy, make arrests, and be trusted to carry the word of their superiors truthfully.

-Cloak-

Fully fledged member of the Old Orthodoxy, all Cloaks carry the weight of duty upon their shoulders. Sworn to protect the Common Life and to find Peace within their Death, these foot-soldiers, scholars, and members of clergy serve their entire lives under the design of the Godhede. Some sworn to churches, others to nobles, and even more individual honors, a Cloak holds no formal position of obligation, though is held to neglect or betrayal with death.

-Aspirant-

Those within the Orthodoxy who lack oath, hobbyists, those of quiet religious practices, and those unfit to serve, like children or the elderly. To be held at the rank of Aspirant for longer than a decade while actively pursuing promotion, is a great dishonor and an act done only to those seen as unworthy of the Faith's trust. If there is a reasonable suspicion a trainee will not hold their oath, they will be restrained to Aspirant until they show improvement.

Old Faiths stir. New Empires rise.
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