The Church of Aspera [Aphros]

[PopTheater]

Ad Astra per Aspera

The Church of Aspera is the primary and most public faith of Aphros, and works closely with the Holy State's governing bodies. Those baptized under Asperan ideologies devote body and soul to carrying out the will of the Primordial of Duality, Athelios.

https://chronicles-of-eternia.com/lore/i...e=Athelios

Aspera is a largely pragmatic faith; not one blind and inquisitive. Members of Aspera generally lean towards the ideology of Astra, but with a respect and even utilization of the Umbra to uphold Aphros' peace and structure. Aspera's primary teachings are thus:

Loyalty

All members of Aspera are expected to display an unwavering loyalty, both to the Oracle and Athelios himself. The Pontifice holds no equal ground to either, and to question the Oracle's methods is shunned at best.

Compassion

Members of Aspera are taught to uphold the Astra with sincerity. To hear out the worries of Aphros' citizens, and offer them forgiveness. They are taught that there is beauty and good in every individual, as all of mankind is deeply flawed. All have more potential than anyone might know. Aspera's clergy guides those lost to find their most efficient path to redemption.

Duality

But Aphros is not a soft-hearted nation. The Church is no different. Those of Aspera are taught steadfast of the Astra's counterpart, Umbra. They are expected to look within themselves, and ask themselves when the Astra is prudent, or when it is best to utilize a more Umbral approach. To shun an Umbral approach reflects poorly on a devout of Athelios, but there is no greater shame than to utilize the Umbral without results.

There is nothing more important in Asperan ideology than to be pragmatic. To follow their teachings only when it is for the best, and to ask themselves where that line is. To lose oneself to emotion is failure to an Asperan, and to ignore pragmatism in favor of faith is ignorance.

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Rites

There are a number of rituals performed by the Reverendo of Aspera. Some are to be supervised always by a leading member, but most are trusted in the hands of Athelios' faithful Reverendo.

Baptism: It all begins with the baptism. When one wishes to devote body and soul to Athelios, they undergo a ritual to cleanse their past sins. Baptism is not offered to all; but those who are willing to devote themselves to Athelios' cause are sure to be taken under His wing. To be baptized is to be cleansed of your past sins, and henceforth you are to serve as a Leigo under His will.

Marriage: Aphros is a city of union; union of complimentary opposites. And there is no greater union than the duality of love. Any can be wed under Athelios' accepting eye. The Church of Aspera is well known for hosting marriages in His hallowed hall. Vows of love are stated under supervision of a dedicated clergyman, and rings prepared by bride and groom are exchanged. Omnia vincit amor, love conquers all!

Ordination: None of Aspera's clergy are ignored. Those of Aspera who rise in rank are given a short ceremony of their own, denoting for all to hear this member's devotion and accomplishments. To be ascended from Leigo is not an inevitability. To become a true priest is something earned. Over the course of time, Ordination has become something of an umbrella term for the ascension of a priest, and the inauguration of a high ranking Aphrosian official such as Bastion Commander.

Exsanguination: A Witch or a Demon cannot be forgiven. They are too far gone, and to say otherwise outright can be grounds for capital punishment. Those of the Fel are a taint upon the Lifestream, and directly oppose the balance Athelios has sought His members to believe in. But there is one way to grant them a degree of salvation. This lies in one of Aphros' most notable rituals, the Exsanguination. It is believed in Asperan ideology, that the taint of one's sins lies within their blood. By removing every drop of that blood, even the most far gone can still be redeemed. They can still carry onto their next life freed from their past sins.

Holytech: Improving the self and finding one's path is a deeply important part of Asperan ideology. One must look inward in introspection to improve. So some improve themselves in a more literal way; by augmenting the body with sanctified mechanical devices. Be they implants or entire limbs, these gadgets are formed to 'improve' the body altogether. The most common Holytech device is to replace a limb with a better prosthetic to further one's potential past human limits.

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Roles

Pontifice: The single head of the Asperan Church. Their duties are to oversee all of Aspera, and any decisions of actual import are to always be made by them.

Vigario: The head of Aspera's research and development division. They oversee the Artese, and ensuring each member is proactive in their respective projects is their primary role. But to lead the church's projects themselves is even more important. The role of Vigario is easily Aspera's most active role, save for that of Pontifice.

Cardeal: A leading member of the clergy. They oversee the Leigo and Reverendo. One should (if possible) always be present during a major rite, and they are to teach the clergy how to perform them. The Cardeal are to ensure the clergy do not waver in their faith, or beliefs.

Artese: A crafter or researcher who devotes their studies and works to Aspera or Aphros as a whole. Artificers and Alchemists who wish to offer their services to Athelios may join Aspera's research and development division; the only requisite is that they devote their faith solely to Athelios.

Reverendo: A genuine priest or priestess of the Asperan Church. They are responsible for carrying out rites such as weddings, baptisms, and prayers. To become a Reverendo, one must have earned the direct approval of a Cardeal or the Pontifice by their own actions. The title of Reverendo is not one inevitable, it is one earned.

Leigo: Anyone baptized under the Church of Aspera begins as a Leigo. They hold no particular responsibilies, but are granted the capability to give prayers of protection, and bless items under Athelios' name. If a Leigo performs exceptionally well, they may find themselves granted the title of Reverendo or Artese.

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As of Year 2076 AC, the role of Pontifice is held by Bell A. Montelione.

(Feel free to write Pontifice 'Bell A. Montelione' or Vigario 'Meadow Montelione', if you're interested in the church! Or DM me at 'poptheater' if you have any questions, or you're interested in spawning a character.)

[Hvee]

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In the very beginning, Astra and Umbra did not exist. It was through His experiences that the Warden of Hel developed His doctrine of Balance.

The Faceless did not always exist; the Question is always being explored; and Holytech is a sanctioned art that encourages us each to further develop even our own bodies.

Our faith revolves around progress. We shall not stagnate, for in order to defy the Fel, we must be inventive in our means of fighting them.

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Greetings, Aphrosians.

Today, I present to you the Asperan Church of Athelios' newest division.

The Asperan Research and Development Branch shall be led by the Vigario of Aspera, and it shall produce new technology, techniques, and items in Athelios' name.

I, Meadow Montelione, daughter to Pontifice Bell Austwin Montelione and formerly Cardeal of Aspera, shall occupy this role.

Seek me out if it so pleases you.

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Given that this newfound branch will operate under yours truly, I would like to make a few things very clear.

The Forbidden: Myself, the Pontifice, and the Oracle will each have the power to decree what topics of research are off-limits. Our judgements will be formed utilizing available evidence, practical reasoning, and most importantly, existing tenets of the Asperan faith. We shall never tolerate any methods, objects, or magics that spread corruption or damage the Lifestream. Remember that Black Magic, Necromancy, and Riftmancy are fully outlawed within the nation of Aphros.
(Occultic or Psionic research shall be heavily restricted and closely monitored.)

The Pragmatic: We are happy to have projects commissioned, but we are not a limitless resource, and as such, we cannot work for free. Providing necessary materials can cover much of the bill, but the particulars of payment will be left up to the Pontifice to decide. Because I'm terrible at those things.

The Initiated: Any interested Leigo of the Asperan Church is welcome to work with me and my Artese on existing projects. Those interested in one day becoming Artese in their own right are strongly encouraged to take this route.

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A golden age is never meant to be wasted on revelry, for it is no such gift.

It is, rather, an opportunity.

An opportunity to prepare for the next dark age.

Ad Astra per Aspera;

Amem.


Meadow Montelione | Vigario of Aspera | Leader of the Asperan Research & Development Branch