09-09-2024, 12:36 AM
"For those lost upon the sea, the light they shall find."
-From the 'Book of the Sea'
In the year 2135 AC, a new church was formed upon the islands of the southern seas. It was a church dedicated to the holy Navigator of the Sea, or as many know him, Enarr, the God King.
Within this holy church, the ideals of The Navigator are put forth into the light for all to see. The Patron of Sailors, the King of Kings as he is deemed comes with many different aspects, where too few focus upon his tyrant nature that has overshadowed the truth of his might. Ideals of Wisdom, Judgement, Leadership, and a focus on one of his lesser-known domains.
That of the Sea.
For those who follow those upon the sea shall see statues of three. Enarr, For his Navigation and guidance upon the sea. Mestra, for the music and art that the sailors require upon voyages, and lastly, Chireus, for the gift of travel. This church welcomes these divine three but it is without saying that the focus upon the faith is that of Enarr.
It is unlikely for those not born upon the Sea to understand the connection of Sailors and their patron. However many may learn through the sermons and words of the holy book. For soon now the influence of the Navigator, God King Enarr, slowly makes his way back upon the mainland. To where he once stood so proud and godly... as the ruler of all.
Trust in the Captain
One must have faith in their leaders, not only from the church but those who lead the nations that they are under. Even if there are disagreements, a good Captain will always listen to those who are concerned. Without their crew, a Captain is nothing, without a Captain, a crew is orderless and falls into chaos. Some have considered this as being a direct relation to Enarr, as to always have faith within him no matter what.
Respect the Sea
The sea is a vast place, and many have gotten lost upon its travels. The Navigator's guidance is to be followed through even the harshest of storms. Never underestimate the sea as your enemy, never consider it your friend either. It is unjust but it is fair when it has to be. One must respect the wishes of the waves and ocean, for if they do not? Many are left to the depths.
Widsom First, Iron Second
While The Navigator is known for his divine strength, he is also known for his wisdom. Not all battles must be won with strength, often the mind is worth just as much. However, some will not listen to reason nor respect one another. The might of chains and iron is often a good lesson to others as well, but one must use their mind... and pick their battles true.
Reject the Black Sea
Never shall one falter into the darkest of depths where the light of The Navigator cannot shine. Black Magic is seen as the highest of crimes but that is not all this entails. ...The Void, that darkened water many seek to know as the Black Sea must always be fought against. Black Magic, Necromancy, Void Magic, all of these things are to be rejected and purged in the name of the God King.
High Navigator
The highest rank within the church is often found in limited positions. Often they are the Raidents of Faith and the ones who provide lessons to those under them. While their word has weight without them the choices of the church cannot be. It is an honor and a blessing to be in such a rank, one must prove themselves through years of dedication, hard work, and through their words of faith to become one of the high guilds in the church itself. Their word is law. This does not however mean there cannot be disagreements, one cannot follow blindly.
Navigator
The second and most common rank is found within the church. These have the duties of Priests. From running sermons to guiding sailors lost upon the sea. Equally suggesting new ideas for the church and running festivals in the name of The Navigator. They must be no less than 15 years of age, too young and they will remain in the lower ranks. But encouraged to keep working forward. Should they wish they may request to be judged to become a High Navigator through the trials of Chains. Should they pass they will be granted the rank of High Navigator.
Initiate
The starting position for anyone within the church, they are allowed to join the church at the age of 11, but cannot be a full priest until they are 15 years old. They are often assigned a priest to train under and to learn the proper teachings of The Navigator until they can gain an understanding for themselves. It is encouraged for them to run their sermons with a Navigator to watch over their progress.
Oath of Chains
One of the common oaths provided, though this is a simple oath. The chain can be a symbol of a concept, person, or even a duty that they wish to uphold. With this oath, the church recognizes the creed. For those who take such an Oath, their forearms will be given golden tattoos of chains from their forearms to their hands. A reminder of what they have said as a sworn oath to another. Their creed is written upon the golden chains in white ink, to always be a reminder.
Oath of Service
Many sailors swear and oath to service out of a sign of respect. With this oath, however, they give themselves over to the endless sea, for once they die they sail upon the spirit realms and fight against the forever enemy of the void. Their hunt is eternal, to swear their life upon the sea means that even in death they serve the Navigator's will. Rumors have it that Enarr sometimes pushes these crews of the endless sea to fight divine wars. As they are some of his chosen champions.
Oath of Bonds
This is an oath between two people, where they wrap chains around their forearms and swear to one another. Sometimes this can be done in weddings as vows, it can equally be done in the form of brotherhood/sisterhood. As the chains around their forearms will glow to life and burn scars into their flesh. It pays as a reminder of the bonds they share, typically the scars upon the bond are the same. However, no two Oath of Bonds scarring is the same, each is unique to the people who have bonded one another.
Oath of The Hunt
This is a unique oath as only Inquisitors of the Sea typically take this. To those who take this oath, they are honor-bound to hunt down Undead, Witches, Warlocks, Demons, Necromancers, and Void users at all costs.
Bones in the Ocean
This ritual is used for those who have passed on. Their bodies are sent out upon a small boat with an anchor tied to their feet, the boat is then lit aflame once the boat has become nothing more than ashes, the body is sent to the depths of the sea where body will remain. A symbol of their eternal service to the Ocean, Enarr, as well as their dedication to the sea itself. There is no greater honor to die for the God King and to rest upon his ocean.
Enarrs Colors
While these are also flags waved upon the sea, this ritual is done for those who have gotten their first boat. Typically given to young marines who have done what it takes to be part of the church and military. Each color is earned from this point on by deeds of the person, should it be good or bad. The judgment comes from the Church to provide another color. These are seen as high honors and are often always flown with pride upon a ship.
Cleansing of the Soul
There are two different rituals regarding this. One can be attempting to cleanse the soul of one found for black magic, necromancy, and void magic. If they have given enough penance that is due upon the church and their soul. They are to be saved in their own way... though this can lead to a dark path as those who are cleansed must swear the Oath of the Hunt. To hunt down those who they once served as punishment for the crimes against the God King. The other version of this is the induction of another faith, to free them of their bonds to another god and to accept the ocean around them in the Navigator's name.
Anchors
The Anchor is an icon of the sea, but also Enarr. Its heavyweight symbolizes the stubbornness of those who follow the god-king. Yet it also shows the sea is ever-moving, the tides may move the anchor. Though its weight will never change. Often these are seen as weapons and/or tattoos on the chest of a sailor.
The Harpoon
An uncommon but still highly regarded weapon of the Sea. These are often seen in the hands of sworn warriors of Enarr or typical sailors. It is said that Enarr used a Harpoon of lighting to cast Mori away from the ocean seas. Some Harpoons are even shaped to be like a lightning bolt as a tradition to the old story of legend.
Sailors Knot
The Sailors Knot is an icon of bonding. Many sailors know of this knot and how simple it is to keep things tightly secure even against the tides. These are often used in wedding traditions, as the two who are to wed will tie a rope together to symbolize their bond.
Sea Hawk
The Sea Hawk is the holiest bird of Enarr. It is said that Enarr will show sailors through the golden wings of the Sea Hawk upon the ocean to guide his bravest sailors. Some have said Enarr can speak through these hawks to his most devoted. It is good luck to see these birds and blessed to have them land upon the ship.
Chains
The Chains are an old symbol dating back to the first followers of Enarr. They are of Oath, Bond, and Courage. A very popular tattoo and marking upon the forearms of any sailor. Some have even gone as far as to use actual chains upon their forearms as a way of worship. The weight to remind them of the god king's embrace.
The Compass
The Compass is an honorary symbol of faith. Chrieus while is the god of travel. Enarr is the god of navigation upon the sea. The Nautical Compass is found on those who never truly leave the sea, often these markings can be found upon the hands of sailors. Some have gone so far as to have the holy symbol work as a functional compass.
Blanchebloom
These flowers are said to be the favorite of Enarr and are often used in rituals in his name. Some have even made flower crowns to show their dedication to their loved ones.
There is only one known order under the church, rumors state this order was formed during the first age, or perhaps even earlier.
Sǽ Weald
[Authority of the Sea]
[Uniform of the Sǽ Weald]
This order is known for their ruthless hunting of the Black Magic, some consider them the inquisitors of the sea to maintain the peace in the ocean. Many if not all of them who serve the Order are priests of Enarr as if it is a requirement or those who have sworn their oath to the God King are the ones who partake in such activities.
They are a known fighting force. It is not uncommon to see the darkened cloaks of the order fight alongside Marines. Even the word of the church and the military has sway over them...if a little. Their direct orders come from the church itself, enacting missions only the holy order can enact. Often they are known for hunting down Black Magic users, Void Worshipers, as well as Necromancy.
A uniform is required, they do not hide who they are. Adorned in a black cap and a long black coat they give their honors to the God King Enarr through their work, as well as their worship. It's not unheard of that many within these orders are priests who wish to take further action against the vile arts of the Fel. However, not all priests must join the order.
Only the Faithful may call themselves part of the Sǽ Weald.