Aetherian Faith: Difference between revisions

The '''Aetherian Faith'''—also called the '''Faith of the Four'''—is the predominant religion across much of Mundus and the state faith of Directionland. Its pantheon centers on four primary deities—'''Simonius''' (“the Father”), '''Odivia''' (“the Mother”), '''Alessa''' (“the Mournful”), and '''Darg''' (“the Enlightened”)—each associated with an elemental domain, a seasonal aspect, and a cardinal direction. Gold is held to be the sacred metal of the gods and is widely used in sanctuaries and rites.

The faith forbids veneration of '''Rathsern''' (“the Cursed One,” commonly '''the Dark One'''). Temple teaching portrays him as a wayward, part-mortal figure whose cruelty and nethercraft led the Four to '''seal him within the Nether'''. Residual cults and whispered rites persist where Dark Energy pools, but worship remains unlawful within orthodox Aetherian lands.

The Aetherian Church is '''decentralized''' but hierarchically ordered: a '''Grand Seer''' leads the faith within a realm; '''Realm Seers''' administer historic cantons from their sancta; and local '''Seers''' staff cities, towns, and shrines. In Directionland, the Grand Seer’s seat is '''St. Stylinson Cathedral'''; within the Empire, lay monastics assisting the clergy are frequently styled '''Brothers and Sisters of Simonius'''. Cities often adopt patron saints, and nations traditionally declare a patron deity (Directionland—'''Simonius'''; Ruulran—'''Odivia'''; Southern Federation—'''Darg''').

Aetherians typically choose one god as their '''Primarch Deity''' for daily prayer while honoring all Four in the cycle of seasons. Public worship centers on '''sanctums''' and cathedrals; '''gold''' adorns altars, reliquaries, and processional emblems as a sign of divine favor. Pilgrimage traditions include travel to '''God’s Landing''' (site of the Temple of Simonius) and to the '''Ancient Cross of Simonius''', a revered early symbol.

* '''Saint Stylinson''', patron of healing and namesake of the Kingdom of St. Stylinson; often shown with golden sword and shield.

* '''Saint Niam''', patron of the Imperial Army, martyred hero of the War of Grief.  

* '''Saint Ranalia''', “Gods’ Steward,” patron of forests; legends say she yet walks incognito, tied to the renewal of Light Energy.

* '''Saint Nerva''', patron of animals, venerated around Raven’s Nest.

* '''Grand Sanctum of St. Stylinson''' — Directionland seat of the Grand Seer and center of major rites.

* '''Temple of Simonius / God’s Landing''' — ancient site with a colossal statue of the Father; nearby stands the '''Ancient Cross of Simonius'''.

* '''Grand Sanctum of Alessa (ruins)''' — archives destroyed in the War of the Empires; loss of scrolls profoundly affected doctrine and saint-lists.

* '''Order of Simonius''' — custodians of relics important to saintly cults and contemporary quests for Light Energy renewal.

Clergy writings and scholarly letters describe a practical, protective stance: '''Light Energy''' is cultivated and conserved in sacred spaces (sanctums, shrines), while '''Dark Energy''' incursions are treated as threats to life and order—especially amid rising corruption and portal phenomena in recent cycles.

Cities frequently claim patron saints, while states may identify a patron deity; the faith’s influence appears in anthem texts, civic iconography, and political discourse. In Directionland, religious parties periodically advocate greater clerical input in governance, though the established structure remains formally secular-imperial.