Post by DM-Chris on Nov 10, 2006 18:06:29 GMT -5
Extolism
Origin: Founded by the king of the silver dragons, Exauldron, after he was accepted by the Drahkmen as their deity and ruler. As soon as the Drakhmen learned to read and write, Exauldron's teachings were written down and codified into Drahkmen society.
Core Philosophy: Exauldron teaches that he is the source of divine energy which is present in all living things which are virtuous and good in nature. This divine energy is called a soul, and it emanates a holy light that brightens with time and good deeds. Each soul is born as dim as a candle, barely flickering in the darkness of the world. Through the actions of the individual and the family, this flame can grow, or be snuffed out completely. With each good deed, it brightens, and with each evil, it becomes tainted, and dims.
If a soul is pure and free of taint when the body dies, then the soul remains on Emilin to be reborn as dragon-kin. Dragons and half-dragons are considered to be “exalted”, a state of existence only possible after a soul has passed through an entire lifetime without taint
Opposing the light of virtuous souls is a great darkness perpetuated by evil creatures and men who have no soul. To allow the light to shine brighter, evil must be vanquished, lessening the darkness. In order to banish the darkness from Emilin, the bodies of soulless ones must be burned and purified by fire.
Aside from vanquishing evil, other virtuous deeds include being honest, being loyal to Drahkmen society, being dedicated to the faith, and being generous with one's wealth to the temples.
Practicing Extolism: Extolism is a very family-based religion in practice, which takes advantage of the teaching role of parents. When a woman becomes pregnant or gives birth to their first child, a priest from the temple will visit the household frequently. The priest trains the parents on teaching their newborn the faith, and ensures that the new born's soul is kindled properly.
Parents are responsible for teaching all of their children the way of the faith, and it is the parents' duty to role-model virtuous behavior, especially in front of children. Drahkmen society has harsh laws and punishments for parents who commit evil deeds in sight of their children.
In addition to household teachings, families are expected to attend a daily service at sundown, when worshippers gather to pray for the return of the light of day. There are often ceremonies held for soldiers before they leave for battle as well.
Priesthood of Extolism: The priesthood of Extolism in Drahkmen society is not only a spiritual advisor, but the state and military as well. The High Priest answers directly to Exauldron and is responsible for enacting his will.
The Extollic priesthood is divided into three organizations: The Brotherhood of the Flame, The Templars, and The Guardians (see Organizations for more information). Joining the Extolic priesthood is viewed with great pride and a sense of duty After young men complete their education in schools led by Extolic priests, they choose one of four callings: a miner, a hunter, an artisan, or a priest. Nearly half of all Drahkmen males are serving or have served in the priesthood, creating a long tradition of service from one generation to the next.
Once a new acolyte has chosen which organization they wish to join, the men move into the temples and begin training. The amount of time spent in training depends on the organization, and not every acolyte graduates to priesthood, although the turnover rate is low.
The different organizations are comprised of sub-organizations that each fulfill a different role, that is usually tied to the defense and expansion of the Drahkmen. However, because journeying across country is very perilous, it is not uncommon for the Extolic temples to hire out Templars as bodyguards or mercenaries. These adventerous priests travel far from home to the corners of the land, and sometimes never return to Drahkmen life.
Relations: Extolism is not very well received by other cultures because it seems rigid and complex. The majority of Extolic priests are very devoted to their faith and take their chosen duty seriously. Life in the cold north is hard for the Drahkmen, so other cultures tend to have a hard time understanding why the priests are so grim. The priesthood aside, Extolism does not cause much tension between other religions, and is central to the way of life in Drahkmen society. Unlike most other religions across Emilin, Extolism has a very active system of missionaries. Small temples and sanctuaries sprout across the land from their efforts. In general, their presence is welcomed. Extolic priests are law-abiding citizens with a strong moral code, and healers are always welcome in most lands.
Domains: Fire, Good, Law, Protection, War