Nobilitatem Deus
The Beginning of Nobilitatem Deus
Claude Finsternis is the youngest brother of the Finsternis house, became a member of The Church of Sartan immediately upon his arrival on the Far East Island. He spent most of his young adult-hood as a faithful member and advocate of The Church of Sartan. Even through his meteoric political rise he was a devoted follower of Sartan. After a time away from politics due to the death of Claude's mother, he returned to the Far East Island and was appointed as Lord of Azros. This time though, things seemed to be different. The Church of Sartan had become a theocracy, a powerful realm that seemed to be straying from the intense discipline Claude believed Sartan required. Soon, Claude began to be visited by powerful visions sent by The maker, visions that spoke of true nobility and honor, visions that would not let him keep living the way he was.
This book is the first collection of writings Claude has put together since his visions began, and is intended to be an introduction to Nobilitatem Deus.
The True Principles of Nobility
Introduction
One of Claude's first visions contained The True Principles of Nobility, a collection of principles that when followed, lead a noble on the path towards true glory, true humility, and true nobility. It was made clear in this vision from The Maker that these principles are at the heart of Nobilitatem Deus
The Vision
- The Maker is due all glory for the creation of the world and the cosmos.
- Nobility are due glory for their humility to The Maker and their care-taking of peasants
- Peasants are due glory for fulfilling the simple tasks of their life, as they were created to be a test for those who claim to be nobles.
- Nobility are to be the stewards of the earth, gaining glory and renown, but only insofar as they uplift the peasants they actually serve.
- Nobles gain glory through faithful service to those above them and below them in the social hierarchy, a hierarchy ordained by The Maker to order the earth and test nobles in their duties
- Honor is found in humility through obedience to those you have sworn to. Obedience is not always an easy path, but that is why great honor is found in it. Choosing a hedonistic life is always an option, though no honor for nobles is found in simply following the desires of the flesh.
Temples and Shrines
The first Temple of Nobilitatem Deus shall be constructed in Azros.
Priests of Nobilitatem Deus
- Claude Finsternis Finsternis_Family
Ranks
Novice
A novice is one who has begun to explore his or her commitment to Nobilitatem Deus. At this stage it is expected that a novice dedicate him or herself to reading the canonical writings, asking questions, and preparing for the test to enter the Order of the Spectatus.
Spectatus
A Spectatus is one who has passed the test required of Novices. This growth in responsibility means that the Spectatus is now held accountable for following the principles of true nobility and humbling themselves before The Maker.
Magnus
A Magnus is considered a full member of Nobilitatem Deus. Reaching this rank is a true achievement, for it requires a time of following the principles of true nobility successfully and becoming a noble who is clearly trustworthy and dedicated to pursing a life of nobility.
Summas
A Summas is a Priest of Nobilitatem Deus. Held to the highest standards of humility, decorum, and behavior, Priests are the leaders of the nobility, as they have sacrificed many earthly pleasures to dedicate themselves to Nobilitatem Deus.
Oaths and Rites
When one joins Nobilitatem Deus, one takes an oath that overlays the standard oaths nobles take as servants of a realm, duchy, and region. An oath to The Maker is not to be taken lightly, as it is assumed that there are no circumstances in which it is acceptable to be broken. True obedience to The Maker is the calling of Nobilitatem Deus, and it is a calling that demands more than lip service - it is a calling that demands life itself.
