Sanguis Astroism

Sanguis Astroism is the worship of the Bloodstars, a constellation that hangs in a static position over western Dwilight. The stars appear to follow slightly irregular cycles, being sometimes bright and sometimes dark. The current phases of the Bloodstars can be found here.

Sanguis Astroism was started in Morek when many immigrants to Dwilight discovered shared dreams of the Stars, calling them from their homes in the East and prompting them to cross the oceans. Following the establishment of Morek, the faith of Sanguis Astroism was spread to the island of Libidizedd through the formation of the colony of Astrum.

The Faith across Dwilight

Realms with temples to the Bloodstars

• Astrum - a theocracy devoted to Sanguis Astroism. Astrum's most important temple to the Bloodstars can be found in the city of Libidizedd. The highest ranking priest in Astrum is the Cardinal of The Auspicious Star, Constantine Meneldur.
• Morek - a theocracy devoted to Sanguis Astroism. Home to the High Temple of the Bloodstars which can be found in the town of Caiyun. The highest ranking priest in Morek is the most Holy Prophet, and founder of the Faith, Mathurin Hossenfeffer
• Springdale - Unlike the theocracies, Astrum and Morek, Springdale has no official state faith, but followers of the Bloodstars can be found across the realm, with the centre of the Faith focused upon the temple to the Bloodstars in the city of Muspelheim. The highest ranking member of the Faith in Springdale is Cato De La Fere, Duke of Muspelheim, who holds the rank Warden of the Temple.

Prophecies and Holy Writings of the Faith

• Prophecies of the Faith.
• Holy Writings of the Faith.

Structure of the Church

Most Holy Offices

• Prophet - the senior member of the Faith

The Council of Cardinals

• Cardinal of The Maddening Star
• Cardinal of The Auspicious Star
• Cardinal of The Austere Star

Extraordinary Ranks

• Commander of the Temple - an honorary rank for Morek government members
• Special Envoy - a lay member going about specific church business

Sacramental Ranks

• Bishop - a priest with a specific geographic responsibility (including a town/city with a large temple
• Deacon - a priest with a specific geographic responsibility
• Missionary - a priest without geographic responsibility, a wandering preacher bringing the Faith to the Unbeliever

Lay Member Ranks

• Warden General - an individual who is responsible for coordinating with the Ordermarshal to ensure the physical protection of temples and priests
• Warden of the Temple - noble members who have taken an oath to protect the temples and priests

The Oath of a Warden of the Temple

I, ..., of my own free will and accord, most solemnly and sincerely swear that I shall from this day forth bind myself to the safekeeping of the one, true Church of Sanguis Astroism. My sword shall be as the Maddening Star, driven by my conviction and strength in defense of the Temple. My shield shall be as the Auspicious Star, borne by my constancy and conscience in protection of the Priesthood. My helm shall be as the Austere Star, guided by my fidelity and judgement in preserving the Faith. [Personal Oath here.] All this I promise, in the name of the most Holy Bloodstars.

• Officer of the Temple - ex-Commanders of the Temple
• Knight of the Temple - normal noble member

Aspirant Ranks

• Novice - someone who has been accepted for the faith, but not yet been confirmed
• Aspirant - someone who has applied for membership of the faith

Ordos Militant

• Warders of the Temple

Observances, Holidays, and Festivals of the Faith

In addition to the official observances common to all followers of Sanguis Astroism, each realm that follows the faith of Sanguis Astroism may have their own holy days, days of observance, and realm-wide festivities to honor the Blood Stars. You can find these listed in the official documents of each individual realm:

• Morek
• Astrum