Difference between revisions of "Sanguis Astroism"

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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.
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<div style="border: 1px solid #ccd2d9; width: 21em; background: #f9f9f9; text-align: left; padding: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 1em;">
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{| style="background: transparent; text-align: left; table-layout: auto; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0; font-size: 100%;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
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|+ style="font-size: 135%; text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.1em;" | '''Elders'''
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|-
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| colspan="2" |
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Holy Prophet'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Mathurin Hossenfefer (deceased)
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Arbiter of the Stars'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Katrina Dragul ([[D'Hara]])
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Prophetess'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Severina Erickson ([[Tol Goldora]])
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Consul'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Simon Bards ([[Tol Goldora]])
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Luminary'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Mendechaus Kaltenthal ([[D'Hara]])<br>
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Dawn Ketchum ([[D'Hara]])
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Invocator'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Andre Fireborn ([[D'Hara]])
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Arch Deacon'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | Lyfe Fate ([[Westgard]])<br>
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Nicoli Rasthaven ([[Avenor]])<br>
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Vincenzo Falconi ([[Westgard]])
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Nobles'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | 23
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Estimated Followers'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | 1,232,767
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Temples'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | 26
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|-
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | '''Shrines'''
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| style="border-top: solid 1px #ccd2d9; padding: 0.4em 1em 0.4em 0; vertical-align: top;" | 46
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|}
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</div>
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</div>
  
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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 {{Reglink|DW|Libidizedd}} through the formation of the colony of [[Astrum]].
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__NOTOC__
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Sanguis Astroism is the worship of the Bloodstars, a constellation that hangs in a static position over western Dwilight, three bright red stars known as the Austere, Auspicious and Maddening stars.  They appear to follow slightly irregular cycles, being sometimes bright and sometimes dark. The current phases of the Bloodstars can be found [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uRgARsx6FMUHU9fjt-bptIDDveDvAxKd?usp=sharing here.]  
  
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== Aspects, or On the nature of the Stars ==
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Followers of the Bloodstars believe that depending on the stars positions, they can influence the actions of man, with the different phases producing different effects.
  
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'''An Extract from a rambling discourse'''
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The Maddening Star is said to be the epitome of emotion, influencing men with strong emotions and passionate actions.
 +
The Auspicious Star is the antithesis of Maddening. It deals with the mind and logic actions.
 +
Finally, the Austere Star is the balance of its two siblings, dealing not in inaction but with the time between action, allowing a balance between logic and emotion that only a true follower of the Bloodstars can acquire.
  
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''It is evident that as above, so below.  What do I mean by this?  I mean that it is very clear to me that the stars each have a mirror in our beings, or perhaps it might be clearer to suggest that they exert such an effect upon us that our very essence is, in part, shaped, molded or enhanced by them.  Starting with the most obvious example, if you will, which is that of the Maddening Star, it is a child of chaos, its cycle is most exaggerated by variable oscillation, as it were, and within us, it calls to the impetuous side, the emotion, lust in all things.  It is strong, but not focussed, rather raw, wild and unfettered.  And those shared natures within us respond to it in a like fashion, lust for lust, strength for strength.  In this way we can see the Star's influence upon the physical shell, as above, and so below.  The Maddening Star is the clearest star, it is the one most easily grasped, most naturally comprehended, since it conforms to the most base elements of our personalities, to the raw, uneducated beast within us that reacts immediately to external stimuli.  Which is not to cast it in any unfavourable light, even if such a thing were possible for a star, for after all, Man needs those raw emotions, that passionate strength, his emotions and his lusts to be a man.  It is, interesting to note though, with this taken into consideration that the Maddening Star seems to be the one that the relatively primitive natives of Dwilight seem to fear the most, and both consequently and perversely the one that engages and galvanises them the most.  Yes, indeed.  But to those of us coming from the East, with our greater minds, our superior wisdom, our vastly better developed understanding of logic and complex reasoning, to us perhaps the Auspicious Star is a more closely melded companion, for it is, in many ways the antithesis of the Maddening Star. Whereas Maddening is aligned with raw energy and reaction, Auspicious is more closely allied to focussed energy and action, or even proaction.  By our observations to date, the Auspicious Star has not even the slightest deviation or divergence from its alloted path, and in such a fashion, akin to its sibling star, it resonates with such parallels as might be found within our psyches, with the intellect and ordered plans, with propositions formally described, the meticulous and the precise, straight lines and sharp angles, so to speak, order and progress, sequence and alignment. These two opposites being diametrically opposed, as they are, can be seen to be offset or, perhaps more appropriately, balanced by the third of the stars.  What do I mean by this?  I mean that the Austere Star is the balance, it is the crux, the pivot, the moment of stillness, not of inaction, but of the moments between action.  It is a mindful withdrawing, a deliberate holding back, an eschewing of the to and fro, the back and forth.  It is separate and distinct, above the world both literally and figuratively, and it speaks to us in terms of the spiritual rather than the physical or the mental.  It is not about inaction, but about not acting, not about indecision, but about not deciding.  All of these facets are blended in the raw matter of men, such that here under the glorious influence of the Stars themselves, those noble elements that govern the make up of each of us can be exaggerated, or perhaps magnified to the extent that our capability to reach the absolute maximum of our potential is most excellently realised. Of course all this may be above the layman, but in more simplistic terms we can still usefully match both the temple of the soul and the temple of the heavens by extolling the more easily grasped correlation between the body of Man and the Maddening Star, the mind of Man and the Auspicious Star, and the spirit of Man and the Austere Star.''
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Sometimes the balance of the Austere star can be obscured for some, and can drive men to commit actions which many would not consider had they had the balance between all three stars. Some even dedicate themselves to following a particular star, such as Maddening. Although considered mad by some, these individuals can sometimes achieve a level of devotion not readily acquired by more general believers.  
  
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- Mathurin Hossenfeffer, First Prophet of Sanguis Astroism
+
Sanguis Astroism began 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 {{Reglink|DW|Libidizedd}} through the formation of the colony of [[Astrum]]. The third theocracy dedicated to the Bloodstars was [[Virovene]], seceded from the realm of [[Springdale]], allowing a spread of the religion to the north beyond [[Dwilight/Mt. Black Nastrond|Mt. Black Nastrond]].
  
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== How do we advance in spiritual proximity to the Stars? ==
+
After the Wars of Succession two more theocracies were formed dedicated to the Bloodstars. The first was [[Aquilegia]], formed as a colony of Morek, seeking to expand to the centre of the eastern sub-continent. It was formed as a democratic theocracy to help expand the political horizons of Sanguis Astroism. The other theocracy to be formed was the Holy State [[Corsanctum]], founded by the Holy Prophet [[Hossenfeffer Family/Mathurin|Mathurin Hossenfeffer]]. Designed to be a centre for faith for all theocracies of the Bloodstars, it is considered the epitome of religious matters within the religion.
 +
It is also considered the largest religion on the world, with a huge number of nobles following it.
  
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'''An extract from correspondence'''
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== Theocracies ==
 +
On 2024-02-18 [[Tol Goldora]] announced itself a theocracy to bolster its claim on the north of [[Dwilight/Toprak|Toprak]] after it lost several cities in rebellion. By then a theocracy had become a curiosity, but in the past there have been several states, which not only had Sanguis Astroism as a state religion, but even formed their state around the faith by being a theocracy.
  
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''This is an interesting question, and the answer is both straightforward and clear, and yet also complex and muddy; exactly as one would expect of a proposition concerning both the purity of the divine light, and the baser, befuddled chunks of flesh gazing up at them.
+
* [[Morek]] - The original home of the faith within lay [[Caiyun]], home of the High Temple of the Bloodstars where Prophet Mathurin first founded the faith.
  
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''The simple answer is that you must merely learn to act in accordance with the prevailing disposition of the stars. You need do nothing other than allow them to work through you.''
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* [[Astrum]] - A theocracy devoted to Sanguis Astroism. The first theocracy dedicated to the Bloodstars on western Dwilight, Astrum's most important temple to the Bloodstars can be found in the city of [[Dwilight/Libidizedd|Libidizedd]].  
  
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''Here though we encounter the problem of all flawed mortal flesh attempting to align itself with the perfection of a divine source. It is ourselves, our very beings the present the problem, for we are too rough and boisterous to easily apperceive that divinity in anything other than a most approximate form. We can easily see that Auspicious is bright today, bright enough to still be visible in the daylight, and yet to merely describe the Star as 'bright' misses an infinity of nuance and connotation.''
+
* [[Corsanctum]] - Once the most important theocracy, being founded by the Holy Prophet and founder of the faith, [[Hossenfeffer Family/Mathurin|Mathurin Hossenfeffer]]. Its faith was centered in [[Mimer]], and was also the site of many pilgrimages made by followers of the Bloodstars, with nobles making at least one trip there to show their devotion within their lifetime. Corsanctum was absorbed by Astrum and lives on as a duchy. Many Corsanctans see this as a temporary arrangement and desire independence.  
  
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''In practical terms, we can pray, or meditate, we can commune with the essence of the stars. This seems especially true of Austere more so than the other Stars, perhaps because of it's nature. And, perhaps more importantly in every day life, we can try to act while holding the Stars in our minds, strengthening the bond between divine and mundane.''
+
* [[Virovene]] - A Duchy belonging to [[Springdale_(Realm)|Springdale]], where many people adhered to the Bloodstars. When the Empress sought to replace the Duke, the Duchy seceded and became a theocracy. Eventually it merged into the [[Morek Empire]].
  
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- Mathurin Hossenfeffer, First Prophet of Sanguis Astroism
+
* [[Xinhai]] / [[Morek Empire]] - After defeating [[Springdale_(Realm)|Springdale]] to save [[Virovene]], [[Morek]] saw an influx of Dalian culture. The south seceded as [[Xinhai]] to preserve their culture, but would eventually conquer [[Morek]] and then decided to rename itself to the [[Morek Empire]]. In the end the Morek Empire shattered once Urtagoth took over. When Morek Empire could hardly function, it merged into [[Arnor]] and the faith was down one more theocracy.
  
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== On the mutability and immutability of both Stars and Humanity ==
+
* [[Iashalur]] / [[Niselur]] - The western most Theocracy of Sanguis Astroism, Iashalur had a special significance to the faith as it is located nearest the bloodstars themselves. Iashalur was founded by the Exiles of Niselur and claimed all the land which once composed the Niselurian territory. Its name meant Temple of Valor in the ancient tongues of Dwilight. The realm was reconquered from monsters and undead by forces lead by Turin Erickson and later lost by a rebellion lead by Leopold Arrakis, the self-proclaimed grandson of Boreal Arrakis.  Following this rebellion, the realm's name was returned to Niselur. Niselur secularized and eventually broke from the Northern Astroist Federation, betraying the theocracies and declaring war on them. Though Niselur won victory with they help of its ally Asylon, it ultimately fell to monsters and undead. Many maintain that this was divine punishment for their betrayal of the church.
  
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'''An extract from a sermon delivered in Donghaiwei'''
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* [[Aurora]] - A colony of [[Corsanctum]] at [[Unterstrom]]. It would rejoin [[Corsanctum]] during the war against [[Thulsoma]] to combine their strength.
  
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''The Stars rest above us. They change in their Aspect, and yet they remain fixed and constant in their place. As with so many facets of the Bloodstars behaviour, this dichotomy informs us and educates us. And yet, we must ask, in what way are we fixed, in what way are we changeable, in what ways mutable, and in what ways immutable. Unlike the Stars, our form is immutable - the ravages of age, war or disease aside - and yet this is merely a superficial attribute. Form is a cloak we wear, and external casing that contains and covers the divine essence and essentials within. Our position, when likened to that of the Stars in the firmament is that of in our own firmament. In the sky of mankind's existence, the nobility necessarily shines brighter than the peasantry, and this provides us indisputable evidence that the natural order of things is the feudal system which is most righteously instituted in our society. This is our fixed position, set and beyond change. But what of the other aspect, the fluctuating, inconstant facet of our being? This is that which makes us what we are as individuals, it is the peculiarity of humanity that makes one different from another - each element, each humour in tune with the changing faces of the Stars, and in thus fashion, changing in different proportions as each of us has different proportions of humours relating to the essential natures of the Stars themselves. So in the Blood it runs, each resonating to a different degree to the combinations of the complementary essence of the Stars, as each shows and hides its glory. In this, we can learn a lesson from the Stars, as to what the boundaries of acceptable behaviour are, for it illuminates for us the borders, the limits, the confines of what is, and should be mutable in humanity, and what shouldn't.''
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* [[Aquilegia]] - A colony of the [[Morek Empire]] around [[Flowrestown]]. It would collapse due to civil war between theocrats and monarchists.
  
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- Mathurin Hossenfeffer, First Prophet of Sanguis Astroism
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* [[Entai]] / [[Kabrinskia]] - The ambitious Allison Kabrinski sought to create her own realm by seceding [[Aegir]] from the [[Morek Empire]]. [[Averoth]] and [[Caerwyn]] saw this as a sign of weakness of the faith and declared war. Kabrinski rejoined the [[Morek Empire]] and played an active role in defeating the enemy. She was rewarded the former [[Caerwyn|Caerwynic]] lands around [[Godlen Farrow]] and formed the theocracy of [[Kabrinskia]]. When she was forced to step down in a later war, she rejoined [[Astrum]], which then formed the [[Farronite Republic]].
  
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== Structure of the Church ==
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* [[Quadrivium]] - A short lived attempt to replace [[D'Hara]] with a theocracy.
  
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'''Most Holy Offices'''
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== Documents of the faith ==
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* Prophet - the senior member of the Faith
 
  
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''The Council of Cardinals''
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* [[/Visions/]] of the Arbiter.
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* Cardinal of The Maddening Star
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* [[/Prophecies/]] of the Faith.
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* Cardinal of The Auspicious Star
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* [[/Writings|Holy Writings]] of the Faith.
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* Cardinal of The Austere Star
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* [[/Catechism/]] of the Faith, a brief introduction to fundamental doctrines and to the study of the Holy Writings.
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* [[/Charter/]] of the Church of Sanguis Astroism
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* [[/Decrees/]] of the Elder Council
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* [[/Historical Chronicles/]]
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* [[/Decrees and Declarations/]]
  
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'''Extraordinary Ranks'''
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==Structure of the Church==
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* [[/Structure|Structure of the Church]]
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* [[/Promotion/]]
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* [[/Militant Orders/]]
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* [[/The Magistratum/]]
  
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* Commander of the Temple - an honorary rank for Morek government members
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==The Faith's Magistratum==
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* Special Envoy - a lay member going about specific church business
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Due to the size of the religion, problems began to occur between the different realms of the faith regarding many aspects of the religion, some of which led to accusations of heresy and distrust amongst many high-level members. Seeing this could tear the faith apart, the Holy Prophet [[Hossenfeffer Family/Mathurin|Mathurin Hossenfeffer]] decided to form The Faith's Magistratum. Made up of every High Judge of the faith, these magistrati form an objective and neutral board to debate and discuss disputes occupying the faith.
  
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'''Sacramental Ranks'''
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It should be noted that while trials are in progress, a moratorium is put on all public discussions on issues related to the trial.
  
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* Bishop - a priest with a specific geographic responsibility (including a town/city with a large temple
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== Observances, Holidays, and Festivals of the Faith ==
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* Deacon - a priest with a specific geographic responsibility
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* Boreal's Day - Following the death of [[Arrakis Family/Boreal|Boreal Arrakis]] the holy Prophet announced that the day of his death (The 9th day of Spring) would be known as Boreal's Day in every Theocracy of the Faith. Stating that, "The loss of King Boreal Arakiss is a great one which will be felt for years to come. He was a hero of Sanguis Astroism and none have done more to spread the Faith than he."
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* Missionary - a priest without geographic responsibility, a wandering preacher bringing the Faith to the Unbeliever
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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]]
 +
 
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* [[Astrum/Festivals and Holidays|Astrum]]
  
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'''Lay Member Ranks'''
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* [[Virovene]]
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* Warden General - an individual who is responsible for coordinating with the Ordermarshal to ensure the physical protection of temples and priests
 
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* Warden of the Temple - noble members who have taken an oath to protect the temples and priests
 
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:'''''The Oath of a Warden of the Temple'''''
 
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::''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.''
 
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* Officer of the Temple - ex-Commanders of the Temple
 
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* Knight of the Temple - normal noble member
 
  
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'''Aspirant Ranks'''
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* [[Corsanctum]]
  
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* Novice - someone who has been accepted for the faith, but not yet been confirmed
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* [[Aquilegia/Festivals|Aquilegia]]
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* Aspirant - someone who has applied for membership of the faith
 
  
−
== Observances, Holidays, and Festivals of the Faith ==
+
* [[Thulsoma]]
−
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]]
+
* [[Niselur#6|Niselur]]
−
* [[Astrum/Festivals and Holidays|Astrum]]
 
  
 +
* [[Aurora#Holidays|Aurora]]
  
 +
== Spread ==
  
 +
ooc info, just for the fun of seeing the spread map of SA:
 +
[http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/File:Religion_spread_north.jpg | Spread in the north]
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[http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/File:Spreadsouth.jpg | Spread in the south]
  
 +
[[Sanguis Astroism/Spread at 2023-01-01 | Percentage of followers of Sanguis Astroism around Dwilight at 2023-01-01.]]
  
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[https://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/File:2024-03-26_Sanguis_Astroism.jpg Map of the spread of Sanguis Astroism on 2024-03-26]
  
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[[Category: Religion|Sanguis Astroism]]
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[[Category: Religion]]
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[[Category: Religions of Dwilight]]

Latest revision as of 09:22, 26 March 2024

Elders
Holy Prophet Mathurin Hossenfefer (deceased)
Arbiter of the Stars Katrina Dragul (D'Hara)
Prophetess Severina Erickson (Tol Goldora)
Consul Simon Bards (Tol Goldora)
Luminary Mendechaus Kaltenthal (D'Hara)

Dawn Ketchum (D'Hara)

Invocator Andre Fireborn (D'Hara)
Arch Deacon Lyfe Fate (Westgard)

Nicoli Rasthaven (Avenor)
Vincenzo Falconi (Westgard)

Nobles 23
Estimated Followers 1,232,767
Temples 26
Shrines 46


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

Followers of the Bloodstars believe that depending on the stars positions, they can influence the actions of man, with the different phases producing different effects.

The Maddening Star is said to be the epitome of emotion, influencing men with strong emotions and passionate actions. The Auspicious Star is the antithesis of Maddening. It deals with the mind and logic actions. Finally, the Austere Star is the balance of its two siblings, dealing not in inaction but with the time between action, allowing a balance between logic and emotion that only a true follower of the Bloodstars can acquire.

Sometimes the balance of the Austere star can be obscured for some, and can drive men to commit actions which many would not consider had they had the balance between all three stars. Some even dedicate themselves to following a particular star, such as Maddening. Although considered mad by some, these individuals can sometimes achieve a level of devotion not readily acquired by more general believers.

Sanguis Astroism began 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 third theocracy dedicated to the Bloodstars was Virovene, seceded from the realm of Springdale, allowing a spread of the religion to the north beyond Mt. Black Nastrond.

After the Wars of Succession two more theocracies were formed dedicated to the Bloodstars. The first was Aquilegia, formed as a colony of Morek, seeking to expand to the centre of the eastern sub-continent. It was formed as a democratic theocracy to help expand the political horizons of Sanguis Astroism. The other theocracy to be formed was the Holy State Corsanctum, founded by the Holy Prophet Mathurin Hossenfeffer. Designed to be a centre for faith for all theocracies of the Bloodstars, it is considered the epitome of religious matters within the religion. It is also considered the largest religion on the world, with a huge number of nobles following it.

Theocracies

On 2024-02-18 Tol Goldora announced itself a theocracy to bolster its claim on the north of Toprak after it lost several cities in rebellion. By then a theocracy had become a curiosity, but in the past there have been several states, which not only had Sanguis Astroism as a state religion, but even formed their state around the faith by being a theocracy.

  • Morek - The original home of the faith within lay Caiyun, home of the High Temple of the Bloodstars where Prophet Mathurin first founded the faith.
  • Astrum - A theocracy devoted to Sanguis Astroism. The first theocracy dedicated to the Bloodstars on western Dwilight, Astrum's most important temple to the Bloodstars can be found in the city of Libidizedd.
  • Corsanctum - Once the most important theocracy, being founded by the Holy Prophet and founder of the faith, Mathurin Hossenfeffer. Its faith was centered in Mimer, and was also the site of many pilgrimages made by followers of the Bloodstars, with nobles making at least one trip there to show their devotion within their lifetime. Corsanctum was absorbed by Astrum and lives on as a duchy. Many Corsanctans see this as a temporary arrangement and desire independence.
  • Virovene - A Duchy belonging to Springdale, where many people adhered to the Bloodstars. When the Empress sought to replace the Duke, the Duchy seceded and became a theocracy. Eventually it merged into the Morek Empire.
  • Xinhai / Morek Empire - After defeating Springdale to save Virovene, Morek saw an influx of Dalian culture. The south seceded as Xinhai to preserve their culture, but would eventually conquer Morek and then decided to rename itself to the Morek Empire. In the end the Morek Empire shattered once Urtagoth took over. When Morek Empire could hardly function, it merged into Arnor and the faith was down one more theocracy.
  • Iashalur / Niselur - The western most Theocracy of Sanguis Astroism, Iashalur had a special significance to the faith as it is located nearest the bloodstars themselves. Iashalur was founded by the Exiles of Niselur and claimed all the land which once composed the Niselurian territory. Its name meant Temple of Valor in the ancient tongues of Dwilight. The realm was reconquered from monsters and undead by forces lead by Turin Erickson and later lost by a rebellion lead by Leopold Arrakis, the self-proclaimed grandson of Boreal Arrakis. Following this rebellion, the realm's name was returned to Niselur. Niselur secularized and eventually broke from the Northern Astroist Federation, betraying the theocracies and declaring war on them. Though Niselur won victory with they help of its ally Asylon, it ultimately fell to monsters and undead. Many maintain that this was divine punishment for their betrayal of the church.

Documents of the faith

Structure of the Church

The Faith's Magistratum

Due to the size of the religion, problems began to occur between the different realms of the faith regarding many aspects of the religion, some of which led to accusations of heresy and distrust amongst many high-level members. Seeing this could tear the faith apart, the Holy Prophet Mathurin Hossenfeffer decided to form The Faith's Magistratum. Made up of every High Judge of the faith, these magistrati form an objective and neutral board to debate and discuss disputes occupying the faith.

It should be noted that while trials are in progress, a moratorium is put on all public discussions on issues related to the trial.

Observances, Holidays, and Festivals of the Faith

  • Boreal's Day - Following the death of Boreal Arrakis the holy Prophet announced that the day of his death (The 9th day of Spring) would be known as Boreal's Day in every Theocracy of the Faith. Stating that, "The loss of King Boreal Arakiss is a great one which will be felt for years to come. He was a hero of Sanguis Astroism and none have done more to spread the Faith than he."

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:

Spread

ooc info, just for the fun of seeing the spread map of SA: | Spread in the north | Spread in the south

Percentage of followers of Sanguis Astroism around Dwilight at 2023-01-01.

Map of the spread of Sanguis Astroism on 2024-03-26

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