Sanguis Astroism

http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/austere_Bright.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/austere_Waxing.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/austere_Hidden.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/auspicious_Bright.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/auspicious_Waxing.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/auspicious_Hidden.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/maddening_Bright.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/maddening_Waxing.png http://www.traption.org/images/bloodstars/maddening_Hidden.png

Sanguis Astroism is the worship of the Bloodstars, a constellation that hangs in a static position over western Dwilight, three bright red stars know 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 continent, with almost one in four of all nobles being a member, and also has the most theocracies dedicated to it.

The Faith across Dwilight

The following realms of Dwilight claim Sanguis Astroism as their state religion:

Theocracies of the Bloodstars

Aquilegia- A different sort of "theocracy"; it is styled as a democratic theocracy with the Senate jointly controlling the realm alongside the ruler. The Highest ranking member of the religion is Asterion Garret Artemesia, ruler of the realm. As of the first day of the sixth year winter on Dwilight, the first Asterion issued a treatise called the Scarlet Trinity of Excellence, which holds a slightly different interpretation on the united nature of the stars as a synergistic whole. Most importantly is the different interpretation of the effects of the Maddening Star, in this case, as a stabilizing force for emotional harmony, rather than the more commonly seen imbalanced emotions seen in other realms. The key aspect here are the concepts of dark phases, or absences of the stars' light as factors in the effects of the Trinity. By the definitions of the Scarlet Trinity, it is lack of the influence of the Maddening star that makes a follower unable to control his or her emotions rather than the brightness of the Maddening star. The realm pursues a way to properly integrate religion into realm identity without allowing religion to unduly affect its policies any more than personal values, environmental pressures, and societal regulations otherwise would. At the same time it seeks to avoid the "Astrumite Solution" of resembling more of a monarchy that pays service to its official religion. A theocracy can be integrated to its faith without being negatively affected by either over-involvement or under-involvement. Temples exist in Flow and Flowrestown, and both regions also support guildhouses of the Warders.
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. The highest ranking priest in Astrum is the Cardinal of The Auspicious Star, Constantine Meneldur.
Corsanctum - The most important theocracy, being founded by the Holy Prophet and founder of the faith, Mathurin Hossenfeffer, who is also the ruler of the realm. Its faith is centered in Mimer, and is 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.
Morek - The first theocracy devoted to Sanguis Astroism, it was the centre for worship for, many years. It expanded greatly, but then split into Morek proper in the North and Xinhai where the old Morek was.
Thulsoma - Born from Virovene. Eaters of the Bloodmoon fruit and followers of the Bloodstars.
Virovene (Lost) - A theocracy devoted to Sanguis Astroism. Born in the wars of Succession and a child of violence, it is sometimes viewed as overly aggressive by the other theocracies. It is centred in Muspelheim, location of its most important temple. However, there are also temples to Sanguis Astroism in every region of the realm. The highest ranking member of the religion was Arch-Bishop Cato De La Fere	Muspelheim, former capital of Virovene
Niselur - A theocracy closest to the Bloodstars on the distant west.
Xinhai - Centered on Donghaiwei, original home of the faith, Xinhai is where Morek was in its early days and aims at becoming a shining of the faith once again. Within Xinhai's lands lie Caiyun, home of the High Temple of the Bloodstars and of the Cardinal of The Austere Star, Varchilde Esotericus.

Prophecies and Holy Writings of the Faith

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

Structure of the Church

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.

Current Magistrati

• Amalie Everland, Inquisitor of Summerdale
• Branthorpe Silverbear, High Inquisitor of Xinhai
• Sir Aram Stien, Haruspex Maximus of Astrum
• Kole Kalmar, Justicar of Virovene
• Sir Edward Raiva, Alpha Imperator and Imperial Magistrate of Raivan Empire
• Medugnatos Stormcrow, High Inquisitor of Corsanctum,
• Mervin Vetinari, Kalos Kagathos of Aquilegia
• Sir Rev Athins, High Inquisitor of Niselur

Former Magistrati

• Anabellium West, High Inquisitor of Morek

Observances, Holidays, and Festivals of the Faith

• Boreal's Day - Following the death of Boreal Arakiss 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:

• Morek

• Astrum

• Virovene

• Corsanctum

• Aquilegia

• Thulsoma

• Niselur