Athonlaurism

Athonlaurism

The word Athonlaur derives from the ancient tongue, and means, "Bright Path," or, "Way of Light." It is the way of Arelien, Goddess of the Sun, second-born of the Three High Gods. She is, at heart, a warrior Goddess, and is the patron of honourable battle. Its primary tenets are:

• The duty of the strong is to protect the weak
• Seek justice, tempered by mercy
• Do not raise your hand to strike before you have raised your voice to speak
• Do not seek vengeance, for such is the way of Elanzil; rather, forgive, and be forgiven

Orders and Ranks

There are three major Orders of the Bright Path: the Order of the Flame, the Order of Anaris, and the Order of the Hearth. There are also several ranks set apart from the Orders.

Order of the Flame

This is the priesthood of Arelien. Acolytes, known as Candles, can be of other professions, but aspiring to become priests of Arelien. Beginning priests are ranked as Hearthfires, and are assigned to a region or a small set of regions to preach Her words. Full priests are Kindlers of the Flame, and are tasked with going out in the world to spread the teachings of Arelien. The head of this order is the Tongue of Flame, and is tasked with guiding and coordinating all the members of the Order of the Flame.

Order of Anaris

Anaris means Sunsword; it is the name of the sword given to the Anaris family's ancestor centuries ago by Arelien Herself. One of his descendants founded this order, which is composed of the warriors in Arelien's service. The ranks are determined by courage on the battlefield, by strategic prowess, and by the strength of their commitment to Arelien's teachings. Those who have not yet proven themselves are Squires of the Light. Beginning warriors are Soldiers of the Flame. High-ranked warriors are Knights of the Sun. The head of this order is the Sword of Flame, and is tasked with watching over Arelien's warriors so that they can be called up at a moment's notice to fight for Her.

Order of the Hearth

This is where all those who are, by profession, neither warrior nor priest fit in. The ranks are Hearth-Sweeper, Candle-Lighter, and Fire-Tender, with the head of the Order being the Heart of Flame. Their duties are to see to the material needs of the common people who worship Arelien: they provide them with food when it lacks, they help protect them from corrupt governments, they help get the necessary manpower to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps everything running.

Seekers of Light

This is the name given to all those who are interested in the Bright Path, but have not yet joined any of the Orders.

Bright Shadows

There is another group, who do not belong to any of the three Orders, but have a separate rank within the Church. These are the few who dedicate their life to the shadows. While Arelien's teachings do not forbid such a life, they dictate that any who adopt it must do so in order to protect the weak, not simply for their own gain, and especially never for revenge.

Arbiter

The Arbiter is charged with deciding disputes within the Church, and handing down punishments to those who go against Arelien's teachings. This position is traditionally held by a Priest or Priestess of Arelien, but can be held by anyone with the requisite devotion and understanding of Arelien's teachings.

Eyes of Flame

The Eyes of Flame is the name given to the highest rank: the High Priest of Arelien. His duty is to guide the entire Church on the Bright Path, and keep the three Orders running smoothly. His duty also is to help to bring more nobles onto the Bright Path, along with the Tongue of Flame and the Kindlers of the Flame.

Beliefs

As stated above, there are four central tenets of Arelien's followers.

Protecting the Weak

No man is inherently better than any other. Through misfortune, some may fall low, and others rise high through fortune. It is the duty of those granted that bounty to protect those without it.

Merciful Justice

Justice must be done in the world, lest those who would do evil should run rampant. However, the followers of Arelien must ever temper this justice with mercy, and never seek to impose over-harsh punishments on those undeserving. Thus is shown the compassion of the Goddess.

Speech Before Violence

Though Arelien leads her people in just battle, battle should never be joined until it is clear that diplomacy cannot resolve the conflict. Thus, all of Her followers are to seek dialogue with those they disagree with. Only after the other side has rejected their advances should violence be resorted to.

Forgiveness, Not Vengeance

As an extension of showing mercy, followers of Arelien must never seek vengeance against those who have wronged them. Vengeance is the way of Elanzil, Arelien's dark sister, and is abhorrent to the Bright Lady. Rather, Her followers are urged to forgive, and seek forgiveness in return.

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Note: this religion is not yet active on any continent, though it will be created on Atamara as soon as Tom turns religion on there