The Immortals Protectorate

Introduction

The Immortals Protectorate is novel in the history of Atamara, for followers of the religion do not study old texts. Literature and instructions are passed on by One of the Seven and this creates a constantly evolving and dynamic religion, based upon the orders of the Immortals.

The artificial peace which existed at the founding of the Immortals Protectorate was unnatural, for war has always been waged amongst man. It enables the strongest to thrive and prosper whilst weakness and decay is removed through the test of battle. However the peace which existed across the continent had enabled the weak to thrive and prosper and this had to change. The power of such realms must come to an end and their lands forfeited to those with true power and courage.

History

Long ago in the ancient history of Atamara there had been the Seven. An ancient order of noble warriors who had ruled Atamara long before the days of realms and place names, when evil stalked the lands and Atamara’s regions were wild and dangerous. It was this group of nobles which created the continent as we know it, achieved through blood and hard toil, united under one banner. However one of the Immortals have returned for it is known that within the kingdoms of Atamara, a rot has set in, one which has eaten the core of most realms, and one which shall surely cause them to crumble.

Beliefs

The Immortals Protectorate is based upon a strong foundation of set beliefs involving nobility, honour and most of all, war. Those who follow the way of Immortalism believe in the Seven. The Immortals. Long ago in the ancient history of Atamara there had been the Seven. An ancient order of noble warriors who had ruled Atamara long before the days of realms and place names, when evil stalked the lands and Atamara’s regions were wild and dangerous. It was this group of nobles which created the continent as we know it, achieved through blood and hard toil, united under one banner. However one of the Immortals have returned for it is known that within the kingdoms of Atamara, a rot has set in, one which has eaten the core of most realms, and one which shall surely cause them to crumble.

Sicarius was told by the voice, the Immortal, that Coria is one of the realms which shall herald the coming of a new age to Atamara. He explained that the great lake not only protected Corians as a natural barrier, but that it attracted those of pure heart to their great nation; for the pure noble bloodlines are attracted to the Southern territories of the great lake by an ancient magic, and it is through this attraction that people join the realm of Coria. As such, it is only Corians who shall be protected by the Immortals.

This is why it shall only be Corians who shall be allowed into the temples of ‘The Immortals Protectorate’. An exception to this rule however is heroes. These also have pure blood, as shown by their courage and bravery on the battlefield. It is only a man pure of heart who will risk his own life for that of his men and nation. As such any hero from any realm is able to join.

Priests and Warfare

Priests are expected to march into battle with the Corian army. Due to the restriction on membership, this enables priests to be loyal only to one realm. As such priests are to obey the General of Coria, preach in enemy lands and destabalise the regions chosen. The Immortals have Coria as their protectorate and as such are able to march solely with the Corian Army. Fighting and death breeds strength, priests much be exposed to this to strengthen resolve. If Coria is at peace, then priests maintain the temples in honour of the Immortals and preach to the population of the regions they are allowed to remain in. Due to the militaristic nature of the religion and the fact that priests also march to war with the army, they also need protection. As such they wear the same armour and clothing as regular Knights, however instead of their lords livery, they wear a simple white tunic onto which a modified crest of Coria is emblazoned for they serve a nation and no longer a single man.

The addition of seven small stars in an arc above the mountain and river is the only difference between the Corian crest and that of the Immortals Protectorate.

Afterlife

Followers of Immortalism cannot be killed. That is not to say they are not able to die, however they are only ever able to pass over if they are chosen to Marshal and lead one of the armies of the Immortals. Death is an extreme honour, for it means ones deeds have been recognised by the Immortals and the noble has been chosen to serve in their own armies.