The faith of the Holy Kingdom of Lorinth mirrors many other faiths in the world, in that its deities are based on real men and women. In their case, it is the 10 Saints.
The Saints were knights of the old kingdom who fought on behalf of King Adelen Charles and Arch Vicar Maredictus five centuries ago. They led the knights of Lorinth on a crusade against the other nations in Veldonn, invading Baruvad, Pavellione, Dumat, Alassia and Cheldaine. Following the war, and having bared witness to the atrocities of Adelen and Maredictus, the Saints challenged both leaders and exiled them, assuming regentship as a council following their excommunication. The Saints consolidated their rule across the subcontinent, and put in place sweeping reforms for the benefit of the Lorintines (in particular, anyway). They accomplished this by establishing the current knightly orders, giving each their own tasks, and anointing all knights as priests. As such, priests and knights are one in the same, and are referred to as knight-priests. It is their duty to tend to the spiritual and martial needs of Lorinth.
Furthermore, their families became the aristocracy of Lorinth, and shortly after their deaths, they were canonised and the Church of the Silver became the Church of the Saints. The Saints were viewed as paragons in their society, and as some of them were women, women were finally able to ascend rank and status and become knight-priests – a move considered revolutionary at the time.
There is also another deity that they revere, referred to as Avantis, the Silver Star. The Saints, who were followers of Avantis, have however taken the spotlight or worship.
The Knightly Orders are overseen by the Paladins, who in turn answer to the King of Lorinth and the Arch Vicar of New Allathas.
The Knightly Orders are: The Order of Saint Merinas represent light. Those given to Saint Merinas pledge to take up the mantle in times of great darkness and guide the lost into the path of light and righteousness. Natural leaders, they serve to inspire and illuminate those who have strayed from a life in service of Lorinth. They are based in the Chapel of Golden Glass in Merynnas.
The Order of Saint Davena represent mercy. They take on the burden of execution and giving the gift of salvation to those who are suffering and dying. The Rite of Salvation is viewed as the only way to die before one’s time without their souls being damned. They are required to wear a white cape. They are based in the Abbey of Davena in Pavellione.
The Order of Saint Gallas represent charity. All citizens pay a tithe to this order, which is (for some part, at least) used to feed the hungry and poor, care for refugees of war, maintain orphanages across the kingdom and fund the construction of sanctuaries for the homeless and destitute. They are based in the Manor Royann in Alassia.
The Order of Saint Varinas represent sanctuary. They are referred to as the Order of Carpenters, for their duty is to the upkeep of churches and places of significance. They cooperate with the Order of Saint Gallas, constructing sanctuaries and orphanages when needed, and help in the reparation of houses, inns and shops. They are based in the town of Calhad in Lorinth.
The Order of Saint Allaster represent justice. They administer to the legislative and judiciary needs of Lorinth. Synergising the study of law with an iron will and presence, this is the most populous order, having at least one representative in every city, town and major village. They often carry a mace with them. They are based in Geldenbrook Castle in Baruvad.
The Order of Saint Peirvas represent truth. Closely aligned with the Order of Saint Allaster, the Order of Saint Peirvas is one of the three more militant orders. Wielding two-handed hammers, they act as the enforcers of law and the enforcers of the will of the knights of Saint Allaster, and inquisitors bent on revealing the truth. They are also based in Geldenbrook Castle.
The Order of Saint Ormaine represent wrath. Wielding greatswords and the will of the Church, they act as war-marshals and the vanguard of any battle. They are a pivotal part of the kingdom’s army and ensure that troops are well-trained and ready for war when it comes. They are based in Ormaine’s Hand in the city of Amnyn in Cheldaine.
The Order of Saint Rath represent protection. They act as bodyguards, escorts and serve as the guardians of both the King in Merynnas and the Arch Vicar in New Allathas. When the Paladins are called to either one, it is the Shieldsworn of Saint Rath who answer the call. They are rarely seen outside of Merynnas or New Allathas and are based in the Silver Basilica in New Allathas.
The Order of Saint Tarquinas represent deliverance. The final militant order is closely connected to the divine powers of Avantis and the Silver Star. Known as Blazing Priests, the Order of Saint Tarquinas are fierce spellcasters who utilise blessed fire to fight for the Arch Vicar. They are based in the Silver Cathedral of Avantis in New Allathas with the Arch Vicar.
The Order of Saint Cassas represent hope. The Order of Saint Cassas interact closely with the people of Lorinth; fighting for the meek, inspiring hope in the doubtful, leading by example and performing sermons for all the denizens of the north. They closely nurture the spirituality of the people and maintain the churches across Lorinth. They are based nowhere.
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