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Not a Sayan
HannahMagic and Technology
Church of the Nine Saints
"And so they ascended, surpassing the mortal coil and becoming gods."
Look anywhere and you'll see the Church's lauding of their Saints. Figures who are linked to the founding of the kingdom, who united to drive back any and all threats that would prevent Adelon's formation. Said to be Magi of unrivaled power they were praised as gods among men, and when the kingdom finally formed they were treated as such. For some, worshiping idols and false gods might seem as heresy. But when these men and women passed and the kingdom seemed uncertain in her future, something was needed to fill the void. People needed some way to find solace and refuge in Adelon's earliest days. For this purpose the Church formed, and for a time that was all they offered to their people. Facilitating the worship of these heroes-turned-gods, the Church steadily gained influence and power within the kingdom. Enough so that within the last century their influence not only matched that of the royal family, but exceeded it.
With so much power the Church could dictate policy and influence governing decisions as it saw fit. When the technological revolution began it played its cards close to its chest, perpetuating the worship of Saints as businesses slowly began to take hold. Once it became apparent these new machines were here to stay they shifted their focus, pledging most of their resources to the companies which would bring Adelon into the future. Worship became an afterthought, and with it many people ceased attending services which had once been routine. Numerous buildings closed the kingdom over, and most of the Church's people were instead trained to deal in business.
This was a move that angered Magi. With magic dwindling and the Church all but taking away worship they were left with little recourse but to fight back. A series of failed attacks led the Church to mount a counter-offensive, utilizing Magi and soldiers to stomp out any pockets of resistance. Though the majority of incidents were successfully ended, the Church still saw fit to instill a new series of laws. In short, these laws made the practice of unapproved magic punishable, and any Magi who practiced without the Church's explicit permission faced heavy penalties. The Saints would understand, they argued, they too would want Adelon to continue to grow. And they will not allow anyone to get in the way of progress.
With so much power the Church could dictate policy and influence governing decisions as it saw fit. When the technological revolution began it played its cards close to its chest, perpetuating the worship of Saints as businesses slowly began to take hold. Once it became apparent these new machines were here to stay they shifted their focus, pledging most of their resources to the companies which would bring Adelon into the future. Worship became an afterthought, and with it many people ceased attending services which had once been routine. Numerous buildings closed the kingdom over, and most of the Church's people were instead trained to deal in business.
This was a move that angered Magi. With magic dwindling and the Church all but taking away worship they were left with little recourse but to fight back. A series of failed attacks led the Church to mount a counter-offensive, utilizing Magi and soldiers to stomp out any pockets of resistance. Though the majority of incidents were successfully ended, the Church still saw fit to instill a new series of laws. In short, these laws made the practice of unapproved magic punishable, and any Magi who practiced without the Church's explicit permission faced heavy penalties. The Saints would understand, they argued, they too would want Adelon to continue to grow. And they will not allow anyone to get in the way of progress.
The Nine Saints
Credited as founders of Adelon and unparalleled masters of magic, the Saints are Magi who have ascended into godhood. Each Saint was renown for their power over one of the nine elements, and when the Church was formed each was aptly named a patron of their element. They are as follows:
These nine represent not only the elements, but the phenomenon in the world which concern them. Zorander is often spoken as the one who brings about the night, for example. And if a sailor has trouble at sea it is said they have angered Genrei. Many small churches were formed for worship of a single Saint, though the larger ones tend to incorporate all nine.
- Ralthor - the Saint of Fire.
- Xalia - the Saint of Void.
- Genrei - the Saint of Water.
- Edos - the Saint of Luminous.
- Ferra - the Saint of Earth.
- Kedo - the Saint of Air.
- Zorander - the Saint of Shadows.
- Oranoak - the Saint of Wood.
- Suros - the Saint of Ruin.
These nine represent not only the elements, but the phenomenon in the world which concern them. Zorander is often spoken as the one who brings about the night, for example. And if a sailor has trouble at sea it is said they have angered Genrei. Many small churches were formed for worship of a single Saint, though the larger ones tend to incorporate all nine.
Church Hunters
The Hunters are Magi responsible for handling other Magi. Affiliated with the Church and bearing an insignia, these Magi are given autonomy to act as they see fit, taking care of Magi who refuse to conform to the new laws. In terms of authority they are above the guards posted in cities and towns, and in some cases can exert their power over military personnel as well. A Hunter's word is absolute, and refusal to comply rarely goes well for Magi.
That said they are still limited in what they can do. Seeking Magi is not a witch hunt and they cannot blindly charge people with crimes, they must provide solid evidence both to the Church and the local authorities that their target is indeed a Magi. Hunters have taken their roles with varying approaches: some only seek to uphold the peace, some enforce the law to the letter, and other still seek any excuse they can to exert their authority, often abusing their power.
That said they are still limited in what they can do. Seeking Magi is not a witch hunt and they cannot blindly charge people with crimes, they must provide solid evidence both to the Church and the local authorities that their target is indeed a Magi. Hunters have taken their roles with varying approaches: some only seek to uphold the peace, some enforce the law to the letter, and other still seek any excuse they can to exert their authority, often abusing their power.