1. Overview
The Clergy of the Sun God is the dominant religious institution of the Lux Elves, devoted to the worship of Gahrian, the Illuminator and Guardian of the Day. Once widespread across Staterum, the clergy is now concentrated primarily in Eastern Siar’Morrin, with its heart in the city of Dovus, nestled in the Shimmering Forest
- Type: Religious Institution
- Base of Operations: Dovus
- Core Purpose/Focus: To worship Gahrian, uphold his vigilance, and spread the light of his teachings.
- Reputation: Respected as a peaceful and principled faith, though sometimes seen as aloof or paternalistic by outsiders. In the current age are growing increasingly unpopular in Western Siar’Morrin
- Symbol: A radiant golden sun with beams extending outward.
2. History
The Clergy of the Sun God emerged in the earliest days after the elves first settled Staterum, countless millennia ago. From the very beginning, devotion to Gahrian was not only spiritual but transformative, shaping the very nature of his followers. Over ages of unwavering faith, this devotion brought forth a great division among elvenkind: the radiant Lux Elves, blessed by the light, and the shadow-bound Tenebrim Elves, who turned instead to Alache.
Through centuries of change, the Lux elves’ loyalty to Gahrian never faltered. Their faith carried them through wars, calamities, and the Age of Darkness itself. Yet as elven numbers dwindled in the modern age, and persecution of their culture grew, the Clergy’s presence has diminished. In places such as Kair’Thear, it has been driven to the edge of eradication.
Despite these hardships, the Clergy harbours no bitterness toward younger races. They regard humans and others as short-lived, unable to comprehend the ancient truths that guide elven devotion, but not unworthy of compassion. To the Lux elves, loyalty to Gahrian is eternal, a bond that no persecution or dwindling numbers can break.
3. Structure & Organization
The Clergy is notable for its anatomically based hierarchy, reflecting both the body of the faithful and the radiant aspects of Gahrian’s light. Each branch has a leader of equal standing, though the Voice is widely acknowledged as the practical head of the organisation.
- The Voice: Speakers and missionaries, responsible for spreading Gahrian’s teachings, leading rituals, and serving as the clergy’s public face.
- The Eyes: Sentinels and advisors who watch for threats, dissent, or corruption—acting not as inquisitors but as healers of divisions, seeking to correct and restore rather than punish.
- The Spine: The administrative branch, ensuring the whole structure stands upright. Bureaucrats, scribes, archivists, and record keepers who quietly hold the institution together.
- The Arms: The militant branch, consisting of paladins and battle-clerics who wield the light of Gahrian in defence of the faith and its people.
- The Breathe: Singers, chanters, and keepers of hymns — custodians of oral tradition, music, and the living “song” of Gahrian. They make worship visceral and memorable. (Has no lead representative)
- The Body: The mass of the faithful, divided into two aspects:
- The Flesh: Ordinary followers and worshippers.
- The Blood: Unassigned clergy and aides who sustain the organisation’s daily functions.
4. Culture & Practices
The Clergy’s culture is one of serenity, vigilance, and illumination. Worship of Gahrian is woven into daily life, from dawn prayers that welcome the sun to evening hymns that honour his setting. Seasonal festivals mark his cycles: the Festival of Gahrian at spring’s first light, and Solis Maxim at midsummer’s zenith.
Clergy members are expected to act as examples of balance: confident yet humble, protective yet merciful, radiant yet measured. Outsiders often find their manner calm, even paternal, reflecting their belief that the light is both a guide and a discipline.
At the heart of their practice is the idea that light reveals, restores, and protects. Their rituals emphasize illumination of truth, renewal of spirit, and vigilance against the encroachment of shadow.
5. Key Figures
6. Geographic Influence
- Areas of Operation: Predominantly Eastern Siar’Morrin, with their seat in Dovus. Shrines can be found wherever Lux elves dwell, and minor enclaves of worship persist across the continent.
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Allies & Enemies:
7. Resources & Capabilities
- Military Strength: Though primarily peaceful, the Arms provide a disciplined force of paladins and clerics capable of unleashing devastating light magic when called upon.
- Economic Power: Modest compared to secular guilds, but supported by tithes, offerings, and the wealth of Lux elf patrons. Their real strength lies in spiritual authority rather than material riches.
- Special Assets: Sacred relics said to hold fragments of Gahrian’s light, powerful rites that channel solar magic, and the authority to inspire vast numbers of Lux elves in times of need.