Church of the Seasons
From Dreams of Hope
Founded soon after the ascension of the Congregation in the former Council Lands. Has become more militant and dogmatic since the breakup of the Council Lands. The majority religion in the Holy Kaelthian Republic. Minority throughout the other Successor States.
Organization
- Grand Hierarch: nominal leader of church and Head of State. Religious leader, little political power.
- High Priests (one for each of the Four Seasons). Each head of their own Order.
- Ecclesiarches (ranking priests) in four Orders. Each order has different criteria for promotion and rank structure. Overlapping jurisdictions over towns and areas.
- "Seated" priests local to towns. Larger towns may have more. Not specific to any particular god, although generally lean toward one of the Four. Generally cap at 3rd level spells at most. Have acolytes directly under them
- "Wandering" priests who preside over smaller villages in an area. Low power (1st level, maybe 2nd level spells), functionally divine soul sorcerer / celestial warlock
- Acolytes resident in villages. Often non-magical or only minimal (Magic Initiate: Cleric or Ritual Caster: Cleric). Report to wandering priests.
Doctrines and Worship
- The purpose of life is to build up each other and build up civilization against the wild and destructive forces.
- A place for everyone and everyone in their place--envy not others.
- Value/joy of work, especially growing/making things.
- Bring joy into each other's life by sharing with them. Jealousy and self-seeking are sins.
- Give praise to the Gods for your good fortune.
- Worship: Communal praise + prayer on 4th-day, followed by public confession of sin. Minor sins paid for by sacrifices of property.
