Nox Lucis

Nox Lucis (or Nox Luxism) is the national religion of The Imperial Archonate of Sylvania. It is the state supported religion known by many of its followers as “The Faith of the Holy Balance” a reflection of the core “Philosophy of Balance” which is the main current teaching of the Church of Nox Lucis; secondary only to the previously popular belief of "Cogito, ergo sum’ which was exceptionally popular amongst the previous generation of Clergy prior to the Great Reformation.

Core Beliefs/Overview
"“These things are so very often resting in the laps of the Gods. Don’t you feel it when you look out over the tranquil lands of Sylvania? The most precious and holy balance of all things that sustains the world. It is within us all; the Gods are here with us. They are a part of us and we, in turn, are a part of them. Their divine grace is ever present. Can’t you feel it? It is the breath of Sylvia, the fire of the sun of Nox burning across the horizon where it touches the still water of Lux. They are whispers upon the wind, calling us home. They are the scent of Irises. Sylvania is such a beautiful place; and by the grace of our Gods I shall see it that way.” - The Oracle of Amemachi"Followers of Nox Lucis believe that a balance between all things is necessary for the continued grace of the Gods and their divine ordering of the cosmos. They worship three deities; the lesser Gods Nox and Lux, who when combined, represent a divine and perfect balance in all things in the form of Lady Sylvia; the most divine and holy patron of Sylvania. It is a central belief of Nox Lucis that the Gods impart their stability upon the universe and all the faithful who dwell within it; creating the "Holy Balance." While the religion takes no particular stance against the existence of Gods outside of Sylvania, it is Sylvia who they view as the most powerful deity in all of existence, with her, Nox and Lux being the only Gods with any jurisdiction or power over Sylvania. "“This land was given to us by our most divine and Holy patron of Sylvania Lady Sylvia, and by our Gods Nox and Lux. You disputing our rightful claim over lands that have been bestowed upon us by our Gods is an egregious disrespect to our most sacred and holy institutions.” - Archon Sanctus Gigi Adventura"In many ways, the Church of Nox Lucis is a highly nationalistic entity, with a heavy emphasis on loyalty to Sylvania as a nation as "Sylvia, Nox and Lux are Sylvania." Sylvanians who are loyal to the faith view themselves as the only chosen people of the Gods; thus granting them the sole right to inhabit and rule over the lands which the Gods have rightfully given to them. Any such attempts to invade the land or undermine their claim on it by hostile/foreign entities is seen as blasphemous and an egregious offense against the Gods, as it undermines their wills. The more extreme believers of Nox Lucis may even even deem it an offense against the Gods for non-believers to reside in Sylvania; as their presence is an insult to the Gods.

Nox, Lux & Sylvia
Nox, originally regarded as the God of Death and Lux, originally depicted as the Goddess of Life, are the keepers and architects of the sacred balance that the followers of the Church desperately believe that the continued existence of Sylvania depends on to survive in a world torn apart by war and constant territory disputes.

Lady Sylvia is the perfect balance of all things and encompasses both Nox and Lux in absolute and undeniable harmony. The Imperial Archon is said to be the embodiment and representation of Sylvia in Eldham; as they are the perfect balance and maintainer of harmony between the two lesser Archons who in turn represent Nox (Archon Decorus) and Lux (Archon Sanctus.) It is taught by the Church and believed by its followers that the Archons have an innate ability to speak to the Gods; and that they derive their right to rule Sylvania directly from them.

Sylvia is depicted by the Church as a benevolent, immortal and eternal Goddess who has been the guardian over the lands which would later become Sylvania for as long as time has existed. She is the main subject of worship; with her love and patronage for the people of Sylvania being regarded as unconditional and unending. Despite this, she is fierce when her people and lands are threatened by hostile entities and is known to be an aggressive force against all those who wish ill upon Sylvania; striking down heretics without mercy or hesitation. The Church teaches that Sylvanians are the only chosen people of Nox, Lux and Sylvia - meaning only they have the absolute and divine right to rule over, and inhabit, the lands of Sylvania,

Nox and Lux are regarded as newer deities whose origins are less clear. The official stance of the Church maintains that Nox and Lux were once two young apprentices of Lady Sylvia, who in turn gained godly abilities when the benevolent Lady Sylvia imbued them with her powers and used pieces of her soul to elevate them. Nox ascended in what would later become the site of the Capital City of Noxwind, with Lux ascending in a less populated area which would later become the City of Luxwind. It is agreed upon by many high ranking scholars of the Church that Nox and Lux were originally powerful mages who had the ability to manipulate and bend the fabric of time, an art long since lost to the ages. Some scholars additionally argue that Nox and Lux themselves destroyed all living knowledge of their magic to prevent others from rising above them.

Nox is depicted as a tall, lightly tanned man with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He is largely human in appearance; with no features that would suggest otherwise aside from strange ethereal particles which he seems to radiate. Lux is depicted by many artists as being an exceptionally beautiful High Elven woman; with long blonde hair, soft pale skin and purple eyes matching the banners of Sylvania.

While it was originally believed that Nox was largely malicious with Lux being largely benevolent, it has since become apparent that both Nox and Lux are neither wholly good nor bad. Lux is known to be a life-giving Goddess, who claims jurisdiction over the souls of all living Sylvanians, while Nox claims ownership of the dead in the afterlife. They are depicted as both being of equal power and somewhat morally gray in their dispositions; neither are wholly good nor bad in the traditional sense of the concepts. Nox and Lux both seem to have their own agendas which they confide only in those who they deem worthy of their presence. Despite this, Nox and Lux work tirelessly in unity to maintain “the balance and order of the cosmos” deeming it their sacred duty to uphold the stability of the timeline.

Organizations/Orders
The Church of Nox Lucis

There is only one central Church of Nox Lucis which is charged with managing the religious affairs of the entire nation; however Cult-like activity associated with both of the lesser deities Nox and Lux is widespread and particularly prevalent within their respective holy cities of Noxwind and Luxwind. Generally, Cult activity is well tolerated, accepted as being associated with the main faith and therefore, enjoys legal status despite the dubious nature of some of the activities associated with the Cultists. Many distinct sects and denominations of Nox Lucis exist across Sylvania; most of which are accepted by the mainstream Church.

The Cult of Lux

The Cult of Lux is an institution in the Holy City of Luxwind. In contrast to the mainstream Church; the members of this group worship Lux as their primary deity; with Nox and Sylvia being seen as secondary and less significant. It is said that Luxwind is a holy site of Lux for two primary reasons. Firstly, Luxwind is the location where Lux became imbued with a piece of Lady Sylvia’s soul and ascended to divinity. A temple sits upon the site where this took place; with the throne of the Archon Sanctus sitting in the exact spot to show that the Archon Sanctus is Lux’s earthly counterpart. Secondly, the city of Luxwind was founded by pilgrims from the north. It is said that Lux found them wandering and brought them to the lands that would become Luxwind, giving the city her name in the process. The followers of Lux believe that she watches over and protects the city of Luxwind above all others.

The Oracle of Amemachi

The Oracle of Amemachi is a separate, independent institution outside of the Church that has near complete autonomy in how it functions. However, it has close ties to the Church given it operates on the basis of the religion; with the Oracle being directly chosen and blessed by Sylvia to have the power of prophecy. Little is known about the inner workings of the Oracle as an institution however; it is widely believed by many faithful Sylvanians that the Oracle of Amemachi can see into the future, as well as “hear the truths whispered by the Gods.”

The Knights of the Faith

The Knights of the Faith are an established order within the Church who focus on the cultivation of combat skills. A Knight of the Faith is a member of the Clergy who has been granted the privilege of entering into service of the Church by way of combat and protection related duties. Knights of the Faith are responsible for varying tasks; but their main objective is to defend the Church against threats, as well as the defense of the nation as a whole in times of crisis. It is not uncommon for Knights of the Faith to be called into service for internal issues; such as civil unrest or bandit activity. They have the divine right to accompany the Sylvanian Imperial Army on the battlefield as their own distinct unit, but they are obligated to obey commands from the Imperial General during wars. They also maintain the right to participate in foreign wars in exchange for payment, working under the Auxiliary Commander, provided doing so does not violate the rules or vows of the Clergy.

Church Internal Hierarchy
The Archon Sanctus (Arkhañas Hashádwé): The Archon Sanctus serves as the head of the Church and acts in an official capacity as the leader of the faith; making them the representative of the Gods in Sylvania. They are charged with many other duties in relation to Sylvania outside of their religious work, however, their main purpose is to “uphold, cultivate and maintain the most sacred and Holy Balance.” It is for this reason that the Archon Sanctus also serves as the leader of Sylvania's Government; so that balance can be established within the nation.

Clergy are usually appointed directly by the Archon Sanctus, with all promotions being approved and dispensed directly by the Archon Sanctus. Input from other high ranking officials of the Church, such as the Auxiliary Commander or the Archbishop are also welcomed and can influence appointments.

The Oracle of Amemachi (Athúrísë): Blessed by Lady Sylvia with the ability to see the future, the Oracle is considered as being under the protection of the Church, but maintains a separate institution with near complete autonomy. They claim the ability to peer through the veil of time, seeing not only the future, but the great truths and whispers of the Gods. While the current Oracle resides in Amemachi, the institution is not specifically tied to a location given the current Oracle is the first in the history of Sylvania. It is expected that any future apprentices of the Oracle could be from any location in Sylvania; called forth by the Goddess Sylvia in the same way the original Oracle was. It is usually members of the Clergy who assist the Oracle in a permanent basis, but pilgrims who venture to Amemachi in search of the truth may find themselves staying in service to the Oracle on a temporary basis.

The Auxiliary Commander of the Faith: The highest ranked military role in the Church. The Auxiliary Commander of the Faith maintains an important presence within the nation and their strength is seen as vital to the well-being and overall safety of the Sylvania. A sick or weak Auxiliary Commander is seen as a detriment to the future of Sylvania and an indication that the Gods are displeased. They are responsible for recruiting and training members of the Clergy to become Knights of the Faith. More often than not, they are second only to the Imperial General in terms of military power and have many soldiers at their disposal to put down heretics and manage internal issues such as bandits.

The Archbishop of Riverheim (Haízed Shylvansë Dénerkhaímní): The equal of the Auxillary Commander, the Archbishop is charged with the recruiting and training of regular members of the Clergy in order to continue and spread the faith. They host weekly sermons in the Temple of Lux and are the secondary leader of Luxwind Ecclesiastical University where they maintain responsibility for teaching Theology.

The Imperial Mentor (Varésë): The Varésë serves as the mentor of the Archon Sanctus, with the sworn and sacred duty of being their direct line of communication to the Noble Houses of Sylvania. They are appointed by a fierce competition that creates anarchy across the Noble Houses whenever it takes place, often resulting in injuries or in extreme cases, death.

The Council of Sylvia: The Council of Sylvia is a group comprised of members of the Clergy, Noble Houses and the highest ranking members of the Church. Originally, it was designed to discuss the ongoing needs of the Church and to create opportunities for patronage. However, it has since diverted from its original purpose and is now regarded as a religious institution that is charged with the sacred duty of protecting the social and cultural well-being of Sylvania in times of danger or imminent collapse. Most members are involved with the Sylvanian Ministry of Culture to some extent, or are exceptionally wealthy patrons of the arts who have lofty ambitions.

Knights of the Faith (Shaúdwéresë/Djárwéresë): Members of the Clergy with combat expertise are known as Knights of the Faith. They swear a blood oath to protect the high ranking members of the Church and can often be ordered to carry out crusades or inquisitions.

Clergy (Shylvansë): The regular Clergy of the Church manage the day to day duties such as performing ceremonies like weddings, funerals and purification ceremonies.

Noble Houses: Noble Houses are an institution in Sylvania which have long been regarded as somewhat of an outdated practice given the new Democratic Senate of Sylvania and the role of the Imperial Chancellor. Their foundations began with the Great Reformation of Nox Lucis. With the Church in dire need of assistance in regaining its influence; established families from across Sylvania who donated land, wealth and other resources to the Church were granted Noble titles by the Archon Sanctus; and their members were awarded the sole right to compete for the title of Varésë. Members of Noble Houses who are related to the leader by blood or through marriage (typically, the children of the leader or the spouses of the leader) are given special dispensation to use the title of Lord/Lady and are entitled to attend meetings of the Council of Sylvia.

Foundation
The foundation of the religion started with a man named SirLadBubblepop who is also the founder of Sylvania. "“It was a thunderstorm, hundreds of years ago, when I was a wandering merchant and miner. Cold was the moon and melting was my heart, when I got news of what the Gods, the only true Gods, had in place for me. I got a revelation, a revelation that gave me knowledge of the darkest places of our universe, the truth of the purest form of humanoid behaviour, which enlightened this community through my word. After centuries fighting in the depths of Hell, where time was frozen, I have become the Champion of The Blood, and the Knight that brings the Gods of Chaos a voice to the mortal world, The Everchosen.' - SirLad addressing his Sylvanian subjects what the future had prepared for them."This vision of SirLad led him to create chaos blood but the vision he had was only one of the dark. so as time went on it became clear that the Dark Gods were not the only influence in the lands of Sylvania. The Light was shown to the people of Noxwind for the first time since the creation of Noxwind Keep. At the very top of the tower, a very slim beam of sunlight could be seen penetrating the dark clouds and ever falling snow, which gave the first signs of wealth in the land. Now power was not the only drive: prosperity, happiness, success, and glory, were back on the table. The Gods of the Light officially made an appearance, and swiftly defeated the Dark Archon SirLad, whose blindness from the energy of Light.

The Great Reformation
Nox Lucis would later fell into a steep decline; with the Gods largely forgotten about for a long period of time in Sylvania as the nations focus drifted away from their internal anffairs and towards geopolitics. This would in turn begin to change once more when the first Archon Sanctus, Gigi Adventura (Serperior_Xi) was selected via the “Seven Trials of the Oracle” and began to work to restore the power and influence of the Church over varying areas of Sylvanian society and culture, starting with the implementation of the Noble Houses of Sylvania and eventually bringing the Church back into the view of wider Sylvanian society.

Background

Gigi, of House Adventura, was born in the Holy City of Luxwind. Little is known of his history or youth prior to his departure from Luxwind and subsequent move to Noxwind, where he later became a Senator representing Nox Heartlands. His Senator platform focused mainly on financial reforms and rebuilding the run down parts of Noxwind which had fallen into disrepair over the years. He was heavily involved in many local projects, including the design and building of the first Noxwind Market, the refurbishment of the Hotel and the beautification of many areas within the town.

As his political career advanced, he was appointed the Imperial Lieutenant of Nox Heartlands and later granted the title of Duke of Nox Heartlands where he seemed content to remain. His fate would be altered forever however, when the Oracle announced that a new Archon would be selected and that all those of rank and merit should attend the selection.

The Seven Trials of the Oracle

The Seven Trials of the Oracle were a series of events and examinations held across the Holy Cities of Noxwind and Luxwind to select a new Archon Sanctus from a group of candidates who all believed they were the most suitable person for the position. The Oracle announced to the public that he had received a vision from the Gods; and that the path to choosing who should become the Archon Sanctus had been made clear to him. The criteria for selection however, was not disclosed to the candidates until the end of the trials; a deliberate move by the Oracle to “show that the real truth of who you are hides deep within you all, and you shall come to know that the most unpredictable thing is the hearts of people who lust for power instead of purpose.”

The Seven Trials were designed to measure the qualities which the Oracle deemed the most important traits for an Archon to have: Courage, compassion, integrity, leadership, loyalty and piety.

Each trial was designed as an individual examination to give the candidates the opportunity to demonstrate that they were in possession of a specific desired quality, and that they had good intentions behind their desire to become the next Archon (“purpose and not power”). As the tests progressed, candidates were to be eliminated at the discretion of the Oracle for either not possessing the desired traits or for demonstrating undesirable traits which would prevent them from being a suitable Archon.

Throughout the course of the trials however, many candidates not only failed to progress due to lacking the desired traits or demonstrating bad traits, but several were severely injured and died as a direct result of the competition. The most infamous of all was the final trial, presented by the Oracle as “a measurement of your strength.” Candidates were given a simple task; to escape from a large dungeon by exploring, investigating, and solving a series of puzzles which would eventually yield a key to the exit. However, the trial would devolve into a brutal massacre, as many of the physically stronger candidates elected to use their combat abilities to murder or otherwise incapacitate their opponents to assert their strength. ''“On the twelfth hour, I opened the door thinking that none of them could complete the task and that the trial had failed to yield and results. What I saw in those rooms was beyond belief. The walls were covered in blood. The stench of death lingered in the air, corpses and unconscious bodies littered the hallways. In the corner of one of the rooms, I saw him, Gigi Adventura, tearing off a strip of fabric from his own cape to use as a makeshift bandage for a bleeding man upon the floor.''

''And when I asked him “Gigi, why are you not solving the puzzles? Why are you here, attempting to save your opponent who assaulted you?” he replied to me “The Gods know what is right and what is wrong, and I know the Gods.” It was then that I knew that I was speaking to the next Archon Sanctus of The Imperial Archonate of Sylvania, and that compassion was his greatest strength. Little did I know, but the Great Reformation that he would bring to Nox Lucis would defy the force of destiny itself.”'' - The Oracle                                                                                                The Establishment of the Sylvanian Noble Houses

Shortly after the selection concluded, and with the new Archon Sanctus in office, it became apparent that the Church of Nox Lucis was suffering from a severe lack of funding and that significant investments would be needed to restore it. This led to the creation of the Noble Houses of Sylvania. Various families across Sylvania were offered the opportunity to donate land, wealth or resources to the Church. Those who donated substantial amounts were awarded with Noble Titles by the Church and permitted special privileges and preferential treatment within the institution.

These privileges included membership of the Council of Sylvia, as well as having the sole right to compete for the title of Varésë; with those outside of Noble Houses being forbidden from doing so.

Sylvania: The Scent of Irises
The continuing story of Nox Lucis was a main story-line featured in the first season of Sylvania's Internal Roleplay titled "Sylvania: The Scent of Irises.” The RP contained three major stories all related to the religion in some way: The Oracle, The Archon Sanctus & The Church and the Noble Houses of Sylvania. The stories eventually began to converge upon each other to paint a clear picture of the internal workings and culture of higher Sylvanian society that was entering a period of decline due to the death of the Archon Sanctus responsible for the Great Reformation.

Prologue Chapters: The Curse of the Purple Iris

The prologue chapters focused on the story of the incumbent Archon Sanctus, Gigi Adventura, and his final weeks in Sylvania prior to his untimely death by poisoning at the hands of the now deceased Archbishop Nozomi Frost of Noxwind. These events coincided with the timing of the Sylvania-Morladron War; creating a somewhat ominous environment for the duration of the prologue chapters, with an ailing Archon and the potential for a horrific war looming over the nation. Much of the prologue chapters of the RP focused on the war and how it affected the wider society of Sylvania outside of the battlefield.

When Morladron issued the war declaration against Sylvania and a series of brutal battles to gain control of the land became inevitable, the Archon Sanctus Gigi Adventura issued a public decree regarding the Church’s stance on the matter, particularly concerning the town of Raeningi and its proximity to the Archduchy of Riverheim. “It has come to my attention that the forces which are currently gathering upon our borders, with the vile intent to invade our beautiful nation, have been acting against our Gods and committing unspeakable offences against our Lady Sylvia.

Having prayed for many days and nights to the Gods for advice on the matter, I, Gigi Adventura, the Archon Sanctus have heard the voice of our Lady Sylvia and she said unto me:

''”The town of Raeningi has lost its way, long has it fallen from righteousness and it has strayed from the path of goodness. It is infested with foreign insurgents and heretics. You, the faithful, must go forth and liberate it; for I deem this land to be rightfully yours per my divine judgment. Go now, and return this land to me and bring it under the holy banners of Riverheim"''

''The Church, therefore, officially recognises the Archduchy of Riverheim as the rightful owners of the town of Raeningi and the surrounding area. We do not recognise any other foreign nation or group as having jurisdiction over this area. As Riverheim is under the protection of the Church, the Knights of the Faith will, by most sacred and holy obligation, see to it that this land is returned to its rightful place in Riverheim and that blasphemy shall be eradicated from these lands. ''

Per the Codex of the Holy Laws of the Imperial Archonate of Sylvania, the Church of Nox Lucis have deemed the town of Raeningi to be guilty of the following egregious offences against the Gods:

Blasphemy, heresy, desecration, treason and the rejection of church/moral authority.

''As the Church has deemed this land to belong to the Archduchy of Riverheim, and in light of the numerous egregious offences committed, in my capacity as the Archon Sanctus and the leader of the faith, and by the powers vested in me by our Lady Sylvia, and our Gods Nox and Lux; I hereby declare a holy crusade against the town of Raeningi. All heretics are to be put to death. No clemency or intervention shall be granted by the Church to anyone who dares to commit treason or other civil crimes.” -'' Archon Sanctus, Gigi Adventura The proclamation given by the Archon Sanctus advising that all heretics should be put to death with no clemency or mercy was seen as a rather large departure from his previously very pacifistic approach towards many issues within the Church and the world outside of it. In a similar fashion, the Archon Sanctus would go on to make several e-nats as the war progressed, remarking upon the fact that Morladron were nothing more than heretics in the eyes of Sylvania and that their downfall at the hands of the Gods was “very much deserved and wildly overdue.”

Despite his apparent poor health, the Archon Sanctus maintained a strong presence during the war and attended several of the battles which took place during it; leading the Knights of the Faith in the absence of the deceased Auxiliary Commander, Alurath of House Arxis. It became apparent however, that the Archon was nearing the end of his life due to his dependency on using various elixirs to maintain his stamina and that his remaining time in Sylvania was short.

As the war persisted and Morladron continued to lose ground to Sylvania, the Archon Sanctus elected to continue down the path of condemnation against the hostile forces, making further public announcements that the Gods were on Sylvania’s side, that Morladron had been cursed by them (“The Curse of the Purple Iris”) and that they would fall regardless of what they did due to the curse being irrevocable. When news of the enemy leader of Morladron dying in battle reached Sylvania, the Archon remarked that the Gods had destroyed them for their sins against Sylvania and that they would be tortured by the God Nox “for no less than ten thousand years” for their transgressions.

Arc I: Budding Irises (The Archon Sanctus)

During the first arc of the RP, the story mainly followed the selection and confirmation of a new Archon Sanctus Andromache Xi (Serperior_Xi) following the mysterious death of their predecessor. Significant side-plots involving the potential death of the Oracle and the death of the previous Archon Sanctus were also predominant and added significant tension to the nation.

Arc II: Irises in Bloom (The Varésë Games/Noble Houses)

The second arc of the RP moved the focus away from the selection of the new Archon Sanctus and onto the selection of the next Varésë of Sylvania. The selection of a new Varésë in Sylvania is a large affair, spread over several individual events which draw upon the Seven Trials of the Oracle to determine who has the correct temperament to become the next Varésë and advisor to the Archon Sanctus.

[Ongoing]

Arc III: Wilting Irises (The Oracle)

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