Church of Ralaban

= Church of Ralaban = "'We serve the Law. We serve the Scales of Justice. We serve Order.'""- High Prelate QuietPsyker on the Sanctum Iuris Canonicum"The Church of Ralaban is a Monotheistic religion built around the worship of Ralaban, the God of Law, Cities, and Justice. The primary tenants of the Church revolve around the establishment of new cities, expansion of previously created cities, the enforcement of law, and various efforts to enforce Law and Order upon the chaotic world of Eldham. While a Monotheistic religion, the Church itself takes a fairly peaceful stance towards religions that it deems Orderly and Law abiding, though to those that it deems Chaotic or touched by the Trickster God, the Church will do everything in its lawful power to stamp out in the areas in which it exists, even if that means religious warfare.

History
The worship of Ralaban is a quiet one throughout its history. Founded by the first High Prelate, QuietPsyker in Eldham. The first recorded worship of Ralaban came about following the discovery of a series of divine texts by the High Prelate when he explored an old citadel, the building's library held the first books that were translated and following the transcribing of the books, QuietPsyker formed the Church of Ralaban and, by divine right, became the founding High Prelate of the Church.

Formed around a series of four texts, The Santorum Divinicas, the worship of Ralaban is strictly followed to these texts’ instruction, as the Church believes these books were written by Ralaban himself when he lived as a mortal amongst his followers in a previous age. One such event that proved these divine texts was during the process of transcribing and recording these books into the new pages that would hold the words of Ralaban. As the High Prelate took the citadel as his own for a brief period of time, he used this time to record the written word of his god into new books, as well as studying and praying to his new patron. However, as the last words of the original The Santorum Divinicas vanished from this world in a flash of harsh light. QuietPsyker took this as Ralaban reclaiming that which was rightfully his but ensuring that his words would be spread. Seeing this as the first miracle of Ralaban, QuietPsyker took to the roads to preach the word of Ralaban to those that would listen.

However, The Santorum Divinicas also spoke of a Chaotic Trickster god known as Ulgartha, the Underhanded One and sibling to Ralaban. He seeks to destroy the balance and natural order of the world through the rising of monsters and destruction of all lands, either through the Wheel of Chaos or to the active destruction of his servants. To combat this threat, the Santorum Divinicas give the secrets of Golemancy, instructing the Church to create these guardians of Law whenever possible in order to protect against the threats of the Chaos, and outline the Knightly Orders that the Church will use to protect the world against Ulgartha's influence.

Beliefs, Practices, and Spiritualism
There are four main beliefs, or The Four Cornerstones, to the Church of Ralaban, each one contained within one of the Santorum Divinicas in one book each. Each of the Santorum Divinicas also hold one fourth of the story of Ralaban, outlining his earliest times to the period where he took a mortal form to his final ascension and decree to his followers.

Sanctum Regulum or The Right of Rule
Within the first of the Sanctorum Divinicas, the Sanctum Regulum, the first commandment of Ralaban is detailed, as well as the creation mythos of the World through the eyes and action of Ralaban.

In short, this right instructs the followers of Ralaban to obey, uphold, enforce, and defend the laws of their respective kingdoms before all but their faith. To disobey this commandment by either unjust rebellion, banditry, or other chaotic acts against their rightfully appointed rulers. Practices associated with this Cornerstone are based primarily in the daily prayers of the Church, namely "The Plea for Order" (Prayer written below)."'Hear us, Oh Law-Giver. Let your scales show us the path unto which we may achieve Order and bring about the justice in which you decree us to bring. Be merciful to your people, Patron of the Just, and do not gaze upon us too harshly, for we are but touched by the Trickster and cannot fully see your majesty. Bring us unto your Laws, through the means and ways you see needed, let us be your servants in the creation of Justice and Law. Oh, by your word, we serve.'"The creation story of the world, the Rise of Ulgartha, and the First Battle of the Brothers is as follows, written and translated directly from the Divine Word of Ralaban. "'In the beginning of everything, Ralaban spoke words of power, dividing the multitudes of his essence up and forming the world around him, desiring to bring natural order and law unto the world by appointing the Order and Laws by which it craved and bringing unto it each part that would be used to keep the balance of Order against the tides of Chaos. But as the world formed, Ralaban’s opposite, Ulgartha, whispered its own words of power, spreading the seeds of chaos within Ralaban’s tightly controlled creations. It was through this chaos that the first monsters were formed and wreaked havoc upon the world. Ralaban, seeing this, struck out against Ulgartha with his sword. But the tricky god dodged Ralaban’s weapon, the sword instead striking the World and shattering upon the impact, forming the stars of the night sky. Fortunately, Ralaban was still stronger than Ulgartha and locked himself into a vicious battle with his sibling that was reflected with the great wars and damages upon the world. But finally, after a millenia, the two broke apart from their conflict, Ulgartha mortally wounded, fled to the Nether to heal his wounds and Ralaban remaining within the Overworld to enter a dreamless sleep to heal himself.'"

Sanctum Iuris Canonicum or the Right of Law
Within the second Santorum Divinica, the elaboration on the following of the Law is detailed, as well as the story of Ralaban’s sleep, otherwise known as “The Dark Times,” the creation of Ulgartha's minions, the Netherian War, and the Mortal Form by which Ralaban took to bring hope to the world.

The Right of Law is also detailed as such. The Right of Law dictates that the Church must strive to follow the Law of their respective nation at all times, to be a symbol of lawfulness and grace, and to actively support those in power so long as they themselves follow the law of the nation. However, it also states that if at any point the rulers of the nation fall to the influence of Ulgartha, in the manner of breaking their own laws or creating laws to circumvent others, that the Church must stand against this. While the law of the land is to be followed, the Sanctum Iuris Canonicum states that the teaching of Ralaban and the law of the Church must come first above all else, for the Church must always stay true to the teachings of Ralaban's law, rather than the amorphous and fickle laws of man."'Following Ralaban’s battle with Ulgartha and the latter’s flight into the Nether, Ralaban was forced into a deep sleep to heal himself, leaving his world defenseless against the plots of the slowly dying Ulgartha. While Ralaban slept, Ulgartha created his own races, that of the Pigmen. A mockery of what Ralaban dreamed of creating himself, the Pigmen as raiders and violent barbarians, planning to unleash them upon the Overworld while Ralaban slept, destroying his creation while he was unable to stop him. Unfortunately for Ulgartha however, his own chaotic nature worked against him. His whispers, turning all but Ralaban’s few protected creations, into the undead, affected Ulgartha’s own pigmen, resulting in a reverse invasion of Ulgartha’s realm by his own turned creations, resulting the infestation of the Undead into the Nether. The war between Ulgartha and his own follies kept the god occupied, attempting to not only stem his own death, but the death of his creations. It was with this time that Ralaban healed and returned to his godly form. However, upon seeing what was occurring, he realized that the best way to defeat Ulgartha was to teach his creations the way of civilization, the opposite to Ulgartha’s violent mobs of pigmen. And so he descended in a demi-mortal form, bringing his light to the early beings of his creation.'"

Sanctum Urbes or the Right of Cities
Within the third Santorum Divinica, the story of Ralaban’s mortal form is told, the establishment of the first civilization under his guidance, Ulgartha's final attack as the Shattering, and Ralaban's final ascension. The Sanctum Urbes also lays out the groundwork for the Divine work of the expansion of cities and continual pursuit of Order within these settlements.

The Right of Cities is a fairly simple tenant. Ralaban decreed that the epitome of law and order must take shape in the place of the cities and that they are the bastions of Order against the tides of Chaos. As such, the Church should always strive to protect, assist, and influence the many cities of the world at all times, even if it means the destruction of smaller villages. It also decrees that the sites of all temples, churches, etc. must be formed in the capital or major cities of the nation, no temple can exist in a village by itself, though shrines and wayshrines are encouraged in all places. It also details that the church must continually strive to expand the city in which it exists whether by petitioning the local government or receiving the rights to expand the city by itself. Buildings made by the church will also be marked, dedicated, and kept within a list compiled by the local church and recorded by the Church itself for the official records."'As Ralaban descended, he gazed across the world and saw the changes that had occurred in his absence. The world was dark, fearful, and in desperate need of guidance. As he descended, the few that saw him were drawn to him, people of great skill and prowess heard his call and came to him, bringing their skills to serve him. And thus, alongside his faithful, he began to teach them to create a mighty civilization, that of the Monarchy of Itheas, Ralaban’s divinely appointed kingdom. As the Monarchy grew with Ralaban as their God-King, the nation became the pinnacle of civilization to all around them and the subject of much envy. Soon, others mimicked the great kingdom, creating petty baronies, dukedoms, and kingdoms of their own, though none worshipped Ralaban as the true god, instead worshipping the aspects of Order that he had created. This was of no thought to Ralaban. Through his actions, civilization had come to the world and he was guiding them to a bright and glorious future. Then Ulgartha made his final move to bring down the great kingdom. In an event called the Shattering, vast portals to the Nether were opened, hordes of pigmen, protected now by Ulgartha’s divine essence, flooded into the Overworld, laying waste to all kingdoms and civilizations. Ralaban, seeing this, led his armies against the invasion, but was unable to overcome Ulgartha in his demi-mortal form. And so, sadly, he left his kingdom, ascending once more to his position as a god and battled Ulgartha once more. It was only through the cooperation of Ralaban’s creations and children that the tides turned against Ulgartha, but during the battles, the unthinkable happened. Ulgartha stole enough power from Ralaban to heal himself, as he had been close to death, and fled into the Nether, vowing to never return himself, but eternally send his minions against Ralaban. Weakened now from the theft, Ralaban was unable to descend once more, forced to live as a god and separate from his creations.'"

Sanctum Civilization or the Right of Civilization
Within the final Santorum Divinica, the story of Ralaban’s ascension from the Overworld and the creation of the Divine City is told, as well as the Right of Civilization and the requirements for a Divine March to be called into being.

The Right of Civilization is the final tenant given to the Church through Ralaban’s writings. This right focuses on the broadest sense of civilization in the world. It instructs the church to take whatever means are necessary to protect the ideals of civilization no matter the cost to either the Church itself or to those around it. Ralaban even writes that if the Church must forcibly seize control of a nation to prevent its descent into chaos, then it must do so even if the attempt fails. Such attempts shall be named "Divine Marches" and will be led by a Crusader-Commander, appointed by the High Prelate and guided and assisted by the Council of Elders. However, to balance this Right, Ralaban gives several requirements for this right to be enacted, stating that if even one is to fail, then no March can be called, lest it become an abuse of the Law and powers put unto the Church. If the legitimacy of a Divine March is called into question, the Church will deliberate as a tribunal and assign a verdict through the random appointment of a Jury that will provide the final verdict.

The requires are as follows:


 * The Government must be either wholly absent, utterly corrupt, or presently falling. This is most commonly seen in times of war, following a catastrophic defeat, or when the nation is in utter rebellion. If this is proven to the High Prelate, then the second requirement must be checked.
 * The Church, as supported by the High Prelate and Council of Elders, must bring it to a vote of all High Priests in the Church and upon an accepted vote, will present its demands to whomever will be most affected by this. In the terms of a rebellion, both sides would be notified and given a chance to return to Order. In the terms of a failing or fallen government, former ministers, who are chosen by the local church and verified by the Church itself, would be offered the Church’s support in regaining control. If this attempt fails, the third requirement must be verified by the High Prelate themselves.
 * If the influence of Ulgartha is found within the nation, the Church as a whole is called to annihilate it and to rebuild the nation from the ground up to prevent Ulgartha from returning. If this means the Church takes direct control for an indeterminate period of time, then the nation is controlled by the High Prelate and Council directly. (Note: The third and final requirement is not a direct requirement, as this only precludes the Church taking control of the nation itself, but with the verification of the first two, a Divine March can be called upon and formed.)

"'As Ralaban sat above the world, he heard the cries of those living and those dead who had worshipped him. Desiring to create a realm where the dead would live in peace and happiness, Ralaban created the Divine City. A never-ending, orderly city in which those of his faithful who died would live their eternal lives in. Through his prophets and priests, he gave the news of this new life to the people, encouraging them to have hope and to preserve civilization, as a great reward awaited them in his kingdom.'"

The Knight Orders of the Church

 * The Order of the Silvered Chisel
 * This Order forms the builders of the Church. Appointed for their blessings and skills, this order is a peaceful one, focusing on the construction of temples to Ralaban and the cities in which they live. Typically performing these acts as veneration and worship of Ralaban by spreading order through the expansion of cities.
 * The Order of the Dawn Bringers
 * The most militant of the Knightly orders, the Dawn Bringers are a group that actively hunt down bandits, chaotic religions, and cults that form within their respective nations. Given the nature of their order and the need for travel, those within this order are typically nomadic, wandering from nation to nation to continue their hunt, finding refuge at temples or holds owned by the Church or the Order itself.
 * The Order of Balanced Wrath
 * The Balanced Wrath is known within the Church as the order of judges and bailiffs. Serving as the cornerstone and enforcers of Court etiquette, law, and proper trials, the Balanced Wrath holds its standard to absolute neutrality and proper accordance with the law. The majority of this order serves as judges and bailiffs in cities and towns, but there are those that wander the nation as traveling judges, juries, and executioners for smaller villages and hamlets.
 * The Order of the Godclaws
 * Known as the slayers of Ulgartha’s creations, the Godclaws’ only mission is to eradicate monsters where they spawn. Answering the calls of any who need it, the Godclaws travel from their holds and cities to wherever Ulgartha’s servants lay in numbers, slaying any that stand there and finding those that would assist their foes in their ruinous paths.
 * The Order of the Stones
 * The Order of the Stones is the order responsible for sending out missionaries and aid to those in need. Using whatever resources are available, the Order deploys groups of preachers, missionaries, and delegates to different nations and preaches the word of Ralaban, usually working to lay the groundwork for the approach of the nation and the establishment of an official church. Those within the Order who successfully convince a nation to accept the Church usually go on to become the branch’s new priests and clerics in this new location.
 * The Order of Divine Justice
 * The internal security of the Church, the Order of Divine Justice are the inquisitors and warriors that keep the Church purged of Ulgartha or any other diety’s influence. This order reports only to the High Prelate themselves and has absolute authority to override any other decision outside of the High Prelate’s.

The Lawkeepers

 * The largest of the sub-groups within the Church, the Lawkeepers are a group of armed worshippers that serve as a militant branch of the faith, usually residing and serving within cities as either law enforcement or an independent militia. However, these militias can also serve as auxiliaries for their nation’s army, though to serve, the Chapter must petition the High Prelate for permission to mobilize first. To mobilize without permission is seen as a breach of duty and dereliction of their duty to protect their respective cities. Each temple when formed is granted the right to a Chapter of the Lawkeepers and will be allowed to form alternative chapters once the maximum number of a chapter has been reached.
 * The Maximum number of a chapter is Ten (10). Any additional persons will be formed into a new chapter.
 * Chapter names are chosen by the Chapter Master and the High Priest.
 * Each Chapter possesses a strict hierarchy of leadership and must be followed at all times.
 * Chapter Master: The leader of the Chapter, the CM dictates the Chapter’s actions in conjunction with the High Priest of the associated temple.
 * The High Cleric: The spiritual guide of the Chapter, the High Cleric is responsible for the faith aspect of the Chapter. They are also responsible for the maintenance of the chapter’s divine relics and equipment when in the field.
 * Clerics: The assistants and healers of the Chapter, they serve under the High Cleric as medics, assistants in worship, and battle-field preachers.
 * Paladins: Squad leaders within the Chapter, Paladins guide small units of Lawkeepers, not numbering more than four per squad.
 * Lawkeeper: The lowest ranking member of the Chapter, the Lawkeeper is the backbone of the armed forces of the Chapter and serves as both law enforcement and militiaman.

Hierarchy of the Clergy

 * The High Prelate
 * Held currently by QuietPsyker, the High Prelate is the ultimate authority within the Church itself. Given Divine right by which to guide the Church, the High Prelate observes and performs all major rituals held in the largest temples, dictates the course of any conflicts that the Church involves itself in, and assists in the writing and creation of new books, lore, and temples.


 * The Bishop
 * The direct assistant to the High Prelate, the Bishop serves as the hand of the Prelate, able to act with his authority when needed and serves as the behest and whim of the High Prelate.


 * Saints
 * A self-explanatory role, Saints are those chosen by the Church to be canonized and revered as the icons of Justice, Law, and obedience to the Law.
 * The Council of Elders
 * Less of an official council and more of a group of appointed figures from within the Church, the Council serves as the High Prelate's advisors, generals, and go-to allies within the running of the Church. Normally appointed the Heads of their respective paths, the Council has no set size to allow for maximum flexibility.


 * High Priests
 * The leaders of the various temples, High Priests serve and guide their respective temples in all forms of diplomacy and political efforts to work with the local government. Normally presiding over only the most important or major events of the Temple, the High Priest leads the temple through example and hard labor.


 * Priests
 * The spiritual guides of the Church, a temple can have however many priests are needed for the attendance to their congregation. Appointed directly by the High Priest, many of these priests serve several roles throughout the hierarchy, ranging anywhere from Paladins to Clerics to Chapter-Masters, the Priests serve valuable and needed positions to keep the Church runnning.
 * Vicars
 * The lowest rung of the Clergy, vicars are volunteers or Priests in training to serve in the Church. Vicars usually perform menial tasks like refilling the donation boxes, running messages, performing minor services, etc.

Hierarchy of the Monastic Orders

 * The High Prelate
 * Held currently by QuietPsyker, the High Prelate is the ultimate authority within the Church itself. Given Divine right by which to guide the Church, the High Prelate observes and performs all major rituals held in the largest temples, dictates the course of any conflicts that the Church involves itself in, and assists in the writing and creation of new books, lore, and temples.
 * Abbots
 * Abbots are the leaders of their respective monasteries. Given the rarity of temples to Ralaban outside major cities, Abbots hold a great deal of power within the hierarchy of the Church, simply due to their status as leaders of the Faith in the Wilderness or Frontiers of the World.
 * Monks
 * Serving as those that wish a peaceful existence, separated from the Cities, Monks serve as creators, historians, and preservers of knowledge and literature produced by the Church. As every monastery is required to have a library, in which copies of all Church documents are held, Monks attend to these documents to ensure the trust and veracity of these documents if something was to be called into question.
 * Scholar-Monks
 * A specialized path for Monks, Scholar-Monks specifically train themselves to record documentation that the Church sends, taking on the valuable task of recording each message brought to them.

Ralaban and his Angels

 * Ralaban: The God of the Church and religion, Ralaban is known as the Patron of Law, Justice, and Cities. Being well-known for his call to those that are deemed the most Lawful or Just, he consistently pushes his servants to strive to expand the reach of the Cities and nations of the world against the disorderly and chaotic world they find themselves in.
 * Nicknames:
 * The Law-Giver
 * The Patron
 * The Divine Architect
 * The City-Dweller
 * The Lawful One
 * Tatrasiel: The Orderly General and patron to all of the Knightly orders, Tatrasiel served Ralaban as his divine protector during the Dark Times and his general during the war with Ulgartha. When Ralaban ascended for the final time, Tatrasiel went with him, leaving behind the Knightly orders under trusted mortal lieutenants.
 * Peliel: Known as the Angel of Mercy and Dreams, Peliel is an androgenous being that enters the dreams of mortals and provides advice or healing words. Peliel is known to decry the power-grabs of Kherris and vowed never to appoint any champions of their own because they refused to stoop to the level of demons.
 * Oriash: Patron of the Order of the Silver Chisel, is also known as the Heavenly Architect and is responsible for the design of the Monarchy of Itheas and much of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Ulgartha and his Demons:

 * Ulgartha: The antagonist to Ralaban, Ulgartha is the divine foe of all that the Church stands for as well as the creation of all monsters upon the world. Widely associated with the Nether, the Church actively hunts any that would worship them.
 * Nicknames:
 * The Trickster
 * The Chaotic One
 * Kruzgec the Chaosgaze: One of Ulgartha’s most powerful servants, Kruzgec is a demon of great power, known as the Lord of Carnage, Kruzgec fought against the Monarchy of Itheas as one of the primary generals, but was banished from the Mortal plane after his death at the hands of one of Ralaban’s favored servants.
 * Zudjan Mourngrip: A demon of magic and foul construction, Zudjan serves as Ulgartha’s architect, making mockeries of Ralaban’s orderly creations within Ulgartha’s own version of the Heavenly City, but known as Hallishinarra, or the Damned Creation. The Order of the Silver Chisel despises Zudjan’s creations and will tear down and destroy any evidence of his works on the Overworld.
 * Kherris Whisper-taker: The last of Ulgartha’s servants, Kherris is known as a demon of subterfuge and deceit, using its power to turn the weak-willed and treacherous to the Chaotic powers of Ulgartha. While Kherris has never been seen by any servant of Ralaban, its whispers are heard in the darkest places of the world, calling to those that it believes can be turned away from the path of Ralaban.

Symbols

 * The Scales of Law: As Law is a key tenant of the Church, the Scales of Judgement are seen as divine, bringing judgement upon the guilty and mercy upon the innocent. This is the most common symbol associated with the Church, being seen on the shields of the Lawkeepers and upon the banners that decorate the places of worship and war-camps of the Church.
 * The Tower: Seen as the representation of civilization, many Ralabite images and banners hold the Tower as a key component of the faith, as from the construction of the tower to the cornerstone of the defense of the city to the watchful gaze of the guard, it represents the battle to preserve civilization and is deified by the Church as an example of civilization.