Soleannen

Soleannen is a polytheistic religion in Cymru and Nieden. The religion's primary deity is Solaris, which is the most well-known among citizens and those outside the country. It was previously found in Lumaire and Soleanna. Historically it has been the most popular religion by a large margin and continues to hold this status to this day being found in places like Nieden. It has several splinter faiths such as Theiosism and Soleviel.

History
The religion of Soleannen was found in the First Empire of Soleanna which used to rule over the realm of the Eastern Empire hundreds of years ago. It was the native belief of the Ignii people's before the Empire's prestige and power allowed it to permeate outside of Nieden. Chief Auberon I adopted the religion over 200 years ago within his tribe before he went on to unify the region and form the predecessor state of the Escharian Empire. Auberon's son Dietrich I went on to build religious sites and is said to have translated many of the texts of the religion. Today the Escharian peoples follow the same beliefs but focus much more on the primary god Solaris. The religion was used as a Casus-Belli against the Turtlonians in the Poaching of Turtlonia, as the Escharians didn't want the heathens near their lands.

Main beliefs and practices
The Soleannen religions foundations lie in the beliefs that the gods created the world of Rathnir, and have guided their followers in ways throughout the ages. In particular the people most tied to the gods are the Niedene who followed them throughout history, but the blessings are not exclusive to them. The god Solaris often takes primacy along with his wife over all the gods, due to their roles in creating the Niedene peoples and placing them in the fertile region of Soleanna. Ancestor worship is also common as it is believed that ones ancestors passed down their knowledge and experiences to benefit the next generation, it is believed that ancestors can hear prayers from the Luminarium. There are many honest virtues that are promoted in the religion as it is said those who act in the way following the Postulates are living life in a way that honors the gods and the ancestors. If one has lived a good life then they will be taken to the Luminarium after death, to be reunited with their people and now gone family. The Luminarium is a realm of serenity and peace, located as a small area within the Anmarium. The Anmarium is the realm of spirits and magick that is bound to our world through places such as stone circles and temples, as well as natural areas like groves, waters, and mountains. These minor spirits have shrines and can be mischievous or good in heart depending on the spirit.

To be inducted into the faith one must profess abandonment of all previous gods, profess faith in a Soleannen deity, and they are then encouraged to be baptized in a body of water that flows eastwards. After the completion of this they will officially be declared Soleannen.

Creation
“It is believed that the universe simply was in the beginning, multiple deities that existed in a void that was barren of everything. Near all of them went off to create their own realms, Fameis and Anetos worked together and created the Luminarium and Anmarum first, to be their home. Following this they created the patrons and spirits who they had helped create the world of the Hemnerei, and populated it with many creatures and the like. Over time they saw it needed something more, and so they created their last addition to the world, the Niedene.” -Saint Arminius

Golden Postulates and Honored Path
The Principles of Honor The Ehrlinnen Soleannen follow the principles laid about by a Cardinal in the Soleannan Empire, who tried to teach his people the way to living a better life.

1. Creation is the greatest of gifts.

2. Mortal life is not eternal, make the most of it.

3. Only people who are true to themselves find the way.

4. Change is inevitable - in your powers is to only delay it.

5. Love those around you, so that they may learn love for others.

6. Courage is a virtue, but fear is what keeps you alive.

7. Cruelty destroys the self.

8. Fate is in your hands, luck is in the hands of the world.

9. Charity is the way to fight Greed.

10. Truly strong people are those of strong minds.

11. Harmony is the world's desired state.

12. Inside everyone are seeds for being a good person, it is their decision to let them sprout.

13. Justice is merciless, for noble and peasant are equal to the law.

14. You have to strive for knowledge, as it is what keeps the world going.

15. Use your talents for the good of everyone, not to weave webs of lies.

16. There are things in the world yet unexplainable.

17. Protect people close to you, but do not forget oneself.

18. The darkest storms are followed by the clearest days.

The Golden Postulates The Golden Postulates are a further set of rules designed to guide the life and avoid sins, used most heavily in the church and modern Soleannen interpretations.

1. To worship gods not supported by The Church is blasphemous, for Solaris, The All-Father, and his Cohort, reign above all else. Saints and ancestors alike shall be revered, for they are also a part of his Cohort.

2. To kill another is to deny Solaris's gift of life, and so shall be considered not only a sin, but also a highest blasphemy.

3. To steal from another and to lie to another is to improperly use Solaris's gift of life, and so shall be considered a sin.

4. To muddle or degrade one's mind, be it enmity, excessive drinking or harlotry, is to sway from the All-Father's path, and so shall be considered a sin.

5. To treat another is akin to treating yourself, treat others with respect unless they have lost this right.

Hierarchy of the Clergy
Severiones, The Exalted: Soleannen Saints which are equal to the Ehreje and Gods, hold no powers but are incredibly strong through their wisdom.

Esaier, Saints: The Saints and Honoured Spirits lie as advisors to the Ecqerion, Emperor and to any who seek their advice but hold no power over the mortal world.

Ixare, The Emperor: The Emperor has power over the Church and is the leader of the Soleannen and Niedene people spiritually. He submits only to the Cohort.

Ecqerion, The Cardinal: The assistant to the Emperor, holds power over the religion and communes with the spirits when possible to help guide the Niedene people in the right direction. Is traditionally in Lileanen at the Sonnekir, or in Soleanna at the Daikirr.

Ikaritor, Inquisitor: A high-ranking member of the Church, who has proven their faith and dedication to All-Father Solaris through might and strength. Engage in war battles and persecute heretic activity.

Visar, Vicar: Those among the clergy who assist the cardinals in performing the most important duties, are tasked with confirming the next cardinal through a ceremony performed before the emperor. May lead other countries’ clergy, or reside with the Cardinal.

Aschann, Bishop: Members among the clergy who preside over Soleannen in other states (or over large domains within a Niedene Empire) are known as Bishops, they possess the ability to manage the clergy below them. They are picked by the Cardinal or a council of Vicars.

Diaqes, Deacon: Members of the clergy picked by Bishops to preside over the capitals of other countries or major cities within Escharia, they keep their lower clergy in line and perform work for those above them.

Orathi, Priest: Members of the clergy picked to reside over towns, have apprentices who they are training to become priests one day.

Ileri, Apprentice: Trainees of the clergy who have distinguished themselves as assistants and are henceforth in training to become priests themselves.

Ferre, Assistants: Members of the Kirrentai who work in maintaining Kirrentai land and other menial, non-religious matters.

Monk Hierarchy
Iste, Mystics: Monks who have gained exceptional power and wisdom, beyond that of even head monks are deemed mystics.

Inoreas, Head Monk: The head monk is in charge of running a monastery and holds a rank in the clergy as well, often as Bishops or Inquisitors.

Ileauras, Enlightened Monk: An enlightened monk is a veteran monk who has gained enough knowledge to run a monastery themselves if they wished, but instead is loyal to their current monastery so they may debate with their colleagues.

Ileau, Monk: A member of a monastery pursuing to further their knowledge and train in arms to become a warrior of the faith.

Seltile, Monk Initiate: A member recently inducted into monkhood, ongoing training to be a monk.

Gods
Solaris (Anetos): The Chief God of the Nieden people who is representative of fire, passion, and refined emotion. He was trapped in the Sun before being freed following the Ascension. He is currently in Luminarium beside his wife Sylene.

Sylene (Fameis): Wife of Solaris who is representative of water, serenity, and love. She was trapped in the Moon. When the Moon exploded, she was killed, but was reborn. She currently resides in the Luminarium, not showing herself to the mortals of Hemnerei.

Ivoras (Anetos): The wrath, impurity, and raw emotion of Solaris, that was split from him after creation. Left on Hemnerei, unable to reunite with its other half, he causes major change in the world.

Hicarys: Hicarys is thought to represent forgiveness, agility, and physical strength. He is believed to bring the souls of the dead to the Luminarium.

Meruvia: Meruvia is representative of joy, happiness, and general pleasantness. She is believed to dwell within forests and is benign.

Domari: Domari is thought to represent work, vigilance, and general integrity. He is often one to be found in mines or impersonating workers.

Arose: Arose is the god of the harvest.

Anetos: Anetos is the name used to refer to when Solaris is in his full power and united with Ivoras. In this form great changes often accompany his appearance on the mortal realm.

Fameis: Fameis is the name used to refer to Sylene when she is accompanying Anetos, as both feed off each other's power and are significantly stronger together.

Caligo (Gala): The one representative of darkness and obscurity, jealousy and vengeance. He is the one who trapped Solaris and Sylene. It is noted that the worship of this god is not common and is persecuted by all Soleannen States.

Patrons

 * Mustofius
 * Setiida
 * Aglanaia
 * Arkhes
 * Aemyllia
 * Naj'ustas
 * Abellon
 * Tezefeus
 * Adomuun
 * Anmarum
 * Agelleon
 * Turheniia
 * Sogeren
 * Esageus
 * Amias
 * Tereizen
 * Sermeas
 * Marses

Champions and saints

 * Ceasare, Founder of the Soleannan Empire: Ceasare is often regarded as the first champion and founder of the Soleannan Empire, which helped spread the religion and morals of Solaris across to the Nieden people.
 * Marius, Prominent Author: Marius is said to have written much of the history and practices down of the religion and empire after receiving divine visions from Solaris.
 * Auberon I, Founder of the Escharian Empire: Auberon I is said to have founded the Empire of Escharia after converting to Soleannen. He is said to have used the Flames of Solaris to defeat the pagan confederation that opposed him.
 * Imaksus, Avenger of Solaris: Imaksus is said to have defeated the first major blight during the Soleannen Empire.
 * Saint Eimi, The Creator: Eimi is credited with many inventions of the Niedene, vastly improving the life of many of the people of the world. He claimed that his inventions were due to divine visions.
 * Miri, Savior of Gentumar: Miri is believed to have repelled a horde of blighted creatures at the site of modern Arce Gentumar.
 * Arminius, Emperor of the East and Conqueror of Alteniquia: Arminius reforged the Great Soleannen Empire and guided most of his people home to the Luminarium
 * Samael Vorpes Delgrenzvar, The Third Cardinal of the Soleannen Faith under his leadership Soleannen grew into the largest Faith in Rathnir he also helped build up Aesperium Niedea which later became the second Empire of Escharia under Valerian Aesperii-Audalad he fought against the Ferrymen during the Ferrymen War and pushed Soleannen to become a dominant Faith in Bardonia and Ryzan. He also retrieved the holy Soleannen blade Malmener from Berd. Samael also founded Order Soleanna. Because of his legendary service to Faith after his disappearance, he returned as a Spirit and Severion.
 * Valerian Aesperii-Audalad a Soleannen from Sneedistan who participated in the Ascension and returned as a Soleannen Spirit, he then founded Aesperium Niedea and managed to put back together Nieden (later forming the second Empire of Escharia) which had collapsed after the end of the Soleannen Empire. Valerian also managed to unite Yimmu Audal, Viodoxa and Escharia into the Triumvirate of Denumain and after that fell apart made the Union of Solea Audal. Valerian put Soleannen Empires back on the world stage. Though his spirit has departed from the physical realm, some still claim to hear his whispers.

The Dimensions
In the religion there exists several planes of existence, most notably the Luminarium, Ultimare, Ignium, Immerium, and Hemeri. Several of these realms are freely travelable by people through portals while others are not.

The Luminarium is a heavenlike tranquil alternate plane of existence in the Anmarum, where one may go upon dying provided they have been deemed worthy by the creators. It is here that most of the gods are believed to have resided, but now those fallen may live out a calm and peaceful existence here. In the Ancient Temple of Flammastahl-Hitaschei, the Imperial Mystics discovered texts about the Luminarium and the Emperor Arminius used this knowledge to visit the realm shortly. Accounts of Arminius claim that the skies shine a warm blue or gray, with a gentle breeze on many days in the part he traveled. He reported that the latent magicks of his ancestors flowed through the place and he was able to harness them for his stay at the place. To get here you must travel to the Ivoretii, of which from there you may enter the Anmarium. It is said that the Patrons and Gods will guide you on your way from here to the Luminarium.

The Ultimare is often what is called the End by the commoner. It is the home of the great Dragon spirit Akheras, who is believed to be a fallen goddess cursed by Caligo to be bound to the obsidian pillars which give him life. It is home to the tall figures which the Imperials call Ezerii. The Ezerii are believed to be the souls of those trapped by Caligo or merely wandering Spirits. This realm is home to many ancient beasts and technologies that are difficult to access. The Soleannan Empire held a research center here but it has since been destroyed by an unknown entity from the void.

The Ignium is the realm of fire accessible through the use of an ancient Soleannan circle. In this realm it is believed that Ivoras wanders, channeling the fires to his will. This realm is known to possess former Niedene forts often called Bastions, which were used as hubs to process Netherite for the various Empires and send it to supply their armies and royal guards. Over time these forts have since fallen into disrepair and the ancient stones used to make them have been brought back home for construction purposes worldwide.

The Immerium is the realm of darkness which Caligo is. The Immerium is most often seen when one heads to the Ultimare and looks off the edge into the void below. It is said that the land in the Immerium resembles the Hemerei but is often black, with various creatures of malevolent intent roaming the fields and stalking the forests for those unlucky enough to be trapped here. It is believed that those who are evil in life are eventually trapped here with the god and his dark creations, forever a victim of the unending death. To send one here is a crime that is so wicked, all Niedene regardless of nation have united against cults to the realm.

The Hemnerei is simply what the Niedene refer to as the Overworld. Where one wanders and sees Empires rise and fall on the day, where life is abundant and days pass as normal. To many this is the realm of Rathnir, a place where death is frequent. This is the realm of the Niedene, the life of the world.

The Ahrevan is a realm that is like Rathnir as it is inhabited by regular peoples similar to Nieden, however the location of the portal to get there has been lost. It is believed to lie in the Felkerr mountains, west of Vorpesdorf in Escharia. The Niedene Kingdom of Amastre lies here.

Ivoretii (Also known as Ivorea): Ivoretii is a long lost city in the snow. This is where the souls are taken on their way to the Luminarium.

Notable Religious Sites
There are multiple religious sites in the lands of the eastern empire. Most prominently the Cathedral to Solaris (Sonnekir) in Lileanen but as well as Stones dotted in the countryside.


 * Sonnekir: The Sonnekir (Sun Temple) was a cathedral in Lileanen, where most Imperial ceremonies involved. It stood as the town's center and present cardinal's often gave out goods to people who passed through. This was where the Cardinal was seated wielded their power from.
 * Flammastahl: The most important temple was Flammastahl temple. Flammastahl was a major temple located near Mladupol (now called Iabet), it served as the burial point of the Imperial family. Arminius restored it and used its knowledge to guide his people home during the Ascension. This was a major site of the Arkhai Mystics.
 * Il-Kabuli: Il-Kabuli was a military fort and monastery in Theionikos. It was where the Soleannan Empire exercised control over Yimmu-Audal from while Arkhai Mystics occupied its halls. It holds the Solkaa and was a former Royal Residence of the Emperor.
 * Jedasalem: Jedasalem is a town in Ummarnu where it is said Solaris appeared and performed many works 2,000 years ago. This was repeated during the expeditions as Solaris performed miracles, prompting the Solkaa to be moved to Il-Kabulli.
 * Soltres: There exists a Soltre (Symbol) carved into a mountain wall near Alshati. This was an Important site for pilgrims across Rathnir. In Plagos there exists 2 other Soltres in former Imperial territory.
 * The Ascension Site: Where Arminius sacrificed themselves to Ascend to the Luminarium along with their cohort. Thus sealing the void pit and sinking the island of Tessel - as a result Lileanen was sunk too.

The Kirrentai
The Kirrentai is the organization which the faith is kept solid and in check, comparable to a church as it manages the faiths canon and regulates the moral culture of the Soleannen people.

Imperial Mystics
The Imperial Mystics are a group found in the south and northwest of Escharia focused on ancient practices and magicks. They served the true Aeszerii and often were members of Monasteries.

Arkhai Order
The Arkhai Order is headed at Il-Kabulli, focused on sending missionaries and converting the people of the West.

Order Soleanna
Order Soleanna served the Kirrentai as they consist of Paladins loyal to the church and Solaris who carry out his will through force if necessary, the orders job is to maintain peace in Nieden and among Soleannen, it was founded by Soleannen Cardinal Samael. This role historically was fulfilled by the Auroran Order until their rebellion and their exodus to Haven.

The Soleannen Spirits
The Soleannen Spirits were an informal, roving group of Escharian warrior spirits who arose after the Escharian Ascenscion. They attacked any who did not profess their belief in Soleannen. Many were afflicted by their raids, either fleeing further north, or being forced to convert. After the formation of new, stable Soleannen states in the region, they eventually ceased their raids, although several of the Spirits remained and continued to influence events.

Soleviel
A religion that was founded in Simulami as a rejection of the current church system, it is the most popular branch faith.

Ehrlinnen
Ehrlinnen is the traditional version of the faith pre-ascension. It is only practiced by Monks and Spirits.

Canisevan Soleannen
Canisevan Soleannen holds all the core values of standard Soleannen, but with extra values placed on revering and honoring dogs due to their long association with the Niedene. It is now extinct as it was only practiced by Naverechniyan converts for a short while.

Dandelist Soleannen
A combination of Soleannen and Dandelism, Dandelist Soleannen was created in an attempt to convert Bardonians to Soleannen. It was also created because of a lack of lore surrounding the Dandelist religion. It was originally started by the player I_ce.

Dandelist Soleannen

Aquacode Soleannen
Aquacode Soleannen is the official religion of Tiafe. Aquacode Soleannen recognizes Solaris and Sylene as the leaders of The Deep Ones and worships them because of it. It partakes in the worship of music as well. Sylene is worshiped just as much as Solaris because of her ties with water.