Helceye

Helastrianism
Helastrianism is a monotheistic religion originating in Helsia. it is the main religion in Helsia, with the diarchy being chosen by Oculia himself.

Beliefs
"There was a time that was once before all - a time in which man was myth and ash was all. This was an era without time, an era in complete stasis.

''But on a date unremembered - yet praised in the hearts of those faithful - a shockwave shook through the cosmos. The stasis of ash crumbled, particles infinitely falling, and soon condensing.''

In mere seconds light beamed through clouds and particles, and soon that light blinded the entirety of the heavens in it’s glow.

And finally, after an eternity without time, the first minute passed.

Eventually, the excess of light formed into the stars, creating the first shadows in tandem, and for a time it was like this, light and dark being all there was.

However, as time passed, a being began to form in the night - and saw potential.

The being formed its corporeality and dubbed itself with the first name: Oculia."

excerpt from the Helastrian scriptures

Helastrians believe in the deity Oculia, who in it's creation formed the universe from an infinite expanse of ash. it is stated that after this, he created the first world, leaving his eyes - respectively Helios (the sun) and Khon (the moon) - to take vigil in watching over Hesperis, who holds the world's structure from the inside.

after this, it is thought that it took Oculia multiple attempts to create a stable world, only succeeding in his third attempt - resulting in what we now call Rathnir. However, the newly named Rathnirites that populated the world began worshipping false gods due to a lapse in judgement from Oculia in control. this resulted in greed, war and famine spreading throughout the world. seeing this twisted version of his will, it is said Oculia used his twin eyes to scour the world for the last people not tainted with false faith - of which were the Helsians.

Oculia then Revealed himself to the Helsians, revealing of a land in the west - a land for the pious. he gave them instructions on the shipcraft needed for such a pilgrimage, and the Helsians quickly set sail.

Eventually, the Helsians reached the land now known as Eldham. settling in the southern island of valresh now known as helsia, and founded the fort-city of Grimsgil.

Organisation
Helastrianism is organised into multiple classes and titles - chief of which being the pope, who is second only to Oculia himself in reference to religious authority. the pope is chosen via an adoptive monarchy, with the pope choosing a successor to take the reigns.

the pope has authority over the five internal caste of the religion. the caste (in ascending order of power) are:

Followers make up the majority of the religion's population, being the least dedicated caste in the religion. they are mostly made up of the undedicated and converts. They are largely inconsequential on account of their lack of dedication, and are given minimal thought by the higher castes.

Ordained are the second largest caste in size, and consist of worshippers who are dedicated and active in the faith. they serve as the building blocks of Oculia's will, resting their souls in the eye's watch.

Ordained of higher fame and piety are given roles as advisors, guards and preachers in service of higher caste.

Mosentials are ordained who have been given watch/rule over a monastery or church, and serve as minor organisers. they are the least important land-owning caste, but are given some lee-way in events given to their church-goers.

Diocesians serve as local organisers for a group of monestials. they organise what events are done locally, what building style is used for the churches and often give advice to mayors or in some cases are mayors themselves.

Patriarchs are given rule by the pope to administer events to Diocesians in their region, they are advisors to the pope and are the highest earthly authority besides the papacy.

Mandates
Mandates are the moral codes that Helastrians follow to stay on the path.