Soleviel

Soleviel is a form of Soleannen that originates from after the Escharien Ascension and with the Reimagination Period, a movement against what its followers perceived to be errors in the Soleannen Clergy and Church.

Solevielism is protestant-like movement/church that rejects the worldly supremacy and beliefs of the Soleannen doctrine, where unification of all believers shall not mean by land and under one Emperor, Nation or Saint, but only spiritually under faith and Solaris (the All-Father). It secludes Faith and World, opening space for both secularists and religious beliefs to not intervene with each other. It seperates Emperors and Saints from the Church hiearchy, while believing that only good-willed Spirits came back from the Luminarium. They are also more tolerable to ancient-native religions, but still consider theirs superior among others. It can be found throughout the Matterial Plane in both Rathnir (mainly in Nieden) and Eldham.

History
Following the history of the Soleannen religion and the fall of the Second Soleannen Empire of Escharia the original faith saw a decline by the period of Fragmentation, throughout hard work by religious movements in Nieden from Wahat, to Niedea and Simulami it was once again restored. As two larger nations and forces continueosly clashed in beliefs regarding unification, as Niedea were consisting of post-ascension Niedene's while Simulami a new nation with Floramii and Krobuny populating it wanted its own independence, while following the deeds of Solaris and his pantheon. This went on till the Period of Discovery and Expansion, where Simulami Clerics and Priests were exiled from the Church for their distaste of continous harrasment against secluarist beliefs and worldly-independence. They have decided by still following the faith, but seperating Religion from Imperialism to preserve their dedication to the Gods and their Nation. The Soleannen Church instantly denounced their acts and almost made a religious-crusade broke out, but with the form of Third Coalition against Bardonia it halted for good, till Niedea and Simulami made peace again, forming the Soleviel church.

Long after the Soleviel church was well established in the Eldham colonies and holdings of the Simulami Empire, Soleviel's word reached the Drakeslands, to the south. The faith arrived to the former Kingdom of Nidaros with the construction of a church in Nibury. Soleviel began to grow fast in the continent. It experiencied a big growth after the formation of The Kingdoms of Valreach. More priests were comming and the Valrean Princess was named Archbishop of Soleviel in Vircon. Over the years of Soleviel cermonies, summed to the Drakaen local culture, a new branch of Soleviel appeared, maintaining its main force in Valreach and rising once more the level of followers of the religion all across the Eldhamite region.

Main beliefs and practices
Soleviel believes in the creation myth and legends of Soleannen. Where its foundations lie in the beliefs that the gods created the world of Rathnir, and have guided their followers in ways throughout the ages. Most tied to them while still being the Niedene, but this has expanded to other human races in Nieden. Solaris still often takes primacy as the All-Father for their role in creating all Niedene and Humans that would later became their followers. 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.

To be inducted into the faith one must profess abandonment of all previous gods, profess faith in one or more Soleviel deity, agree on seperating faith and world, 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 a Soleviel.

The Following are from the Soleannen page: 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. 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 Animarium. The Animarium 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.

Golden & Silver 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 Soleviel interpretations, with the addition of Solevialism.

Golden:


 * 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.

Silver:


 * 1) To achieve authority over church and to perceive worldly goals shall be considered a sin, as it denies unification through faith and follows the path of conquest.
 * 2) To follow mischievous and evil/warmongering Spirits or Saints, is to sway from the All-Father's path, and treating them as beings of Lumminarium shall be considered a sin.

Order of Müviel
Main article: Order of Müviel

The Order of Müviel is based in Müvielle, Crownland of Simulami, a crusader order following codex-es, focused on hard labour, constant praying and justice.

Krobuny Soleviel
Krobuny people are a human race that lived by Niedene for almost a millenium, their traditional way to worship the gods is through tribal ways of totemism and offerings.

Draaken Soleviel
Drakonian people and believers that believe their faith Dygrathos is a sub-entity of Solaris, the All-Father.

Valrean Soleviel
The Valrean Soleviel is the set of traditions and beliefs that, added to the base Soleviel Pantheon, form the Soleviel culture in Valreach and in the eastern Drakeslands.

The main additions the Valrean people embrace are the existance of the following spirits:

 The reencarnation of Akheras 

The Soleviel followers in Valreach believe that Akheras, the draconic spirt of the Ultimare, would be trying to get reencarnated to a mortal being in the Hemnerei. That would be achieved through some regions of access between the Immerium and the Hemnerei. Regions such as the Tunnels of Nidaros. Little shrines in honour to Akheras can be found all across the Drakeslands to pray for the spirit.

This believe is very related to the legend of the reencarnation of The Autarch and the symbolic Dragon of the leader of the fallen Regnum Drakaes. Prayers of Akheras in the region pray for the spirit to be reencarnated into the soul of The Autarch, Tiffany Canalopin. Some of them even believe that Tiffany was born already as a reencarnation of this spirit or that the spirit entered her through the Nidarosean Tunnels.

 The Pale Horse 

The Pale Horse, commonly known as the cum horse, is a mhytical creature, which spirit remains on the Hemnerei. It was a equine creature at the service of Arose. Blessing the world with fertility. Arose is commonly represented riding the Pale Horse in the Drakeslands.

The spirit of the Pale Horse is worshipped specially on the Eldhamite region of the Drakeslands. The local worshippers, even the ones not followers of Soleviel, usually pray for the resurrection of the horses they rode in life. If the prays are heard by Erose, they revive the horses into genderless skeleton creatures.

The spirit of the Pale Horse could be found in every single one of this specimens, reincarnated to give them a second life.

 The Lion of Nidaros 

The origin and nature of the Lion of Nidaros is unclear. It was an ancient spirit worshiped by the locals of Nidaros long ago. It represents strenght, courage, honor and greatness. It’s the main symbol of the city.

Valrean Soleviel followers believe that it may be a spirit sent by Solaris to stop Caligo’s influnce in the distorted region of the undergruond Nidaros, the tunnels. its main propose would be stop the biggest threat of the tunnels, The Mole King.

 The Mole King and his kin 

The Mole King is a twisted spirit of the Immerium, serf of Caligo. One of the many creatures that comes from the Immerium. The Mole King uses the Tunnels of Nidaros to find more souls to dominate and add to his horde. It is believed that the Mole King is the one responsible for the construction of the Tunnels.

Hiearchy of the Soleviel Clergy
 Patriarch : The Patriarch is the head of Soleviel Religion and answers to the Gods only. He can reside in any sacred holy cities throughout both Rathnir and Eldham, from where they issue instructions to other members of the clergy. He may appoint Archbishops, Deacons, etc. and de/promote members. He is a voted invidual among Archbishops and his/her reign may last for certain periods (2-3 weeks real life time). They may crown worldly leaders if asked.

 Archbishop : A high-ranking member of the church that has proven their faith and dedication to the All-Father Solaris throughout might and strength or in leading entire regions with several cities/churches, they are the second in command after the Patriarch and usually a religious figurehead where he resides. He is trusted by the Patriarch and Gods themselves, may give out orders, appoint Deacons and Priests, but cant de/promote them further.

 Bishop : A leader of a church, cathedral or basilica in any larger settlements, they take instructions form higher ranking clergy, and are trusted by both them and Gods. They may give out orders and appoint Priests, but cant de/promote them further.

 Deacon : A mid-ranking member of a church or a head of any small chapel, who earned their trust throughout contributions, relations and achievements. Hold a bit more power then regular Priests and serve as mentors for them.

 Priest/Monk : The starting member of the Clergy, has to earn trust to move up the hiearchy. They are respected among the society and can hold baptisations, prayers and small ceremonies.

Major Gods
This a modified section is from the Soleannen Page.


 *  Solaris:  The Chief God of the Nieden people who is representative of fire, passion, and refined emotion. He was trapped in the Sun.
 * Sylene Wife of Solaris who is representative of water, serenity, and love. She was trapped in the Moon alongside her spouse. When the Moon exploded, she was killed, but was reborn. She currently resides in the Luminarium, not showing herself to the mortals of Rathnir.
 *  Borealis (Hypervoras):  The wrath, impurity, and raw emotion of Solaris, that was split from him after creation. Left on Rathnir, unable to reunite with its other half, he causes major change in the world.
 *  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 Faithful States.
 *  Hicarys (Hel):  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 and luck, often depicted as a genderless entity sometimes depicted as a smaller Deity of acceptance.


 * Anetos: Anetos is the name used to refer to when Solaris is in his full power and united with Boreallis. In this form great changes often accompany his appearance.
 * Amarus: The name of when Solaris and Sylene are united as one entity, they often appear as a phoenix in this form. This was the form that was used in the making of the world.

Saints
Saints are faithful serveants of Solaris and they serve the gods in Luminarium till the end of the world. They cannot come back to the matterial world.

Saint Ceasare: Founder of the First Soleannen Empire, he is often regarded as the first Champion and Founder of the Soleannen Empire, which helped spread the religion and morals of Solaris across the Nieden people.

Saint Marius: As an prominent author and scribe it is said to have written much of the history and practices of the religion and empire after recieiving divine visions from Solaris.

Saint Auberion I: He is said to have used the Flames of Solaris to defeat the pagan confederation that opposed him, and have also founded the Escharian Empire, a Soleannen state, after his conversion to the religion.

Saint Miri: Savior or many, Miri is believed to have repelled a horde of blighted creatures at the site of modern Arce Gentumar.

Saint Ortwin Aurelius: Ortwin helped his country spread the old ways back to the Niedene and across the Hemnerei. He also has made many works for the faith including music and books and is often depicted as a Scribe.

Saint Samael: After the Ascension he united all Soleannen and Believers and spread its influence throughout the world as a whole, making it thrive once again. Martyr for the faith who spread the faith across the world.

Spirits of Solaris
Soleviel sees true Spirits not as a fighting force of raids and battles, but as animations of the All-Father sent back to help its children in peace, that can come back from the Luminarium to the World of Stoneworks. Most notable true peaceful spirits are:

Valerian I Iuris Emperor of Niedea/Escharia and the Sneedi people earned his way of Ascension before, he sworn upon peace and friendliness among all living in Niedene.

Deborah di'Bianci Often seen as an entity of vengenance he truly serves the Emir of Najer aiding them on independence and prosperity.

Symbols
This section is from the Soleannen Page.


 * Solaris : Solaris is often symbolized by the Sun and Flames. Solaris has been known to appear as an Eagle. As he is the head of the religion these are the main religious symbols as well.
 * Sylene : Sylene is often symbolized by the Moon and Water. Sylene has been known to appear as a wolf.
 * Amarus : They are often shown as a Phoenix due to their preferred form being a Phoenix in this state.
 * Caligo (Gala) : Caligo is symbolized by a black sword or a red eye.
 * Borealis : Borealis is symbolized by a flaming hand, or a humanoid cloaked figure covered in flame. In depictions he is often shown as a mass of magma in a beastlike form.

Realms & Dimensions
This a modified section is from the Soleannen Page.

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, 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. Accounts of Spirits claim that the skies shine a warm blue or gray, with a gentle breeze on many days in the part they traveled.

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 Ignium is the realm of fire accessible through the use of an ancient Soleviel circle. In this realm it is believed that Hypervoras wanders, channeling the fires to his will. Over time Ignium 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.

The Hemnerei is simply what the believers 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.

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.

Ivoretii: Ivoretii is a long lost city in the snow. This is where the souls are taken on their way to the Luminarium.