Soleannen

Overview:
Soleannen is a major religion found throughout Rathnir. The religion's primary deity is Solaris, which is the most well known among citizens and those outside the country. It was primarily found in Soleanna and Lumaire, but in the modern day survives mostly in Nieden and Cymru.

History
The religion of Soleannen was found in the Imperium 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 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.

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 a Soleannen.

Canisevan Soleannen
Canisevan Soleannen holds all the core values of standard Soleannen, but with extra values of Pavlovism, based on dogs.

Imperial Mystics
The Imperial Mystics are a group found in the south and northwest of Escharia focused on ancient practices and magicks.

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

Aquacode Solleanen
Aquacode Solarism is the official religion of Tiafe. Aquacode Solarism 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.

Golden Postulates:
Commandments of the Soleannen religion are written in the Golden Postulates, and are as follows:

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 Church
Cardinal:

The Cardinal is the head of the religion after the Emperor. Reside inside the Sonnekir Cathedral in Lileanen, from where they issue instructions to other members of the clergy. May appoint Bishops, Deacons, etc. and de/promote members, just as the Emperor can.

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.

Bishop/Vicar:

A leader of the church in other towns (In Lileanen, a deputy for the Cardinal, in case of their absence), who take instructions from the Cardinal, and are second in command after the mayor in towns which they reside in. Are trusted  by the Cardinal themselves. May give out orders, appoint Deacons and Priests, but not de/promote them.

Deacon:

A mid-ranking member of the Church, who has earned trust through their contributions, relations or achievements. Hold a bit more power than Priests.

Priest/Monk:

A starting member of the clergy, has to earn trust to move up the hierarchy. Despite their low rank, they are still respected in society.

Major Gods
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 Soleannen 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.

Champions/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 ancient Tesselian forces and sealed the pit the first time following the ensnarement of Solaris.
 * 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

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 Cathedral) 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, 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.

Symbols
Solaris: Solaris is often symbolized by the Sun and Flames. Solaris has been known to appear as an Eagle or Pheonix. 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: Amarus is symbolized by a cross, or occasionally a humanoid imbued with the elements.

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.

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, 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.

The Ultimare is often what is called the End by the commoner. It is the home of the great Dragon spirit Amastre, who is believed to be a fallen god 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 accessable through the use of an ancient Soleannan circle. In this realm it is believed that Hypervoras wanders, channeling the fires to his will. In 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.