The Luthurn

The Luthurn is the national religion of the Lorentish Kingdom but also followers in other nations. Mainly in the southern hemisphere of Rathnir.

History
In the beginning there was nothing but the void. Nothing but endless emptiness. No live and no conscious being beside the void itself.

Until the first gods appeared and with that the world around them started to form, splitting the void and creating a place friendly enough for others to thrive and grow.

Time passed and a world with various kinds of lifeforms formed. But their creation was far away from perfect. Species were fighting each other for land, for gold or just for prestige. Some fought for the god they believed in and while some gods just wanted to spread the kindness in each others hearths, some just enjoyed seeing them fight each other to death, spreading misery and pain.

While most beings found a welcoming home under the guard of one or several of the gods some just didn't found their place in this world. Some got betrayed by their god, some weren't able to believe in them. Some got called monsters and hunted by others. For those outsiders it was difficult to find a place to call home.

But then one god appeared, welcoming them all. Sharing his powers with them. This god was called Lutherius. He was the god of the night, of the darkness, ashes and of blood.

However some other gods disliked the gathering of undead and other creatures so they send hunters, trained soldiers to get rid of them. When Lutherius noticed that he gave some of his powers to ColeTheKeeper, making him the first vampire in the Luthern bloodline. The people of Lorent crowned him king and his wife Abby became his Queen. They represent the will of Lutherius and are not just the nation leaders but also the high priests of the Luthurn. With that the beginning of the Royal Luth family was made. An additional member is Lindorm, who is the adopted daughter of Cole. All followers of the Luthurn respect them as High Priests.

Main beliefs
The Luthurn acknowledges the necessity of the suns existence, so that live can flourish and spread but they also believe that too much of something good can and will harm you. Not only represents the sun lies, illusion and live but also fire, something that not only hurts but also kills a lot of undead creatures. Enjoy the sun while you can but be careful otherwise it will burn and hurt you and turn green regions into deserts.

They believe that the moon phases represent the flow of live. The continuous journey of night and day, life and death, the seasons, months, hope and misery.

Another big aspect of the religion is focused around blood. It is the believe that blood is one of the most value possessions one can have and gift. Therefore it is forbidden to spill blood without a reason. One shall value their own and others blood and therefore shall not seek harm to others outside of greater meanings, such as rituals. Or in order to defend your close ones from harm.

Full moon ceremony
During the ritual Lutherius contributes some of his power to the vampires of the Luth family. As compensation they sacrifice them self in order to be reborn. This ritual gives them the opportunity to walk below the sun. The ritual follows the believe that every power comes with a sacrifice.

New Moon Ritual
New moon is widely regarded as a bad omen in Luthurn or rather as an ominous night. The light of the moon that lights the way through the darkness for the living and the dead is not visible. On these nights it is forbidden to make offerings or use blood magic and any other sacred art. It is believed that otherwise the honor is not paid to the moon and thus Lutherius, but to the darkness and death, which are important components, but as such are not worshipped in the main religion. Lutherius carries the epithet "Bringer of the Night" because he defeated the nameless sun god, who withered the land, this fight and the following influences also brought him the epithet "Bringer of Death". However, along with the night, Lutherius also brings light, the moon to guide us under the cover of darkness. To counteract the darkness and create a point of reference for the night wanderers, this time not a candle but a large flame is lit in a fire bowl. While the fire is lit, the following words are traditionally recited: The moon may be darkened, obscured by clouds or not visible due to other cause' But our souls, shines forth bright and clear and strong.

May this fire shine in the night, illuminate it and outlast it.

May the flames burn away our resentment and hatred, and may our spirit sleep in peace and find rest.

Flames, burn bright and through the night!

Candles
The candle represent a guidance of people of the faith. Even in the darkest hours and days of a person, that the candle which is lit can allow Lutherius to help us. We understand that we need the sun for growth but we you not worship it. We accept and understand those who are not just human, such as the undead. Those who seek shelter and a welcoming home shall be welcomed within our halls as long as they don't carry hate and grief within their souls or seek to harm others.

Coversion
Start in a sanctus site ask the participant:"Priest: Do you *name* accept the call of Lutherius to join the faith?"When they say yes continue and give red potion this is traditionally Grape Must(Berrys in a cauldron)"Priest: Drink now the might of Lutherius!"Then when drunk, finish the ritual by saying "Priest: May Lutheriuse guide you. Praise and follow his words."

Sanguine initiation
Blood of the birth. The blood/fluid of birth is one of the most nutrient rich fluids in life therefore the blood of the birth is important, the blood should be used to make magic runes on the child(as they will already be bloody when born) for protection and blessings and some(small amount as small as a thimble full) should be taken to a temple and sacrificed to add them to the religion.

Lutherius' last blessing
When a Lurien dies their blood shall be drained and taken to a temple for use in ceremonies, the body is to be burned and the ashes taken and used to make a great work based upon what they did in life, if they were a warrior or black smith the ashes will be used as carbon in the forge to make a special weapon, only to be wield by the best warriors, if they were an Academic their ashes shall be used in dye to make a great writing or art piece or something related to the dead, if they were a humble farmer their ashes shall be used to fertilize the ground and provide a harvest for a holy ceremony.

Sanguine Bond
Since blood is so valuable for the Lurien it is a common tradition to gift their beloved one a special ring with a jewel made out of their own blood, when they ask them to marry. Once the marriage is confirmed the other partner shall craft such a ring as well. During the wedding both rings receive a magical bond, so that when one of the holders dies or recieves harm the other ring will start to glow or get cold. It is also said that that it breaks into hundred pieces if one betrays the other, since someones blood who betrayed a loved one isn't worthy Lutherius bless. Furthermore the ring will dissolve into dust if the couple ever divorces.

Luth
A person who owns the title of a Luth, has received a weapon blessed by Lutherius himself as well as a certain trait, that they carry from now on. So far there are three existing traits, such be refereed as blood, soul and mind.

The blood aspect is represented by Abby she can heal wounds or open them with her artefact “Death Biter”.

The mind belongs to Cole, he owns a lot of charisma wich makes people more willing to listen and follow him.

And last but not least the soul, possessed by Lindorm. That trait is concentrated on the inner wishes and believes of people. Making it easier for her to detect lies or convince people from her side.

Lusiphis
People with the Lusiphis title have the second highest rank inside the religion. They studied the holy books and know how to execute every ritual, including the full moon ceremony.

Lurien
Lurien is the name of all followers of The Luthurn. They execute rituals like the candle ones on a regular basis.

Denominations

 * The Bone Cult
 * Bambis
 * The seven pacts

Involvement in Lorent
As mentioned fulfills the royal Family two roles. One leading the Lorenthish Kingdom and second being the high priest. Therefore The Luthurn is highly spread throughout the Kingdom and barely any other religion is represented.