Faxemis Angelae

Faxemis Angelae is an ancient religion from western Haven which has migrated to Alteniquia, exerting its influence in the Archduchy of Azuria. Due to that shift, the current capital of Azuria (Grandia) works as a central, and practically holy, city to the faith. Faxemis Angelae has a very strict and well-defined hierarchy, the higher being the Kentis (or first servant), and the lowest being the unbaptised practitioner. It has 10 different ranks, being lead by the Kentis and a Council of Cretwis1, with the help of Carditus Pratus1, Bishops and Archbishops, Priests and Archpriests. Faxemis Angelae is a highly polytheistic faith, with various different deities organized in a strict hierarchy. It is believed that every player, temple, town and nation has it's own protector spirit (or angel), which are worshipped in more private and local praying sessions. It is therefore common for Faxemis Angelaean households to have a small division, dedicated to praying, and some big castles even having their own chapels, churches. Though most Faxemis Angelaean believers are found in either Azuria or Kranga, many other countries have small populations of Angelaeans, such as Sylvania.

1 Check the clergy hierarchy for more info

History:
Origins Faxemis Angelae was created in November 2021 by a hermit monk, Theodred Onevior, who was chosen by the gods to represent them. He had lived a peaceful life on his farm, located near Alfheim, where he had worked every day for centuries, until the gods sent him on a journey across Rathnir, with the aim of spreading the religion. He walked for days and nights, trying to find a good nation where he could establish his religion, until he found the Archduchy of Grandia, where he settled.

The holy revelation marks the start of the Angelaean calendars, and is the most important miracle of the faith, being celebrated with a big festival. The hill which Faxemus chose to step on is considered sacred, and has been dubbed "The holy hill".

His teachings were recorded into The book of the Prophet, and were later transcribed to the Testaments of Faxemus and to the wiki. It is thanks to Faxemus and to Theodred that we know so much about the gods.

He swam and walked across Rathnir, until he reached a gigantic desert, where Faxemus appeared to him again, telling him about a land of sailors and merchants, where he sould settle. He walked trough the desert for weeks, but it didnt seem to end. He knew the promised land was on the other side of the desert, but he didn’t know how to get there.

Fortunately, some days later, while singing a tune from his native land, he noticed he had finally left the desert. He road east, until he reached the town of Grandia, where he settled.

Early times

After settling in Grandia, Theodred made a huge sacrifice to the gods, to thank them for guiding and protecting him troughout his journey. He quickly found out about the city's church, which he converted to the first Faxemis Angelaen church. One month after the creation of the faith, the first convert joined: Saint Pep, The Lion of Bellum. They became great friends, united by their faith, which they attempted to spread all troughout Rathnir.

But, on christmas eve 2021, Bellum talked to them. He told them old tales of salvation, and gave them the god's teachings carved into logs, which were later transcripted to a book, by Theodred Onevior. He talked to them, answering their questions, he took the form of a bat, with giant flaming wings, and invoked the 4 great prophets of Sakrelism: Saxhreask, Terenalak, Ataron and Fasherak. They stood there silently though, floating in the air, listening to their master. Bellum gave Pep the title of "Lion of Bellum", which made him the rightful leader of the Bellumite Knights.

Inspired by Bellum's words, Theodred and Walter started working, spreading the religion. Pep started to travel around rathnir, evangelising and building churches, while Theodred stayed in Grandia, building the Basilica of the all-powerful Faxemus.

Unfortunately, Pep was killed some time after finishing the church in his own town by a group of angry neighbours. He became the first martyr, and is now considered a Saint in the Faxemis Angelaean faith.

His death, which took place on spring 38 P.R (3rd of June 2022), marked the end of the first period of the faith.

Eldhamite expansion of the Faith

Some time after the creation of the faith, a mysterious player appeared in Grandia, saying she wished to talk to a monk called Theodred Onevior. Having been inspired by the gods, Kayeda told the Kentis about how she had mysteriously stumbled uppon a church, in the Eldhamite ciy of perdin, which seemed to belong to the Faxemis Angelaen faith. Her patron angel, Arayl, had told her to look for him, for he was the leader of the religion. The church, dubbed Arayl's Garden, is a symbol of Faxemis Angelae's Eldhamite expansion, whcih is still taking place and has already spread the religion to the eldhamite nations of Sylvania and Aristios.

Mythology:
Creation Myth Long before time was a thing, when the universe was just a big void, Faxemus wandered around, dreaming about turning that nothingness into something.

''Until he finally decided to create something, another God, who he named Bellum. Faxemus gave him the mission to create a perfect place that the gods could call home, and that would make it possible for him to observe the entire universe and defend it's balance. Bellum worked non-stop for thousands of years, until he finally got what he was asked to do. He dubbed his creation Bariteliath, which meant "The perfect place" in Gorzetheriall, the ancient language of the gods.''

''Having a place that allowed him to see the entire universe, Faxemus made his second creation, a small red ball he named Liliath, and threw it into the void. A few seconds later, a huge explosion sound was heard and light was seen for the first time. Liliath's explosion transformed the universe, filling it with large, bright white stars.''

''So he created a third God, Avelinae, or as he is better known, Sakrelith, and gave him the duty to create a planet with life, so that they would no longer be alone in the universe. Shortly thereafter, Bellum was given the duty to create a place where evil spirits and evil souls, who had been corrupted by the darkness of the void, could be placed, and guards to protect life on earth, guard the prison and protect Bariteliath, the house of the gods. This prison would be placed bellow the void and would be nicknamed Infaiall''

Avelanae took thousands of years to create its inhabited planet, but Bellum was not so lucky, finishing his project years after him. And his guards, also known as angels, took even more decades to create, leaving many evil spirits loose in contact with humanity.

The Great War

''A long time had passed and humanity was already well developed, when rumors began to circulate about a group of people who worshiped an evil god. When these rumors reached Bellum's ears, he immediately decided to act and hunt down the evil spirit known as Noxetus, a spirit that lived in the darkest and coldest corners of the void and that constantly corrupts people in order to harvest their souls. Bellum then created multiple types of angels, each one responsible for protecting different people, temples, towns, cities and empires from the evil spirits.''

''He, along with his most powerful angels (Lux and Aqua), got to work trying to find Noxetus and free humanity from that monstrous creature. Little did he know that the spirit was already harvesting souls and had found a group of loyal servants who saw him as a god: the acient followers of  Abyss Mysticism.''

''Noxetus' followers had been strengthening him, by expanding their religion, so, when Bellum and his companion finally found him, it seemed like it was too late, humanity had become corrupted and seemed hopeless. Avelinae, the creator of manking, wasn't able to look at his creation anymore: humans were not the same.''

''A huge fight began, on one side was Bellum and his angels and on the other side Noxetus and his followers. The fight was so brutal that it divided the universe in half, leaving one side in an eternal darkness. Bellum and his angels won the fight and imprisioned Noxetus in Infaiall, the prision bellow the void, from where he escaped once more, leaving Lux on his cell. But was eventually caught with the help of three players who saved Lux and imprisioned Noxetus back in his cell with one of the best sacrifices given to the gods.''

The Realms
Bariteliath

Home of the gods, it is described as a golden palace above the clouds. It's halls are said to be brighter than the sun, and it's beds are so confortable that, if a mortal were to lie there, they'd end up dying there, from refusing to leave. It's stables are full of white, gigantic horses, with 3 sets of wings, 6 legs each, and wear a golden armour so shiny it would blind any mortal who looked at it would instantly be blinded.

Göndorien (The universe)

Although it is technically a realm and a no-realm at the same time, due to it not being purely spiritual, it does still allow for interaction with the spiritual beings, making it worthy of the title of realm. Here reside the people, the animals, the planets and the stars.

Infaiall

Very little is know about Infaiall, since its a dark and dangerous place. It is known that it works as a prision for spiritual beings, and is located below Göndorien.

Gods
Faxemus

Creator of the gods, lord of the whole known and unknown universe and Judge of the angelic Court, where it is decided if the soul is worth of going to Bariteliath, or will be looked in Infaiall for a good time. He resides in bariteliath, the golden realm, from where he observes and interferes in the affairs of the universe.

Bellum

God creator of angels, the realms and lord of good spirits. He commands the legions of mighty angels, who are ready to give anything to achieve their goals. He became very famous after defeating Noxetus, the famous demon, and imprisoning him in infaiall.

Avelinae

Lord and creator of the earth and of all it's life. Also known as Sakrelith, he resides, like Bellum, in Bariteliath, though he is constantly interfering in the affairs of men.

Evil spirits and Demons
Noxetus

Noxetus is an ancient being, who appeared at the beginning of the universe and corrupted humanity from the beginning of its existence. He spoke to players through supernatural holes that pierced the earth's foundation and corrupted them by stealing their souls and possessing them. Many religions are suspected of worshipping him, as every void-worshipping religion is believed to do so. One example of that would be the Abyss Mystics.

He is trapped in Infaiall, the realm under the void, under the tutelage of the angel Lux, angel of light and the stars, who Noxetus once managed to imprison her in his own cage, excaping from the prision, but was quickly caught again.

Afton

A former practitioner of the dark arts who sold his soul to Noxetus in exchange for the darkest power out of all: The ability to spawn creatures at night, with the aim of harvesting people's souls to feed himself. Having become a nectromancer, he roamed Rathnir and Eldham for ages, until Saxhearask's legion was able to stop him.

Angels
The Main 6

These 6 angels are the only (non patron) angels know to Faxemis Angelae at the moment. Although they're only angels, their power is so grand multiple religions worship them as gods.

Lux

One of Bellum's closest friends, Lux is probably the most famous of the main 6, due to the Luxite religion worshipping him as a god. He was envolved in the great war, risking his life to save humanity from the corruption of Noxetus (evil spirit). Lux is the angel responsible for the Stars and Light.

Aqua

Another one of Bellum's close friends, Aqua also fought in the Great war, serving as a general and leading Bariteliath's forces deep into Noxetus' (evil spirit) terriory. Aqua is the angel responsible for the Water and the sea animals.

Ataron

Although born human, Ataron was gifted a wish by Bellum, due to his devotion to the gods. Even though he could have chosen anything, he chose to continue serving the gods until the end. He was therefore transformed into an Angel. Ataron is the responsible for Fire, Lava and the Nether dimension.

Saxhreask

Angel responsible for all the living beings, Saxhreask is probaly the kindest of the angels, making her one of the most loved and worshipped angels.

Terenalak

Terenalak was once a low level angel, whose job was to protect a small town in the southwestern region of Rathnir from evil spirits. Unfortunately it was pillaged and destroyed by a neighboring nation. After losing his porpuse, Terenalak dedicated his life to improve our life in Rathnir/ Eldham. He's the angel responsible for creativity and craftmanship

Fasherak

Angel responsible for intelligence and wisdom, Fasherak is mostly worshipped by those who seek knowledge, such as clergy memebers and historians. Just like the 3 previous angels, Fasherak is worshipped as a prophet by the Sakrelist religion.

The 5 rules

 * Be Kind
 * Be Honest
 * Don't hurt others without a proper reason
 * Help without expecting anything in return
 * Try your best to spread your Faith

Sins and Good deeds
The Faxemis Angelaen faith has a really developed system when it comes to sins and good deeds, which is written in the holy book "The God's Teachings", by Theodred Onevior. It is believed that sinning is a natural thing, and that everyone is guilty - [3] "we are all guilty of failing to follow the gods' teachings" [2] "Rejecting the god's teachings is a sin" [6] "to sin is to break the god's trust" and [7] "to break the god's trust in to live in darkness". The sins can be cleansed by doing good deeds, and trough praying and sacrificing to the gods.

Common Sins

[2] "Rejecting the god's teachings is a sin" [6] "to sin is to break the gods' trust", and [7] "to break the gods' trust is to live in darkness". Those who refuse to follow the god's teachings by doing any of the actions listed here are therefore considered sinners.

Good deeds
 * Griefing
 * Lying
 * Stealing
 * Killing
 * Greed
 * Lust
 * Laziness
 * Narcissism
 * Hatred
 * Kind to every mortal
 * Gentle to nature
 * Fight with honor
 * Merciful
 * Cheerful to give
 * Joyful to help and be hospitable
 * Encouraging of friendship, even among rivals, enemies, and nonbelievers
 * Promoting the religion

Non-believers are regarded as ones that have not yet been presented with salvation, but they are not to be regarded as evil,- simply unaware.

Holy Texts
The Testaments of Faxemus

"The Testaments of Faxemus" is the oldest and most popular holy book. It contains a small part of the Theology, a simple description of the gods, the spirits and the angels, the hierarchy of clergy and the monk hierarcy. The book is given to every convert of Faxemis Angelae during their conversion ritual, serving as both a gift2 and a way to introduce them to Faxemis Angelae. It is, for those reasons, present in many different households.

The Teachings of the gods

Written by the a prophet and founder of Faxemis Angelae, the book goes over the topic of sins and good deeds. The book teaches the converts not to judge those who sin, for we all sin, and that sins can be cleansed. It is heavily inspired in the book of Ataron, from the Sakrelist faith.

Faxemis Angelaean Prayers

"Faxemis Angelaen prayers" is a very small book which contains the most popular Faxemis Angelaen prayers to the gods and to the main six, which are commonly used during prayer sessions, masses and sacrifices.

Arayl's Birth

Written by Kayeda, "Arayl's birth" tells the tale of Arayl, a Faxemis Angelaen angel from the Saxhreaski legion who personally fought against the forces of Afton and Noxetus.

Itroduction to F.A

Also written by Kayeda, "Introduction to F.A" teaches us about how Kayeda found and joined the religion, after mysteriously appearing in Rathnir.

Thoughts of the First Servant

The book "Thoughts of the First Servant", which was also written by Theodred Onevior, the current kentis of F.A, describes the current leader's toughts and plans for the religion, going over it's past, present and future.

2 Giving books as gifts is a common practise in the Grando culture, which has existed since it's foundation. Due to the amount of different cultures that made up the Grando culture, it was a common practise to gift other people books with the history of your people, and possibly even your own family, if it had any political importance.

Holidays
Faxemus' Day

Faxemus' Day, which takes place on the 8th of April and October, is by far the most popular Faxemis Angelaean holiday. Every Faxemus' Day, the worshippers gather up and organize a big event: The Faxemus' Festival, which celebrates the creation of the universe, and serves as a gateway for newcommers.

Avelinae's Day

Avelinae's day takes place on the 2nd sunday of February; Also know as the life's day, the Avelinae's day is a day of respect, which forbids the consuption of meat and the usage of any kind of animal.

Bellum's Day

Bellum's Day, which takes place on the 15th of March and December, is known by it's pvp contests, ranging from fists fights to archery contests, and for the colourful decorations placed in towns and cities.

The Seasons’ Period

The Seasons' Period (15th of July - 23rd of August), is a time of peace and relaxation, which most use to party with friends.

Revelation Day

Revelation's day (23rd of November) celebrates the creation of the church and the spreading of Faxemis Angelae. It is believed that, on the 23rd of November 2021, Faxemus revealed himself to Theodred Onevior, which lead to him travelling around Rathnir.

Symbology
The Faxemis Angelaean symbols arecommonly used in churches, monuments, paintings and even shrines. Therefore its very important to know what they represent

The tree: The Faxemis Angelaean tree represents the belief that every religion in both Rathnir and Eldham came from Faxemis Angelae. The trunk represents Faxemis Angelae, and the branches represent the other faiths.

The golden star: Represents Faxemus; It is usually represented with a red circle inside it;

Blue star: Represents Avelinae; Smaller than the golden star;

Green star: Represents Bellum; Smaller than the golden star;

Red circle: Represents Liliath;

Althought these are commonly used, the stars' colour and shape may change, specially if represented inside the tree symbol.

Hierarchy of the Clergy
Kentis:

Formally know as "The First Servant", the kentis is the head of the church, who's responsible for making decisions about religion, how it works, how to expand, etc. They are supported by a group of Cretwis, who link the Kentis to the rest of the world. Only clergy members with the rank of Bishop or abover can become the Kentis.

Cretwis:

Person who works for Kentis reporting the situation of the church around the world. Works like a council of higher priests, making decision about the religion which a deemed too insignificant for the kentis. Once a Kentis resigns/ dies without appoiniting anyone as the new leader, the cretwis council will become responsible for choosing the new leader.

Carditus Pratis:

Clergy member responsible for the religion in their nation.

Clergy memeber which usually owns a cathedrall. Bishops are the only clergy members allowed to become Carditus Pratis and/or Cretwis.

Bishop/ Archbishop

Clergy member who‘s responsible for one cathedral. The bishop is the highest position in the Faxemis Angelaean clergy, as all of the roles above it are simply bishops with extra functions

Priest / Archpriest:

Member of the clergy that has stydied the holy books and is ready to teach the faith to other people. It may be the responsible for the religion In small villages or towns

Discipuli (aprentices):

People in the path of becoming part of the clergy


 * Finis fidei: People in the 2nd stage of becoming a priest.


 * Initium fidei: People in the 1st stage of becoming a priest

Monk Hierarchy
Head Monk:

Responsible for the city's monastery and general of the troops with religious functions in his city/ nation. He commands the monastery, acting as it's leader.

Substitutus:

Head monk's replacement, that has the responsibility of distributing tasks among the monks.

Veteranus:

Monk who is ready to expand his knowledge beyond a normal monk's knowledge.

Monk

Member of the city monastery that works really hard and trains in arms to become a warrior of the faith.

Monk aprentice

Member of the city monastary who's still learning the principales and studying to be able to become a monk

Faxemis Angelaen Temples
For a temple to be considered as Faxemis Angelaean it must only worship the Faxemis Angelaean deities, have altar where the cardinal can perform masses and sacrifices, have benches where people who wish to attend masses or sacrifices can sit and have a body of water, with a minimum size of 3 x 3, where sacrifices can be placed (normally inside a barrel that is set on fire)

The religion of Faxemis Angelae has 5 types of temples: Shrines, Churches, Cathedrals, Basilicas and Görian Temples.

Churches
[To be expanded]

Rituals of the Faith
 Sacrifices  The temple must be purified trough placing redstone scattered throughout it, and in front of the doors overlooking the outside. Then the priest should go up to the altar and call the divinity to whom the sacrifices are intended. After calling it several times and saying prayers together with the worshippers they must say what they need from that divinity (protection, help, wisdom, etc.). Then put the barrel in the center of the water, put the sacrifices inside the barrel, catch fire to the barrel, and then call the divinity that you're worshiping to come and get your sacrifices

 Conversion ritual 

The conversion ritual is usually done in (or near) a Faxemis Angelaean holiday, to honor the gods and make it even more special. The ceremony shall take place in a church or cathedral, and a clergy memeber must be present. The fëdro3 should stand in the middle of the water inside the church while the priest starts the ceremony. There should always be some guests

Priest:“Welcome everyone to another ritual of our Faith. Today the god’s light shall be placed inside a new heart. Today we are celebrating [fëdro’s name] conversion ritual.”

Also priest (to everyon present): “May the god’s guide you trough you life and death ...”

Everyone (exept the priest): “And may the god’s light illuminate our path”

Priest (infront of the lecturn): “After creating the first humans, as Faxemus told him to do, he told him – “My children, you were made with love and affection and so shall you live. All those who live acoording to the lord shall be brought to Bariteliath, to live with the god’s. But all those who choose to live in darkness shall live in it for the eternity. Now, my children, go conquer  the earth and use it in your favour, but never forget your true and only creator.”

Everyone : “Shall the god’s words be written and followed “

Priest (to the fëdro): “[fëdro’s name]  shall the god’s bless you and  forgive you for your sins”

Priest (infront of the altar and looking up ): “Please, Avelinae, you that created life, bless those who have followed thy word”

Also Priest (to the fëdro): “You, [fëdro’s name], that were brought here by the god’s, Do you promise to worship our Divinities and only our Divinities (Faxemus, Bellum, Aveliane and the angels) ?"

Fëdro: “Yes, I do”

Priest: “Do you promise to follow the 5 Faxemis Angelaean rules?”

Fëdro: “Yes, I do” Priest: “Do you promise to try your best to spread  Faxemis Angelae?”

Fëdro: “Yes, I do”

Priest: “Do you promise to be loyoal to the Clergy members, to all Faxemis Angelaeans and to the Kentis?”

Fëdro: “Yes, I do”

Priest (goes back to the altar): “Faxemus, you that creted the universe and the god’s, bless this new follower of thy words and make him prosper in the afterlife”  -  “You created the universe trough liliath and you created men trough Avelinae, so please bless us with your light”

Everyone: “May the light of Faxemus be present on each and every heart of each and every person. May his words be heard troughout Rathnir, and may his love be givven to everyone alive. May he that was the responsible for the creation of all matter, may he that lives in Bariteliath with Bellum and Avelinae, bless [fëdro’s name] and make him prosper in life. zuká já Vázemus.”

* Priest lights the block on which the fëdro is standing on fire and immediately puts the fire out*

Priest: “Welcome to Faxemis Angelae, [fëdro’s name].

3 Fëdro is the name given to the person going trough the conversion ritual

 Marriages 

Priest: “We’ve been gathered here to celebrate the union between two loving souls [Name of one of the people getting merried] and [Name of their fiancé]”

Everyone: “May the gods bless their marriage and help them live trough harsh times”

Priest (infront of the lecturn): “While leaving mankind, Avelinae told his creation «You have broken your promises and awaken something horrible. Your souls are now darker than coal, and your heart is now impure as dirt. Darkness has corrupted you, and there’s nothing that can be done. I now leave, my loved creation, so that my presence doesn’t make you suffer»”

Everyone: “May light be welcomed in each and every heart”

Priest (to the couple): “[Name of one of the people getting merried] and [Name of their fiancé], you that have decided to spend your lives together, shall from now on be known as a couple”

The couple: Shall my loyalty to my partner and to the gods last for eternity”

The Bridesmaid start collecting everyone’s nuptial presents

[Plugin stuff]

Priest: “You can kiss now”

 Priest ordination process 

1st stage: The Discipuli shall be introduced to the clergy tools, to the holy books and to how rituals work. While in their first stage they shal build a chuch of their own, and create a patron angel for their church (and for themselves if they havent done so). Those angels’ stories shall be written in In-game books, which must have at least 30 pages. They will constantly be tested on their knowledge on the religion.

2nd stage: They will be introduced to other clergy members’ texts and will conduct some supervised rituals. They must now write at least one book of their own on their thoughs on F.A (For example, a book describing how they think the afterlife is, based on how the gods taught us). They should also choose a god to which they want to dedicate their lives. They will be though some basics of the Prulav-urb language, which will be useful if they ever get promoted to a higher rank.

Last week: They shall now swear loyalty to the gods and to the Kentis, and then they must pray for 7 days (1 - 3 prayers a day (The days dont have to be consecutive)) in global chat. Once they finish the 7 days of prayers they shall be given their robes and staffs.

 Death Blessings 

Priest: “Welcome everybody to the saddest ritual of our faith. Today we will sadly be doing [Dead person’s name]’s Death Blessings”

Also Priest: “O, Faxemus, lord of lords, please accept this great soul in your timeless kingdom, and let him/her/them live in your grace for eternity”

Everyone: “Dear Faxemus, ever-living creator, I beg of you to hear my voice and watch over him/her/their soul, so that he/she/they might be alleviated of him/ her/ their anguish. I request on both my knees this of you o righteous creator Strengthen us with your divine love. Blessed Father, creator of all matter, protect him/ her/ them until the end of time, and let him/ her/ them into the golden halls of Bariteliath. Protect him/ her/ them troughout his/her/their journey and give him/ her/ them all your blessings.”

Deceased friends go infront of the lecturn and talk a bit about him/ her/ they and about his/ her/ their life Priest: “May he/she/they hear your words and prayers in his/her/their new home”