The Covenant

(Based upon "The book of luminescence" Along with miscellaneous writings and treatises.) (The religion of Aureus)

The Covenant is a religion derived from oral tradition, with the first book in written form being published in 33 CE. (Aureunite dating system)

The religion has its origins in the theological traditions of the proto Aureunites. it's worth noting that the development of specific mechanics and characteristics of the religion have been lost to time, Leaving us only with the eminently modern interpretations.

The Covenants (Scholars article):
As of the moment the Aureunite nation holds only two covenants, those being with Scyse and Aniya. Although there is always talk of making more.

The Covenant with Scyse entails honouring him with every military triumph. This has been violated a few times throughout history, to negative affect. Nowadays, every general is aware of the follies of not erecting a statue or holding a celebration in Scyse's honour. A widely believed manifestation of this covenant is the "Chosen of Scyse". A position that has accompanied the Aureunite state for, purportedly, since the covenant was made. This chosen of Scyse is usually either a gifted military commander, excellent warrior, or both. Born or chosen to fulfill their duty.

The covenant with Aniya is a complicated little thing. Outsiders have dubbed it as a "Cult of reason." This is not entirely inaccurate. For more info, see this document. (Note, two things this document neglects to mention are the flashes of occasional insight and inspiration that afflict the empires engineers and researchers, as well as the presence of the chosen of Aniya. Similar to the chosen of Scyse, this position instead lends itself to clairvoyance and pre-cognitive abilities. Further note: All attempts to study these properties have met with failure.)

The Festival of Chaos:
A curious holdover from a long forgotten time. The event traces its roots back to an ancient pagan chaos god. Aureus encountered the culture that worshipped this god, and were rather annoyed at their insistence that this god had no defined form. Consequently, to mock them, a festival developed where citizens would don elaborate and ridiculous costumes, each claiming to be the true visage of this god of chaos. Over the years it has transformed into a more generally friendly event, where citizens will make merry and try to identify each other through the costumes. Notably, this event usually breaks down the difference in ranks (As people can seldom identify each other), causing many new friendships to be formed. This event takes place roughly near October.

The Sending of Hopes:
This tradition evolved shortly after the empire took to the air proper. It entails crafting a lantern for yourself, and then placing it onto a communal airship that is sent out into the sky. The Ship is then remotely (Or sometimes manually, operators get off after of course.) detonated. Figuratively sending the hopes and dreams of every person to the gods.

Scyse's Challenge:
A more specific ceremony. Typically this is invoked upon the eve of battle by the Chosen of Scyse; A herald will ride out to inform the enemy forces that they have been challenged to single-combat by the chosen, and that they should put forward a champion. Should they refuse, their souls will be forfeit to be damned. "Forever chained by the fetters of cowardice". No mercy will be shown in the ensuing engagement.

Should they put a champion forward, and lose, the herald will consecrate the ground as well as the battle at large. Declaring that souls on both sides will be led to glory by the god of death and war.

Should they elect a champion, and win... Well, it is rumored that the clergy have a special reward for the slayer, in such a case. Historically, this has remained a hypothetical.