Andrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halarenplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigPreceptor Halaren

Halaren stands wide and heavy, large feet and hands offsetting a comparably small head. He looks in his late twenties. His skin is pale and a little blubberous, tugging his facial features downwards to give him a slightly sad and dim-witted appearance. His face is well shaved, and hair medium in length, though so thin and wispy his head is clearly visible underneath. Further adding to his girth are the heavy robes he wears, well worn and covered in smudges. A long, deliberate …).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rangplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Kingdom of Rang

Overview

Rang is a huge kingdom, covering more than a million square miles, and extending from the Great Sea to the Ice Sea. It dominates the area politically, militarily and religiously. Rang is a monarchy, led by King Diure LXIV, but its immense size weakens the central government. Most feudal lords manage their lands independently, and only answer to the king in the loosest sense. The king does have several pockets of power, such as in Huerten, which allow him to maintai… and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of Rangplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Kingdom of Rang

Overview

Rang is a huge kingdom, covering more than a million square miles, and extending from the Great Sea to the Ice Sea. It dominates the area politically, militarily and religiously. Rang is a monarchy, led by King Diure LXIV, but its immense size weakens the central government. Most feudal lords manage their lands independently, and only answer to the king in the loosest sense. The king does have several pockets of power, such as in Huerten, which allow him to maintai…, it is very similar to medieval Christianity, immensely powerful, and vaguely monotheistic. It is ruled from Duerstadtplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe City of Duerstadt

Duerstadt has been the capital of Rang since the reign of Diure XXXVIII (729-749). It is a major trading port on the Ice Sea (so called for the occasional iceberg that shows up therein). The Ice Sea separates Rang from the Skendu Islands to the north. Although the harbor of Duerstadt isn't threatened by pack ice in the winter, the various Skendui ports are, and the distance between the north coast of by the Ecclesiarchy, and any order put forth by them is seen as the word of Andritha. However, there are branches of Andrithanism which don't consider themselves bound by the Ecclesiarchy.

In theory, Andritha's religion demands moderation from its followers and requires a “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” way of life. The faith requires neither chastity nor poverty, but only moderation in all things, and that one consider the consequences of one's actions, and the sanctity of life, and the desire for the triumph of good over evil.

Priests of Andritha are often seen as untouchable, and thus are able, to a large extent, to do as they please without fear of reprisal from mundane law. Priests of Andritha are entitled to be tried in church courts.<sup>83plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Johannes and Sahlman

Additional text was added on 7/17/05

Sahl returned to Sir F's to sleep. He thought he heard muted footsteps behind him, but when he turned around to look, no one was there. When he arrived, the door was locked. He knocked a few times, and heard the innkeeper say,</sup>

Non-Andrithan scholars debate the origins of the religion. As far anyone can tell from actual historical evidence, it stretches all the way back to the last Zioth and possibly beyond.

Andritha is the All-Mother who bore the god-children by her consort, Hartung. Those children in turn became the progenitors of the Kindred Races. In a monumental battle, Andritha and Hartung overcame, the evil god Zinkor when he and his sister, Grita, tried to un-make the world. Some see this as the first Zioth, but oddly, traditional Andrithanism does not attribute the upcoming Zioth directly to Zinkor and Grita.

Andritha is presented by the Church in four aspects, and there are temples dedicated to each.

The Mother is the aspect which provides for people, animals and the land. It allows crops to grow, and the sun to rise. Priests and priestesses of the Mother are seen as accepting and forgiving.

A High Priest of the Mother is addressed as Mother or Father.

Symbol: A circle, usually made from copper, with a small black circle, usually onyx, in the middle. The symbol is usually worn as a necklace pendant, and must always hang outside the clothing.

The Healer is the aspect of life and death. The stories say that, in the distant past, Andritha used to grant powers of healing to her favored priests under the guise of this aspect.

In temples of the Healer, the Master Healer's word is law, and is not to be questioned.<sup>40plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Healer

Ardith pushed open the doors, followed a narrow hallway, pushed open another set of doors, and entered into the sanctuary, which was, at the moment, empty. It seemed that most of the building was sanctuary. Its ceiling was as high as the rooftop, and narrow windows began ten feet above the floor, and extended twenty more toward the heavens. Spaced out on the walls was a series of once-gilt Signs of the Healer, in addition to smaller symbols of</sup> The hidden knowledge of medical practice has been passed from Healer to Healer since the beginning of time. The Healer wears formal robes, belt and head-dress at all public appearances. Apprentices wear brown tunics and yellow ribbons.<sup>52plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Korisca's Story

Ardith was overcome with dismay that the events in the guardhouse had led to bloodshed, but they had happened so fast that there had been nothing she could do. Not that she was unaccustomed to or abhorrent of bloodshed, but that it had seemed so unnecessary. She also wondered why both</sup>

Andrithan burial ceremonies are presided over by a Healer when possible. They take place early in the morning, in the presence of the most immediate family, and of a single apprentice healer who has been officially trained in burial rites.<sup>44plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Investigation Begins

“Ardith.”

A voice.

“Come here.”

Ardith looked for the source of the voice, and saw nothing. She looked for anything at all, and saw nothing. She looked for darkness, and could not find even that. Ardith screamed and woke up.

The butcher's skin had taken on a color normal for a corpse by the time it was moved to the watching room for the night. By morning, the watching apprentice had nothing to say about it. As was the tradition in</sup>

Symbol: A downward-pointing metal triangle, usually of copper, with a smaller, upward-pointing triangle of red, usually spinel, bisecting each of its sides. The resulting symbol appears as a single triangle made out of four smaller triangles, representing the alchemaic four humours of the body. Some symbols are etched in passages or markings from the secret texts.

The Lover is the aspect of love and strife – the forces that draw people together and push them apart. Interlocked rings are presented to the woman during courting. An ill fate is predicted if the rings should separate. When married, the couple wears the rings on their chests to display their status. For the woman, a yellow gemstone may be fastened in the intersection, oft thought to increase fertility, but technically the yellow signifies strife.

A High Priest of the Lover is addressed as Contraspect.

Symbol: Two metal rings, usually copper, interlocked. Where they intersect hangs a tear drop of yellow stone, such as mimetite or a yellow variety of quartz.

The Fighter is the aspect of war. Lords pray to this aspect before entering battle.

A High Priest of the Fighter is addressed as Holy Commander.

Symbol: An octahedron of blue crystal, such as lazulite, entwined in thick metal wire, usually copper. The stone represents fortitude, while the metal represents power. One end of wire is longer than the other, and when presented long-side up, it represents war, while long-side down represents peace.

Hartung and the god-children are not spoken of much in traditional Rangplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Kingdom of Rang

Overview

Rang is a huge kingdom, covering more than a million square miles, and extending from the Great Sea to the Ice Sea. It dominates the area politically, militarily and religiously. Rang is a monarchy, led by King Diure LXIV, but its immense size weakens the central government. Most feudal lords manage their lands independently, and only answer to the king in the loosest sense. The king does have several pockets of power, such as in Huerten, which allow him to maintai… Andrithanism. In other forms, Hartung is seen as much more powerful, sometimes rivaling Andritha herself. Zinkor and Grita are sometimes seen as devil-like figures, constantly trying to undermine Andritha and individuals. Zinkor is seen as more blatently evil, while Grita is more coniving.

Andrithanism does not have a concept of angels, demons or other powerful beings that play a part in religion.

There are no strictures against eating, drinking or merry-making of any kind, and at the various Feasts, there is quite a bit of all of that, both by the lay people and the priests. It is sometimes joked that the priests of Andritha are moderate in their moderation at the Feasts. At Feast Day, in regions where Andrithanism is the prominent religion, people dress in costumes and dance in the streets.

The Andrithan Calendarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithan Calendar

The same calendar is used by Andrithans everywhere. The basic structure is used by most non-Andrithans as well.

Months

Every month is 28 days long, and there are 13 months, for a 364 day solar year. The months are based on Halkak's cycle. # Sarnam Translation to is based on the moon Halakak.

The Feast of the Healer is celebrated on the new year, which is the first day of spring and of the month of Aed. The wealthiest members of the community compete to sponsor the most lavish public feasts.

The Feast of The Lover is celebrated when the trees blossom, on the first day of Garinon. One can see people of both sexes and all ages, masked, dancing naked on the Feast of the Lover. In major cities and towns, it is made known that nudity is as far as the celebration may go, though secret trysts are not uncommon. However, in more rural areas, in the small towns and villages, even the priests participate in masked encounters with unknown people. Sick people, children and those who do not wish to participate to that extent wear a mask with a long, pointed beak.

The Feast of the Mother is celebrated in the fall, when the foliage is near its brightest, on the first day of Farinon.<sup>31plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Last Night in Maelbourg

Ziedon spoke up again, eagerly changing the conversation. “We need to leave immediately.”

“I agree, Sir Mage,” Ardith said. “I do not like the feel of this town, nor of the townsman we have met. Let us provision ourselves from the innkeeper, and be on our way.,32plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Departure

Ziedon was woken by Sahlman a few hours before dawn. As Sahl arranged himself comfortably on his blanket to sleep through the last watch, Ziedon quietly claimed a corner of the room and sat down.

Ziedon watched over everyone in silence, his eyes frequently returning to the still form of the thief. 'How easy it would be,' he thought, but each time he lowered his hands to boost himself off the floor, he shook his head. 'No, it is too soon.',40plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Healer

Ardith pushed open the doors, followed a narrow hallway, pushed open another set of doors, and entered into the sanctuary, which was, at the moment, empty. It seemed that most of the building was sanctuary. Its ceiling was as high as the rooftop, and narrow windows began ten feet above the floor, and extended twenty more toward the heavens. Spaced out on the walls was a series of once-gilt Signs of the Healer, in addition to smaller symbols of</sup> Gifts of food are given, as well as wreaths made of brightly colored leaves. The dances last until sunrise. Priests engage in communal prayers for prosperity periodically during the dances.

The Feast of the Fighter occurs on the first day of Ziotheddon. This holiday is played down by priests of the other three aspects, but when there is a temple of the Fighter in the area, it can be just as revelrous, with people in masks engaging in mock combat through the streets, while garish, made-up flags are waved by the spectators. People have been known to spend an entire season weaving and embroidering a flag for the Feast of the Fighter. Even where it is played down, there is singing, dancing and story-telling.

Most of the minor holidays are not restdaysplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRestdays

Restdays have been established by various kings of Rang over the years, to celebrate a person (religious, political or mythical figure) or an historical event. Some of these days have endured through time, while others have faded. It is no coincidence that these are balanced heavily toward the winter, when there is no work to do in the fields..

The day on which each ecclesiarch was given his or her office is a minor holiday. The days of the most notable ecclesiarchs have persisted after their deaths. ( dates needed)

The last five days of the year are dedicated to the god children. First comes Tirodel, then Halkadel, Ilsupeidel, Zabrigadel and Othodel. These names are similar enough to the days of the week that people are often confused as to the order of the holidays. It is possible that these holidays were adapted from an earlier religion.

The fifteenth of Uon is dedicated to Hartung, Andritha's consort. Consortists celebrate the five days preceding and following this day.

Andritha herself causes the Ziothplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Zioth

The Zioth is the night when all five moons are new at once. It is said that on that night, which occurs once every 1020 years, the world is destroyed and rebuilt. Zioth is an acronym for the initials of the five moons (Zabrigar, Ilsapeich, Ot, Tirop, Halkak). The word Zioth refers both to the 1020 year period, and to the event itself., unless the world becomes righteous. Andrithans widely believe that the Zioth may be overcome through prayer and devotion to the goddess. Many believe that righteous individuals will be spared, or even that entire Andrithan kingdoms like Rangplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Kingdom of Rang

Overview

Rang is a huge kingdom, covering more than a million square miles, and extending from the Great Sea to the Ice Sea. It dominates the area politically, militarily and religiously. Rang is a monarchy, led by King Diure LXIV, but its immense size weakens the central government. Most feudal lords manage their lands independently, and only answer to the king in the loosest sense. The king does have several pockets of power, such as in Huerten, which allow him to maintai… will survive the end of the world.

Magic is largely believed not to exist. There are legends of the most holy Andrithans calling upon the power of the goddess, but any mildly educated person knows those are just stories.

Nothing yet.

Andrithan marriages are arranged by the parents, when the bride is no younger than fourteen and the groom no younger than sixteen. If the parents of one or the other is dead or unavailable, a priest may appoint an altnernate representative. Typically, the more wealthy family gives a gift of money to the less wealthy, and an equal tithe to the temple. Unarranged marriages are not approved by the Church, regardless of the age or social standing of the bride and groom. This has resulted in many cases of non-marriage partnerships, since premarital sex is seen as the far lesser sin.

The marriage ceremony can be presided over by any two priests, but pairing a priest of the Lover with a priest of the Mother is considered ideal. The details of the ceremony vary widely depending on which aspects' priests are involved, but one constant is that the bride and groom always place the Symbol of the Lover upon each other, usually hanging from a necklace.

After the Last Blessing<sup>42plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Butcher Moren

Kreemon bent down and touched the butcher's cheek with the back of his hand. Moren radiated an almost unnatural cold, as if he had just come in from bad snowstorm. He was most definitely dead.

“Who can tell me what happened here?” Kreemon asked of the crowd. No one volunteered an answer.</sup> is said over the dead, the Andrithan period of mourning lasts five days. Mourners wear a dull red sash as a sign of mourning, and they do not comb their hair, bathe, or put any care into their physical appearence during that period.<sup>44plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Investigation Begins

“Ardith.”

A voice.

“Come here.”

Ardith looked for the source of the voice, and saw nothing. She looked for anything at all, and saw nothing. She looked for darkness, and could not find even that. Ardith screamed and woke up.

The butcher's skin had taken on a color normal for a corpse by the time it was moved to the watching room for the night. By morning, the watching apprentice had nothing to say about it. As was the tradition in</sup>

Acolyte: Someone studying for the priesthood. An acolyte of the Healer is called an apprentice.<sup>40plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Healer

Ardith pushed open the doors, followed a narrow hallway, pushed open another set of doors, and entered into the sanctuary, which was, at the moment, empty. It seemed that most of the building was sanctuary. Its ceiling was as high as the rooftop, and narrow windows began ten feet above the floor, and extended twenty more toward the heavens. Spaced out on the walls was a series of once-gilt Signs of the Healer, in addition to smaller symbols of</sup>

Preceptor/Preceptress: A person learned enough to teach acolytes. Usually the title is conferred upon a senior priest who has distinguished himself in some way, but also used for the teachers at seminaries.

Priest/Priestess: An ordained person.

Deacon/Deaconess: A lay person who assists the priests.

High Priest/Priestess: A person who has become master or mistress of the art of priesthood. Usually put in charge of major operations in a large Temple, a group of towns or villages or, in some cases, an entire barony. A High Priest may be the assistant to a Rector. In specialized temples, a High Priest is referred to by specialized titles.

Mother/Father: A High Priest of the Mother.

Healer: A High Priest of the Healer.

Contraspect: A High Priest of the Lover.

Holy Commander: A High Priest of the Fighter.

Rector/Rectress: A person in charge of a large Temple, or a political district, such as a barony, marquisate or duchy. Only a High Priest may become a rector. When speaking to the Rector, several forms of address are acceptable. “Your Holiness, Fred,” or “Rector Fred,” or “Your Grace, Rector Fred” (this last is in disfavor because “Your Grace” is also used for political figures of stations equal to or above Baron).

A specialized rector (of these there are very few), or one who attained a great deal of respect as High Priest, or had widely-acclaimed accomplishments, might be addressed along the lines of “Your Holiness, Healer Fred.”

Ecclesiarch: A member of the Ecclesiarchy, the ruling body of the Church. Members are referred to as “Your Eminence” or “His Eminence, Torval.”

This religion, dominant in Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia

Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains., bears a strong resemblance to its ancestral religion, with the following major exceptions:

• The Four Feasts are not celebrated. Neither are most of the lesser-known Andrithan holidays.
• Many of the original holidays from the Church of Carsius are still celebrated, though most have taken on Andrithan overtones.
• The Ecclesiarchy in Rangplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Kingdom of Rang
  
  Overview
  
  Rang is a huge kingdom, covering more than a million square miles, and extending from the Great Sea to the Ice Sea. It dominates the area politically, militarily and religiously. Rang is a monarchy, led by King Diure LXIV, but its immense size weakens the central government. Most feudal lords manage their lands independently, and only answer to the king in the loosest sense. The king does have several pockets of power, such as in Huerten, which allow him to maintai… is not accepted as the absolute rule. Instead, policy is dictated by a large number of individual priests in their local areas. This has given rise to a slew of minor variations on the religion, many of which fight fiercely with each other over issues that would seem trivial in other contexts. The Rector of Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia
  
  Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains., while he nominally has some say over the direction of the religion, really only controls a very small region, and a few towns scattered throughout Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia
  
  Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains.. There are those who want to increase his influence, and those who want to keep him as isolated as possible so that they don't become like Andrithans.
• The Aspect of the Fighter is more strongly emphasized than any other. In that guise, Andritha is also seen as the keeper of peace.
• Strength and unity are idealized in Durramanian regions. The irony of Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia
  
  Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains.'s chaos does not stop this from being the case. Instead, it focuses the efforts of many sub-states to conquer other regions and unite Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia
  
  Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains..

These Durramanists have a somewhat more focused leadership, though not as large or structured as the Andrithan Ecclesiarchy. They celebrate a few holidays differently, add a few and take away a few. They also have a total of seven fasts scattered throughout the year, where one may drink but not eat from sunrise to sunrise. Orthodox Durramanists have been trying to establish their own calendar, which starts with the arrival of Durraman in Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia

Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains., but it has been difficult to promote it except in those areas where their religion is that of the political leadership. Orthodox Durramanists do not believe in the Zioth.

Consortists worship Andritha's consort, Hartung, as the primary deity. Their holidays are therefore wholly distinct from those of any other branch of Durramanism. Their primary holiday is the Feast of the Sun, which occurs on the first hot day of summer. They believe that while Andritha causes the Zioth (her only responsibility, really), Hartung will stop her if the world is ready. Naturally, they believe the world is ready this time around, but it's never too late to convert the unbelievers and thereby increase the chances that they're right.

The Aspectless do not believe in Andritha's four aspects. They also do not attribute any importance whatsoever to Hartung. Effectively, they are monotheists. They speak metaphorically of beings called the “moon-children,” which, although powerless, seem to have some important place in the universe. The Aspectless might have some connection to Zahiraplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZahira

by Diane Hutton and the DM

The Common View

Zahira is seen as a dangerous cult that welcomes the Zioth and embraces death. It is led by mysterious druid-like entities known as “True Zahirans.” There is quite a bit of legend surrounding these druids, such as their ability to appear out of nowhere, or the fact that they all look alike..

Members of the Ecclesiarchy are chosen by ballot from all clerics above simple priest or priestess, and must be at least 12 in number. If a member dies or becomes incapacitated, and the number of clerics in the Ecclesiarchy drops below 12, word is sent to each Rector to nominate someone to replace. Ideally, each Rector then responds with a nomination and a letter of recommendation. In practice, fewer than half of the Rectors usually respond, and it is not at all clear that all nominations are considered. After all letters are received, the ecclesiarchy sits in council and considers them.

A meeting of the Ecclesiarchy is called a Gathering. The Ecclesiarch who presides over such a meeting is known as the Key Speaker.

Acarim is from Diuria, a large village in the Royal Estates. He is powerful and wealthy, and is often Key Speaker during gatherings.

Ardis is a rectress from Duerstadtplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe City of Duerstadt

Duerstadt has been the capital of Rang since the reign of Diure XXXVIII (729-749). It is a major trading port on the Ice Sea (so called for the occasional iceberg that shows up therein). The Ice Sea separates Rang from the Skendu Islands to the north. Although the harbor of Duerstadt isn't threatened by pack ice in the winter, the various Skendui ports are, and the distance between the north coast of.

The Church teaches that Baldor was found all alone in the Riswal Mountains, which are on the border with Galliaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Three Kingdoms

All three of Rang's western neighbors are dominated by the same variety of Andrithanism as is Rang. All share the same language, Gallian, but the Mezonese commons do not speak it. Rather, they speak a hybridized offspring of Rouch and Gallian known as Mezonese. As in, collecting stones to build a shrine. The High Priest of Riswal (all of Riswal – it is a lightly-populated area and is home to only four priests, including the High Priest), whose name has since been forgotten, spotted Baldor from a valley and took him for one of the mountain-men who are occasionally seen in that area. What surprised the priest was that, although he was concealed by trees, Baldor seemed to stare right back at him from a thousand feet up. At night, the priest returned to that spot, and found Baldor, still staring at him through a halo of light that made a circle around his feet. Baldor, it was later found, was from a family of High Priests of the mountains, and was fully educated as a Priest of the Lover. The High Priest took Baldor into his own church, and trained him as a successor. As soon as he was satisfied that Baldor was capable of High Priesthood, he petitioned his Rector to recommend Baldor for the Ecclesiarchy. It took fifteen years of petitions, during which time Baldor attained the title of Rector, but he eventually became an Ecclesiarch.

Bildath was a rector from Smilla, a town in Elgony.

Bistrin was a rector from somewhere in west Rangplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Kingdom of Rang

Overview

Rang is a huge kingdom, covering more than a million square miles, and extending from the Great Sea to the Ice Sea. It dominates the area politically, militarily and religiously. Rang is a monarchy, led by King Diure LXIV, but its immense size weakens the central government. Most feudal lords manage their lands independently, and only answer to the king in the loosest sense. The king does have several pockets of power, such as in Huerten, which allow him to maintai….

Cald is the son of a long line of Ecclisiarchs. He was born in Duerstadtplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe City of Duerstadt

Duerstadt has been the capital of Rang since the reign of Diure XXXVIII (729-749). It is a major trading port on the Ice Sea (so called for the occasional iceberg that shows up therein). The Ice Sea separates Rang from the Skendu Islands to the north. Although the harbor of Duerstadt isn't threatened by pack ice in the winter, the various Skendui ports are, and the distance between the north coast of.

Durraman is held in high respect by several members of the Ecclesiarchy for his wide-ranging knowledge and understanding, and was even asked for council occasionally by Torval himself. He is a fine rethorician, and has represented several of the highest-ranking Andrithans in court. Several times a year, he serves as judge for the most severe or difficult crimes committed in Duerstadtplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe City of Duerstadt

Duerstadt has been the capital of Rang since the reign of Diure XXXVIII (729-749). It is a major trading port on the Ice Sea (so called for the occasional iceberg that shows up therein). The Ice Sea separates Rang from the Skendu Islands to the north. Although the harbor of Duerstadt isn't threatened by pack ice in the winter, the various Skendui ports are, and the distance between the north coast of. Durraman is from Darnien, the capital of Ostmark.

Gisald is the only member of the council in its history who never held the title of High Priest. He was picked up by Torval on a mission, over fourty years ago, from a fishing village on the western border of Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia

Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains. Terradia is bordered on the south and west by the Great Sea (or the Heirului Sea, as it is called in most of Terradia), and on the east and north by the Koril Mountains.. He is generally quiet and unassuming.

Orgathor is the second-oldest member of the Ecclesiarchy, being aged seventy one years. He comes from Cour-du-Roi, the capital of Mezoneeplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Three Kingdoms

All three of Rang's western neighbors are dominated by the same variety of Andrithanism as is Rang. All share the same language, Gallian, but the Mezonese commons do not speak it. Rather, they speak a hybridized offspring of Rouch and Gallian known as Mezonese. As in.

Silima was a rectress in Ectavia, a town in (unknown).

Torval is the best known member of the Ecclesiarchy. He is highly respected. Being of rather extreme age, he has been ill for a number of years, but he still sits in council. Before his infirmary, he was Key Speaker for most Gatherings of the Ecclisiarchy. Torval was born in Duerstadtplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe City of Duerstadt

Duerstadt has been the capital of Rang since the reign of Diure XXXVIII (729-749). It is a major trading port on the Ice Sea (so called for the occasional iceberg that shows up therein). The Ice Sea separates Rang from the Skendu Islands to the north. Although the harbor of Duerstadt isn't threatened by pack ice in the winter, the various Skendui ports are, and the distance between the north coast of.

Although he has an imposing appearence, being unusually tall, thin and long-faced, with a pointed greying beard, Zilgard is generally quiet, and very little word of him gets around. Zilgard was a rector in Zadothar.