Religion in Shanidar

The Church of Morning Light

The only accepted religion in the Empire is the "Church of Morning Light". The terminology within the Church (as it is commonly known) has been taken from the Catholic Church, for familiarity's sake. The Church is a major political power, complete with courts and a military arm.

The Church's tenets are simple in form, but difficult in understanding: that innocence is the purest form of life, and knowledge invariably corrupts -- even knowledge that can be applied in positive ways. Invariably, although men must learn in order to preserve life, they should learn only that and no more. An ancient text called the Knowdra -- written by the All Mother's hand for the benefit of her many children -- contains all knowledge necessary for survival and innocence, and the priests of Iedras suffer the pains of learning its every axiom so that the common folk can remain blissful and carefree. These specially chosen servants of Iedras will reveal to the people what they must not do, if they wish to preserve their innocence and so keep their souls safe from the ravages of Lehkron the Usurper.

The Church of Morning Light believes, and preaches, that only itself is true, and that all other religions are false. Within the last half-century the Church has expanded its missionary arm greatly. The Church has charged the Brothers of Virtue with the Purification with the dual duty of spreading the Gospel to new area and stamping out heresy within the Empire. The main role of the Purification has been educational, although some of the Purifiers have gotten quite enthusiastic about their mission and have petitioned the Pope for permission to use torture to help in their cause.

Patron Dieties
The patheon of the Church of Morning Light consists of the All Mother, Iedras and her six children: Consean, the honorable and chaste; Osthis, the vigorous; Baseo, master of innocent pleasures; Iedrahnc, ruler of forbidden pleasures; Zute, finder and protector of lost children; and Uillis, the builder and defender.

Cult of Derimidos

The Cult of Derimidos is a group of demon worshippers who take great pains to keep their identities and beliefs hidden from society at large. Through corruption and taint - through knowledge of the dark - the true nature of life can be revealed. To most of the populace, the Cult is something mothers use to frighten their children.

NOTE: "The Church of Morning Light", "The Cult of Derimidos" and the "Iedrahnc Sodality" are adapted from the Culturebook: Neuonians from ForEverWorld Books and are used with their kind permission. Take a look at all their products!