The Vaticine Church, also known as the "Church of the Prophets", is Théah's dominant religion, drawing parallels to European Catholicism while embracing distinct philosophical differences. Founded on the teachings of the Prophets, the Church promotes the pursuit of knowledge and scientific advancement as a means of understanding the Creator. However, despite its dedication to enlightenment, the Vaticine Church has a darker side, including the infamous Inquisition and recent struggles with internal reform.
History and Philosophy[]
The Vaticine Church traces its roots to the teachings of the First Prophet, who revealed the Creator's message to humanity. Over the centuries, the Church expanded its influence, gaining the support of both commoners and the nobility. It became a powerful organization that played a significant role in Théah's technological and philosophical development.
The Church's fundamental belief is that the world is a riddle created by the Creator, meant for humanity to unravel. The closer mankind comes to solving this riddle, the nearer it gets to understanding the Creator's mind. Knowledge, therefore, is seen as a pathway to divine enlightenment, making the Vaticine Church a gnostic institution rather than one focused purely on faith.
The Six Articles of Faith (Credo)[]
Shortly after the death of the First Prophet, Imperator Corantine made the Prophet's teachings the official religion of his empire. He commissioned the creation of a unified expression of faith, known as the "Credo", which outlines six Articles of Faith. These form the core beliefs of the Vaticine Church:
One True God[]
The belief in a single Creator, Theus, who made all things visible and invisible. Followers are forbidden from acknowledging other gods or using sorcery, which is seen as accepting powers other than the Creator.
One True Faith[]
The Vaticine Church is the only true church, ordained by the Prophets. All other churches are considered false and misleading.
The First Prophet[]
The First Prophet brought the Creator's message and foretold the coming of three other Prophets. He preached tolerance and acceptance, even to those tainted by magic, and was ultimately martyred.
The Second Prophet[]
Coming from the now infidel Crescent Empire, the Second Prophet bore a staff and spoke against sorcery. Betrayed by his homeland, he led his followers into the desert, only to be murdered by his brothers.
The Third Prophet[]
The Third Prophet was a warrior who bore a sword of flame. He moved the Church's seat from Vodacce to Castille and reshaped the Church's philosophy, sparking conflict that led to the War of the Cross.
The Last Prophet[]
The Fourth Prophet is yet to come. Bearing a balanced hourglass, he will bring about Armageddon, leading the faithful through the final cosmic battle into a new age of truth and glory.
Church Organization[]
The Vaticine Church is structured in a hierarchical system using the number ten to divide each tier of its administration. Its hierarchy is as follows:
- Local Churches. Found in every community that recognizes the Prophets, the local church serves as the community center, a place of refuge, and a hub for festivals and social services. Each local church is managed by a High Priest.
- The Parish. Consisting of ten local churches, each Parish is governed by a Monsignor who represents it at the Diocese level.
- The Diocese. Made up of ten Parishes, a Diocese is overseen by a Bishop elected from among the Monsignors.
- The Archdiocese. The second highest level in the Church's hierarchy, each Archdiocese contains ten Diocese and is led by an Archbishop. Archbishops collectively form the Hieros Council, which elects ten Cardinals to represent their interests in Vaticine City.
- The Hierophant. The highest authority in the Vaticine Church, the Hierophant is chosen by the Cardinals from among the Archbishops. This position is for life, and the Hierophant traditionally oversees the Church's spiritual and political matters. Notably, the Church currently lacks a Hierophant, leaving a power vacuum that has led to significant turmoil.
Rituals and Practices[]
The Vaticine Church performs various rituals, some of the most common being:
- Mass. The gathering of the faithful for communal prayer, typically held in Old Théan, though some are conducted in the local language. n, though some nations use their native languages.
- Baptism. Conducted at the age of ten, it involves an oral exam on holy scripture.
- Ordainment. An oral exam for those aspiring to become priests, requiring extensive knowledge of scripture.
- Marriage. Considered a social contract before Theus, allowing priests to marry as long as their spouses are baptized members of the faith.
The Inquisition[]
Created by the Third Prophet, the Inquisition was initially charged with eradicating sorcery and answering only to the Hierophant. However, with the assassination of the last Hierophant and the rise of Cardinal Esteban Verdugo, the Inquisition has grown into a powerful force, expanding its mission to attack not just sorcerers but also scholars, Objectionists, and anyone opposing Church doctrine. Their methods involve secret operations, kidnappings, and public executions, often conducted under the cover of darkness. They hold the most power in Castille, where they operate openly, though they have a more covert presence in other nations.
The Objectionist Reform[]
The Objectionist Movement emerged in 1517, led by a monk named Mattias Lieber. It sought to reform the Church, challenging its authority and denouncing its excesses. Objectionism maintains many Vaticine beliefs but rejects the idea that the Church can mediate between Theus and humanity. Instead, it promotes the idea that individuals should seek Theus's guidance directly and express their faith through charity and good works. The tension between Vaticines and Objectionists culminated in the War of the Cross, leaving the continent divided.
Relationship with the Nations[]
The Vaticine Church's influence varies by nation, often shaped and reflecting each region's unique relationship with the faith:
- Avalon. The Church of Avalon broke away from Vaticine authority, with Queen Elaine assuming control over spiritual matters.
- Castille. Devoutly Vaticine, Castille remains the Church's stronghold and the seat of the Inquisition. The people here attend Mass regularly, and Objectionists are discreet about their beliefs.
- Eisen. Split between Vaticines and Objectionists, the religious tension here sparked the War of the Cross. The nation now predominantly follows Objectionism.
- Montaigne. Divided between Vaticine peasants and anti-Church nobility. The nobility's rejection of the Church's authority has left the clergy in a precarious position.
- Sarmation Commonwealth. Displays a mix of Vaticine teachings and ancient paganism, maintaining a unique syncretism due to the visible presence of the old gods.
- Ussura. The Ussuran Orthodox Church acknowledges only the First Prophet, rejecting later Prophets as deviations from the original teachings.
- Vodacce. The Church here is deeply intertwined with politics. The "Vodacce Five" Archdiocese seats hold immense power, using religion as a tool to maintain political influence.
Knowledge and Science[]
The Vaticine Church is a driving force behind Théah's scientific and technological advancements, promoting knowledge as a means of understanding the Creator. This focus has led to breakthroughs in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and natural philosophy, placing Théah technologically ahead of its Earthly counterpart in the 17th century. However, the rise of the Inquisition threatens this progress, as it seeks to suppress scientific inquiry, claiming that the time for knowledge has passed and that Théah should prepare for the end of the world.
Current Status[]
The Vaticine Church is in a time of crisis. The War of the Cross left its authority challenged, and the rise of the Inquisition has darkened its reputation. The absence of a Hierophant has created a power vacuum, allowing Cardinal Verdugo to extend the Inquisition's influence unchecked. The Church is at a crossroads, with the continent divided between Vaticine and Objectionist faiths. Many wonder if the Church can navigate these turbulent times and reclaim its status as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment.