Church of the Prophet Ascendant

Church of the Prophet Ascendant: This radical movement is gaining popularity across the world. Based on the teachings of Peter Draeder, the former Chosen Prophet of the goddess Kalina, this reformist sect follows Draeder’s vision of a new Cathedral and a new interpretation of the messages of the Pantheon of Light, giving Avindor the bargaining chip they have long sought after. With this new faith gaining supporters by the hundreds, the Cathedral of Light is now forced to compete for the souls of mortals for the first time in its history. This new church takes its name from the belief that Draeder had transcended the spiritual boundaries of the soul and was himself divine among the divine. The Seven Miracles of Peter Draeder: A humble cleric of Kalina, Draeder’s life is spotted with strange occurrences and omens. The details of his early life are much exaggerated, but what is undeniable is the depth of his heart and courage. Many in the priesthood felt that Peter was blessed among the blessed and is reported to have performed 6 miracles during his life. The seventh miracle is still a point of contention between the Church and the Cathedral. Draeder is known to have accomplished the following:   1.) Draeder held fast the gates of the Great Library against the onslaught of the Midnight Council during the 2nd Prophet’s Crusade. 2.) Draeder cast off the darkness of the Long Night. 3.) Draeder’s blood was able to cure wounds and disease. 4.) Draeder passed, unscathed through the Desolation. 5.) Draeder survived a mortal wound at the hands of the False Hierophant. 6.) Draeder’s banishment of the Lich Morrodin. 7.) Draeder’s resurrection of Keras Nightsong. The Death & Rebirth of Keras Nightsong: A member of the Sisters of the Thorn, Keras Nightsong was one of the few heroes that made it into the hidden lair of the Lich Morrodin alongside Peter Draeder. In the battle that followed their final confrontation, Keras was slain, pierced through the heart by her own spear. Upon the destruction of the lich, Peter Draeder called upon the combined mercy of the entire Pantheon of Light, speaking in strange verse about the virtue of the slain champion. Almost instantly her body became bathed in a soft white light from an unseen source, when it finally waned, Keras Nightsong opened her eyes. The Cardinal Ascendant: At the head of the Church is the Cardinal Ascendant. Elected from among the ranks of the Bishops, the Cardinal Ascendant serves for life, leads all public masses and is the absolute final authority on Church affairs. The title bestows a great deal of power, especially in the small island nation of Avindor where church doctrine forbids any formal or public dealings with governmental bodies. The Archbishops: Where the Scarlet Bishops see to the overall needs of the faithful, the Archbishop’s are in charge of the overall needs of the Church. They maintain diplomatic relations with the other major religions as well as with the various heads of state. Each Archbishop is appointed with performing a specialized task related to the upper workings of the church as well as guiding and shaping church policy. The Scarlet Bishops: Dressed in robes of the deepest crimson, a symbol of their understanding of Draeder’s suffering during the crucifixion, the Scarlet Bishops are the upper tier of the priestly order within the Church. Each Bishop is charged with overseeing a group of small congregations within a given area. Sepulcher of the Prophet Ascendant: This temple houses the earthly remains of Saint Peter Draeder. In the aftermath of the Second Prophet’s Crusade, Draeder was nominated to become the next Hierophant. Followers of Lazzill spread lies that Draeder too was in league with the Dragon Lords as well as other dark powers that gave him his apparent miraculous abilities and in the heat of the post war dragon hunt Draeder was publicly crucified. When the truth was learned, brought to light by the Paladin Kerras Nightsong, Draeder was recognized for the miracles he performed as well as his radical views on the reformation of the Cathedral and was named a saint. Made of solid, polished marble and granite and adorned with a brilliant bronze dome, the temple stands out more than the Tabernacle or the attached monastery and is easily the most striking piece of architecture. Its exterior carefully landscaped and filled with as much lush and exotic plant life as the weather of Avindor will allow. Shield bearing cherubim carved of the finest alabaster look down on visitors and somehow radiate the peaceful aura that surrounds the site. Draeder’s remains, dressed in the sacred vestments of a Hierophant sit on a throne of Elven Rosewood, scepter in hand on the chancel at the far end of the complex. At his feet are the charred skulls of Lazzill’s conspirators. When public mass is held inside the temple it is considered tradition to offer your tithe by tossing coins into the open mouths of the skulls. Worshippers often visit the temple itself and pray at the feet of Draeder but primarily the clergy spend the most time there, and then only to pray or maintain the site. The Tabernacle of Undying Truth: Beneath the Temple proper, is kept one of the most sacred relics of the Prophet Ascendant. Known as the Undying Flame, the most devout temple clerics have kept the execution fires that killed Lazzill’s conspirators alive and burning. The flame is used to light furnaces and forges used in the creation of magical weapons and armor for the defenders of the faith. The fire itself is considered so holy that it is used in everything from religious services, to spell components. Ash from the great fire pit beneath the church is used in blessings and other ceremonies. The fire is even used to boil and distill water before it is considered pure enough to be blessed into holy water. Ten, hand selected guards are pulled from the ranks of the defenders to safeguard the fire which is tended by ranking clerics every hour of every day. The Athenaeum: Also on the grounds of the church, is a shimmering alabaster tower that houses the Athenaeum. In addition to housing the Ascendant Church’s archives, the Athenaeum serves as the training halls for the mages loyal to the Prophet Ascendant. To ensure that the power of magic is wielded judiciously and safely, arcane casters who wish to serve the church undergo rigorous religious training to ensure that their minds and hearts are able to cope with the awesome power they wield, and to recognize and avoid the tempting paths to fast power offered by the hated Lazzill. Despite their training and unbreakable loyalty arcane casters are not permitted into the Tabernacle. Though not directly at odds with the University of the Unseen Path, the two groups rarely see eye to eye. Since the Church of the Prophet Ascendant is outside the control of the Hierophant, the University cannot force the Athenaeum to submit to its bylaws and curriculum, nor will the Athenaeum have any dealings with an institution they feel serves the machinations of Lazzill with every passing day. The Prophet’s Sacellum: An open air monumental chapel on the grounds of the church served as the site of anointing the Cardinal Ascendant as well as new Scarlet Bishops. Inside is a statue of Draeder as he performed the seventh miracle, the resurrection of the paladin, Keras Nightsong. At the base of the statue, a crystal display case holds a curious relic of Draeder’s final moments. His last words, as recorded by Keras. What the gilded scroll says is known only to her.