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Celestine of the Steel Realms
>Motto: “Knowledge is Divine”
Known as ‘The Celestials’ these entities are sometimes referred to as demigods or godlings. Also referred to as ‘Dark Angels’ (a reference to the black wings many can manifest – though this causes an association of them with the Dark Church so such references are not encouraged), they are from a time before The Blood of Saemon. Little is truly understood about these older powers – even though the earliest record legends of any veracity mention them and others by name or name variants repeatedly. It is unknown exactly what powers they do possess, and gods themselves or not, they are most often referred to as Celestials. The gods of light and darkness have long since usurped any preeminent status they may have had and proven that their power seems stronger (although not enough to rid themselves of them). These entities have NEVER had a formal Institution of Faith, except in regional areas related to the tribes they once lead. The High Celestials/Ascended Celestials came in the before-time. There are only about 20 now, but once there were hundreds. Over time, their ranks dwindled as they clashed with each other, and heroes among the Nakrian tribes rose up to throw off their rule. Then came the Blood of Saemon, in a great exodus from their dying world. Far to the north, they brought with them some of their enemies; monsters of which most are now dead. From their place, the three gods of darkness came (Everdark, Sun Stealer, and their sister Gloombringer), pursuing the people of Saemon and appearing to ascend to a new moon in the sky, now named “The Interloper”. Massive was the war raged between the Blood of Saemon and Unholy Trio and their Orrish minions. Hundreds of thousands died, perhaps millions in the battle of the Valley of Sighs. The Celestials fought against the bringers of darkness, though not for the Blood of Saemon. Seeing the devastation, unable to reach the gods of their world, the great mystics of the Blood of Saemon summoned the Grey Host and Lightbringers. Aerna (mother and hearth maiden), Ikribu (the maker, the patriarch), and Balthazaar (law-giver). Three of light to match the three of darkness. By now, the reek and aura of death was stealing over the world. The Celestine entities on Helca never agreed to The Godspeak Accord. Nominally, the Tenets of the General Liturgy are followed by the Laity of Congregations and those of higher Grace and the few Institutional Ranks alike.
Celestine Manifestation
Within their own culture in their place of origin, once it was taboo to directly manifest, to step back from the immortal world of the divine back into the physical world where the ravages of time are felt acutely. Their adoption of a bestial duality kept their perspective anchored in the iVerse, but their presence free to roam as the divine essence it had become. All possess a deep seated belief in the fundamentals of the great primeval duality expressed by many esoteric traditions of Helca. Although few worship them openly, their ancient shrines and holy places remain active – for nearly all know of them and venerate to some extent out of tradition, this is even encouraged by the Green Church.
There are several “demons” among the celestine outlook. Unlike others, those considered demonic are considered lacking; they are bereft of some quality and are said to be possessed by ‘baa’ which seeks the life force of others in some way (usually in the drinking blood or consumption of flesh) – they seek not those to venerate them, but to consume and feed their own power at any cost. They have no formal clergy but are strong enough to reward those who sacrifice in their name individually. Among these are Shezmu (of the Outer Dark).
Celestine Doctrines
Ascendant Doctrine: The Celestials all believe that all life is a passage from one from of existence to another. Their promise is that in following them, they will guide the way to the next ‘house’. Each stop on the passage to god-hood is seen through the metaphor of dwelling in a house – and that they themselves are living proof of the ascendancy of the soul.
Promise of Afterlife: Pools of emerald green mark the way through the Amenti/underworld (duat)
Testament to Faith
Core Principles and Goals:
Common Covenant/Tenets: What values, observances, vows and activities will all those of the faith have? An oath of loyalty and service to the community is usually exacted. All celestials stress individualism, self-reliance, discipline, the search for knowledge and experience, testing the limits and proving oneself, cleanliness, and pride.
Finding Faith – Discovering and cementing the faith/follower relationship:
> [Initiate] Trials: These are trials that a character may be part of in order to prove their bond to their faith.
- Affirmation of Authority
- Affirmation of a Vow
Common Practices and Customs
Accouterments and Equipment of the Celestial Pantheon
Celestine Allies
The Green Church, Animal Archetypes, and Darupet.
Ezrilus
Delleth