Church of the Aspirant
From NFNC
God of Power and Perfection. The Flawless Form. Depicted as an androgynous figure wearing a blank black mask and a pure white robe.
History
The Church of Aspirant has existed in some form as long as history allows. Aspirant has been linked to necromancy since the very beginning, and cults of necromancers existed before most cities. It is theorized that their source of cheap labour is what led to the creation of the first cities. Of all the Gods, Aspirant is the one who detests demons most vehemently, and is also the most militant about conversion. The Inquisition, pre-Treaty, was known to raze villages who refused to say a prayer in Aspirant’s name or who were thought to be harbouring Demons. Since the signing of the Treaty, there have been no such acts of open aggression from the Church, though splinter factions of fanatics are always a rumour...
Theology
Aspirant is a supreme being in the eyes of his followers, who is trying to help those of the Realm worship him and through that seek perfection. His followers believe that although they will never become perfect, upon death they will be able to gaze upon the ideal form of Aspirant at last. The more they improve themselves and exalt Aspirant in this world, the closer their view of him will be. Clerics of Aspirant are always striving to better themselves and others. They speak out against pushing anyone from the path of self-improvement.
The common man finds solace in the Doctrine and Focus of Aspirant. Aspirants at all parts of the path are welcomed, and perfection can be seen in many different ways, families who have spent generations in the same trade might well agree that the search for perfection is an important one, as would any individual with ambition. The protective nature of the Church- especially their teaching that the weak should be protected so they may be made stronger also garners it much support. Your average citizen also likes knowing that the Church will stop Demons from killing their family.
Inquisition
Inquisitors of Aspirant often do double-time as watchmen in their hometowns. They believe that a just society is one where the ambitious and worthy have their chance to rise, and prejudice and nepotism must be stamped out ruthlessly. Assaulting the weak is seen as particularly sinful as it denies them their chance to rise.
Aspirant and Necromancy
The Aspirant Church is the greatest teaching centre for necromancy in Terra Prima. Revenants are seen as a way for those who have passed on from this imperfect world to do a final service to those who still strive. The preserved, gloved and masked bodies of the dead are used for most of the Church’s menial labour needs. The caretaker of an Aspirant cathedral is more likely than not a necromancer with a half-dozen of the Masked to do their sweeping and polishing.
Five points on the Aspirant
- They are here to Inspire. Whatever others seek here (besides Demons of course), if they do so in with determination and drive, they do so with the blessing of Aspirant.
- They are here to Defend. Portals always attract Demons, but these lands are cursed even more with them. They must be met head on, for they encourage the corruption of a person’s aims to serve their own.
- With limited Agents permitted to come here for each faction, necromancy offers an acceptable way to provide much-needed labour. The use of worker Masked should be encouraged.
- Do not let those with power oppress those without, as this will stop them from growing and aspiring to more.
- Never waste supplies or people, nothing is so low that it isn't worth supporting