The Church of the Builders is the primary religion represented in Tsenlan. It is a polytheistic religion that has undergone many changes throughout the History of the Norian People and Nations. It has survived and evolved from its origin deep in the eras of Norian antiquity.

It used to be called the Church of the Espra, however, due to social changes following the Void Wars the institution's name was changed. The current Church of the Builders name has been in place since YE 41.

As of YE 44 it is uncertain what role the church will play in Tsenlan.

The discovery of the artifacts and remnants of the race the norians called the ancients fueled more than just technological and social changes within their society. The religion and the ancients themselves were made part of a religion that would eventually become the 'Church of The Builders' and an important institution within Tsenlan.

The builders, namely the creator of the universe herself Unya are codified into the religious documents of the church to have been magnificent beings who swam through the destructive and unending darkness called the void. Unya a representative of beings with tremendous power is said to have stolen matter from this forever dark to weave the universes. Her and other wise beings who departed the never-ending war that consumed the forever dark are regarded as the creators of everything from the stars to the planets, to the species of life across the universes.

• Unya the mother of all.
• Uathotho the guardian of the forever dark, ruler of hyperspace.
• Morggho the father of all and the creator of nightmares.

The Espra are the children of Unya, and is the title given to the leaders of the race they call the ancients. Norians consider themselves to be a creation of the Builders and the Espra and that the passing of technological and social knowledge was purposeful.

• Niratheya - An Espra worshipped as the heart of the Norian people and said to be one of the contributors to their creation.
• Senquaelari - The Espra of love and relationships.
• Tog - The Espra of phaloam and nathaul.
• Artemesia - The Espra of War and Death. Also regarded as the Espra of Heroes and Warriors.

Temples of the Church of the Builders are the physical places of worship found in Tsenlan settlements. Several of these temples are integrated into the colonial ark ships which carried them from their home universe to the Kagami Galaxy. Future temples are planned to depend on which planets the Yamatai Star Empire provides as a new home to them.

The temples are regarded as places for:

• Prayer¹⁾
  • Healing
  • Resolution of daily challenges
  • Before battle or conflict

• Ritual²⁾
  • funerals
  • marriages
  • devotion of children

• and Social Gatherings, and shelter especially in times of crisis.

Once the issue of colonization is resolved with the Yamatai Star Empire, new temples will be constructed.

The priesthood predominately is priestesses which are female. They study for many years under the elder members of the priesthood and are taught to translate artifacts left behind by the ancients, lead prayer services, conduct rituals and provide counsel to those seeking religious enlightenment. The priesthood also plays a role in homeopathic healing, Ysi counseling, relationship counseling, and other services.

Up until the conclusion of the Void Wars the influence of the Church was one of absolution in their society. It supported a belief system that had norians believe that they were the chosen creation of the Builders. It promoted intense xenophobia, racism, and outright injustice against other cultures. At various points in history, it is believed that the church had more power than the government. The church also promoted the enslavement of what they considered to be lesser species, referring to those species as “Cli'cha” which is now considered a derogatory term; it means to be below the boot and not worthy of any kind of rights.

In YE 44 the Tsenlan State Quorum pressured the church to undergo a reformation. Due to the asune void origins of their enemy and how it tied into the religious texts regarding the Builders and the Espra the church was at risk of collapse. Many secular groups went as far as to say the church promoted the worship of the enemies of the people. Following a massive decline in church attendance, the priesthood agreed to the reformation call. Religious scriptures were modified to remove xenophobic and racist ideals and sought to divide the pantheon from the creatures which had caused devastation.

The ruler at the time, Aestaesys Airwin Caeyara was very vocal in his government's use of the church to bring about change that would help preserve their culture and ensure their survival.

Andrew created this article on 2022/10/13 14:38.

• Temple Art by Andrew using Midjourney Bot.

This was approved by Wes in this thread.