Religion in the Empire

People in the Empire range from very religious to not at all religious. Some people like to keep their religious beliefs private. Others will love to talk about their god or religious path. Gods in this world are very powerful beings so even those who aren't interested in religion are careful not to cause too much offence.

For a religion to operate openly in the Empire it must follow some rules;

NO NECROMANCY – If your religion includes raising zombies it’s not allowed.

YOU CAN’T CALL OTHER CHURCHES LIARS – No religion in the empire can say that they are the only true religion.

YOU CAN’T SAY YOUR CHURCH LEADER IS A GOD – All people living in the Empire (except the Imperial family) must consider themselves equal and must follow the law. Gods are above the law but people who run churches are not. 

These rules are designed to prevent religious conflicts which would weaken the Empire. This will be the main concern of any official who is managing a complaint about a religion.

You can understand religion in the Empire as falling into one of three categories;

1. Traditional religions. 

These religions can be as diverse as players imaginations. 

They involve worshipping one god-like being but don’t deny the existence of other god-like beings. 

For example; the mountain elves of the Western Imperial ranges worship Selene, goddess of truth and accuracy. She appears as an elf, although she is able to change her size from 5ft to over 50 ft tall. Selene carries a bow that never misses and grants her most loyal followers the ability to see through illusions and detect lies.

The humans of Saltmarsh on the South coast worship Proctor, God of the unruly sea. Proctor is usually shown without human form, as a giant octopus or even just crashing waves. Proctor is a jealous god who punishes his followers with drowning if they do not pay him respect. Proctor gladly offers his followers a good catch of fish to attract more people to his church.

The worshippers of Selene don’t think Proctor doesn’t exist. They just don’t worship him. They have their own god.  If you want to follow a traditional religion you can come up with pretty much any kind of God (from the God of Spiders, to the God of Laughter) and discuss with the DM where it might be from.

2. The Imperial religion

While technically the Empire supports religious freedom, if you want to progress in a government career (like a judge or soldier) then you will have more success following the official Imperial religion.

This religion was once just like any other traditional religion, although it has always had several gods rather than just one.

The core deity is represented by fire and stands for personal discipline and loyalty to one’s society.

Other deities in the Imperial pantheon reflect aspects of Imperial life; farming, hunting, commerce, judgement, soldiering and building. A worshipper of a particular god or goddess will usually have a career in that area.

The Imperial religion sees itself as fundamentally opposed to necromancy and to lawlessness. People who follow this religion tend to obey the law and try to get along with others. 

The Imperial family were not actually always tied to this religion. A long time ago when this religion was limited to a few northern cities the church leaders threatened the rule of the second Emperor. They claimed that the idea of an Imperial family was wrong as it put some people above the law. The Imperial family, with soldiers, basically took over the church in response and appointed their own leaders. They then made this the default religion of the Empire. 

Nowadays most followers of the Imperial religion believe that the Imperial family have served the religion well. Generally people think that the Imperial family were right to have stopped the church from opposing a stable and safe government. 

Within the Imperial religion people who are very religious will join Orders which are devoted to following a stricter path or holy life. 

3. New religions

There are always new religions popping up and you can have your character follow one of them. You can even be the founder of a new belief. 

New religions tend to be viewed as suspicious by Imperial authorities. In order to grow a religion you will have to convert others and this can lead to tension and even open conflict with established churches. The Empire strongly disapproves of religious conflict and will generally side with the most established church in any disagreement.  

New religions will often not be trusted to be following the three rules all religions must follow. If people haven’t heard of your religion before some will suspect it might not be fully legal.

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Outside of the Empire religions are treated differently. The Northern tribes don't forbid necromancy for example and religions there will include ones followed by orcs or even dragons. The Free Baronies have churches strictly controlled by the local baron. The only religion publicly followed there is some variation of the church of the Grey Guide which worships a solitary cloaked figure who guides all along the path of their life from birth to death and then to rebirth.