Overview
The empire of the church, Faylenia is an empire with the worship of Faylen, the glorious Sun God, at the centre of everything. It is ruled by the High Lord of Faylenia, who is chosen from the priest and knighthoods upon the death of the prior. Faylenia is a staunch opponent of the Dark Gods, and spends much effort through groups such as its Knights and Inquisition seeking out corruption and purging it.
Their paladin and knight orders are amongst the best known in all of Driax, and there are many tales of their heroes (Saints) performing great deeds in the wars against Evil. It has recently expanded its influence and now controls the “Holy Trinity†of Steiner and Longhorn as well, using its strength to protect and uplift its neighbours.
Its people are also known as “Fay-Natics†to other empires not so inclined to see their devotion in a positive light.
History
Legends say Faylenia was originally formed when the knight orders of the church banded together to destroy a corrupt evil which had befallen the ruling King. A thankful people asked for Faylen to rule them. Since then, the history of Faylenia has been bound to the church, the glory of Faylenia, and hunting his foes. The most significant events have been their Holy Crusades, the most famous being:
The three crusades to reclaim the holy sites of Basra and Constantine.
Uniting a force and defeating the undead horde that marched from the Dying Lands upon Bellefort.
The ongoing quest for the Sun Sword. It is said to be the blade of Faylen himself and was lost when his Avatar died.
The Faylenians care little for the fighting between empires, and have generally not involved themselves in political wars. Their focus is on the defeat of the Dark Powers and their followers. This fanaticism has resulted in some dark history, such as the Inquisition’s purges of Wolfenhain and Sharyx, and the Crusades have many shameful moments.
Common Races
Humans
The founding and most numerous race, Faylenians are fair-skinned, with lighter hair and eye colours more common.
Followers of Faylen
The Faylenians will accept anyone who is truly a follower of their Lord. This has meant that pilgrims from many races have found their way here, and the population is quite varied.
Cities
Faylenia
This massive fortress/city is famous for its massive churches, its gothic architecture, and the simply immense Charlemagne Cathedral. Within the city they are always preparing for the fight against evil, and legends speak of massive catacombs under the city full of ancient texts and tomes, as well as weapons, armour, and other powerful artefacts and relics.
Steiner
This city only recently allied itself to the Church, after being sacked, and rumours a terrible curse had befallen the Royal Family and the household Knights. The newly installed King agreed to all the church’s decrees and accepted the alliance but his recent death has put some doubt on the alliance as the his sone is not as devout, or fond of the churce.
Longhorn
The smallest of the Trinity, Longhorn has long borne the brunt of any major offensives from the Blood-Lands. As the church has little concern for “lowly†goblinoids, they nearly always have a large number of mercenaries and adventurers around who help deal with these problems.
Organisations and Suggested Characters
The Church
The mighty church of Faylen founded the city of Faylenia, and now rules the empire they have amassed. Wealthy from all the donations made to their Order, and with a large number of knights and other troops, the church could be a major political power in Driax if they cared to. The church is ostensibly a power for good, but there have been some missteps in the pursuit of good, as can happen with fanaticism.
Clerics of Faylen are more common here than any other area of Driax, and can make very compelling characters.
Ranks
- InitiateLevel 0 guideline
- AcolyteLevel 2 guideline
- LightbearerLevel 5 guideline
- Cleric of the LightLevel 8 guideline
- BishopNo fixed level listed
- Cardinal/High PriestNo fixed level listed
Knight Orders
The Knights and Paladins of Faylen symbolise all that is Faylenian. They lead the armies into battle, seek out and destroy the forces of darkness, and undertake quests to retake lost shrines or recapture ancient relics. They also have chapters in many other Great Empires, most notably Wolfenhain.
Ranks
- InitiateLevel 0 guideline
- AcolyteLevel 2 guideline
- DawnbladeLevel 5 guideline
- ChampionLevel 8 guideline
- Knight CaptainNo fixed level listed
- Knight CommanderNo fixed level listed
- Chapter MasterNo fixed level listed
The three primary orders are
Order of the Blazing Sun
The Leaders of the Faylenian Armies and the champions of the innocent. the Suns are the most numerous and well-known of the Faylenian Orders. They often guard Priests or pilgrimages to far off lands. They are very wealthy as they are a bank for travelling pilgrims, issuing notes, and allowing their wealth meet them at the other end.
Faylen’s Hunters
Charged with hunting the Undead, Demons and other Followers of the Dark Powers. The Hunter’s are a relatively small and unknown order as most of their work is secretive and goes unnoticed. The Hunters are often even distant from other Faylenian Knights.
Ranks
- HunterLevel 8 guideline
- SlayerNo fixed level listed
- WrathbringerNo fixed level listed
- Lord HuntmasterNo fixed level listed
Knights of the Ever-Dawn
The bravest of all Faylenian knights, the Dawnbringers are charged with carrying Light and the wisdom of their God to the Heathens and enemies of Faylen. Many crusaders in their Ranks, and they often quest alone great distances from Faylenia.
The Inquisition
A Neo-religious group that opposes the Dark Lords in a rather intolerant fashion. It has often been said that the Inquisition would prefer to burn an innocent than to let a Chaos follower live. Most people are afraid of the Inquisition as their presence usually means dark things are nearby or that someone is about to be Burned. This is a good choice for someone looking to play something a little darker, but linked to a good cause.
Ranks
- InitiateLevel 0 guideline
- AcolyteLevel 2 guideline
- SeekerLevel 5 guideline
- InquisitorLevel 8 guideline
- Inquisitor CaptainNo fixed level listed
- High InquisitorNo fixed level listed
- Grand InquisitorNo fixed level listed
The Crimson Network
A Thieves Guild which does very well by never doing anything too evil, and staying out of the affairs that tend to bring down the Inquisition or the Knights. They have profited greatly from the smuggling and distribution of drugs, and running illegal gambling dens, as gambling is officially illegal in Faylenia. They refuse to sell any of the particularly nasty drugs as they wish to remain beneath the concerns of the Church.
Ranks
- Urchin/ThugLevel 0 guideline
- GangerLevel 2 guideline
- Distributor/DealerLevel 5 guideline
- BossLevel 8 guideline
- The Red HandsNo fixed level listed
- The Red MasterNo fixed level listed
The Servants of Shadow
This guild is quite new in Faylenia, and is strongest in Longhorn. The Shadows openly taunt the Faylenian rule, and it is believed many of them may even worship Drezzim, the Goddess of Darkness. The Inquisition are expending significant effort trying to find the Guild leaders at present, but perhaps the Servants have well placed traitors as they remain one step ahead.
Ranks
- Watcher/ShadowLevel 0 guideline
- DarkbladeLevel 2 guideline
- DarksoulLevel 5 guideline
- NightwatcherLevel 8 guideline
- The Dark BladesNo fixed level listed
- ShadowmasterNo fixed level listed
Regional Life
Relations
Most nations welcome Faylenian assistance as they are usually a non-political force. They are strong allies of the Drasnians in particular. They also are constantly sending knights and priests south into Wolfenhain to fight the great evils which lurk there.
Clothing
The Faylenians favour long flowing robes but many styles are common. They also love clothing to be white, and usually adorned with large symbols of the sun. Black is considered the colour of the Dark Lords so the Faylenians will not wear it. The Inquisition are the exception, who usually wear bold robes of Black and Red. Faylenians like to wear light clothing and to be in the sun, but it is considered improper to expose too much skin.
Women
Strangely, the church has older views of women and they are not permitted to fight or vote. In fact, the church is quite sexist, and while there certainly are priestesses, none ever climb the ranks within the church, leading many to become questing priests. Faylen’s Hunters has been known to accept female members. The Inquisition has many female agents.
Cities
Key settlements: Faylenia, Steiner, Longhorn.
Trade
The Faylenians have strong trade relations with many of their allies, and Sun-wine is their strongest export. They rely on the Bloodstones for much in the way of metals and gemstones.
Exports: Wines, religious crafts and texts, seafood, salt, grain, food, dairy and meat, sun-dried herbs and fruits, stained glass-work.
Imports: Metals and gemstones (Bloodstones), exotic fruit and spices, incense.
Arms
The fight against evil requires vigilance, so Faylenian warriors are expected to wear their weapons openly. Followers of gods not directly aligned to Faylen may not wear weapons in their cities. Knightly weapons such as Swords are common, but many Faylenians wield the weapons necessary to kill the creatures of Darkness. Faylenians like heavy armours such as Plate-mail and Shields, which they often adorn with Holy sigils.
Language
The Faylenians speak Drasnian as their native tongue, and also the Common tongue. Many also speak Archeron, as many old texts are in that tongue.
Religion and Magick
While other Gods maybe tolerated, all must pay homage to Faylen, and rather severe attempts to convert others are not unheard of. As a place of learning, Faylenia also has many Channellers, but these are mostly Templars and Priests. There is a combined College of Magick in Faylenia, but generally only White and Red Wizards will be in attendance.
Faylenia Lore Points
The High-Lord
The ruler of Faylenia, and the highest ranking priest in the Church of Faylen, the High-Lord is revered in the same way as our Pope. The current high-lord, Sebastian Samas came from the Knighthood (Blazing Suns), and is known to be decisive and a man of action. He appears to perhaps be preparing for a 4th Crusade, as he is shoring up support and supplies.
The Dictates of Faylenia
The empire runs on the following dictates:
Sovereignty of Light (Faylen’s right to rule)
Duty to Protect
Vigilance against Darkness
Sanctity of Life
Pursuit of Wisdom
Justice and Fairness
Celebration of the Sun
Valiant in Battle
Humility and Compassion
Unity of Purpose
Religious Customs
As you might expect, Religious customs play a large part in Faylenian life. The most common aspects are:
Daily Prayer at Dawn
Nearly all followers of Faylen pray to their God at dawn each day.
Gildendar Ritual
Weekly Holy Day. Everyone attends church at dawn, noon or dusk.
Sun-Day
Annual Festival. Massive family gatherings and gift giving. Parties in the streets the night before.
Ritual of Cleansing Flame
It is said, if truly repentant, that a sinner can walk through Faylen’s flames and only the sins will be burned away. But if not truly repentant you will burn. This ritual can usually be performed at any major Faylen temple. When run by the Inquisition, the rate of people being burned is much higher.
Lord Huntmaster Kael Thorne
Kael was an assassin, but he was defeated by a Vorshorran Lord, who then killed his siblings and parents in retribution. Kael is unorthodox, charismatic, and cunning. He preaches stealth and information gathering to his Hunters and has built strong connections with the underworld. He also recruits from varied and unexpected places. The other Chapter Masters do not approve of his methods, but none can question his results. He frequently interviews new candidates himself, and looks for people who are brave and resourceful.
Grand Inquisitor Emeric
Emeric was once a dashing Knight from a powerful family. But he was captured and horribly tortured for over a year. He finally escaped his captors, but is now horribly crippled, missing an eye, and forced to use a cane as one leg is lame. He is cunning, mean and calculating, has cast off any noble attachments as a potential conflict, and will stop at nothing to root out the denizens of the Dark Gods. His persona is reflected in the Inquisition, who are utilising ever more dark and cruel methods to get their results. Emeric likes to interview new agents when he can, to ensure they are 100% loyal to the cause and the methods.
Faylen walks Driax
It is widely believed that Faylen came to Driax via an avatar around 600 years ago. At that time he is credited with raising a Holy Army, declaring the Moresh Dark God minions, and claiming Constantine the Holy City of Faylen. That avatar was captured in mysterious circumstances, and then crucified by the Moresh above the walls of Constantine.
Crusades
There have been three separate Holy Crusades to reclaim the Holy City of Constantine. The first was the most successful and captured Basra. It was held for over a decade, before being lost shortly after the 2nd Crusade. Constantine was besieged in the first Crusade, and much damage was done to the city, but it did not fall, and has not been threatened in either of the following crusades.
The Sun Sword
The legendary sword of Faylen. The blade which can call forth the fiery wrath of the Sun God himself. It is amongst the most holy artifacts of the church, but was lost when his avatar was crucified in Moresh lands. Questing Knights seek it to this day.
An Inquisitor and his team of Acolytes confront a Demon in an old warehouse