The Regalian Theological Society

[LadyLekku]

Discovery, through diversity.

What we are:
A coalition of religious officials, devotees, and the theologically curious, who are open-minded to sharing our experiences with others beyond our faith.

Our missions:​

• To expand our knowledge of our world, our history, and our deities, through the sharing of experience and culture.​
• To better serve our own practitioners by learning the methods of those around us.​
• To share a sentiment of open-mindedness about religious curiosity, where intellectualism will not be mistaken for lack of focus or devotion.​
• To engage in safe, open discussions, theorizing and philosophizing, attempting to answer questions without fear of reprimand.​
• To support one another, so that when we need support, we will see each other not as adversaries, but as allies.​

We do not aim for all religions to be considered equal in the eyes of the law. Only that those who choose to express their legal religion can do so in a safe environment, where we might learn form one another, and pose questions to further our religious curiosity.

What we do:
In addition to being a method for the religious community to contact and support one another, we will pose questions and theories to our members, to discuss at our meetings.

We will meet periodically in the Alms Sanctuary Auditorium for guided discussions, where speakers will be arranged to give their thoughts on a pre-determined topic of inquiry. We will also host Open Forums for more free-form discussions between citizenry, and on more casual evenings, we may simply meet in the Auditorium to have open discussions where those in attendance can listen in on the theological curiosities of religious devotees in the city over some wine.

How to get involved:
If you are a religious leader, such as a priest or priestess, curate, reverend, mystic, or cultural equivalent, you will be given preferential consideration for speaking at the forums. You will be alerted to new events (( via forum tag)). No application necessary. click the link below and rate 'cuddles'.
https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-1030581

At this time, only members of legal religions are welcome to speak.

If you simply wish to attend the forums, you will be expected to show respect to all speakers, whether or not you agree with them. There is no need to be a member to attend public events.

Upcoming Discussions:
Listed in the next post.

Decorum:
Anyone wishing to disrupt the functions of the Auditorium will be asked to leave, including those who argue in bad faith, or are unwilling to abide by the intellectual spirit of open discussion in a safe space. Should any lawbreakers appear, they will be swiftly handed to the Violet Order.

If you find that the idea of this Society and our forums are an affront to your religion, and you wish to voice dissent, please understand that our goals are intended to benefit all people, of all religions. Our goal is not to convert or reform any of the attendees; the attendees are simply welcome to listen in on what is essentially a religious and cultural expression of good will between leaders within the Religious communities of Regalia, so that we may better learn to serve our own people.

For example: If one religion has discovered a method that corrects undeadism in such a way that does not destroy the afflicted body, this would be pertinent information to share with the crypt-keeper of another religion who might consider the body sacred, but would otherwise be forced to incinerate it. If one religion discovers that practitioner turnout increased when the congregation was able to have ten minutes to share personal stories at the beginning of service, then a church which suffers low-attendance would benefit from heeding their advice.​

 

[LadyLekku]

Our most immediate Event will always be listed here.

Open Forum/Debate!

Scheduled for Sunday, March 13th, at 7 pm (EST)
Civics Sanctuary Lecture Hall (( /tp nest inn))
​

This Forum's Topic:
The costs of discovery, and the risks of positive change

Tradition, and innovation. Wisdom, and bravery. The cost, and the benefits. Can these concepts every outweigh one another? Even now we see the promise of technological and cultural advancements changing the fabric of the capitol city. Still, there is value in regarding the past, and holding fast to those old virtues that have made us into the people we are.
Let's talk about it!

As before, all are welcome to attend, except for the afflicted and those with active warrants. Nobility may choose to section themselves into the lower portion of the Lecture Hall. We will once again use fan language to show agreeance or dissent, and the discussion will be moderated to ensure the steady flow of engaging dialog.

You may come with words pre-prepared, or you can choose to reply to others. Or, you can remain silent, and let your fan do the talking. You may prepare your own thoughts to share, or borrow some of the prompts below!
Possible prompts to consider:

Are resources allocated to a discovery wasted, if the discovery does not prove beneficial?

How much risk is acceptable for the promise of an unknown benefit?

How can we account for unforeseen consequences of new discoveries?

Can old wisdoms be adapted to new times, or must they be overwritten, lest they hold us back?

In what ways are we still doing things the same ways we have for centuries? Is it time to re-examine any of these processes?

Is the risk of one person worth the benefit of another? Is it moral to risk the few, to benefit the many? To risk a 'them', to benefit an 'us'?

OOC Notes

Who? Anyone bar the usual. Illegal, afflicted, etc. Nobility may choose to sit in the lower tier of the lecture hall if they wish to be separated.
What? An open forum and debate, hosted by the Theological Society, where people can bring up and discuss ethics or philosophies.
When? Sunday, March 13, 7 PM Est
Where? Civics Sanctuary Lecture Hall (/tp nest inn)
Why? Because moral disagreements ic are juicy and the last event was fun. It's a way to interact on a deeper level with characters you might not generally spend enough time with to learn their opinions. It's a way for your oc to have their opinions challenged, possibly even changed. It offers things to talk about ic, to get to know another character a little deeper. All characters have unique perspectives and all people argue differently, based on their experiences and what they value. If nothing else, it's a character self-exploration of value, and that's rad as hell. Hope to see you there.

 

[LadyLekku]

Our Historian will summarize each discussion for the reading pleasure of the public, below.

Spoiler: 3/17 - How does your religion prevent the spread of harmful undeadism?

The first meeting began with discussion of club staff. No Treasurer was selected, and the position remains open. A historian was selected to be Ms. Isobell Lykke, however should she be absent, another Historian will be selected from attendants. Grand Duchess Sivrid Sorenvik takes on the task of Timekeeper, to remind speakers when their time is running out.

First Speaker: Lady Gwenyth Zylmoira
Matron Zylmoira spoke not on behalf of Dragon Worship, but on being Isldar, who are born capable of seeing soul rivers. She emphasized the role that Isldar play in protecting the prosperity of the soul rivers, and that the world would suffer "Unbalance" should the rivers be threatened. She also claimed that, "Several Isldar kind learn songs of peace to help with peaceful passing, because it is an unpeaceful soul that makes cause for the undead," and emphasized the important role that souls play even in the living world.

Second Speaker: Talisin Oruisin
Speaking as a priest of Ciellonian Sect of Estel Worship, Mr. Oruisin remarked that every village he's visited seemed to have their own method of handling the dead. However, it is generally accepted that no part of any once-living body should go to waste, and that people and animals alike would have their remains put to use for the world. The complete destruction of the body also prevents most cases of undeadism.

Third Speaker: Grand Duchess Sivrid Sorenvik
Speaking as a Valsung of the Old Gods Faith, High Grace Sivrid emphasized the importance of revering the dead, and mentioned that four of the five holy oaths an Old Gods follower can take revolve around their dead. In a very active role, upset spirits known as Gaudr are comforted by the Valsung so that they can rest peacefully. The dead are sung to, and their graves are visited as one would visit a lived-in home, offering gifts and speaking to the dead. However, given the vast size and population of the North, tending to each individual spirit is not possible, and there is a high occurrence of undeadism despite local efforts.

Fourth Speaker: Idri Amadou
As a Reverend of the Supremoclast Mission of the Vultarin Supremoclast Church, Reverend Amadou informed us that current efforts are being taken in Vultaro to allow "righteous undead" the chance to come into existence. Believing that the Imperial Spirit may choose to bring life to a once-dead body, they have begun embalming and preparing bodies for potential undeadism, and allowing a three-day wake period to allow the undeadism to manifest. A priest is present, then, to determine if the undead is "abominable", or can be reasoned with and allowed to serve a holy purpose. Abominable Undead have their heads removed, and are then interred as per usual Unionist procedure.

Fifth Speaker: Lord Tizu Izu-Vyzal
Speaking as a Priest of the Lantern, Lord Izu-Vyzal was promptly informed that his religion was not legal, and was considered heretical to speak of. Though he was permitted Sanctuary by the Alms Minister to remain for the rest of the meeting, Lord Izu-Vyzal opted to leave immediately for Grey Gate, where the appropriate authorities were informed of his actions. We thank Reverend Amadou for assuring that Theological Society meetings continue to operate with full respect for the law.

Sixth Speaker: Juane Anenih
Speaking as a Priestess of Shambala, Priestess Anenih spoke on the tradition of using Sun Disks to incinerate the bodies of the dead, as no other fire can burn Songaskian skin. Additionally, they use certain Ordial Mages to ensure the spirits pass on peacefully.

Seventh Speaker: Mother Alexi
Speaking as a Unionist, and an Undead, Mother Alexi mirrored the sentiments of Reverend Amadou, in that righteous undead should be permitted to serve their holy purpose. She asked that her sect of undead-friendly Unionists be present to assist in determining whether an undead is abominable or not, and informed us that, "Sometimes redemption comes slowly, but it can come to many that others might think forever lost," and, "The difference is not between righteousness and unrighteousness, but between those with and without the capacity for it." She seems to imply that some Undead may appear to be thoughtless, when they are capable of reason if given time to develop it. However, this is not always possible.

Spoiler: 4/26 "What common misconceptions about your religion do you wish for outsiders to understand?

Theological Society meeting number two, open forum for discussion to help clear up misconceptions for each speaker's faith.

Grand Duchess Sivrid spoke a few opening words to start the discussion, she thanked the Violet Order for joining us here today as well as the Brute Squad for their help in keeping the esteemed guests safe. As well as thanking them, she discussed the motto of this club, "Discovery through Diversity''. Her belief is that with understanding and a willingness to learn from each other and feeling safe with sharing, we as a whole can form a more unified community throughout this city. She also feels that by coming together they can be models of tolerance and wisdom to each of their respective communities. Today will be a way to clear up common myths and ask questions between each speaker's faith.

First speaker is his Grace Cillian Mac Conall.

He often hears rumors that his faith of the Draoidh Feya are simple worshippers of fairies tending to their groves and taking natural occurrences and forcing an exaggerated goldy message from them. This, however, could not be further from the truth, by his words. He states the appeal of the Draoidh Feya rests in the wisdom of it's teachings, specifically in the guidance of grief. He states that many come to the Emerald Isles to seek visions of the 'Aer', which is a place where some souls may venture if they're of a particular moral fiber, or of the Fo which is the opposite. They recognize that they are only 'candle-holders' in an ornate dark castle, limited in their views until they cross over to see for themselves.

Grand Duchess Sivrid recognizes that as a Valsung of the Old Gods, she too is tasked with comforting grieving people who's loved ones passed on, a parallel she finds interesting with the Draoidh Feya.

Dr. Autum asked about the Draoidh Fey, a question simplified down to 'What are fairies', his Grace Cillian answered: Manifests of the Gods, a rare sight or that perhaps offer reward for those of merit to one of the principles each god envisions or seeks to aid you on a journey or trick you for you gold. Their form is typically small, though varies from each manifest.

Grand Duchess Sivrid spoke next on the faith of the Old Gods.

The misconception she finds is that the Unionist faith dismisses the existence of the Old Gods, additionally claiming that belief in such is heresy or opposed to the Imperial spirit. She states that indeed an interfaith belief in both the Spirit and the Gods is not that uncommon. The Unionist Church also has no official stance against recognizing the possible existence of the Gods, only that once the Imperial Spirit was created, they saw it as superior. This means that the worship of the Old Gods as superior to the Spirit heretical to Unionist beliefs, though remarking their existence is not.

A 'Darian' spoke of 'Talisin' with an apology that Talisin himself could not be here. He spoke on the faith of Estel.

The misconception he spoke of is that many see the faith of Estel as a faith limited to the Nelfin, he says he has heard the term 'Elf Goddess' used as a blanket descriptor for the faith. Many, however, are unaware that like Unionism and others there are many branches under the faith. To clear this misconception, Sir Darian wished to point out that, while the Faith of Estel is varied across all peoples of the Nelfin, it is not and has never been limited to Nelfin. He would also like to make clear, 'Petal Court' welcomes all, and will gladly answer questions relating to the Ciellonian Sect of the Faith of Estel.

Dr. Autum spoke with a question that was clarified to 'What is the Estel faith's view of slavery'.

Darian made clear they spoke for the Ciellonian Sect. Stating that in their homeland where they follow the 'All-Mother' as the highest deification of the Faith of Estel, they do not believe in slavery as a means to worship. He further stated the slavery the Altalar execute is likely not a function of their faith, but more of their cultural and sociological views. Ciellonians rely on the blessings of the All-Mother to provide for them, including bountiful harvests by each year.

Grand Duchess Sivrid asked if Darien would consider that slavery is a cultural concept over a religious one for the Alatalar, Darian replied by saying the Faith of Estel does not explicitly encourage the practice as an act of worship.

To clarify on the point of the Altalar, Miss Arayaa Leslyaan spoke.

She stated the Pantheon does not include teachings in support or opposition to slavery, it is a societal measure, one that many nations take. A direct quote 'There indeed exists an unwritten God within the culture to counter its attitudes of slavery from which laws were instituted.'

Mother Alexi spoke next, discussing a misconception for Unionism.

In Mother Alexi's work in Crookback, she finds a common misunderstanding of her faith is that it is a faith of dry dependency with no room for ambition or individual will. She states nothing could be further from the truth, Unionism exalts man's virtues, and ambition is the largest among them. She claims the Great Way is served by it's faithful aiming to fulfill their potential, further stating in a direct quote 'We mustn't, of course, forget that we exist in the delicate and carefully arranged structure of the Empire's Church. But these Divine laws do not restrict. They direct. Channel Humanum's might toward its most righteous ends.' The Grand Duchess and mother Alexi agreed upon the sentiment that a religion should inspire one's own inner strength, rather than promise strength from an external force, which always comes as 'borrowed time'. To be empowered by religion, and not become a sacrifice to the power of another force, such is the case with Void worship.

The Grand Duchess posed a question toward an Url by the name of, 'Mr.Quin'.

She stated she had met an Url the previous day that still held their former religion, her question was if it was common for Url to hold onto such things after their Symbiosis. The understanding that she had was that there is not central religion among Url, but had thought all remnants of their past life were typically left behind.

Mr.Quin stated that Url do not always leave the previous factors of their life behind, however 'religiosity' tends to change due to one's new found understanding of natural order.

In closing, the Grand Duchess Sivrid Sorenvik asked Mother Alexi to remind those she works with in Crookback that the Alms do not seek to condescend by giving hand-outs, despite what some believe. She would like help in reminding those in Crookback that the Alms keeps a ledger of businesses willing to hire ex-criminals, Kathar, and others seeking a second chance. She also hopes the words spoken here will be carried to each of our respective communities, believing that knowledge is the basis of understanding, and understanding can be a platform for tolerance.


This concludes this meeting of the Theological Society. Notes taken by Society Historian, Miss Isobel Lykke, edited by Grand Duchess Sivrid Sorenvik.

 

[bwmwags3]

(Mrs.Cripple you have gifted me a addition to my Religion obsession <3. All my chrs signing up even the shelved)

Character Names: Tizu Izu-vyzal, Alucard Alfonse, Biriqhoteph, James Larskon

IG Name: Bwmwags

Discord ID: bwmwags#1271

Religion/Position: Alucard (Beacon of Eternian), Liza Snow (Old Gods Worshipper)

 

[CrimsletMonarch]

Character Name: Novellia Reinard av Fristadvlom
IG Name: CrimsletMonarch
Discord ID: CrimsletCrown#1408
Religion/Position: Priestess of the Dragon Faith

 

[Mollymock]

Character Name: Talisin Oruisin
IG Name: Mollymock
Discord ID: Mollymock#5910
Religion/Position: Estellian Priest of the Ciellonian Sect

 

[KrakenLord01]

Character Name: Ibrahim Batunoglu
IG Name: KrakenLord01
Discord ID: KrakenLord01#5266
Religion/Position: Imam of the Ibadet Faith

 

[essentialess]

Character Name: Roul Cadieux.
IG Name: essentialess
Discord ID: essence#9763
Religion/Position: Sancellist Curate

 

[leafnosedbat]

Character Name: Mother Alexi
IG Name: LeafMC
Discord ID: Doctor Goodman#0378
Religion/Position: Mystic/Priestess of Ordial Unionism

 

[Northern_Ireland]

Character Name: Cillian Mac Conall
IG Name: Northern_Ireland
Discord ID: Greencolts#5985
Religion/Position: Druid of The Draoidh Feya

 

[weatherbyrd]

Character Name: Abelhard Latimer
IG Name: festiveCorvid
Discord ID: you have it lol im a bit dwunk
Religion/Position: Evintarin Horopadosi Layman

 

[MantaRey]

Character Name: Gwenyth Zylmoira
IG Name: MantaRey
Discord ID: You got me
Religion/Position: Matron of the Imperial Dragon
@MrsCripple

 

[AtticCat]

Character Name: Haeddi van Hal
IG Name: AtticCat
Discord ID: attic#1612
Religion/Position: Priscellian Unionist Acolyte

 

[LadyLekku]

The next event is set! Please review our Upcoming Events post for details. I'm tagging everyone who replied to the thread + who spoke at the previous event, if you're interested in returning!

https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447

@bwmwags3 @CrimsletMonarch @Mollymock @KrakenLord01 @essentialess @LeafMC @Northern_Ireland @festiveCorvid @MantaRey @AtticCat @MonMarty

Additionally, the minutes from our last meeting are posted in the Historian post as well, and are available for public IC knowledge.

 

[indyfan98]

Character Name: Aqer
IG Name: Wan_Xia
Discord ID: indyfan98#7933
Religion/Position: Priest of Baskarr

 

[HeyItzAPotato]

Character Name: Taeron Fa'Salor
IG Name: HeyItzAPotato
Discord ID: HeyItzAPotato#5518
Religion/Position: (stand in) Priest of Shambala

 

[LadyLekku]

@bwmwags3 @CrimsletMonarch @Mollymock @KrakenLord01 @essentialess @LeafMC @Northern_Ireland @festiveCorvid @MantaRey @AtticCat @MonMarty @HeyItzAPotato @indyfan98 @_GoldWolf_ @FarmerBlakeyBoy

Tagging relevant people! Included Society members, and people on the Religious Ledger who might wana show off their location. And Marty because Supremoclast.

Our next event will be a tour of the Temples/Churches/Cathedrals across the city! Details here: https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447

 

[Dudonka2]

Character Name: Masirielith Maani
IG Name: Dudonka2
Discord ID: Dudonka2#0811
Religion/Position: Priestess of the Shambala Faith

 

[LadyLekku]

@bwmwags3 @CrimsletMonarch @Mollymock @KrakenLord01 @essentialess @LeafMC @Northern_Ireland @festiveCorvid @MantaRey @AtticCat @HeyItzAPotato @indyfan98 @_GoldWolf_ @FarmerBlakeyBoy @Dudonka2

Our new event is scheduled! This time, a conversation. Come talk about the Void and Exist and whether or not these theories hold any credibility! More details here: https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447

 

[leichendame]

Character Name: Helen Wulfmacht
IG Name: sadgalli
Discord ID: sadgalli#1091
Religion/Position: Sancellist Unionist adherent atm (likely to be Vierzehn post rewrite)/Philosopher

 

[Kadius]

Character Name: Ceres La'ksmhii (Mother Ceres)
IG Name: Kadius
Discord ID: You have it
Religion/Position: The Augurer of Minoor Estellianism in Regalia, known as the Regalo-Sastorinite Sect.

 

[LadyLekku]

New event is up! July 18th, Show and Tell https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447

@bwmwags3 @CrimsletMonarch @Mollymock @KrakenLord01 @essentialess @LeafMC @Northern_Ireland @festiveCorvid @MantaRey @AtticCat @HeyItzAPotato @indyfan98 @_GoldWolf_ @FarmerBlakeyBoy @Dudonka2 @sadgalli @Kadius

 

[NebulaePrimo]

Character Name: Amdilin dei Savarolesta
IG Name: NebulaePrimo
Discord ID: NebulaePrimo#9853
Religion/Position: Vultragon Unionist Priest

 

[LadyLekku]

New event is up! Friday, August 20th. Social hour. A conversational meeting to get to know the other religious leaders a bit more personally, or ask questions. https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447

@bwmwags3 @CrimsletMonarch @Mollymock @KrakenLord01 @essentialess @LeafMC @Northern_Ireland @festiveCorvid @MantaRey @AtticCat @HeyItzAPotato @indyfan98 @_GoldWolf_ @FarmerBlakeyBoy @Dudonka2 @sadgalli @Kadius @NebulaePrimo

 

[Chakapa]

Character Name

▫ Godwin Malachi Vessa​

IG Name

▫ Chakapa​

Discord ID

▫ Chakapa#6751​

Religion/Position

▫ Dogmatic Unionist Celate​

 

[LadyLekku]

https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447 New event dropping this Friday! Come join in with the open forum to discuss the topic with people whose morals may be widely different from your own.

 

[LadyLekku]

Next open forum is scheduled! I want to go back to tagging people, but I don't want to bother those who are probably inactive at this point. So if you want to be tagged for our events, rate THIS post "cuddles" and I'll tag you next time. No application necessary, these are public events, and 'members' of the society simply want to be alerted to them.

https://forums.massivecraft.com/threads/the-regalian-theological-society.91406/#post-997447

 

[LadyLekku]

@ezalB @LeafMC @bwmwags3 Just tagging the folks who requested to be reminded of events! Happening in about five minutes.