Pholtus (of the Blinding Light)
Pholtus (of the Blinding Light)
Alignment: Lawful Good (Lawful Neutral)
Portfolio: Light, Resolution, Law, Order, Inflexibility, Sun, Moons
Domains: Good, Knowledge, Law, Sun
Weapons: Quarterstaff
Description:
Pholtus is a stern Oeridian guardian of unbending Law, depicted as a tall, slender man in a white robe, with fair skin and hair, and eyes that shine with the fires of devotion. He carries the Staff of the Silvery Sun, an ivory object shod in silver and topped by an electrum sun-disk. His holy symbol is a full moon (Luna) partially eclipsed by a smaller crescent moon (Celene). He believes that he is the authority on Law and the natural order, which makes him unpopular with other gods. He particularly despises the Oeridian wind gods and is opposed by St. Cuthbert.
Doctrine:
The One True Way is a strict path but guarantees rightness. Show no tolerance for those who do not give all for the cause of Law. Fanaticism in the name of the Blinding Light is praiseworthy, and Law’s champions shall be rewarded in the era when chaos has been vanquished. This church does not have much respect for those of other religions, especially chaotic ones. The anthem of the worshipers is “O Blinding Light”; the church has three ascending orders: Glimmering (preferring white garments), Gleaming (preferring white and silver), and Shining (preferring white, silver, and gold).
Clergy and Followers:
Clerics of the Blinding Light, exclusively men, are expected to bring the word to unbelievers and brook no argument against this practice. This quest means they must travel far from their churches, usually in groups should unbelievers and heretics turn hostile. They smite chaos where they find it and Evil once chaos is rooted out. These clerics get along well with conservative paladins. When not preaching, they act as judges, lawyers, and arbiters.
Morals and Dogma of the Church of Pholtus
Morals
Absolute Adherence to Law: The essence of Pholtus's teachings is the strict and unwavering adherence to Law. This means following societal rules, legal codes, and the church’s doctrines without question. Deviations are not tolerated, as they represent chaos and disorder.
Inflexibility in Principles: The faithful must remain steadfast in their beliefs and principles. Compromise is seen as weakness and a step toward chaos. Followers are encouraged to uphold their values with rigid conviction.
Promotion of Order: Chaos is the enemy. All actions taken by the followers of Pholtus must aim to promote and maintain order. This includes quelling rebellions, supporting lawful authorities, and ensuring that justice is served.
Devotion to the Light: The light of Pholtus symbolizes truth, purity, and guidance. Followers must seek enlightenment through the teachings of Pholtus and strive to spread this light to others. Darkness and ignorance are to be dispelled wherever they are found.
Intolerance of Unbelief: Those who do not follow the path of Pholtus are seen as misguided at best and heretical at worst. There is no tolerance for unbelief. Conversion and correction of the unbelievers are paramount duties.
Commitment to Justice: Justice is the natural order, and it must be upheld. Followers are expected to act as judges, arbiters, and enforcers of the law, ensuring that wrongdoers are punished and the innocent protected.
Dogma
The One True Way: There is only one correct path, and that is the path illuminated by Pholtus. Followers must reject all other faiths and ideologies as false and misleading. The teachings of Pholtus provide the only roadmap to true righteousness.
The Blinding Light: Pholtus's light is both a beacon and a weapon. It guides the faithful and blinds the wicked. The faithful must use this light to illuminate the path of righteousness for others and to strike down those who dwell in darkness.
The Triad of Orders: The church is structured into three ascending orders:
Glimmering: Novices who wear white garments, symbolizing their initial commitment to purity and light.
Gleaming: Advanced followers who don white and silver, representing their growing connection to Pholtus's power.
Shining: The highest order, adorned in white, silver, and gold, symbolizing their full embodiment of the Blinding Light.
Eternal Vigilance: Followers must remain ever vigilant against the encroachment of chaos and evil. This vigilance requires constant watchfulness, readiness to act, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Law and Order.
Judgement and Redemption: Pholtus teaches that all beings will be judged according to their adherence to the Law. Redemption is possible, but it requires complete submission to Pholtus's will and a renouncement of all chaotic influences.
Rituals of Light: The faithful must partake in regular rituals to honor Pholtus and renew their commitment. These include daily prayers at dawn and dusk, monthly full moon ceremonies, and special rites during eclipses.
The Staff of the Silvery Sun: This holy relic, carried by Pholtus himself, symbolizes the authority and power of the Blinding Light. Clerics and high-ranking followers may carry staffs as a mark of their duty to spread and enforce the light.
By following these morals and dogma, the faithful of Pholtus strive to create a world where Law and Order reign supreme, and the Blinding Light dispels all darkness.
O Blinding Light: The Hymn of Pholtus
Verse 1
O Blinding Light, so pure and bright,
Guide us through the darkest night.
Your radiance shines, a beacon true,
In your path, our strength renew.
Chorus
O Blinding Light, our souls you lead,
In your name, we vow to heed.
With fervent hearts, we stand and fight,
For Law and Order, in your light.
Verse 2
From chaos deep, we seek to turn,
In your flame, our spirits burn.
With steadfast faith, we face the dawn,
In Pholtus' name, we carry on.
Chorus
O Blinding Light, our souls you lead,
In your name, we vow to heed.
With fervent hearts, we stand and fight,
For Law and Order, in your light.
Bridge
No shadow falls, no evil stays,
When Pholtus' light, our path conveys.
We march as one, with purpose clear,
In your embrace, we have no fear.
Verse 3
With robes of white, we shine as one,
Reflecting light like the silvery sun.
In unity, we spread your word,
O Blinding Light, our guide and sword.
Chorus
O Blinding Light, our souls you lead,
In your name, we vow to heed.
With fervent hearts, we stand and fight,
For Law and Order, in your light.
Outro
O Blinding Light, forever stay,
Illuminate our righteous way.
In Pholtus' name, we'll always strive,
To keep your holy flame alive.
