Church of Xathos

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History

The beginnings of the Church of Xaethos evolved from early Alkari pagan traditions. One such tradition believed in a deity only known as XYS. There are no records on whom this deity was or what significance it had for the tradition, however, a following of XYS popped up in early 2000 BC. By the 1800s BC, this Following of XYS became known as the Cult of XYS. The main tenantry was they followed a deity with an unpronounceable name since the might of deity was outside human understanding. Surrounding tribes could not understand this, so the earliest pronunciation was "Xaeyos." This early tribe would be responsible for writing the first part of the Tome of Xaethos. Around 1700 BC, the early Alkari tribe vanished. Most people living in that area at the time believed that they were smited by the gods for their impiety and quickly went to town invading the now abandoned tribe.

Around 1500 BC, the early Alkari nation, Alkafilia, encountered a strange ship. The ship originated from a far off island they call "île sainte"(Modern day Eternatus island). The emissary told them of riches untold of and of a "city made with gold." The Alkafillian nation decided in response to launch an invasion on the island. When they arrived, the invasion force found nothing more than a regular city. Inside this city, they found a temple built to the deity XYS. The commander-in-charge of the invasion, Giroux

1st Reformation

Main points: Establishment of the hierarchy (up to Bishop) Canon Law first established Tomes of Xaethos Canon established

2nd Reformation

Main Points:
Restructure of the Church
Establishing the Head Bishop(later to be renamed Archbishop)

Schism

Main Points:
"The Sect" breaks from the Church over Doctrine issues
massive controversy about Canon Law and Doctrine

Third Reformation and the Modern Church

Main points:
After schism, massive revision
Establishment of continental churches, giving voice to more Xaethosi around Urth

Branches of Church of Xaethos

Alkari Church

Le Main branch of Xaethosi. Directly lead by the Archbishop in Eternatus, Eternatus Island, Alksearia.

Ursine Church

In 1988, the Ursine Church split from the Central Church over disagreements over the Archbishopric. In a controversial move, the College of Elders voted to deny the writ of nomination from King Eldras V, allowing the College to elect a member themselves. Two candidates eventually came to be: the now-Archbishop Rhea III and High Elder Vorg’rath Tel’kum. After an unprecedented 10 rounds of voting, Archbishop Rhea was named the new Archbishop. The Balistrian Church took offense as High Elder Tel’kum had been around for longer, and had served on the previous Archbishop’s council. The Ursine Church declared itself sovereign from the Alksearian Church, and instituted their own Archbishop. The Ursine Church only has a following within Balistria, however, recent tensions between Balistria and Alksearia have resulted in the Ursine Church starting to decline.

In late 2019, the Ursine College of Bishops voted on a resolution to bring themselves back into full communion with the Alksearian Church. The vote failed 88-89, with the Archbishop casting his first vote within the college. A similar resolution was brought up in August 2020, however, the resolution was never brought for a full vote as the College was placed on an indefinite hiatus due to recent political events in Balistria. The Ursine Church is expected to return to session on January 1st, 2021, but may come back earlier.

Theology

• There are 2 main gods: Xaethos and Ceurin.
• While there is no direct "Fallen God", there is just the collective "The Fallen". In essence, they are people who have fallen from grace, or who's souls are so corrupted that communion with Xaethos and Ceurin the Prophet, is incompatable.
• Xaethos is the Creator, and the god of gods. Xaethos is not gendered as Xaethos can take any form that they so wish.
• Ceurin is Xaethos's Prophet, who spread the word of Xaethos to those in Alksearia. Ceurin is believed to be the son of Xaethos, but nothing in the Tomes directly confirms nor denies it. It has garned much theological debate.