Claritism

The national religion of the Despotate of Greldynsor is Claritism, a faith centered around the worship of two specific gods, Tyrin and Saffra. The former is the god of justice and truth, who resides in the skies and protects the realm of men from harm. The latter is the goddess of the earth, fertility and agriculture who watches over the forests, plains and hills. They are both seen as powerful deities who aid the people of Greldynsor and the nation as a whole, being highly attributed to the Despotate's growing wealth and power.

A centralized religious institution known as the Church of Clarity is responsible for spreading the word of Tyrin and Saffra and maintaining the proper worship of the gods. The Church also takes care of the needy and the poor, giving aid to those who most need it. The church is split up into two branches, each focusing on overseeing the worship of either Saffra or Tyrin.

Voices and singing in general plays a massive role in the worship of the two gods. Claritist mythology states that Tyrin and Saffra sang numerous songs to the first mortals that resided in land and that it was through this singing that the men were enlightened as they received the gift of wisdom and intelligence.

History
Tyrin and Saffra have been around Greldynsor long before the Cataclysm and long before the nation collapsed into civil war. Back then, their popularity and influence weren't as widespread, being seen as nothing more than another god in a long pantheon of mythical spirits and beings. During the economic and civil crisis which lead to the collapse of the Empire of Greldynsor, a new radical religious sect emerged from the city of Greldynsor. This new sect, known as the Church of Clarity worshiped only Tyrin and Saffra, and refusing to acknowledge the other gods in the Greldynsorii pantheon. Though initially outlawed and persecuted, the chaos the followed the Cataclysm allowed the religion to survive said persecution and soon it began slowly spreading across the plains, making its way to the eastern coast and the shores of Lake Orion. The Church of Clarity was known for using violence against bandits and giving aid and protection to the many commoners that were displaced during the numerous civil wars that followed the collapse of the Empire.

When Greldynsor was finally unified by Stefan Merkeimont following a brutal campaign that lasted for a decade, he elevated the Church of Clarity to become the new nation's state religion and persecuted the smaller cults and churches. It was in these years that the political and military power of the Church of Clarity diminished as it was split up into two separate branches, nevertheless its influence on Greldynsorii culture remained at an all time high.

Mythology
The Church of Clarity has an extensive mythology, which seeks to explain the nature of the world. A primary source for information about Claritist mythology is the Hymns, a collection of songs and poems that were sang to the first men and women of the earth. These songs are often sung in taverns and public celebrations, and are familiar to most citizens of Greldynsor.

Tyrin
Tyrin, the Sky Father, the warrior-king of the heavens is the Greldynsorii god of obedience, selflessness, honesty and vigilance. He is depicted as a human clad in heavy armor and a feathered helmet whilst wielding a halberd. Soldiers often pray to Tyrin before a battle, asking for strength and protection. Tyrin resides in the Tower of Heaven, a large tower situated on a floating island high above the clouds. From here, he oversees the defence of the mortal realm from intruders and watches over the people of the land.

Saffra
Saffra, the Earth Mother, the Greldynsorii god of the earth, harvest and fertility. She promotes the values of compassion, kindness and humility. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a white robe and a crown of grass whilst holding a wooden staff. Farmers often come to her temples and shrines praying for good harvest and health. According to the tomes of old, deceased men and women would come face to face with Saffra who would accompany them to the realm of the dead, Astromeria.

Astromeria, the Realm of the Dead
According to the Hymns of Tyrin, when a man or a woman dies, his or her soul departs the body and comes face to face with the earth mother, Saffra who then accompanies the soul to Astromeria, the realm of the dead. Those who have lived a life of sin would not be met with Saffra but by Tyrin’s housecarls who would essentially “arrest” the soul and lead them to a special place in Astromeria reserved for those that are sinful.

Nachria
A special region in Astromeria surrounded by huge mountains. It consists of numerous interconnected fortresses some of which are tall enough to breach past the clouds. It is essentially a large prison where wicked men and women are forced to do tiring work forever. It is guarded by the Invioutii, an order of soldiers trained in combat by Tyrin himself.

Astria
The place where men and women of virtue spend eternity in peace and harmony. It is described as a majestic land of beautiful forests, plains and valleys. A place where corruption, greed and anger is non-existent. Imus the Gatekeeper watches over this part of Astromeria, making sure that only the virtuous may enter.

The Citadel
A massive castle in Astria where only men with great renown might enter. Here heroes and masters of old tell stories of their great deeds while enjoying the finest delicacies known to man. The Citadel is also the home of Saffra, who watches over the realm like a mother would to her child.

Recitation of the Hymns
A communal occasion that dates back to the founding of the Church of Clarity. It involves the gathering of people from all walks of life around a bonfire, where then a mystic (a priest of Tyrin or Saffra) would begin singing tales from the Hymns. This is usually followed by a celebration where the common men and women dance, singing their own songs. This event usually only lasts for an hour and is usually done on a town plaza or a village center.

Day of Unification
Despite being a cultural holiday, the Day of Unification is considered by the church to be a religious festival. Unification Day celebrates the unification of the empire by Stefan Merkeimont as well as thanking the gods for their continued support in the rebuilding of the nation. It happens in select towns and villages across the Despotate though the major celebrations is conducted in the city of Greldynsor, the capital of the nation. During this event, the Despot and his subjects make a public appearance.. By tradition, they are expected to host public feasts, paid for by their own money. The numerous high mystics of the Church of Clarity also make an appearance, usually leading the mass prayers and animal sacrifices. Celebrations usually happens during the morning, before noon though private feasts and parties may still occur during the night.

During Unification Day, the streets of Greldynsor are often hard to traverse, being clogged by numerous street vendors.