Overview

Amalianism is the most widespread and influential religion of Gaias, encompassing nearly the entire continent and being the official religion of the Empire, and being central to its ethos and law. Originating with the founding of the Empire itself——Amalianism is both the spiritual backbone and a powerful unifying force that sustains the Empire’s societal structure. Its teachings revolve around a single, omnipotent deity known as the Divine. Though considered a single entity, according to the Imperial Church, the Divine manifests in eight distinct aspects, each embodying a particular domain of existence, and together, these aspects represent the full breadth of the Divine's influence over the world. Equally as important is the mortal prophet now also venerated as a deity after her death: Amalia, Bride of the Divine. This division allows Amalianism to be viewed as both monotheistic (due to the singularity of the Divine) and polytheistic (as each aspect is revered individually).

All of Amalianism's tenets, beliefs and stories are recorded in the book Chao et Ordo, a collection of chanticles and songs about Amalia's journey as the Bride of the Divine.

Chao et Ordo 1:7

Eyes sorrow-blinded, in darkness unbroken
There 'pon the mountain, a voice answered my call.
"Heart that is broken, beats still unceasing,
An ocean of sorrow does nobody drown.
You have forgotten, slave-maid of Eldarath.
Within My creation, none are alone."
—— The Divine reveals himself to Amalia, a lowly battered slave, as she cried in sorrow to her suffering and the suffering of those she witnessed.

Amalianism is both a spiritual religion and a legalistic one that shapes the laws, culture, and values of the Empire. Its teachings promote a cosmopolitan society where different races coexist peacefully, and where the use of magic is heavily regulated to prevent the chaos of the past.

Core Tenets

The following are considered the tenets of Amalianism as per the Imperial Church's interpretation of the Chant of Chao et Ordo.

Redemption of All: Only when all mortals in every corner of the world open their hearts to the Divine and Amalia, will They return to their children, and the Black City turn Golden once more.
Unity and Equality: All mortal races are children of the Divine, and Amalianism teaches the importance of unity, forgiveness, and equality among them.
Wariness of Magic: The religion reflects the Empire's strict control over magic, viewing it with caution due to its potential for great harm.
Responsibility and Protection: Followers are urged to protect life, uphold justice, and defend against evil. This includes a strong emphasis on good governance and societal harmony.
Tolerance and Forgiveness: Inspired by Amalia's own journey, the religion advocates for tolerance and forgiveness, even towards those that did not accept the Chant before.

The most common icon of Amalianism: Amalia with her mortal wound: King Junot's Arrow of Mercy; and her depiction as the uniting body of the Divine's Eight Aspects.

Amalianist Cosmology

Cosmology and the world's connection to magic and the Aether are central to understanding the Amalianist myths and stories.

In Amalianist cosmology, the world is divided into two realms: the material world, where mortals dwell, and the Aether, a plane of pure magic that is home to a range of mystical spirits beings and landscapes beyond mortal comprehension. These realms are separated by the Veil, a boundary that prevents the chaotic energies of the Aether from spilling into the material world. This division is universally recognized by has been studied by scholars of all creeds and backgrounds through the ages. However, Amalianism teaches that the Veil was originally a creation of the Divine, meant to protect the material world from the overwhelming and corrupting influence of Aetheric magic.

Central to this Cosmological interpretation is the Black City, a shadowy structure visible on the horizon of the Aether regardless of where one stands. According to Amalianist doctrine, the Black City was once the Golden City, the resplendent throne of the Divine. However, during a cataclysmic event known as the Breach, five powerful mages—known as the original Maleficar—attempted to seize the Golden City for themselves, hoping to attain godlike power. In doing so, they shattered the Veil, invaded the Golden City, and tainted it with their mortal sin, transforming it into the cursed Black City. This act brought corruption to the Aether and marked the beginning of the Age of Chaos, an era where the boundaries between realms weakened, allowing infernal beings to invade the material world.

The Original Sin

Amalianism holds that the Maleficar’s actions epitomize the dangers of unchecked ambition and selfishness, and the use of Magic for personal power. This foundational story is one of responsibility, illustrating the belief that the lust for power and uncontrolled magic ultimately leads to ruin. The original Maleficar, transformed by their sins, became the first devils, and all infernal creatures trace their origins back to them. This belief underscores Amalianism’s caution regarding magic, which is viewed as both a gift and a dangerous tool that must be wielded responsibly to prevent the reemergence of chaos.

Chao et Ordo 8:3

"But when they took a single step
Toward the empty throne
A great voice cried out
Shaking the very foundations
Of Heaven and earth
And So is the Golden City blackened
With each step you take in my Hall.
Marvel at perfection, for it is fleeting.
You have brought Sin to Heaven
And doom upon all the world.
Violently were they cast down,
For no mortal may walk bodily
In the realm of dreams,
Bearing the mark of their Crime:
Bodies so maimed
And distorted that none should see them
And now know them as Devils."
—— The Divine's curse on the maleficar as they attempted to breach the Golden City, and their turning into Devils.

Amalia, the Bride

Chao et Ordo 1:8

Sword-shattering fear filled me overflowing.
Grandeur of godhood no gaze should defile.
Trembling, I called out: "Forgive me, Most High,
I should sing Your Name to the heights of heaven,
But I know it not, and must be silent."
The Wellspring of All said, "None now remember.
Long have they turned to blood and magiks
Away from My Light, in darkness unbroken
The last of My children, shrouded in night."
World fell away then, misty in mem'ry,
'Cross Veil and into the valley of dreams
A vision of all worlds, waking and slumb'ring,
Spirit and mortal to me appeared.
"Look to My work," said the Voice of Creation.
"See what My children in arrogance wrought."
There I saw the Black City, towers all stain'd,
Gates once bright golden forever shut.
Heav'n filled with silence, then did I know all
And cross'd my heart with unbearable shame.
—— Amalia is shown the original Sin of mortals, and the blackening of the Divine's light.

In response to the turmoil caused by the Breach, the Divine chose a mortal woman named Amalia to lead mortals toward redemption. According to the sacred Chao et Ordo, Amalia was born enslaved by a powerful high-elf warlord named Eldarath. One night, she received a vision from the Divine while thinking on the suffering she witnessed during the age. They instructed her to guide mortals away from chaos, unite the mortal races under Their message, and work toward closing the breaches in the Veil. After escaping her captor, Amalia married Kertamar, a human warlord, and began spreading the Divine’s teachings among the human tribes. She would lead the Exalted Marches, a crusade of her faithful against the tyrannical mages and infernal hordes, uniting many under her March. Her efforts would unfortunately lead her to sacrifice her power to seal the Veil, and then to her death by betrayal by her own husband. In death Amalia became the Bride of the Divine, a title that symbolizes her role as the ultimate intermediary between mortals and the Divine, and her followers would go on to found the Empire based on her teachings.

It is said that when mortals betrayed her message and led her to die, the Divine turned away from mortals once more, disappointed in their Sin. As Amalia ascended, she would then take on the role of the prime caretaker of mortals and the Veil; and only once all mortals once again turn back to the Divine's light will They return, and Their city turn Golden once more.

Chao et Ordo 1:11

Then did I see the world spread before me,
Sky-reaching mountains arrayed as a crown,
Kingdoms like jewels, glistering gemstones
Strung 'cross the earth as a necklace of pearl.
"All this is yours," spake the Divine.
"Join Me in heaven and sorrow no more."
"World-making Glory," I cried out in sorrow,
"How shall your children apology make?
We have forgotten, in ignorance stumbling,
Only a Light in this darken'd time breaks.
Call to Your children, teach us Your greatness.
What has been forgotten has not yet been lost."
Long was Their silence, 'fore it was broken.
"For you, song-weaver, once more I will try.
To My children venture, carrying wisdom,
If they but listen, I shall return."
—— Amalia begs the Divine to forgive mortals, rejects godhood and begins her Exalted March to save all.

Amalia’s teachings form the backbone of Amalianism. Her journey from slave to Bride of the Divine is recounted in the Chao et Ordo (“Chaos and Order”), the sacred text of the Amalianist faith. This book, written in verse, provides guidance on both moral conduct and societal organization. It reflects Amalianism’s legalistic nature, as Amalianist doctrine emphasizes not only personal piety but also the importance of societal order, justice, the rule of law and above all else the control of magic to prevent the chaos of the past.

Her story is more detailed in the tab "Amalia's Journey".

Church of Amalianism

Due to the Empire’s vast reach, Amalianism has adapted to a wide array of cultures within Gaias. In provinces far from the Empire’s core, Amalianism often blends with local traditions, resulting in various sects that interpret the Divine’s aspects differently. The Imperial Church of Amalianism is considered the orthodox branch, and its eight aspects of the Divine are widely recognized across the Empire. However, other notable sects—such as the Golden Church of Verdantine, Church of Drydale, and Bornholm Church—have developed distinct doctrines based on their regional cultures and values.

Eight Aspects of the Divine

Imperial Church

Considered the original sect of Amalianism created at the founding of the Empire, it's also the most vast and can be found across the continent in all locations even in small minorities within larger religions. It is the official religion of the Empire.

The Imperial Church venerates Amalia as Bride of the Divine, and the Eight Aspects of the Divine:

Golden Church of Verdantine

Officially created centuries after Amalianism first became an official religion in Verdantine, the Golden Church mixes orthodox Amalianist values with the Verdantine values of Beauty, Honor, Compassion, Generosity and Valor. It exists primarily in this province, though it can be found in the Eastlands as well.

It tends to have a more spiritual approach to worship, and considers many old draconic pagan deities as Aspects of the Divine and celebrates King Junot I as a saint equal to Amalia. It shares 4 Aspects with the Imperial Church:

Other Relevant Sects

Though Imperial and Golden are the largest organized Amalianist churches, many other churches, sects and even cults exist all around Gaias. Here are some notable examples:

Bornholm Church or Church of Bornholm:
The church of Bornholm is specific to the Autonomous City of Bornholm in Saltmark, which venerates Amalia as its single deity. It is monotheistic and more conservative than more orthodox churches.
Church of Drydale:
The church of Drydale mixes Amalianist values of acceptance and responsibility for the land with old folkloric tales of Giants. While they share the Eight Aspects with the Imperial church, they also venerate giants like Helgir as manifestations of the Divine on earth similar to Amalia herself.
Sect of Justice:
A more legalistic approach to Amalianism that centers around Amalia's struggle with slavery and her message of equality, those of this Sect aggressively use her stories as inspiration for social change; the majority of the followers being Wood Elves and Humans that were heavily involved in the abolishment of slavery in Illyum, and are hostile to the modern Golden Church.