Overview

The Divine Church of the Ash Cleft is located in the center and northeast regions of the Ash Cleft. It is governed by a sizeable ecclesiastical leadership that convenes monthly to discuss the state's conditions. The high ecclesiastical authority delegates minor administrative responsibilities to the church's clergy, who manage everyday matters throughout the region. The state enforces the worship of The Pantheon of the Nine, which has led to significant conflict with the Dragonborn and Orkish fundamentalists. This state-mandated religion has contributed to various issues and has also served as the moral justification for the enslavement of the Dregs. The Divine Church is generally aggressive in inter-realm politics, particularly with the Dragon Kingdoms of The Shattered Peaks, which has attracted considerable foreign support for the other kingdoms of the Ash Cleft.

Government Operation

The ecclesiarchy of The Ash Cleft is governed by three primary leaders who wield the majority of the church's power: the High Pontiff, the Spear Bearer, and the Lord Vicar. The High Pontiff is appointed in a lineage from mentor to pupil, while the Golden Swans elect the Lord Vicar. The Spear Bearer, on the other hand, is said to be chosen by Omar himself. Together, these three leaders are known as the Trinity, and they are responsible for enacting all of the church's laws and holy edicts.

Beneath the Trinity are the Golden Swans, a group of approximately one hundred high priests typically dressed in golden robes. The Golden Swans make smaller decisions, interpret the will of the Trinity, and serve as advisors and administrators for them. Under the Golden Swans are the clergy, comprising thousands of priests who serve within The Divine Church of The Ash Cleft. These clergy members act as community leaders, implementing the church's directives at a public level.

Significantly, most of Gevadun’s churches and temples dedicated to The Pantheon of The Nine are led by these clergy members, indicating that the divine church has a presence in every realm. However, it is important to note that not all churches and temples across the realms strictly adhere to the doctrine of The Divine Church of The Ash Cleft.

The Trinity: The Trinity comprises the church's High Pontiff, Spear Bearer, and Lord Vicar. While each has their own jobs, collectively these three people have a majority of power over the church and The Ash Cleft.

The Golden Swans: The Golden Swans are the approximately one hundred or so high priests who serve the divine church by interpreting and implementing the laws passed by The Trinity.

The Clergy: The Clergy are the thousands of priests across The Ash Cleft and the thousands more across Gevadun. They are both priests and the lowest tier of administrators for the divine church.

Military

The military of the Divine Church of the Ash Cleft is one of the most powerful forces in all of Gevadun. It is led by the Spear Bearer, a member of the Trinity who works closely with the High Pontiff and the Lord Vicar. While the Spear Bearer works closely with the other two members of The Trinity, they ultimately oversee the church's armies and navies.

Beneath the Spear Bearer are the Holy Paladins, who serve as battlefield commanders and formidable warriors responsible for organizing and leading the church's soldiers. Holy Paladins are promoted to their positions based on recommendations from their peers, The Golden Swans, or the Spear Bearer.

The church's military forces are divided into two main groups: the Templars and the Dreg Slave Legions. The Templars are well-paid, thoroughly trained, and adequately equipped. At the same time, the Dreg Slave Legions receive little training and inadequate supplies.

The Spear Bearer: One of the members of The Trinity, the Spear Bearer is the complete leader and commander of the divine church's armies and navies.

The Holy Paladins: The Holy Paladins are mighty warriors and battlefield commanders who organize all the forces beneath them. 

The Templars/The Holy Fleet: The Templars and The Holy Fleet are the free, ordinary soldiers of the church. They are well-equipped, well-paid, and well-trained, and they excel at attrition warfare.

Dreg Slave Legions: The Dreg Slave Legions are the enslaved dreg warriors of the church. They are poorly equipped and trained, and they are often used as a meat shield or fodder for the church's other troops.