Church of Ezra - Revision history

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	<seo title="The Church of Ezra" metak="ravenloft,ezra,church,neverwinter nights,nwn,game,rpg,persistent world,pw,d&d,dungeons & dragons" metad="A full explanation of the Church of Ezra as depicted in Time of Unparalleled Darkness, a NWN1 persistent world in the Ravenloft Campaign Setting." />		<seo title="The Church of Ezra" metak="ravenloft,ezra,church,neverwinter nights,nwn,game,rpg,persistent world,pw,d&d,dungeons & dragons" metad="A full explanation of the Church of Ezra as depicted in Time of Unparalleled Darkness, a NWN1 persistent world in the Ravenloft Campaign Setting." />
	{{canon}}		{{canon}}
	[[Church of Ezra\|The Church of Ezra]] is the formal church organized around the goddess [[Ezra]], and a fundamental player in the [[Time of Unparalleled Darkness]].<ref name="dod">{{DoD_NP}}</ref><ref extends="dod">p. 134-135</ref><ref>Ravenloft Third Edition ~~p. 51 (Canon)~~</ref> Ezra is a goddess, whom became mortal, and then a goddess again, a story told through Her Five Revelations. Her Domains are varied by sect, but all have the Mists domain in common, as well as healing, knowledge, law, magic, and destruction. The church is common throughout the eastern Core, and even places where the faith is relatively small often have, at the very least, shrines, <ref name="gaz2">{{Gaz2_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz2">p. 32</ref><ref name="gaz3">{{Gaz3_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz3">p. 110</ref><ref name="gaz4">{{Gaz4_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz4">p. 26</ref> for the [[Church of Ezra]] are the only organized entity outside of the Vistani clans whom can traverse the Mists.<ref>{{C\|book=Van Richten's Arsenal\|page=82-84}}</ref>		[[Church of Ezra\|The Church of Ezra]] is the formal church organized around the goddess [[Ezra]], and a fundamental player in the [[Time of Unparalleled Darkness]].<ref name="dod">{{DoD_NP}}</ref><ref extends="dod">p. 134-135</ref><ref>{{C\|page=51\|book=Ravenloft Third Edition}}</ref> Ezra is a goddess, whom became mortal, and then a goddess again, a story told through Her Five Revelations. Her Domains are varied by sect, but all have the Mists domain in common, as well as healing, knowledge, law, magic, and destruction. The church is common throughout the eastern Core, and even places where the faith is relatively small often have, at the very least, shrines, <ref name="gaz2">{{Gaz2_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz2">p. 32</ref><ref name="gaz3">{{Gaz3_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz3">p. 110</ref><ref name="gaz4">{{Gaz4_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz4">p. 26</ref> for the [[Church of Ezra]] are the only organized entity outside of the Vistani clans whom can traverse the Mists.<ref>{{C\|book=Van Richten's Arsenal\|page=82-84}}</ref>

	== Tenets of the Church ==		== Tenets of the Church ==

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	Central to the worship of Ezra is the question: what ''is'' Ezra? Was she a Goddess whom forsook the rest of the multiverse to protect the Dread Domains, or was she another face of the Mists of Death? Were one to ask four different anchorites, one would get four different answers - especially if they were all separate members of the four original sects.		Central to the worship of Ezra is the question: what ''is'' Ezra? Was she a Goddess whom forsook the rest of the multiverse to protect the Dread Domains, or was she another face of the Mists of Death? Were one to ask four different anchorites, one would get four different answers - especially if they were all separate members of the four original sects.

			{{toud-canon}}
	While the Fifth Revelation would shed much light on this, regardless of varying interpretations of this or the revelations that came before, one thing unites the church: irrespective of how She came to be, Our Guardian in The Mists holds the role of healer, protector, and ultimately, liberator of the Core, and it is She and She alone whom holds guardianship over the good of the core.		While the Fifth Revelation would shed much light on this, regardless of varying interpretations of this or the revelations that came before, one thing unites the church: irrespective of how She came to be, Our Guardian in The Mists holds the role of healer, protector, and ultimately, liberator of the Core, and it is She and She alone whom holds guardianship over the good of the core.

			{{netbook-canon}}
	The Church of Ezra is henotheistic overall: although her followers do not deny the existence of other gods such as Hala, Nerull, Bane, or the Morninglord, they believe that of these entities, Ezra is the only being watching over the denizens of the Lands of Mist, and thus, the only being truly worthy of worship. <ref name="aof">{{AoF_NP}}</ref><ref extends="aof">p. 25</ref>		The Church of Ezra is henotheistic overall: although her followers do not deny the existence of other gods such as Hala, Nerull, Bane, or the Morninglord, they believe that of these entities, Ezra is the only being watching over the denizens of the Lands of Mist, and thus, the only being truly worthy of worship. <ref name="aof">{{AoF_NP}}</ref><ref extends="aof">p. 25</ref>

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	The Church of Ezra is henotheistic overall: although her followers do not deny the existence of other gods such as Hala, Nerull, Bane, or the Morninglord, they believe that of these entities, Ezra is the only being watching over the denizens of the Lands of Mist, and thus, the only being truly worthy of worship. <ref name="aof">{{AoF_NP}}</ref><ref extends="aof">p. 25</ref>		The Church of Ezra is henotheistic overall: although her followers do not deny the existence of other gods such as Hala, Nerull, Bane, or the Morninglord, they believe that of these entities, Ezra is the only being watching over the denizens of the Lands of Mist, and thus, the only being truly worthy of worship. <ref name="aof">{{AoF_NP}}</ref><ref extends="aof">p. 25</ref>

	Sect beliefs vary on these other gods: the Third Sect in Dementlieu often sees the other goodly gods as merely other aspects of Ezra, while the anchorites of the Fourth Sect in Nevuchar Springs often depict the gods of other faiths as demonic beings luring the faithful away from Ezra's salvation. The Home Faith and Pure Hearts meanwhile hold the worship of other goodly gods as merely the worship of lesser beings, to be pitied - and in the Second Sect's case, to be brought into Ezra's true faith, through Her Redemption. Only the Fifth Sect truly cooperates with the other goodly faith as equals, holding the belief that Ezra channels the divinity of goodly other gods for their faithful, an Ezra-centric view of the [[Dark Pact]].		Sect beliefs vary on these other gods: the Third Sect in Dementlieu often sees the other goodly gods as merely other aspects of Ezra, while the anchorites of the Fourth Sect in Nevuchar Springs often depict the gods of other faiths as demonic beings luring the faithful away from Ezra's salvation. The Home Faith and Pure Hearts meanwhile hold the worship of other goodly gods as merely the worship of lesser beings, to be pitied - and in the Second Sect's case, to be brought into Ezra's true faith, through Her Redemption.

			{{toud-canon}}
			Only the Fifth Sect truly cooperates with the other goodly faith as equals, holding the belief that Ezra channels the divinity of goodly other gods for their faithful, an Ezra-centric view of the [[Dark Pact]].

	=== The Revelations of Ezra ===		=== The Revelations of Ezra ===

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	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	''The Books of Ezra''<br>		''The Books of Ezra''<br>
	Book II. xx.–xxxi.<ref extends="aof">p. 17 - with some copyediting for grammar ~~and consistency with the end time's name~~.</ref></blockquote>		Book II. xx.–xxxi.<ref extends="aof">p. 17 - with some copyediting for grammar.</ref></blockquote>

	<center><big>'''.III.'''</big></center>		<center><big>'''.III.'''</big></center>
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	And with those words, Ezra joined the Mists. Her name became known to those in the Hollow, and lost to all others.		And with those words, Ezra joined the Mists. Her name became known to those in the Hollow, and lost to all others.
	<blockquote> ''The Books of Ezra''<br>		<blockquote> ''The Books of Ezra''<br>
	Book III. i.–xiv.<ref extends="aof">p. 18-19 - with some copyediting for grammar ~~and consistency with the end time's name~~.</ref></blockquote>		Book III. i.–xiv.<ref extends="aof">p. 18-19 - with some copyediting for grammar.</ref></blockquote>

	<center><big>'''.IV.'''</big></center>		<center><big>'''.IV.'''</big></center>

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	# The First Sect, which calls itself the Home Sect, based out of the [[Grand Cathedral]], in [[Lekvarest]], [[Borca]]. It is lead by [[Levin Postoya\|Praesidius Levin Postoya]].<ref extends="gaz4">p. 26</ref>		# The First Sect, which calls itself the Home Sect, based out of the [[Grand Cathedral]], in [[Lekvarest]], [[Borca]]. It is lead by [[Levin Postoya\|Praesidius Levin Postoya]].<ref extends="gaz4">p. 26</ref>
	# The Second Sect, which calls themselves the Pure Hearts, based out of the [[Chapel of the Pure Hearts]], in [[Mordentshire]], [[Mordent]]. It is lead by [[Bailey Lacrese\|Bastion Bailey Lacrese]].<ref>~~Server canon, see~~ [[Bailey Lacrese]] - ~~written by DM Maiyannah~~.</ref>		# The Second Sect, which calls themselves the Pure Hearts, based out of the [[Chapel of the Pure Hearts]], in [[Mordentshire]], [[Mordent]]. It is lead by [[Bailey Lacrese\|Bastion Bailey Lacrese]].<ref extends="may">See [[Bailey Lacrese]]. Written 2023-12-27.</ref>
	# The Third Sect, which calls themselves the Erudites, based out of the [[Cathedrale Sainte Meres-des-Larmes]], in [[Port-au-Lucine]], [[Dementlieu]]. It is lead by		# The Third Sect, which calls themselves the Erudites, based out of the [[Cathedrale Sainte Meres-des-Larmes]], in [[Port-au-Lucine]], [[Dementlieu]]. It is lead by
	# The Fourth Sect, which calls themselves the Zealots, based out of the [[Last Redoubt]], in [[Nevuchar Springs]], [[Darkon]]. It is lead by [[Teodorus Raines\|Bastion Teodorus Raines]].		# The Fourth Sect, which calls themselves the Zealots, based out of the [[Last Redoubt]], in [[Nevuchar Springs]], [[Darkon]]. It is lead by [[Teodorus Raines\|Bastion Teodorus Raines]].

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	==== The Praesidius ====		==== The Praesidius ====
			{{netbook-canon}}
	The '''Praesidius''' (male) or '''Praesidia''' (female) is the leader of Church of Ezra and is often referred to as Ezra's Champion. As the head of the Church, there is only a single Praesidius or Praesidia, often considered to be the one whom resolves disputes of doctrine between the sects. The title belonged initially to the church's founder, [[Yakov Dilisnya]], and it was passed subsequently to his successors. The Praesidius is drawn from the ranks of the Home Faith and consequently may be expected to be lawful neutral, though this is by tradition, and is not codified in the church's orthodoxy. This is a topic that comes up to some drama every time the Praesidius or Praesidia must be replaced, since the First Sect nonetheless expects to assume the position through tradition.		The '''Praesidius''' (male) or '''Praesidia''' (female) is the leader of Church of Ezra and is often referred to as Ezra's Champion. As the head of the Church, there is only a single Praesidius or Praesidia, often considered to be the one whom resolves disputes of doctrine between the sects. The title belonged initially to the church's founder, [[Yakov Dilisnya]], and it was passed subsequently to his successors. The Praesidius is drawn from the ranks of the Home Faith and consequently may be expected to be lawful neutral, though this is by tradition, and is not codified in the church's orthodoxy. This is a topic that comes up to some drama every time the Praesidius or Praesidia must be replaced, since the First Sect nonetheless expects to assume the position through tradition.

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	==== The Toret Advisor ====		==== The Toret Advisor ====
	{{toud-canon}}		{{toud-canon}}
	The '''Toret Advisor''' is a station in large churches, essentially attaches, assistants to the Toret's. They usually are given a specific domain of expertise, which their word is considered the same as the Torets, unless the Toret specifically countermands them. In terms of actual station, they are considered a normal Anchorite in all other matters. Typical remits of a Toret Advisor include local liaisons (such as to the garda), the teaching of new acolytes, the tending of the protectors and their local corps, and similar things. It should be noted that the Toret Advisor is generally being groomed to be a potential successor to the Toret, and as such one unsuitable for such elevation, would not be appointed Toret Advisor, generally.<ref ~~name~~="~~may_20240130~~">~~{{SC\|author=Maiyannah\|date=~~2024-01-31}}</ref>		The '''Toret Advisor''' is a station in large churches, essentially attaches, assistants to the Toret's. They usually are given a specific domain of expertise, which their word is considered the same as the Torets, unless the Toret specifically countermands them. In terms of actual station, they are considered a normal Anchorite in all other matters. Typical remits of a Toret Advisor include local liaisons (such as to the garda), the teaching of new acolytes, the tending of the protectors and their local corps, and similar things. It should be noted that the Toret Advisor is generally being groomed to be a potential successor to the Toret, and as such one unsuitable for such elevation, would not be appointed Toret Advisor, generally.<ref extends="may">Written 2024-01-31.</ref>

	It should be noted there are some cases where an existing Toret is also a Toret Advisor - specifically the Bastions often each have a trusted Toret whom does not lead a congregation, but rather serves as the Bastions hands abroad, and advisor on policy. However, these particular Toret Advisors still are considered as Torets, within the hierarchy.<ref ~~name~~="~~may_20240130~~"></ref>		It should be noted there are some cases where an existing Toret is also a Toret Advisor - specifically the Bastions often each have a trusted Toret whom does not lead a congregation, but rather serves as the Bastions hands abroad, and advisor on policy. However, these particular Toret Advisors still are considered as Torets, within the hierarchy.<ref extends="may">Written 2024-01-30.</ref>

	Most generally treat a Toret Advisor the same way they would a Toret, unless they are given reason not to.<ref ~~name~~="~~may_20240130~~"></ref>		Most generally treat a Toret Advisor the same way they would a Toret, unless they are given reason not to.<ref extends="may">Written 2024-01-30.</ref>

	==== The Toret ====		==== The Toret ====

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	==== Wardens ====		==== Wardens ====
	'''Warden''' is a title given to an Anchorite that is attached to a specific congregation, and generally is used to distinguish the clergy of a temple from a wandering Anchorite.<ref extends="aof">p. 25</ref> While both are of equal rank in the Hierarchy, deference is generally expected to be given to local Wardens.<ref name="~~may_20250130b~~>{{SC\|author=Maiyannah~~\|date=2025-01-30~~}} ~~- though~~ this is a fair inference from the Anchors of Faith article.</ref>		{{netbook-canon}}
			'''Warden''' is a title given to an Anchorite that is attached to a specific congregation, and generally is used to distinguish the clergy of a temple from a wandering Anchorite.<ref extends="aof">p. 25</ref>

			{{toud-canon}}
			While both are of equal rank in the Hierarchy, deference is generally expected to be given to local Wardens.<ref name="may">{{SC ND\|author=Maiyannah}}</ref><ref extends="may">Though, this is a fair inference from the Anchors of Faith article. Written 2025-01-30</ref>

	==== The Toret Advisor ====		==== The Toret Advisor ====

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	==== The Anchorite ====		==== The Anchorite ====
	{{canon}}		{{canon}}
	Lowliest of the Ezrans that are granted Her Blessings is the '''Anchorite''', a single priest whom has the Mists domain and claims one of Her Sects.<ref>~~{{Gaz3\|~~109~~}}.~~</ref> Her Anchorites wield supreme spiritual authority, and even within the hierarchy all are considered spiritually equal - the hierarchy is more a seniority of experience then inherent authority.		Lowliest of the Ezrans that are granted Her Blessings is the '''Anchorite''', a single priest whom has the Mists domain and claims one of Her Sects.<ref extends="gaz3">p. 109</ref> Her Anchorites wield supreme spiritual authority, and even within the hierarchy all are considered spiritually equal - the hierarchy is more a seniority of experience then inherent authority.

	It should be noted that Favoured Souls of Ezra, or other divine casters can exist, but they would be considered blessed laity, not priests of Ezra, unless they also had Cleric or Anchorite of Ezra for access to the Shield of Ezra.		It should be noted that Favoured Souls of Ezra, or other divine casters can exist, but they would be considered blessed laity, not priests of Ezra, unless they also had Cleric or Anchorite of Ezra for access to the Shield of Ezra.

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	<seo title="The Church of Ezra" metak="ravenloft,ezra,church,neverwinter nights,nwn,game,rpg,persistent world,pw,d&d,dungeons & dragons" metad="A full explanation of the Church of Ezra as depicted in Time of Unparalleled Darkness, a NWN1 persistent world in the Ravenloft Campaign Setting." />		<seo title="The Church of Ezra" metak="ravenloft,ezra,church,neverwinter nights,nwn,game,rpg,persistent world,pw,d&d,dungeons & dragons" metad="A full explanation of the Church of Ezra as depicted in Time of Unparalleled Darkness, a NWN1 persistent world in the Ravenloft Campaign Setting." />
	{{canon}}		{{canon}}
	[[Church of Ezra\|The Church of Ezra]] is the formal church organized around the goddess [[Ezra]], and a fundamental player in the [[Time of Unparalleled Darkness]].<ref name="dod">{{DoD_NP}}</ref><ref extends="dod">p. 134-135</ref><ref>Ravenloft Third Edition p. 51 (Canon)</ref> Ezra is a goddess, whom became mortal, and then a goddess again, a story told through Her Five Revelations. Her Domains are varied by sect, but all have the Mists domain in common, as well as healing, knowledge, law, magic, and destruction. The church is common throughout the eastern Core, and even places where the faith is relatively small often have, at the very least, shrines, <ref name="gaz2">{{Gaz2_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz2">p. 32</ref><ref name="~~gaz3_110~~">{{gaz3\|110}}</ref><ref name="gaz4">{{Gaz4_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz4">p. 26</ref> for the [[Church of Ezra]] are the only organized entity outside of the Vistani clans whom can traverse the Mists.<ref>{{C\|book=Van Richten's Arsenal\|page=82-84}}</ref>		[[Church of Ezra\|The Church of Ezra]] is the formal church organized around the goddess [[Ezra]], and a fundamental player in the [[Time of Unparalleled Darkness]].<ref name="dod">{{DoD_NP}}</ref><ref extends="dod">p. 134-135</ref><ref>Ravenloft Third Edition p. 51 (Canon)</ref> Ezra is a goddess, whom became mortal, and then a goddess again, a story told through Her Five Revelations. Her Domains are varied by sect, but all have the Mists domain in common, as well as healing, knowledge, law, magic, and destruction. The church is common throughout the eastern Core, and even places where the faith is relatively small often have, at the very least, shrines, <ref name="gaz2">{{Gaz2_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz2">p. 32</ref><ref name="gaz3">{{Gaz3_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz3">p. 110</ref><ref name="gaz4">{{Gaz4_NP}}</ref><ref extends="gaz4">p. 26</ref> for the [[Church of Ezra]] are the only organized entity outside of the Vistani clans whom can traverse the Mists.<ref>{{C\|book=Van Richten's Arsenal\|page=82-84}}</ref>

	== Tenets of the Church ==		== Tenets of the Church ==