Justice of Marek

From The world of Yarel

The church of Marek follows the tenets that evil must be conquered and driven out from the world. Clerics of this church are by far the most militant out of any of the main churches of Argatia.

Contents 1 Core beliefs 1.1 Marek's creed 2 Duties 2.1 Followers 2.2 Priests 2.3 Paladins

[edit] Core beliefs

The followers of Marek are most concerned with the chapters of the Renar that describe the battles against evil and the salvation of those who cannot defend themselves. The main teachings of the Justice of Marek are as follows:

• Pure evil will not be tolerated. Supernatural enemies that have evil within their being (fiends and intelligent undead especially) must be battled where they are encountered. These creatures cannot be converted or achieve redemption and so a swift destruction is the best that can be done for them.
• Enemies of mankind must be given a chance to repent their ways. This teaching has recently been updated to include Dwarves, Halflings, Elves and Gnomes in the definition of 'mankind'.
• Those who cannot protect themselves from evil (in any of its forms) must be defended.
• Death - as a sentence for evil acts - is permitted only where there the evil creature would pose unacceptable danger if left alive. Otherwise the punishment must fit the crime - rehabilitation is always a preferred option to death.
• The creation, summoning, or collaboration with evil entities is abhorrent. No priest of Marek may knowingly co-operate with an evil outsider or undead creature.

[edit] Marek's creed

This creed is considered the summary of the teachings of Marek, and is taken from the Renar.

"A Knight is sworn to Valour"
"His Heart knows only Virtue"
"His Blade defends the Helpless"
"His Might upholds the Weak"
"His Words speak only Truth"
"His Wrath undoes the Wicked"
"His Justice for the lawless"

[edit] Duties

As a member church of the Powers of the Marble Tabernacle the followers are bound by the oath of assistance.

[edit] Followers

Followers of the Justice of Marek are taught to live in an upright manner, and that oppression and causing suffering to others is wrong. Followers tend to be militant people and are typically soldiers, militiamen or (occasionally) vigilantes.

Followers are expected to attend sermon at least twice per year and also to attend confession as required. Followers are also asked to volunteer in assisting in combat training in the church's courtyard.

[edit] Priests

The church requires that all priests perform a minimum of a one-year duty of service outside the church, combating evil where it can be found. Specific priests take to this to differing extremes; some join the local guard or milita, some undertake heroic quests, whilst some perform more mundane duties such as offering their services to combat brigands and the like. When questing these priests can often be found alongside Ihran's champions, working together for the same end.

Because of this mandatory period of service, the priests of Marek are one of the key driving forces behind the gravestrike war campaign. Those who volunteer to fight in the wars are called upon to assist in leading troops in battle.

Whilst not involved in their 'tour of duty', priests are required to live in or near the church. The priests at any church are required to (between them) give at least four weekly sermons. They are also required to hear confession and offer guidance to their followers on how to live a moral life. Priests also often provide self-defence training for the common folk (alongside the militia or town guard if such an event already takes place). All are welcome, although the priests generally favour self-defence training, rather than training in how to kill.

It is a standing duty that any priest of Marek witnessing oppression or suffering at the hands of another must immediately step in and put an end to situation.

As Marek is a member of the Powers of the Marble Tabernacle, his followers must always assist and provide shelter to a fellow priest of the pantheon, as long as their request does not violate the teachings of good.

[edit] Paladins

Paladins (or Justicars as they are called in the church of Marek) are expected to perform a longer period of service than their priestly counterparts. The training of a new Justicar is process with a great amount of ceremony and importance given to it. Justicars are fully indoctrinated into the teachings of Marek and must swear many oaths to that effect.

The 'releasing' of a justicar to perform his or her 'tour of service' is a grand event within a church, and accompanied by a great feast and celebration.