Though all before me is shadow, yet shall the Mother be my guide.
The Chantry of Ecemetare or the Ecematarian Faith is the dominant religious organization across Innaveria, and the state religion of the Empire. Its philosophy is based upon the Chant of Atonement, which asks for the Mother's forgiveness that she may someday return to the world and restore it. The Chantry grew hand in hand with the Empire, providing theological legitimacy to the Empress’ rule.
History[]
Organization[]
- The Diva is the leader of the Chantry of Ecematare at large, based out of the Argent Basilica in the Holy City of Pal Tallas. The Diva is always female and traditionally Astari, elected from the rank of Hymns. The present Diva of the Chantry is Cadencia II.
- The Songstresses are the actual priesthood of the Chantry, made up entirely of women, on the basis that the Mother is female. Their duty is to perform the sacred rituals of the religion, especially by singing the Chant of Atonement. They are seen as mediators between rau'n and mortals, having studied Bran Vaalar language and divine etiquette. High-ranked Songstresses are called Hymns, who oversee their respective cathedrals.
- The Argent Paladins is the military order of the Chantry of Ecematare. They are the defenders of the Ecematarian Faith, and among their duties is to hunt newly-reborn Inadri, Shedim, and the Unshaped. They are also tasked to deal with wayward rau'n at a Songstress' command, and persecute those who have been branded as heretics. The commander of the Paladins is called a Dirge.
- The Chantric Monks are a sect of the Chantry that consists of people who devote their lives in prayer, contemplation, and healing. They learn unarmed martial arts to defend the faithful, and medicine to heal the wounded and cure the diseased. They are believed to be protectors of the Grand Design. The commander of the Monks is called a Psalm.