Makerism: The Faith of the Maker

Overview

Makerism is the dominant faith in Vlandia, though its origins trace back to the ancient Calradic Empire. Over time, the faith in the Empire has evolved into an orthodox version, distinct from the Vlandian practice. In Vlandia, the Pope stands as the supreme religious authority, overseeing a network of Archbishops who manage the spiritual affairs of the realm. Nobles and commoners alike must adhere to the decrees of the Pope and his Archbishops, ensuring that Makerism permeates every aspect of Vlandian life.

Social Etiquette

• Men: Makerist men are expected to be temperate, gentle, and fierce in battle when necessary. They must care for their families and uphold strong moral values. Clean-shaven or neatly groomed, they enter the church unarmed, often donning simple but clean attire to show respect for the sanctity of the place.
  

• Women: Makerist women bear children, manage households, and exhibit modesty and chastity. Married women must cover their hair in public, and all women wear head coverings during religious ceremonies. Men and women sit separately during mass, and disturbances are not tolerated. Women typically wear long, modest dresses, and often carry prayer beads or small tokens of saints.
  

Sanctions and Excommunication

Criminals may face joint sentences from both church and state, but the church exclusively administers excommunication. This severe punishment bars individuals from religious ceremonies and holy sites, impacting their social and economic lives. Excommunication can be lifted through indulgences, public humiliation, or taking religious vows. The community shuns excommunicated individuals, often leading to significant social isolation.

Makerist Mass

Mass begins with women entering the church first, followed by men. The priest welcomes the congregation, recites a prayer, and speaks about a Saint's virtue. Men receive a blessing with salt water, symbolizing the Maker's eternal presence. The service includes hymns, readings from the 'Livorum Bratore,' and a sermon that often addresses moral and social issues. The service concludes with prayers of gratitude, and the men exit first, followed by women and children. The faithful often participate in communal meals and discussions after mass, fostering a strong sense of community.

The Six Cardinal Virtues

Makerists strive to embody six cardinal virtues from their holy book, the 'Livorum Bratore':

• Sacrifice: Protecting the weak, often chosen by knights and soldiers. It involves selflessness and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice in battle.
  
• Chastity: Rejection of carnal pleasures, upheld by holy orders. This virtue is considered essential for maintaining spiritual purity.
  
• Faith: Devotion to the Maker, common among clergy. It includes unwavering belief in the Maker's teachings and participating in religious rites.
  
• Generosity: Distributing wealth to the less fortunate, valued by certain religious orders. It also includes acts of charity and supporting the church.
  
• Temperance: Self-restraint in all aspects, chosen by rulers and those who value moderation. It involves a balanced lifestyle and avoidance of excess.
  
• Integrity: Honesty and adherence to moral principles, important for tax collectors and those in positions of trust. It emphasizes truthfulness and moral uprightness.
  
  

Rites of Passage

Naming and Second Birth: At age four, children are named and baptized, symbolizing their acceptance into the Makerist faith. This ceremony includes anointing with holy water and prayers for the child's future.

Acquisition of the Virtue: At 19, Makerists choose one of the six virtues to uphold, acknowledging human imperfection. This choice is formalized in a church ceremony where they pledge their commitment before the congregation. They often receive a token or emblem representing their chosen virtue.

History of Makerism

Makerism began with six apparitions of Saints in a village north of the Ludistrum, each embodying one of the Maker's virtues. These Saints, known as the Saints of Salantum, converted many to Makerism, leading to its spread throughout the Calradic Empire under Emperor Princeps Calradicus. The Saints performed miracles, preached the virtues, and established the foundational teachings of Makerism.

Creation Myth

The Maker, an eternal guardian of the sun, moon, stars, and ocean, created the world and the first six humans after exploring the primordial ocean. These humans were gifted with the Maker's virtues but eventually strayed from his teachings. The Saints of Salantum were sent as the second coming of the virtues to guide humanity back to the Maker's path. The Maker is believed to reside in the heavens, observing and guiding humanity through divine intervention and the teachings of the church.

Afterlife

Makerists believe that the righteous join the Maker in Maruvium, a state of eternal peace. Those who lead sinful lives are condemned to Ecagua, an eternal realm of torment. The righteous are rewarded with everlasting joy and closeness to the Maker, while the sinful endure perpetual suffering and separation from the divine presence. This belief in the afterlife serves as a moral compass, guiding the faithful to live virtuous lives.

Special thanks to keg for his brilliant lore background.