'''WIKISEED FROM CATALOGUE :''' Main headquarters in [[Borca]], [[Mordent]], [[Dementlieu]], and [[Darkon]]''(Please edit freely, then remove this note and WIKISEED label)''
[[Image:Ezran_shield.png|thumb|100px|right|The symbol of Ezran faith.]]
{{canon}}
The '''Church of Ezra''' is an institution that follows the messianic figure [[Ezra (Deity)|Ezra]], who may or may not have existed as a [[human]] or a goddess. Its symbol is a [[silver]] [[longsword]] on a kite shield with a sprig of [[belladonna]].<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref><ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref><ref name="Gaz II p.31">[[Gazetteer II]] p.31</ref><ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref><ref name="Gazetteer IV p. 26">[[Gazetteer IV]] p. 26</ref> The main headquarters of the faith are in [[Borca]], [[Mordent]], [[Dementlieu]], and [[Darkon]].<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref><ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref>
==[[Alignment]]==
Ezra is [[Lawful Neutral]], as is the majority of clergy in the [[Home Faith]]. The majority [[alignment]]s of the clergy in the other sects are [[Lawful Good]] in Mordent, [[True Neutral]] in Dementlieu, and [[Lawful Evil]] in Darkon.<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref><ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref><ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref> Individual priests are not required to adopt the alignment most prevalent to the sect they come from.<ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref>
==Favored Weapon==
Longsword<ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref><ref name="Gaz II p.31">[[Gazetteer II]] p.31</ref><ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref>
[[Image:Ezran_shield.png|thumb|100px|right|The symbol of Ezran faith.]]
==[[Spell-domains]]==
The '''Church of Ezra''' is an institution that follows the messianic figure Ezra, who may or may not have existed as a human or a goddess. Its symbol is a silver longsword on a kite shield with a sprig of [[belladonna]].
[[Destruction Domain|Destruction]], [[Law Domain|Law]], [[Healing Domain|Healing]], [[Mists Domain|Mists]] (exclusive), [[Protection Domain|Protection]]<ref>Ravenloft Third Edition p. 54</ref><ref name="Gaz II p.31">[[Gazetteer II]] p.31</ref><ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref>
==Associated [[Prestige Class]]es==
*[[Anchorite Inquisitor]]<ref>[[Heroes of Light]] p. 14-16</ref> ([[The Mordentish Sect]] primarily)
*[[Anchorite of the Mists]]<ref>[[Van Richten's Arsenal]] p. 82-84</ref>
*[[Anchorite Wanderer]]<ref>[[Heroes of Light]] p. 17-18</ref>.
==Hierarchical Terminology==
The Church of Ezra has several special titles of [[:Category:Religious Rank|religious rank]] for its [[priest]]s. [[Anchorite]] is a term for one of the current [[clergy]] of Ezra's church. In [[2nd Edition]], it referred to a specific [[class]] of [[Priest (2E Class Group)]] only occurring in Ezra's church.<ref name="DoD p. 265-266">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 265-266</ref> In [[3rd Edition]], it refers to all priests of Ezra without regard to [[Rank of the Church of Ezra|rank]] or [[class]].<ref name="Gaz III p. 109-110">[[Gazetteer III]] p. 109=110</ref>
The title of [[Warden]] represents an anchorite who is a [[wanderer]] who performs Ezra's will outside of a given [[temple]] hierarchy. The title of [[Toret]] represents an anchorite working at or founding a temple of less renown in a [[community]]. [[Sentire]]s lead temples of major influence, and the four [[Bastion]]s are the four leaders of the major sects of the Church. The [[Praesidius]] is the [[religious leader]] of the entire church.<ref name="Gaz II p.31">[[Gazetteer II]] p.31</ref><ref name="Gaz III p. 109-110">[[Gazetteer III]] p. 109=110</ref>
==History==
==History==
The religion originated through the prophecies of one man, [[Yakov Dilisnya]]. At the age of 25 a horseback riding accident left him delerious for five days, at the end of which he recovered and penned the [[First Book of Ezra]]. Over the next few years he displayed increasingly miraculous powers, but gained few followers until he left his native [[Mordent]] for the newly formed [[Borca]]. There he convinced his young half-sister [[Camille Dilisnya|Camille]] to help finance the construction of the [[The Great Cathedral | Great Cathedral]], and set about making many more converts.
The religion originated through the prophecies of one man, [[Yakov Dilisnya]]. At the age of 25 a horseback riding accident left him delirious for five days, at the end of which he recovered and penned the [[First Book of Ezra]]. Over the next few years he displayed increasingly miraculous powers, but gained few followers until he left his native [[Mordent]] for the newly formed [[Borca]]. There he convinced his young half-sister [[Camille Dilisnya|Camille]] to help finance the construction of the [[The Great Cathedral | Great Cathedral]], and set about making many more converts. According to the [[history]] set forth by [["S"]] in the fourth volume of the [[Doomsday Gazetteers]], Yakov cemented Camille's cooperation by depicting the Church as an effective tool for social [[manipulation]].<ref>Gazetteer IV p. 16-17</ref>
When one of Camille's tantrums led to Yakov's death, it led to a schism in the church. Camille's fear of fanatic reprisal led to an apology in the form of a [[statue]] of Yakov for the cathedral, but she privately demanded that the church avoid fomenting rebellion. The question as to whether the Church ought to accept demands from an earthly ruler--and a corrupt one at that--caused [[Felix Wachter]] to separate himself with a small group of like-minded faithful and return to Mordent. There he penned the [[Second Book of Ezra]].
When one of Camille's tantrums led to Yakov's death, it led to a schism in the church. Camille's fear of fanatic reprisal led to an apology in the form of a [[statue]] of Yakov for the cathedral, but she privately demanded that the church avoid fomenting rebellion. The question as to whether the Church ought to accept demands from an earthly ruler--and a corrupt one at that--caused [[Felix Wachter]] to separate himself with a small group of like-minded faithful and return to Mordent.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref> There he penned the [[Second Book of Ezra]]. The controversy and split would later become known as the [[First Schism]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref> The [[Rite of Revelation]] was later developed to handle future schisms by separating genuine divine revelations from mere [[heresy]].<ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref>
The rift between the two sects eventually healed, but when wandering anchorite [[Joan Secousse]] entered the new domain of Dementlieu, another rift occured, eventually leading to another book. Secousse had discovered [[Ste. Mere des Larmes]], an abandoned cathedral dedicated to Ezra that nevertheless predated the entire church to date. Secousse penned the revelations she received from her study of the cathedral, and a new sect was born.
The rift between the two sects eventually healed<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>, but when wandering anchorite [[Joan Secousse]] entered the new domain of [[Dementlieu]], another rift occurred, eventually leading to another book. Secousse had discovered [[Ste. Mere des Larmes]], an abandoned cathedral dedicated to Ezra that nevertheless predated the entire church to date. Secousse penned the revelations she received from her study of the cathedral, and a new sect was born.<ref name="Gaz III p.20-21">Gazetteer III p.20-21</ref>
Years later, in the wake of the [[Grand Conjunction]], a [[Darkonese]] [[anchorite]] named [[Bastion Teodorus Raines|Teodorus Raines]] had a series of apocalyptic revelations about a [[Time of Unparallelled Darkness]], and the desperate state of the faithful beset on all sides by the duplicitous [[Legions of the Night]]. Raines penned the [[Fourth Book of Ezra]], passed the [[Rite of Revelation]], and created the fourth sect.
Years later, in the wake of the [[Grand Conjunction]], a [[Darkonian]] [[anchorite]] named [[Bastion Teodorus Raines|Teodorus Raines]] had a series of apocalyptic revelations about a [[Time of Unparallelled Darkness]], and the desperate state of the faithful beset on all sides by the duplicitous [[Legions of the Night]]. Raines penned the [[Fourth Book of Ezra]], passed the Rite of Revelation, and created the fourth sect.<ref name="Gaz II p.30">[[Gazetteer II]] p.30</ref>
===Timeline===
===Timeline===
*[[666 BC]]: [[Yakov Dilisnya]] pens the [[First Book of Ezra]].
*[[684 BC]]: Yakov moves to Borca, and convinces Camille to support the church.
*[[695 BC]]: First services in the unfinished [[Great Cathedral of Levkarest]].
*[[698 BC]]: Camille kills Yakov; the first Schism starts.
*[[699 BC]]: [[Felix Wachter]] and four anchorites take the Church back to Mordent.
*[[707 BC]]: [[Joan Secousse]] finds [[Ste. Mere des Larmes]].
*[[709 BC]]: [[Joan Secousse]] pens the Second Book and a new sect is started.
*[[745 BC]]: The Great Cathedral is finished.
*[[751 BC]]: [[Bastion Teodorus Raines]] passes the [[Rite of Revelation]].
==Sects==
* Approximately [[309 BC]] (Likely [[False History]]) - According to [[The Dementlieuse Sect]]'s teachings, texts from the "original" [[Church of Ezra]] date back to this time or slightly earlier.<ref name="Gaz III p.20-21">Gazetteer III p.20-21</ref>
* [[666 BC]] - Yakov is afflicted with a [[seizure]] while out [[horseback riding]]. From his sickbed, he pens the [[First Book of Ezra]].<ref name=GazIVp.16>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.16</ref>
* [[684 BC]] - Yakov moves to [[Borca]]<ref name=GazIVp.16>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.16</ref>, and convinces [[Camille Dilisnya|Camille]] to support the church, mostly on the basis that the the religion would serve as a useful tool to control the masses. Camille's support includes financial backing for the [[Great Cathedral of Levkarest]]<ref name=GazIVp.17>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
* [[685 BC]] - Construction begins on the Great Cathedral of Levkarest. The Church of Ezra is spreading across Borca.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
* [[687 BC]] - [[Camille Dilisnya]] marries [[Klaus Boritsi]]. [[Praesidius Yakov Dilisnya]] presides over the marriage.<br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[689 BC]] - [[Franklin Tennyson]], [[Ezrite]] [[missionary]], comes to Souragne.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 57">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 57</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[691 BC]] - The [[Church of Ezra]] is made the official [[state-religion]] of Souragne.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 57">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 57</ref><br>
* [[695 BC]] - First services in the unfinished Great Cathedral of Levkarest.<ref name=GazIVp.17>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
* [[697 BC]] - [[Klaus Boritsi]] buys [[Danzig's Icon of Ezra]] and gives it to his daughter [[Ivana Boritsi]].<ref name=LotBp.18>[[Legacy of the Blood]] p.18</ref>
*{{netbook-small}}[[697 BC]] - [[Etienne Lefebvre]], son of a [[magistrate]], abandons the legal profession in order to join the [[clergy]] of the [[Church of Ezra]].<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 60">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 60</ref><br>
* [[698 BC]] - Camille Dilisnya holds the [[Dinner of Death]].<ref name="RLCS p.17">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p.17</ref><ref name="RLPHB p.19">[[Ravenloft Player's Handbook]] p.19</ref> Yakov Dilisnya is among those [[poisoned]] by Camille. Blame upon her for the murder of their leader spreads far and wide among Ezra's faithful. [[Borca]]'s streets erupt in open violence. Under advice, Camille quells the riots by building a monument to Yakov on church grounds and demonstrating great acts of (apparent) mourning.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
*{{netbook-small}}[[698 BC]] - [[Praesidia Donella Borovsky|Donella Borovsky]] becomes [[Praesidius|Praesidia]].<ref name="Book of Secrets p. 26">[[Book of Secrets]] p. 26</ref>
* 698 BC - The construction of a statue of Yakov, a [[prophet]] but still mortal, upon [[Ezran]] [[:category:Hallowed Ground|holy ground]] causes dissidence within the [[Church of Ezra]]. The [[First Schism]] splits the faithful.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref> After all is said and done, a [[Rite of Revelation]] is created to reveal those truly favored by [[Ezra]].<ref name="Gaz III p.110">[[Gazetteer III]] p.110</ref>
* [[699 BC]] - Spurred on by concerns over the materialism of the Home Faith, [[Felix Wachter]] and his followers take the Church back to Mordent.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref> There he writes the ''[[Second Book of Ezra]]''<ref name=R3Ep.17>[[Ravenloft Third Edition]], p.17</ref>, founding [[the Mordentish Sect]] of the [[Church of Ezra]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[699 BC]] - [[Sentire Franklin Tennyson]] embraces the teachings of the [[Second Book of Ezra]]. However, the Souragnien public's reception of these teachings is less than enthusiastic.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 57">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 57</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[700 BC]] '''Early Year''' - Shortly before his death, [[Sentire Franklin Tennyson]] sends [[Etienne Lefebvre]] to [[the Mordentish Sect|the Mordent branch]] of the Churzh of Ezra.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 59">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 59</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[700 BC]] '''Spring''' - [[Sentire Franklin Tennyson]] dies of [[malaria]].<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 57">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 57</ref> His successor is [[Manon Larouche]], who would later become known as the [[infamous]] [[Ti-Maman]].<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 58">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 58</ref><br>
* [[701 BC]] - [[Praesidia Donella Borovsky]] passes an edict declaring [[witchcraft]] as a force of [[corruption]] created by [[hag]]s<ref name=GazIVp.27>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.27</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[702 BC]] - Etienne Lefebvre returns to Souragne from Mordent. Ti-Maman names him [[secretary]] of the Souragnien branch of the Church of Ezra.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 60">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 60</ref><br>
*[[705 BC]] - [[Borcan]] monk of [[Ezra]] turned [[heretic]] [[Renthon Vorishtok]] writes [[The Revelations of the Prince of Twilight]].<ref>[[Arcane Lore: Tomes of Forbidden Lore]], Dragon Magazine #252, pp87-89</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[705 BC]] - [[Ti-Maman]] shakes things up in the Souragnien Church of Ezra by her inclusion of [[Voodan]] [[loa]]s and practices into the local [[Ezra]] church.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 58">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 58</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}} [[706 BC]] - Following advise from her [[secretary]] Etienne Lefebrve, Ti-Maman relocates from the Church of Ezra in [[Port d'Elhour]] to the one in [[Marais d'Tarascon]].<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 58">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 58</ref><br>
* [[706 BC]] - [[Ivana Boritsi]] discovers the powers of [[Danzig's Icon of Ezra]]. She prays in front of it to get a vision of how her love will work out for [[Pieter]].<ref name=LotBp.19>[[Legacy of the Blood]] p.19</ref>
* [[707 BC]] - The Home Faith and the Mordentish Sect bridge the divide caused by the Great Schism and achieve peace with each other.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
* [[709 BC]] - [[Joan Secousse]] finds [[Ste. Mere des Larmes]] and brings the [[Church of Ezra]] to [[Dementlieu]].<ref name="Gaz III p.20-21">Gazetteer III p.20-21</ref>
*[[709 BC]] - [[Joan Secousse]] pens the [[Third Book of Ezra]]<ref name=R3Ep.17>[[Ravenloft Third Edition]], p.17</ref> and [[the Dementlieuse Branch|a new sect]] is started.<ref name="Gaz III p.20-21">Gazetteer III p.20-21</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[709 BC]] - Following the creation of the [[Third Book of Ezra]] in [[Dementlieu]], local attention in Souragne turns to a Book of Ezra Ti-Maman is supposedly writing.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 59">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 59</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[710 BC]] - Ti-Maman is [[assassinated]]. Etienne Lefebvre is her successor.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 58">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 58</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[714 BC]] '''May''' - [[Statue]]s of Ti-Maman begin appearing in personal [[shrine]]s of worship in [[Souragne]].<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 61">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 61</ref>
*{{netbook-small}}[[715 BC]] - Reports of [[miracle]]s attributed to [[statue]]s of [[Ti-Maman]] begin to emerge.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 61">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 61</ref><br>
* [[716 BC]] - [[Bastion Felix Wachter]] dies.
*{{netbook-small}}[[716 BC]] - [[Praesidia Kristyn Stoyista]] succeeds [[Praesidia Donella Borovsky]].<ref name="Book of Secrets p. 26">[[Book of Secrets]] p. 26</ref>
*{{netbook-small}} [[724 BC]] - [[The Mists]] draw an [[outlander]] [[priest]] named [[Keith de Lalune (NPC)|Keith de Lalune]], into the [[forest]]s of [[Invidia]]. He prays to his [[deity]], but it seems his god has left him. Keith loses his way in the forest for a time, before arriving in [[Karina]]. There [[Father Daltrey]], the local high priest of [[Ezra]], saves him from an angry mob and takes him to the nearby church, [[L'Eglise de Notre Peindre Dame]]. Keith receives shelter and healing there, and he soon converts to Ezra.<ref name="Undead Sea Scrolls 2002 p. 117-118">[[Undead Sea Scrolls 2002]] p.117-118</ref><br>
* [[732 BC]] - [[Praesidia Kristyn Stoyista]] reverses the [[701 BC]] edict issued by Praesidia Borovsky.<ref name=GazIVp.27>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.27</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[Alexei Raskolka]] succeeds [[Kristyn Stoyista]] as [[Praesidius]].<ref name="Book of Secrets p. 26">[[Book of Secrets]] p. 26</ref>
*[[740 BC]] - [[The Grand Conjunction]] occurs. Future [[bastion Teodorus Raines]] interprets this as a sign of a coming [[apocalypse]] and begins preaching preparation for the end times.<ref name="Gaz II p.30">[[Gazetteer II]] p.30</ref>
*[[745 BC]] - The [[Great Cathedral]] is finished.<ref name=GazIVp.17>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
*{{netbook-canon-small}}[[Praesidius Alexei Raskolka]] dies of a [[mysterious]] wasting [[disease]] and is succeeded by his [[adviser]], [[Praesidius Levin Postoya]].<ref name="Book of Secrets p. 26">[[Book of Secrets]] p. 26</ref>
*[[751 BC]] - [[Bastion Teodorus Raines]] writes the [[Fourth Book of Ezra]].<ref name=R3Ep.18>[[Ravenloft Third Edition]], p.18</ref> He passes the [[Rite of Revelation]] and establishes [[:Category:The Nevuchar Springs Sect|a sect of the church in Nevuchar Springs, Darkon]].<ref name="Gaz II p.30">[[Gazetteer II]] p.30</ref> He cleanses and occupies [[the Last Redoubt]] in [[Nevuchar Springs]].<ref name="Gaz II p.39">[[Gazetteer II]] p.39</ref><br>
*{{netbook-small}}[[760 BC]] - [[Sentire Etienne Lefebvre]] has gathered a group of [[priest]]s to unveil his version of the [[Fifth Book of Ezra]] on the 50th anniversary of [[Ti-Maman]]'s death.<ref name="Souragne Gazetteer p. 64">[[Souragne Gazetteer]] p. 64</ref><br>
==Schisms & Sects==
There are four sects of the Ezran religion, though some followers expect a final fifth.
There are four sects of the Ezran religion, though some followers expect a final fifth.
The four sects are the [[The Home Faith | Home Faith]] in Borca, the pure hearts in Mordentshire, the Erudites in Dementilieu and the Zealots in Darkon.
The four sects are the [[The Home Faith | Home Faith]] in Borca, the [[the Mordentish Sect|Pure Hearts]] in [[Mordentshire]]<ref name="Gaz III p. 66">[[Gazetteer III]] p. 66</ref>, the [[the Dementlieuse Sect|Erudites]] in Dementlieu and the [[the Nevuchar Springs Sect|Zealots]] in Darkon.
==Beliefs and Practices==
As one might expect, Ezra's true nature is a subject of contention among the different sects, congregations, and [[theologian]]s of the Church. However, the general consensus among major traditions is that she was once a mortal woman, whom offered up her life as [[sacrifice]] to [[the Mists]] in order to protect the people in the face of rampant [[evil]] in the world.<ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref> Her followers venerate her for her role in [[protection]] and [[healing]] of her people<<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref>, though her followers recognize that she cannot save those who do not accept her in spirit<ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref>.
Ezra's church is called upon to help and defend the [[diseased]], the [[injured]], and those in danger<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref>, though Ezra's prerogatives are interpreted differently by the four different sects.<ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref> Although proselytizing, the Home Faith tends to its flock while dermarcating and excluding nonbelievers without too much concern for their fate.<ref>[[Gazetteer IV]] p. 26</ref> Both the Mordentish Sect and the Nevuchar Springs Sect belief strongly in conversion, though it is only the latter that believes in conversion by the sword.<ref name="Gaz III p. 66">[[Gazetteer III]] p. 66</ref> Another difference between the Mordentish and Nevuchar Springs sects is of focus. The Mordentish sect focuses the most on promoting [[Good]] in the faith's name<ref name="Gaz III p. 66">[[Gazetteer III]] p. 66</ref>, whereas the Nevuchar Springs Sect places the most emphasis on destroying the Legions of the Night- for all [[tempter]]s and abominations in their ranks must be purged from the world.<ref name="Gaz III p. 32">[[Gazetteer III]] p. 32</ref> The mystically inclined, [[True Neutral]] sect of Dementlieu is more inwardly focused, fulfilling Ezra's wishes by diligently studying esoteric knowledge related to who and what she was.<ref name="R3E">[[Ravenloft Third Edition]] p. 51</ref>
Worship services meet every five days<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref><ref name="Gaz II p.31">[[Gazetteer II]] p.31</ref> at noon and contain both hymns and sermons.<ref name="Gaz II p.31">[[Gazetteer II]] p.31</ref> During these services, church goers are required to don white clothing.<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref> Beyond these generalizations, church procedures, [[ritual]]s, and practices may vary from sect to sect and even from [[domain]] to domains. Worshipers from one sects are welcome to attend churches of another sect, but differences in church practices may unnerve said visiting worshipers.<ref name="Domains of Dread p. 134-135">[[Domains of Dread]] p. 134-135</ref>
==The Book of Ezra==
===The Book of Ezra- [[Creation Myth]]===
<blockquote><i>[[Image:I.png|left|80px]]n the time before, in a land cloaked in [[Mists]], there was a woman, and She was Ezra.
<blockquote><i>[[Image:I.png|left|80px]]n the time before, in a land cloaked in [[Mists]], there was a woman, and She was Ezra.
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<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Founded]]
[[Category:Destruction_Domain]]
[[Category:Law_Domain]]
[[Category:Healing_Domain]]
[[Category:Mists_Domain]]
[[Category:Protection_Domain]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Creation of the Mordentish]]
==Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue==
==Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue==
Latest revision as of 17:57, 6 April 2026
The symbol of Ezran faith.
This section contains canon info from officially published sources
Ezra is Lawful Neutral, as is the majority of clergy in the Home Faith. The majority alignments of the clergy in the other sects are Lawful Good in Mordent, True Neutral in Dementlieu, and Lawful Evil in Darkon.[1][2][4] Individual priests are not required to adopt the alignment most prevalent to the sect they come from.[4]
The title of Warden represents an anchorite who is a wanderer who performs Ezra's will outside of a given temple hierarchy. The title of Toret represents an anchorite working at or founding a temple of less renown in a community. Sentires lead temples of major influence, and the four Bastions are the four leaders of the major sects of the Church. The Praesidius is the religious leader of the entire church.[3][11]
History
The religion originated through the prophecies of one man, Yakov Dilisnya. At the age of 25 a horseback riding accident left him delirious for five days, at the end of which he recovered and penned the First Book of Ezra. Over the next few years he displayed increasingly miraculous powers, but gained few followers until he left his native Mordent for the newly formed Borca. There he convinced his young half-sister Camille to help finance the construction of the Great Cathedral, and set about making many more converts. According to the history set forth by "S" in the fourth volume of the Doomsday Gazetteers, Yakov cemented Camille's cooperation by depicting the Church as an effective tool for social manipulation.[12]
When one of Camille's tantrums led to Yakov's death, it led to a schism in the church. Camille's fear of fanatic reprisal led to an apology in the form of a statue of Yakov for the cathedral, but she privately demanded that the church avoid fomenting rebellion. The question as to whether the Church ought to accept demands from an earthly ruler--and a corrupt one at that--caused Felix Wachter to separate himself with a small group of like-minded faithful and return to Mordent.[13] There he penned the Second Book of Ezra. The controversy and split would later become known as the First Schism.[13] The Rite of Revelation was later developed to handle future schisms by separating genuine divine revelations from mere heresy.[4]
The rift between the two sects eventually healed[13], but when wandering anchorite Joan Secousse entered the new domain of Dementlieu, another rift occurred, eventually leading to another book. Secousse had discovered Ste. Mere des Larmes, an abandoned cathedral dedicated to Ezra that nevertheless predated the entire church to date. Secousse penned the revelations she received from her study of the cathedral, and a new sect was born.[14]
684 BC - Yakov moves to Borca[16], and convinces Camille to support the church, mostly on the basis that the the religion would serve as a useful tool to control the masses. Camille's support includes financial backing for the Great Cathedral of Levkarest[17]
685 BC - Construction begins on the Great Cathedral of Levkarest. The Church of Ezra is spreading across Borca.[13]
698 BC - Camille Dilisnya holds the Dinner of Death.[21][22] Yakov Dilisnya is among those poisoned by Camille. Blame upon her for the murder of their leader spreads far and wide among Ezra's faithful. Borca's streets erupt in open violence. Under advice, Camille quells the riots by building a monument to Yakov on church grounds and demonstrating great acts of (apparent) mourning.[13]
709 BC - Following the creation of the Third Book of Ezra in Dementlieu, local attention in Souragne turns to a Book of Ezra Ti-Maman is supposedly writing.[25]
There are four sects of the Ezran religion, though some followers expect a final fifth.
The four sects are the Home Faith in Borca, the Pure Hearts in Mordentshire[35], the Erudites in Dementlieu and the Zealots in Darkon.
Beliefs and Practices
As one might expect, Ezra's true nature is a subject of contention among the different sects, congregations, and theologians of the Church. However, the general consensus among major traditions is that she was once a mortal woman, whom offered up her life as sacrifice to the Mists in order to protect the people in the face of rampant evil in the world.[2] Her followers venerate her for her role in protection and healing of her people<[1], though her followers recognize that she cannot save those who do not accept her in spirit[2].
Ezra's church is called upon to help and defend the diseased, the injured, and those in danger[1], though Ezra's prerogatives are interpreted differently by the four different sects.[2] Although proselytizing, the Home Faith tends to its flock while dermarcating and excluding nonbelievers without too much concern for their fate.[36] Both the Mordentish Sect and the Nevuchar Springs Sect belief strongly in conversion, though it is only the latter that believes in conversion by the sword.[35] Another difference between the Mordentish and Nevuchar Springs sects is of focus. The Mordentish sect focuses the most on promoting Good in the faith's name[35], whereas the Nevuchar Springs Sect places the most emphasis on destroying the Legions of the Night- for all tempters and abominations in their ranks must be purged from the world.[37] The mystically inclined, True Neutral sect of Dementlieu is more inwardly focused, fulfilling Ezra's wishes by diligently studying esoteric knowledge related to who and what she was.[2]
Worship services meet every five days[1][3] at noon and contain both hymns and sermons.[3] During these services, church goers are required to don white clothing.[1] Beyond these generalizations, church procedures, rituals, and practices may vary from sect to sect and even from domain to domains. Worshipers from one sects are welcome to attend churches of another sect, but differences in church practices may unnerve said visiting worshipers.[1]
n the time before, in a land cloaked in Mists, there was a woman, and She was Ezra.
Ezra was a healer of the sick and protector of the weak. Such was Her lot in life. Such was Her role in the grand scheme. Ezra took pride in the role Fate had given Her. Her duty was Her joy.
For many years, Ezra healed the lame and watched over Her people. Yet as time went on, Ezra began to see the Hollow. From the Mists of Death came horrors of the night. They were the drinker of blood and the stealer of breath and the beast that rends. Many were their legions. Many were the roles played by darkness in the Grand Scheme.
Ezra knew that Death would come for Her, as it comes to all in time. When Ezra entered the Gray Land, there would be no guardian to fill Her role. There would be no one to stand between Her people and the Legions of the Night.
Ezra set forth on a quest to find a guardian for Her people. She sought the One Pure Heart who would assume Her role. Ezra sought for the One Pure Heart in many lands, but ever did She seek in vain.
In time, Her quest brought Ezra to the end of all things. Behind Ezra stretched all the lands of the world. Before Ezra rose only the Mists of Death.
Ezra spoke to the Mists. Asked She, “The world is yours. You set its shape. Why do you allow its people to wander, lost and afraid?” But the Mists did not answer.
Again Ezra spoke. “Why have you filled your world with the Legions of the Night?” Yet the Mists would not answer.
A third time did Ezra speak. “All things have their role in the Grand Scheme. The Legions of the Night have their place, but Guardians and Guides have their roles in turn.” Still the Mists offered no reply.
Ezra spoke once more. “I have searched all the vastness of your lands, but I have found no Guardians for My people. I have found no Guides for the lost.” Again the Mists were silent.
For the last time did Ezra speak. “You have failed the Grand Scheme. You have created a Hollow that must be filled. If you will not watch over your people, then that task falls to me.” Upon the fifth entreaty did the Mists of Death reply.
From the Mists came a Voice, and the Voice spoke, saying, “Turn back, Mortal. You know nothing of the Grand Scheme. You know nothing of the Mists. You have reached the end of Your world. Continue and You shall find only Your destruction, nothing more.”
Yet Ezra held fast against the Mists, saying, “You cannot bid Me enter, yet I cannot turn away. I offer Myself to you so that you may know the suffering of My People. If I must be destroyed for them, then that is what must be.” The Mists of Death fell silent.
Then the Voice spoke once more. “Enter the Mists if You must, Mortal, but not as You are. Your kind has no place here. To enter the Mists, You must become as one with the Mists. Never again shall You leave them. Will You forever sacrifice Yourself to watch over these few mortals?”
Spoke Ezra, “Such is My role in the Grand Scheme. So must it be.” And with these words did Ezra become Our Guardian in the Mists.
689 BC - Franklin Tennyson, Ezrite missionary, comes to Souragne.[18]
