Copranity

Copranity is an old religion, split off from Ilegonity with two gods and a host of minor spirits. Their main teachings revolve around moderation, duty and, and these teachings are often passed on through meetings with religious leaders and bi-weekly meetings. Copranity's teachings come from two texts, the Book of Truth, by Illegos, and the Way of Copra, by an unnamed prophet. Copranity holds magic to be a lesser form of life, but not a sin. There is a strong head of religion, a bureaucracy, and the holy symbol is a thick X, emulated by crossing the arms.

Being an old religion, Copranity has split into several different variations, although some are clearly out to take advantage of people.

Copranity was formed when the Prophet of Copra, unnamed due to Merian censure, began preaching of Copra, or the Middle Way. Modifying Illegonity, Copranity spoke that the God of Truth was, in fact, the God of Light and the God of Lies was the God of Darkness. Unlike Illegos, the Prophet of Copra, wrote that the two Gods are equal in both in power and in morality. Light does not equal good, and darkness does not equal bad. Both are necessary, and it is where they cross, that true morality and guidance flows.

The Prophet of Copra did not deny the truth of what Illegos spoke, claiming that she was a prophet of the God of Light, while he was a prophet of the God of Darkness. Only by following both teachings could one find morality, through Copra, the Third Way.

This lead to a long period of oppression of the followers of Copra. They were often ritualistically killed by Illegonics, due to worshiping the God of Lies, culminating in the Day of Blinding. Since the fall of the Merian Empire, Copranity has taken hold strongly in the Merlieu Peninsula and Austein lands.

Copra, The Middle Way, The Third Way This is the heart of the teachings of Copranity. They revere light and truth, much like the followers of Illegos. However, Copranity espouses the need for the darkness as well.

"A man works in the day, but must sleep in the dark. It is with the correct amount of both that we thrive." - The Book of Tales, The Way of Copra

Moderation is the easiest way of translating Copra to the common tongue, although it does not necessarily fit completely. Copra is not the middle between light and dark, but a third way that transcends both. Some have come to call it the Way of Twilight, as well. Although the church does not condone such usage.

Hierarchy of the Copranitist Church
The hierarchy of the Copranitist Church was setup over the years since the death of the Prophet of Copra. The deacons were actually the first order created by the Prophet. They were first created to stand as those who kept spiritual balance in a place. However, over time, they have transitioned to becoming exorcists.

The Thearc was created after deacons by the Prophet of Copra. The Thearc is considered the head of the church, beneath only the Prophet of Copra, Illegos, and the Twin Gods. As such, the Thearc is the high earthly being. The Thearc is charged with protecting all the people of Copra and to command these people in the ways of defense against imbalance.

Vicars were originally the patriarchs of specifics realms, however they became the priests who attend services in Itro, advise leaders, and elect the Thearc. Vicars often watch over the Archbishops of their realms.

Archbishops, bishops, and priests are orders that were kept from Illegonity. They share the same responsibilities. Administrating regions of their region.

Abbots and monks have taken over the responsibilities of deacons. Abbots are responsible for maintaining the spiritual balance of a specific place. The monks who work under abbots perform the everyday and ritual needs to maintain this balance.

Court of Vicars
The Court of Vicars is responsible for electing the Thearc and advising the leaders of their realms.