The bustling marketplace centered in thr great city of Ra'leon buzzed with more activity than usual as wealthy robed merchants and armor clad soldiers moved about freely dodging the poor men and vagabonds who hoped to take advantage of the occasion. The carnival was just a few short moons away when the entire city would throw themselves prostrate to the earth facing east in reverence of almighty Rolar, the one and only God of the Universe and creator of all. Of course, however, the entire city would stand to their feet again and enjoy the festivities of dancing, drinking, and all manner of sin that was strictly forbidden any other time of the year.
A scream was heard as a wealthy lady realized there were grimey hands clutching at her purse, and a bustle of soldiers rushed over throwing people aside as they swam through the crowd. A passive observer could note the scuttle of a few dark figures as they attempting evasion. Surely not all three had lain a hand on the woman, but guilt was upon their faces and all one of the soldiers needed to receive praise from the lady was to bring someone dirty fellow forward. One soldier in particular, a captain by rank, seemed to be gaining on one of the smaller fellows. Dangerously close.
Captain Barbos tossed aside a plump townsperson, lowered his soldier and charged full steam into a crowd of bantering clerks. The thief tripped on a cobblestone and went sprawling to the stonework as his own purse emptied more coins than would befit a man of his station. Barbos smiled, moving forward and ready to kick the man's teeth in and collect his award when the Bell sounded, reverberating throughout the sprawling city and making the Captain's chest vibrate with the magnitude of it.
Immediately a stillness came over the city and every man, woman, and child hit their knees facing east. The thief was forgotten... All hearts, all minds, were geared toward Rolar and the sweet tantalising emotion of pure ecstasy flowed over each and every individual in the city.
Several hundred miles away in the city of Lowton hundreds upon thousands of people were found in thr streets on mid morning in similar poses to those of Ral'Leon, and yet they were a much different people. But... The very faves contorted in pleasure were nearly identification. Yet, these people worshipped Moloft, the one true God - - supposedly, though the alleged existence of Rolar did make things difficult. Quite difficult, indeed, for such difficulties had produced war and crusades for as long as the eldest of the elders coupd recall.
Deep in the inner dwellings of the city of Lowton there stood men who did not bow, rather they reveled. They were true inner circle members of the esoteric society known as the Brothers of the Fold and they sat upon thrones which formed a perfect circle. Their hoods were tossed back, their countenances bright as their eyes rolled into the backs of their head. They did not pray to a God, for they were the Gods. The religions of the world... a farce. The true God's were those who had unlocked the knowledge of their innate mysticism. The men who know their power, and the powers and secrets of the universe lived within them.
The religions were created, encouraged, and fostered by the Brothers of the Fold because it conditioned the minds of the people and subjected them to their absolute control and authority. They could wage war without question, instill peace, Rule politics by holding the real power positions in the Church. The most 'devout' worshippers of their respective God's were receptive to mind control. This was just the preface of the powers the Brethren held. Absolute power and control.
--
Haven't mapped out the specifics of the various cities, the brief history or what have you. Will only put in the work if there's interest.
Basically an ancient world where there are two major empires and a few minor kingdoms. The two major empires are heavily religious. These two hate each other, though there are very many similarities in their religions. They both pray several times a day, dropping to their knees at the sound of a bell.
In reality, what they're doing is opening their minds to the Brothers of the Fold when are esoteric overlords that control everything. They're the ultimate shadow government endowed with mystical powers. During prayer time they can subconsciously instill instructions and commands to people who are praying.
Shall we uncover the truth and overthrow them? Or play along?
A scream was heard as a wealthy lady realized there were grimey hands clutching at her purse, and a bustle of soldiers rushed over throwing people aside as they swam through the crowd. A passive observer could note the scuttle of a few dark figures as they attempting evasion. Surely not all three had lain a hand on the woman, but guilt was upon their faces and all one of the soldiers needed to receive praise from the lady was to bring someone dirty fellow forward. One soldier in particular, a captain by rank, seemed to be gaining on one of the smaller fellows. Dangerously close.
Captain Barbos tossed aside a plump townsperson, lowered his soldier and charged full steam into a crowd of bantering clerks. The thief tripped on a cobblestone and went sprawling to the stonework as his own purse emptied more coins than would befit a man of his station. Barbos smiled, moving forward and ready to kick the man's teeth in and collect his award when the Bell sounded, reverberating throughout the sprawling city and making the Captain's chest vibrate with the magnitude of it.
Immediately a stillness came over the city and every man, woman, and child hit their knees facing east. The thief was forgotten... All hearts, all minds, were geared toward Rolar and the sweet tantalising emotion of pure ecstasy flowed over each and every individual in the city.
Several hundred miles away in the city of Lowton hundreds upon thousands of people were found in thr streets on mid morning in similar poses to those of Ral'Leon, and yet they were a much different people. But... The very faves contorted in pleasure were nearly identification. Yet, these people worshipped Moloft, the one true God - - supposedly, though the alleged existence of Rolar did make things difficult. Quite difficult, indeed, for such difficulties had produced war and crusades for as long as the eldest of the elders coupd recall.
Deep in the inner dwellings of the city of Lowton there stood men who did not bow, rather they reveled. They were true inner circle members of the esoteric society known as the Brothers of the Fold and they sat upon thrones which formed a perfect circle. Their hoods were tossed back, their countenances bright as their eyes rolled into the backs of their head. They did not pray to a God, for they were the Gods. The religions of the world... a farce. The true God's were those who had unlocked the knowledge of their innate mysticism. The men who know their power, and the powers and secrets of the universe lived within them.
The religions were created, encouraged, and fostered by the Brothers of the Fold because it conditioned the minds of the people and subjected them to their absolute control and authority. They could wage war without question, instill peace, Rule politics by holding the real power positions in the Church. The most 'devout' worshippers of their respective God's were receptive to mind control. This was just the preface of the powers the Brethren held. Absolute power and control.
--
Haven't mapped out the specifics of the various cities, the brief history or what have you. Will only put in the work if there's interest.
Basically an ancient world where there are two major empires and a few minor kingdoms. The two major empires are heavily religious. These two hate each other, though there are very many similarities in their religions. They both pray several times a day, dropping to their knees at the sound of a bell.
In reality, what they're doing is opening their minds to the Brothers of the Fold when are esoteric overlords that control everything. They're the ultimate shadow government endowed with mystical powers. During prayer time they can subconsciously instill instructions and commands to people who are praying.
Shall we uncover the truth and overthrow them? Or play along?