Marn Puradyne

uradynism in Marn is an extremist sect of the Puradyne religion that has blended almost seamlessly with the government. It is expected that political leadership be active members in the Puradyne faith, as it is expected that any true citizen of Marn will believe and practice the Puradyne faith. It is a black and white form of the faith, with magic being a corrupting, evil influence that shall never be tolerated in any form. This forms the majority of differences between Marn Puradynism and average Puradynism.

Purity of the body and the soul is attainable only without magic of any form. The physical world represents strength, honesty, courage, and righteousness. The world can be restored to a Utopian state by strengthening The Seal (the barrier between the physical and astral planes) and thus removing all magic from Pal Tahrenor. Humans are the purest of the races because they were the only race present before magic was introduced. As such humans have the noble status of 'the first race' and are entitled to inherit the earth.

Sacrifice is an important concept to Marnians. Puradynes believe that Theogios sacrificed himself to create The Seal and put an end to the Changers' War. Resisting the temptation to use magic is a sacrifice that most people must make. It is also a sacrifice to enforce the abolishment of magic even if it means killing those who use magic but believe they are doing good. Because magic is a deceptive, corrupting force, people who use magic are unable to see that what they are doing is wrong and evil. Most puradynes would never even contemplate using magic for any reason, and some hardliners believe in killing anyone and everyone who has ever used it. Such extremist positions are rare in Thar Shaddin, where strictly controlled magic use is allowed as a matter of survival. Marnians allow minimal, practical use of magic under the strict guidance of the government. It would be impossible to defend Marn against magical attack without magic of their own, so the city also keeps a retinue of powerful Battlemages to deal with enemies. Many Marnians believe the Battlemages have sacrificed their souls in service of the city.

The puradynic religion also contains tenets common to other religions such as generosity, kindness, truth, honor and a desire for peace. Most puradynes convey these ideas by describing the actions of Theogios, and seeking to emulate him. Marnians, however, have a series of texts known as the Tomes of the First Settlers which outline everything from their duties as citizens to the law to how they should treat other races.

Hierarchy

In Marn, the uppermost reaches of leadership can be found with the Judges. Unlike other types of Puradynism, there are not martinets or abbots in Marn; the Judges fill both of those roles. Monks, who take care of the city's temple, and pastors, who take care of individual congregations, can and will go to representatives of the judges for any community issues or even to report large problems within the community. It is not the monks or pastors who have final say in important matters regarding the temple or congregations, but the Judges themselves. Only the Judges may appoint monks or pastors, and it is typically the Judges who will place these individuals into specific congregations.

It should be noted, however, that small things (such as times or locations for worship or which passage to read etc) are decided by monks and pastors.

It is always at the Judges' discretion to step in at any time they deem necessary. They do not do this often, being busy people.

Congregations

Pastors lead the congregations in Marn. There are approximately 30 congregations, though the number may fluctuate over time. Membership is informal, and usually separated by neighborhood. Each congregation is approved by the Judges, as pastors must first receive their appointment. It is typical for each congregation to meet in small groups on a regular basis, though the regularity depends on the individual congregation. In a general sense, Marn society frowns upon congregations who do not meet in any form at least once a month. It is believed that by meeting and growing the community in a religious and social sense, each member is strengthening their anti-magic devotion and showing their patriotism to Marn.

Any especially dedicated or wealthy congregations in Marn may have a congregational council. The sole purpose of this is to organize themselves, and wields no more power or authority than a neighborhood gardening committee might. Marn Puradynes, recognizing the Judges as their ultimate religious and lawful authority, will often invite the Judges as a courtesy to any councils they might have -- especially by congregations that involve wealthy or politically asute members.

Temple

Marn has a sole Temple cared for by a few monks and community volunteers. The temple in Marn represents a place for large gatherings and for showing dedication to the ideal of sacrifice in the name of purity, where purity is the absence of any magic at all.

Puradynes do not pray. Their Teodinus is not their god by any means. He is simply their ideal: a man who sacrificed himself to rid the world of magic. He is a primary example of what they should all strive to be. However, this does not restrict them from meditation upon the Tomes or about magic. Different congregations around the city might also partake in chanting or songs to help strengthen their convictions.

The Temple exists as a place for contemplation of self and surroundings, and also of ritual. To become a monk or a pastor, or in order to take a position in one of the politically significant offices, a person must first undergo a test. A drug is used that will determine whether or not the person has magical capabilities or is in some way inherently magical. If a person taking the test is found to contain magic they will be registered and will undergo a formal investigation to determine whether or not they have ever used magic before. That is the extent of legal action, but often those outed in this manner will often be ostracized by society.

Holy Text

The only formal written text that is considered necessary are the Tomes of the First Settlers. Families will often read from the Tomes together in their homes, and congregations will sometimes do group readings with the pastor giving a homily to help the congregation better connect and understand.

If you are a Puradyne in Marn, you are expected to have a thorough grasp of the Tomes. The Tomes are taught as part of standard curriculum in the Marnian public education system.

Worship

Puradynes in Marn are expected to show reverence towards the anti-magic ideal both in private and in public. Congregational meetings often exist less as a way to better communicate understanding of the religion's goals and more to show public dedication to the religion.

Congregations often know who in their neighborhood goes, and who does not. They might spy on their neighbors, or out those who stop going or show any sort of negativity towards Puradynism.

Public worship typically involves reading the Tomes as a group, or discussing the community and how to improve it or better safeguard against magic. Private worship typically involves going to the temple and doing self-reflection.

To become a true member of the Puradyne faith, teenagers around age 15-16 or adults new to the faith take part in ceremonies where they formally cast magic out of their lives and make a vow to never use magic or knowingly handle a magical or magically tampered item.