The Threefold Church


 * A Faction

Overview
One thousand years ago, as human civilization freed itself from the oppression of the elven empire and began to establish itself as a world power, worship of the Divine Troika—a triumvirate of goddesses presiding over the heavens, nature, and the underworld—gradually but thoroughly supplanted the animistic Old Faith as the most ubiquitous religion in Adaam. Both druidism and wizardry were seen as too intrinsically linked to the culture of the elves who had so long oppressed humanity. Thus, the burgeoning human realms sought a new source of spiritual and ethical guidance, eventually finding it in the priestesses of the Troika, also known as the Three Mothers.

Each of the Mothers is represented by a different clerical ministry, and they work in tandem to see to the spiritual needs of the Church’s many adherents.

A matriarchal religion, the Threefold Church—as it would come to be called—gained considerable political power and influence over the course of the next few centuries. Indeed, the practice of wizardry—ostensibly a distasteful remnant of elven society, yet very much an institution representing power to rival that of the Church—became outlawed in most human states. Meanwhile, followers of the Old Faith were slowly forced to the figurative and literal fringes of society.

Sacred Daughters
Today, with one or two exceptions, every human ruler receives counsel from one or more Sacred Daughters, priestesses of the Troika who in turn receive direction from the conclave of high priestesses that govern the Threefold Church.

Defenders of the Faith
The Threefold Church does not maintain a standing military force, instead leveraging its political clout and calling upon the armies of nations and rulers when the faith is offended or threatened.

There are, however, a handful of martial sects within the Threefold Church, those with very specific tenets, or representing a select few ideals. And while they may not be legion, these devotees of the Troika are among the most skilled and dangerous combatants in Adaam:
 * The Most Holy Fellowship of the Merciful Sky


 * The Vital Brotherhood


 * The Hands of Anoch