The High Church of Doeth
In the Empire of Bone, it is important to understand that the High Church of Doeth encompasses all religious expression in the lands ruled by the Red Jackal. Other religions and temples are not allowed, though there would not be enough worshipers to support such a heresy in the first place. Humans, elves, and ogaroth all worship Doeth...or at least pay lip-service to worshiping Doeth. The Church itself does not punish or harm those that speak out against the Church or its teachings. That happens at a more grassroots level. Someone committing a minor heresy might be run out of town or beaten in the streets by the common rabble.
The High Church of Doeth, or Holy Church of Doeth, is a monotheistic religion. Doeth is seen as the one true god, ruling over the heavens as a Divine King. The easiest way to picture it, is to draw some loose parallels to the structure and tone of the ancient Roman Catholic Church. One, ruling God. Hosts of Angels. Powerful Saints. A church hierarchy. And the possibility of a heavenly reward for the pious.
(High Legate of Doeth Badge of Office)
The Church itself is very ornate in its language, temples, and organizational structure. There is a singular mortal leader of the church, called the High Legate of Doeth. And there are cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, and even nuns. The clergy remain unmarried. The churches are huge and gothic. The High Church of Doeth is very rich, as are its leaders. Though a common monk or priest lives a life of relative poverty.
Like certain time-periods in the ancient Church of Rome, the High Church of Doeth is political, and corrupt, and ruthless at times. Well, probably most of the time. Though, it is seen as just how things are to the common people. One of their biggest and most obvious corruptions, is their partnership with the Red Jackal. For decades they have backed him, and in turn, received his backing. They openly acknowledge he is a non-believer, giving him grandiose titles suggesting as much. But Church leaders over the years have carved out this special place for the Red Jackal as a non-believing Protector of the church.
(Cardinal of Doeth Badge of Office)
So beloved is the Red Jackal by the people, that this most obvious corruption has likely kept the High Church of Doeth relevant and powerful in the growing Empire of Bone. The Red Jackal rules the land and his subjects, but the High Church of Doeth rules their souls.
Early on in the Red Jackal's relationship with the Ogaroth, he personally convinced their leaders to convert to the High Church. Decades later, the Ogaroth are among the most devout believers in Doeth and his Church. The Red Jackal knew that to rule such a wide and diverse Empire, there would need to be common ground and common culture between his subjects. The High Church of Doeth is a big part of this bridge between the subjects of the Empire.
(Bishop of Doeth Badge of Office)
