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| + | {{For|the Chantry headquartered out of the Grand Cathedral in Val Royeaux|Orlesian Chantry}} |
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<onlyinclude>{{OrganizationTransformer |
<onlyinclude>{{OrganizationTransformer |
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|style = {{{style|}}} |
|style = {{{style|}}} |
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|name = [[Imperial Chantry]] |
|name = [[Imperial Chantry]] |
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| + | |icon = Imperial Chantry Heraldry.png |
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|image = H impchanta 0.png |
|image = H impchanta 0.png |
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| − | | |
+ | |px = 270x360px |
| ⚫ | |||
|type = Religious |
|type = Religious |
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| − | |headquarters = Argent Spire |
+ | |headquarters = Argent Spire, [[Minrathous]] |
| − | |leaders = [[Divine]] |
+ | |leaders = [[Imperial Divine|Divine]] [[Urian Nihalias|Urian]] |
| + | |affiliation = [[Imperial Templar Order]] <br> [[Circle of Magi (Imperial Chantry)|Imperial Circle of Magi]] |
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| − | |ranks = [[Divine]]<br>[[Grand Cleric]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | |ranks = [[Imperial Divine|Divine]] <br> [[Grand cleric (Imperial)|Grand Cleric]] <br> Revered Father/Mother <br> Father/Mother <br> Brother/Sister |
||
| + | |motto = |
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|location = [[Tevinter Imperium]] |
|location = [[Tevinter Imperium]] |
||
|related = |
|related = |
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| − | |appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <small>(mentioned)</small> [[Dragon Age: Asunder]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <small>(mentioned)</small> |
+ | |appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <small>(mentioned)</small> [[Dragon Age: Asunder]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Absolution]] |
}}</onlyinclude> |
}}</onlyinclude> |
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| − | The '''Imperial Chantry''' is a denomination of |
+ | The '''Imperial Chantry''' is a denomination of [[Andrastianism]] centered in the [[Tevinter Imperium]]. The Imperial Chantry does not recognize the [[Divine]] of the [[Orlesian Chantry]], but elects its own [[Imperial Divine]]—informally known as the "Black Divine" in the south as opposed to Orlais' "White Divine." The Imperial Chantry's headquarters are presumably located in the Argent Spire in [[Minrathous]], where the Imperial Divine is known to reside.<ref>[[Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy]]</ref> |
| − | In contrast to the |
+ | In contrast to the Orlesian Chantry, the Imperial Chantry allows men into the priesthood and embraces magic. The Imperial Divine is always male, as well as a member of one of [[Tevinter]]'s [[Circle of Magi (Imperial Chantry)|Circles of Magi]]. |
== History == |
== History == |
||
| + | Ten years to the day after [[Andraste]]'s death, [[Archon]] [[Hessarian]] converted to the [[Chant of Light]], claiming that he had heard the voice of the [[Maker]] when his blade had touched Andraste, and the beginnings of the religion took root. He declared the Maker the one true god, made Andrastianism the religion of the Imperium (i.e., the Imperial Chantry), and publicly revealed [[Maferath]]'s betrayal. Most of the high-ranking clergy, including nearly all of the ruling Altus [[magister]]s, refused to give up their [[Old Gods]], but the non-mage Soporati class overwhelmingly supported Hessarian, beginning a period known as the Transfiguration. With the High Priests dead, Hessarian repurposed the Old God temples into schools for mages.<ref>{{Cite wot|123}}</ref> |
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| − | When Emperor [[Kordillus Drakon I|Kordillus Drakon]] anointed [[Divine]] Justinia I as the head of the Andrastian Chantry, it upset the Tevinter, who had established their own Chantry with a male leader long before [[Orlais]] was ever unified, believing their country to be the Holy Land, as [[Andraste]] had lived and died there.<ref name="wot125">{{Cite wot|125}}</ref> |
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| + | When [[Orlesian royalty and nobility#Emperors and Empresses|Emperor]] [[Kordillus Drakon I]] of [[Orlais]] appointed [[Divine]] [[Justinia I]] as the head of the Orlesian Chantry, it greatly upset the Tevinters, who had been organizing Andrastianism long before Orlais had begun their campaign of religious unification and believed their country to be the Holy Land, as [[Andraste]] had lived and died there. In an effort to appease Orlais, authority over the faith of the Tevinter Chantry was transferred from the [[Archon]] to the [[Grand cleric (Imperial)|grand clerics]] of Tevinter. However, despite repeated petitions, the Orlesian Chantry refused to recognize the Tevinter grand clerics, on the grounds that they allowed men into the priesthood, whom the Orlesian Chantry judged unfit for the priesthood due to [[Maferath]]'s betrayal. At the time, the presence of multiple mages within the ranks of the Tevinter clergy was unknown to their Orlesian counterparts. |
||
| − | <nowiki> </nowiki>As mages form the ruling class of Tevinter, magic is a valued trait there. Along the upper class, it is prized and even nurtured through selective breeding. Commoners view magic as a gift that may manifest in anyone's bloodline as an admission ticket to the upper classes. Mages are respected across all social classes far more than in other countries. <ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | Tensions escalated when the Orlesian Chantry called for an [[Exalted Marches|Exalted March]] on [[Starkhaven]] in 2:80 [[Glory Age|Glory]] to free the [[Free Marches|Marcher]] city-state from Tevinter rule and prevent the Imperium from regaining power and influence in the region. After the [[Third Blight]] in the [[Towers Age]], the Orlesian Chantry also started to promote the story that the [[Magisters Sidereal|ancient magisters]] of Tevinter had caused the [[Blight]]s through their heresy, stoking anti-Tevinter sentiment and widening the divide between the two Chantries.<ref name="wot125">{{Cite wot|125}}</ref> |
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| − | Thus, the Chantry was never able to fully defeat the [[magister]] lords of the Tevinter Imperium: Despite accepting the Chantry's laws and teachings and surrendering to the [[Circle of Magi]], they did so on their own terms. As a result, the mages of Tevinter retained much influence and power even under Chantry control. |
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| + | The greatest source of conflict ultimately arose from the second verse of Canticle of Transfigurations in the [[Chant of Light]], "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him." In Tevinter, where magic had long been a valued trait, prized and nurtured through selective breeding in the upper classes,<ref name=":0">Mentioned in [https://youtu.be/iz-kkmX7pAA dialogue] with [[Dorian Pavus]] at Haven.</ref> the clerics preached that magic must serve the greater good and not be used to control the minds of others, which they believed was best accomplished by allowing mages to take part in government. When the Chantry finally learned of this in 3:87 Towers, Divine [[Joyous II]] demanded they revert to the Orlesian version of the Chant. Tevinter refused, claiming corruption within [[Val Royeaux]]. Divine Joyous II declared them all heretics, leading the [[Archon]] to appoint Grand Cleric Valhail, a man and a [[mage]] of the [[Circle of Magi (Imperial Chantry)|Circle]], to the position of [[Imperial Divine]].<ref>Based on the [[Imperial Reinforced Gloves]] description. This growing rift becomes known as "the Schism".</ref><ref>{{Cite wot|88}}</ref> |
||
| − | In an effort to appease the Orlesian Chantry, the Imperial Divine's role was reduced to a ceremonial position and authority over the faith was transferred to the grand clerics within the Imperium. |
||
| ⚫ | The Imperial Divine (also known as the Black Divine in the south) declared a holiday to celebrate the death of Divine Joyous II in 3:99. The new White Divine named the next age the "[[Black Age]]" as a call for retribution against the so-called "Black Divine" and the perceived corruption in Tevinter. Four Exalted Marches were called between 4:40 Black and 5:10 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]] to bring the heretics back into the fold. However, Tevinter withstood all attempted invasions. All four Marches failed to take the capital city of Minrathous or force the Imperial Chantry to surrender as the Imperium, further bolstered by foreign mages seeking refuge in Tevinter, unleashed its full magical might against its invaders, causing massive casualties among their forces.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide]]'', p. 344</ref> The Exalted Marches only came to an end with the outbreak of the [[Fourth Blight]]; Tevinter correspondingly refused to aid the Anderfels and Free Marches against the darkspawn in retaliation for the Exalted Marches. |
||
| − | The Tevinter Grand Clerics made multiple requests for recognition by the Orlesian Chantry but were rebuffed every time on the theological grounds that, |
||
| − | the Imperial Chantry admitted men into the priesthood and all men were judged by [[Maferath]]'s betrayal. At the time, the presence of multiple mages within the ranks of the Tevinter clergy was unknown to their Orlesian counterparts.<ref name="wot125">{{Cite wot|125}}</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | Ultimately, the unsuccessful Exalted Marches only cemented the divide between Val Royeaux and Minrathous. To this day the White and Black Divines both refuse to recognize the legitimacy and authority of the other, though they cooperated during the [[Qunari Wars##The Three Exalted Marches|New Exalted Marches]] to face the invading [[Qunari]]. |
||
| − | The Orlesian chantry continued to struggle in spreading and preserving its influence within the Tevinter Imperium. This was further exacerbated when, after the [[Third Blight]], the Orlesian Chantry began promoting the story that it was the ancient magisters who caused the Blights.<ref name="wot125">{{Cite wot|125}}</ref> The Chantry's mistrust for magic conflicted with the native Tevinter culture, which still viewed magic as a mark of honor. |
||
| + | In 9:27 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]], Magister [[Urian Nihalias]] led a coup against the Black Divine, arresting him as well as five high-ranking magisters in a single night. After their trial, Urian assumed the title of Imperial Divine and led a violent purge of the Imperial Chantry.<ref>{{Cite wot2|203}}</ref> |
||
| − | The greatest source of conflict ultimately arose from the second verse of Canticle of Transfigurations in the [[Chant of Light]], "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him," which was subject to a very different interpretation in Tevinter. The Tevinter [[Grand Cleric]]s felt that this commandment, meant that magic must serve the greater good and not be used to control the minds of others. They believed that this could best be accomplished by freeing the Magi to take part in government. The Chantry in Orlais condemned this as a wicked distortion and demanded that they revert to the original version of the Chant. Tevinter refused, claiming corruption within [[Val Royeaux]]. |
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| − | |||
| − | The schism finally occurred in 3:87 [[Towers Age|Towers]], when Tevinter broke from the Orlesian Chantry entirely and the Imperial Chantry was formed.<ref>Based on the [[Imperial Reinforced Gloves]] description.</ref><ref>{{Cite wot|88}}</ref> Tevinter placed Valhail, a male member of their Circle of Magi, as the head of their Chantry. The Imperial Divine (also known as the Black Divine) declared a celebration when the Divine Joyous II died. The new White Divine named the next age the "[[Black Age]]" in reference to the 'Black Divine' and the perceived corruption in Tevinter and ordered an [[Exalted March]] against the Tevinter Imperium. |
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| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
== Teachings == |
== Teachings == |
||
[[File:Imperial priests.jpg|thumb|Imperial Chantry priests.<ref>{{cite wot|124}}</ref>]] |
[[File:Imperial priests.jpg|thumb|Imperial Chantry priests.<ref>{{cite wot|124}}</ref>]] |
||
| − | The principal teaching of the Imperial Chantry (and the one which led to the schism with the |
+ | The principal teaching of the Imperial Chantry (and the one which led to the schism with the Orlesian Chantry), is their interpretation of the words, "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him." The magisters interpret this to mean that magic must serve the greater good, which they claim to be accomplished through the rule of the magisters. The Tevinter priests altered the Chant to reflect that magic must be used in the service of all mankind for their prosperity. This allowed the magisters to reclaim their ancient authority and once again rule the Imperium. Meanwhile, the Chantry in Orlais remains firm in its belief that magic is a corrupting influence and that mages should therefore be controlled. Both Chantries condemn each other's views on magic. |
| − | While the Chantry of Orlais believes that [[Andraste]] was divine, and was taken up to stand beside the [[Maker]] when she died, the Imperial Chantry maintains she was just a mortal prophet with considerable [[Mage|magical]] talent |
+ | While the Chantry of Orlais believes that [[Andraste]] was divine, and was taken up to stand beside the [[Maker]] when she died, the Imperial Chantry maintains she was just a mortal prophet with considerable [[Mage|magical]] talent.<ref name=":0"/> While the Imperial Chantry still respects and honors Andraste considerably, they forbid the worship of her that is practiced in the Orlesian Chantry and instead focus only on worshiping the Maker.{{Citation needed}} |
| − | + | Furthermore, while the Orlesian Chantry blames mortal pride for the [[Second Sin]], and the subsequent creation of the [[darkspawn]] and the start of the [[Blight]]s, the Imperial Chantry blames the [[Old Gods]] for mankind's corruption rather than an inherent flaw in human nature.<ref>[[Codex entry: In Hushed Whispers]]</ref><ref name=":1">Mentioned in [https://youtu.be/f2vwF6wn6Qs| dialogue] with [[Dorian Pavus]] after reaching Skyhold.</ref> |
|
| − | In the Chantry |
+ | In the Orlesian Chantry, only women may attain a rank beyond that of mother; men may only be ordained as brothers. However, in the Imperial Chantry, men have access to all levels of rank. In fact, the [[Imperial Divine]] is always male.<sup>[[Imperial Chantry#Notes|[note]]]</sup> Furthermore, while Orlesian Chantry priests are expected to remain celibate, nearly all priests in the Imperium marry, and work in the clergy tends to run in families.<ref name="wot125"/> |
Although all Chantries in Thedas have an Eternal Flame which is kept burning by magic, in the Imperium the day a spell is cast to renew it is a religious holiday. Magic is openly performed in the Imperial Chantry during all services.<ref name="wot125"/> |
Although all Chantries in Thedas have an Eternal Flame which is kept burning by magic, in the Imperium the day a spell is cast to renew it is a religious holiday. Magic is openly performed in the Imperial Chantry during all services.<ref name="wot125"/> |
||
| − | There is an additional feast day for the "Visitations", celebrating the purported appearance of Blessed Andraste in dreams to Tevinter mages as she crossed through the Fade.<ref name="wot125"/> |
+ | There is an additional feast day for the "Visitations", celebrating the purported appearance of Blessed Andraste in the dreams to Tevinter mages as she crossed through the Fade.<ref name="wot125"/> |
The anniversary of the death of Archon [[Hessarian]] is also a religious holiday. He is considered the most important of Andraste's disciples and is more revered in Tevinter than elsewhere in Thedas,<ref name="wot125"/> much like [[Kordillus Drakon I]] is revered in [[Orlais]]. |
The anniversary of the death of Archon [[Hessarian]] is also a religious holiday. He is considered the most important of Andraste's disciples and is more revered in Tevinter than elsewhere in Thedas,<ref name="wot125"/> much like [[Kordillus Drakon I]] is revered in [[Orlais]]. |
||
== The Imperial Templar Order == |
== The Imperial Templar Order == |
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| + | {{Main|Imperial Templar Order}} |
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| − | Mages in the Tevinter Circle of Magi are controlled by high-ranking [[magister]]s instead of the Imperium's [[Templar Order|templars]].<ref name="bsn">[[David Gaider]]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160814172616/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/134419-why-dont-mages-go-to-tevinter/page-3?p=3483196 Why don't mages go to Tevinter?]. Bioware Social Network. Retrieved July 19, 2015</ref> Since the restoration of the magocracy, the Imperial Templar Order falls under the authority of the magisters and thereby the Circle of Magi. [[Seekers of Truth|Lord Seeker]] [[Lambert van Reeves]] claimed that the Order has no real power in Tevinter. In effect, this has reduced the templars' main function to merely enforcing Imperial law.<ref>Based on dialogue with [[Fenris]].</ref> |
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| + | == Codex entries == |
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| − | While Imperial templars may still intervene if a mage uses forbidden magics, and they retain the [[Right of Annulment]] at their disposal, they usually only act against mages who are weak or have fallen out of favor with the magisters. Notably, Tevinter does not consider the moderate use of [[blood magic]] inherently dangerous or forbidden, so long as it is restricted to the use of one's own blood or that of a willing participant. That level of blood magic can only garner so much power, however, and Tevinter mages always seek more. The line is crossed when mages start using sacrifices and [[demon]] summoning, and presumably any mage of rank does the forbidden kind behind closed doors while the others are quietly shut out of power or have the templars sent after them.<ref name=":0">Mentioned in dialogue with [[Dorian Pavus]].</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZK_hfTV4Zw&list=UUEvNGwLX3AKUAZRwTqrhhSQ&index=1 Dragon Age: Inquisition- Sexy and Talented Dorian Joins! (First Conversation) + Flirt]. YouTube.</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | :{{:Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy|style=iconmini}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | The majority of Imperial templars lack the ability to counter magic and are primarily utilised as soldiers. In fact, modern Tevinter mages invariably find themselves completely bewildered upon witnessing their magic nullified by non-Imperial templars, having never previously encountered such an ability within their homeland.<ref>Based on [[Cullen Rutherford]]'s report after completing the [[War table]] mission [[The Tevinter Resistance]].</ref><ref name="bsn" /> |
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| + | * While ''[[Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1]]'' states that the majority of Imperial Divines have been male, other sources, such as [[Dorian Pavus]], state that the Imperial Divine has ''always'' been male. |
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| + | == Trivia == |
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| − | Another key difference between the Imperial templars and their southern counterparts is that there is no Tevinter equivalent for the [[Seekers of Truth]], which provides oversight for both templars and mages throughout the rest of Thedas. Few, if any, Tevinter citizens are even aware that the Seekers of Truth exist or of the differences between Seekers and templars.<ref>Mentioned in [[Cassandra Pentaghast/Dialogue#Cassandra and Dorian Pavus|dialogue]] between [[Cassandra Pentaghast]] and [[Dorian Pavus]].</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | * The Imperial Chantry receives a tithe for each slave sold.<ref>According to [[Fenris]] when approaching the [[Kirkwall Chantry]] in Act 3.</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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| + | :[[File:Ico Area Map.png|19px]] [[Chantry]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | {{: |
+ | :{{:Imperial Templar Order|style=iconmini}} |
| + | :{{:Orlesian Chantry|style=iconmini}} |
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| − | |||
| + | :{{:Templar Order|style=iconmini}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | :{{:Manual: Templar|style=iconmini}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | :{{:Red Templars|style=iconmini}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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<references /> |
<references /> |
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| − | {{ |
+ | {{Andrastianism}} |
| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | <!--Categories--> |
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| + | [[Category:Groups]] |
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[[Category:Religion]] |
[[Category:Religion]] |
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| + | [[Category:Human lore]] |
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[[Category:Tevinter Imperium]] |
[[Category:Tevinter Imperium]] |
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| + | [[Category:Andraste]] |
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| + | <!--Interwiki links--> |
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| + | [[uk: Тевінтерська Церква]] |
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Latest revision as of 03:31, 31 May 2023
- For the Chantry headquartered out of the Grand Cathedral in Val Royeaux, see Orlesian Chantry.
The Imperial Chantry is a denomination of Andrastianism centered in the Tevinter Imperium. The Imperial Chantry does not recognize the Divine of the Orlesian Chantry, but elects its own Imperial Divine—informally known as the "Black Divine" in the south as opposed to Orlais' "White Divine." The Imperial Chantry's headquarters are presumably located in the Argent Spire in Minrathous, where the Imperial Divine is known to reside.[1]
In contrast to the Orlesian Chantry, the Imperial Chantry allows men into the priesthood and embraces magic. The Imperial Divine is always male, as well as a member of one of Tevinter's Circles of Magi.
History[]
Ten years to the day after Andraste's death, Archon Hessarian converted to the Chant of Light, claiming that he had heard the voice of the Maker when his blade had touched Andraste, and the beginnings of the religion took root. He declared the Maker the one true god, made Andrastianism the religion of the Imperium (i.e., the Imperial Chantry), and publicly revealed Maferath's betrayal. Most of the high-ranking clergy, including nearly all of the ruling Altus magisters, refused to give up their Old Gods, but the non-mage Soporati class overwhelmingly supported Hessarian, beginning a period known as the Transfiguration. With the High Priests dead, Hessarian repurposed the Old God temples into schools for mages.[2]
When Emperor Kordillus Drakon I of Orlais appointed Divine Justinia I as the head of the Orlesian Chantry, it greatly upset the Tevinters, who had been organizing Andrastianism long before Orlais had begun their campaign of religious unification and believed their country to be the Holy Land, as Andraste had lived and died there. In an effort to appease Orlais, authority over the faith of the Tevinter Chantry was transferred from the Archon to the grand clerics of Tevinter. However, despite repeated petitions, the Orlesian Chantry refused to recognize the Tevinter grand clerics, on the grounds that they allowed men into the priesthood, whom the Orlesian Chantry judged unfit for the priesthood due to Maferath's betrayal. At the time, the presence of multiple mages within the ranks of the Tevinter clergy was unknown to their Orlesian counterparts.
Tensions escalated when the Orlesian Chantry called for an Exalted March on Starkhaven in 2:80 Glory to free the Marcher city-state from Tevinter rule and prevent the Imperium from regaining power and influence in the region. After the Third Blight in the Towers Age, the Orlesian Chantry also started to promote the story that the ancient magisters of Tevinter had caused the Blights through their heresy, stoking anti-Tevinter sentiment and widening the divide between the two Chantries.[3]
The greatest source of conflict ultimately arose from the second verse of Canticle of Transfigurations in the Chant of Light, "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him." In Tevinter, where magic had long been a valued trait, prized and nurtured through selective breeding in the upper classes,[4] the clerics preached that magic must serve the greater good and not be used to control the minds of others, which they believed was best accomplished by allowing mages to take part in government. When the Chantry finally learned of this in 3:87 Towers, Divine Joyous II demanded they revert to the Orlesian version of the Chant. Tevinter refused, claiming corruption within Val Royeaux. Divine Joyous II declared them all heretics, leading the Archon to appoint Grand Cleric Valhail, a man and a mage of the Circle, to the position of Imperial Divine.[5][6]
The Imperial Divine (also known as the Black Divine in the south) declared a holiday to celebrate the death of Divine Joyous II in 3:99. The new White Divine named the next age the "Black Age" as a call for retribution against the so-called "Black Divine" and the perceived corruption in Tevinter. Four Exalted Marches were called between 4:40 Black and 5:10 Exalted to bring the heretics back into the fold. However, Tevinter withstood all attempted invasions. All four Marches failed to take the capital city of Minrathous or force the Imperial Chantry to surrender as the Imperium, further bolstered by foreign mages seeking refuge in Tevinter, unleashed its full magical might against its invaders, causing massive casualties among their forces.[7] The Exalted Marches only came to an end with the outbreak of the Fourth Blight; Tevinter correspondingly refused to aid the Anderfels and Free Marches against the darkspawn in retaliation for the Exalted Marches.
Ultimately, the unsuccessful Exalted Marches only cemented the divide between Val Royeaux and Minrathous. To this day the White and Black Divines both refuse to recognize the legitimacy and authority of the other, though they cooperated during the New Exalted Marches to face the invading Qunari.
In 9:27 Dragon, Magister Urian Nihalias led a coup against the Black Divine, arresting him as well as five high-ranking magisters in a single night. After their trial, Urian assumed the title of Imperial Divine and led a violent purge of the Imperial Chantry.[8]
Teachings[]
Imperial Chantry priests.[9]
The principal teaching of the Imperial Chantry (and the one which led to the schism with the Orlesian Chantry), is their interpretation of the words, "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him." The magisters interpret this to mean that magic must serve the greater good, which they claim to be accomplished through the rule of the magisters. The Tevinter priests altered the Chant to reflect that magic must be used in the service of all mankind for their prosperity. This allowed the magisters to reclaim their ancient authority and once again rule the Imperium. Meanwhile, the Chantry in Orlais remains firm in its belief that magic is a corrupting influence and that mages should therefore be controlled. Both Chantries condemn each other's views on magic.
While the Chantry of Orlais believes that Andraste was divine, and was taken up to stand beside the Maker when she died, the Imperial Chantry maintains she was just a mortal prophet with considerable magical talent.[4] While the Imperial Chantry still respects and honors Andraste considerably, they forbid the worship of her that is practiced in the Orlesian Chantry and instead focus only on worshiping the Maker.[citation needed]
Furthermore, while the Orlesian Chantry blames mortal pride for the Second Sin, and the subsequent creation of the darkspawn and the start of the Blights, the Imperial Chantry blames the Old Gods for mankind's corruption rather than an inherent flaw in human nature.[10][11]
In the Orlesian Chantry, only women may attain a rank beyond that of mother; men may only be ordained as brothers. However, in the Imperial Chantry, men have access to all levels of rank. In fact, the Imperial Divine is always male.[note] Furthermore, while Orlesian Chantry priests are expected to remain celibate, nearly all priests in the Imperium marry, and work in the clergy tends to run in families.[3]
Although all Chantries in Thedas have an Eternal Flame which is kept burning by magic, in the Imperium the day a spell is cast to renew it is a religious holiday. Magic is openly performed in the Imperial Chantry during all services.[3]
There is an additional feast day for the "Visitations", celebrating the purported appearance of Blessed Andraste in the dreams to Tevinter mages as she crossed through the Fade.[3]
The anniversary of the death of Archon Hessarian is also a religious holiday. He is considered the most important of Andraste's disciples and is more revered in Tevinter than elsewhere in Thedas,[3] much like Kordillus Drakon I is revered in Orlais.
The Imperial Templar Order[]
- Main article: Imperial Templar Order
Codex entries[]
Notes[]
- While Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1 states that the majority of Imperial Divines have been male, other sources, such as Dorian Pavus, state that the Imperial Divine has always been male.
Trivia[]
- Mages of the Imperial Chantry believe blood magic was first learned from ancient elves of Elvhenan, rather than the Old Gods. However, there is not enough evidence to determine whether this is true.[12]
- The Imperial Chantry receives a tithe for each slave sold.[13]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy
- ↑
Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 123
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 125
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mentioned in dialogue with Dorian Pavus at Haven.
- ↑ Based on the Imperial Reinforced Gloves description. This growing rift becomes known as "the Schism".
- ↑
Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 88
- ↑ Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide, p. 344
- ↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 203
- ↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 124
- ↑ Codex entry: In Hushed Whispers
- ↑ Mentioned in dialogue with Dorian Pavus after reaching Skyhold.
- ↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 36
- ↑ According to Fenris when approaching the Kirkwall Chantry in Act 3.
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