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Contents:

 

I. Foreword

II. Notable Saints

III. Canonisation

IV. Insight

V. Conclusion

VI. Bibliography

 

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I. These studies were based solely on the more ancient practises. Practises are subject to change between the ancient and modern day, and further research and argument is expected on the process to Celestian Sainthood. Canonisation is a subjective topic that many will dispute, and these are personal findings that the author perceives to be true, or most accurate to historical findings. Many resources that could better solidify the process are lost to her in the current state of affairs between sovereign states.

 

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II. Notable saints include Saint Loathys, Saint Tresalyne and Saint Gathlyn, whom shall be discussed briefly for their deeds in this section. All information has been gathered and pieced together as necessary, using religious symbols found and other such clues to form this working guess.

 

a. Saint Loathys -

 

The fifth child of Empress Inalai III, and only daughter, Saint Loathys was the second youngest child. Each of her four brothers would go on to become Paladins, one even rising to become Emperor Inalai IV. She, however, studied under the tutelage of Holy Father Thiune Ladantine to become a Celestine of some renown. While her brothers were renowned in the marital ranks and on the battlefield, her name was heard of in religious philosophy and debate.

 

However, when the Burning Star came, she would forego her brother Inalai IV's wishes to remain away from the battlefield, arriving at the side of the Supernal known as Methrenton and fighting in his wake. Thought to be born anew through the Golden Forge, she was known from that day forth as the Flame's Blade. What Saint Loathys did is not entirely clear. It is known that she led an entire host of angels to fight for Celestia. Many priests and warriors rallied about her and the tide of the battle turned for the better due to her zeal. In the end, she sacrificed herself so that the enemy could be burned away from the field.

 

Now, her remains may be found in a shrine dedicated to her in the Southern Mountains, the Shrine of Saint Loathys. She is the Saint of Methrenton.

 

b. Saint Tresalyne - Originally an aquamancer of some renown, Saint Tresalyne is credited for being among the first to discover the Holy Plane of Celestia, realm of the Supernals. Once the Supernals were known to the mortals, it was in fact Tresalyne who founded the Celestine Holy Church in worship of the Supernals, taking the arts of what is known today as the Celestine guild.

 

During this time, as any historian will tell you, the Basin was tormented by the Soulless. Zenos, in particular, wreaked havoc with winds that cut through to one's very soul, devouring and growing stronger with each passing day. In the final battle against Him, it was in fact Tresalyne who led a group of celestines and aquamancers against the Soulless. During the battle, Tresalyne managed the feat of luring Zenos away, and eventually sealing Him in a chest to be sealed away and guarded by the order of the Imperial family of the Holy Celestine Empire.

 

For his devotion and his selfless acts, Tresalyne was adorned a Saint. It is debatable whom exactly he is the Saint of, as Japhiel is known to have extensive knowledge of him and his history, though many will say that it was Elohora herself who endorsed him. He is considered the greatest Saint by many, undoubtedly due to his founding of the Holy Celestine Church.

 

c. Saint Gathlyn - Born of the noble family Sinenth unto Vylahi and Talne, Gathlyn followed the footsteps of his forbearers to become a priest in the Holy Celestine Church during his youth, speculated to be near the age of ten and four, and close to Raziela.

 

His love and generosity were renowned throughout the Basin, to the point where children would seek him out to leave a special toy for him and incur his goodwill and blessings. Their intent, it has been thought, is that to be close to Gathlyn would be to be close to Raziela as well.

 

Legend tells of a chill most foul settling over a thriving village tucked into the shelter of Mount Wend, plaguing the villagers with fever and weakness, many becoming bedridden. Having discovered a dark fae, known as Frost Sprite, to be the source of the attacks, Gathlyn prayed to Raziela for a solution. Being pure of heart and true and constant to her teachings, he was granted a solution.

 

It is often said that when Frost Sprite came next to attack the village, Gathlyn faced him with a smile radiating love and joy. He and the villagers were transformed into pink bubbles, diverting the intended attack and foiling Frost Sprite, driving him away with the power of Gathlyn's devotion. When the villagers returned, Gathlyn was gone, having become one with the "Light" of Celestia.

 

In modern times, an orphanage has been built on Mount Wend, named in memory of Gathlyn. While the plague of Frost Sprite can still be felt, those who exhibit the same qualities of Saint Gathlyn may be found to drive its dread influence back. He is the Saint of Raziela.

 

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III. Canonisation is the act by which the Supernals, or the Celestine Holy Church, declares a person (in most instances one who is deceased) a saint, upon which declaration the person is included in the canon, or list, of recognised saints. The process which the author has discovered may very well have become outdated through time. Canonisation is conducted in four stages, during which those who would be recognised are known by different titles. These stages are named as follows: Servant of [Supernal] --> Venerable --> Blessed --> Saint.

 

A. Servant of [Supernal]

 

The process to canonisation begins at the mortal level. Those with the jurisdiction to doing so, usually a Celestine leading those in a certain area which the candidate died or is buried, gives permission to open an inquiry into the candidate's life, either after their own intent or a formal petition filed by those under their charge. During this time, an exhaustive search is made of their life, from their works in the literary and scholarly world to their everyday life, usually in which a detailed biography will be written. Eyewitnesses may also be called for testimony for the candidate's service to a chosen Supernal, highlighting what they believe to be outstanding virtues represented by the candidate.

 

When sufficient information is gathered, the case is presented to the Choir of the Causes for the Saints (though this organisation may well have died out in modern times), a sacred sect of Celestines whose duty it is to oversee this process of canonisation. There, a single worker, or postulator/postulant, is assigned to the case. They gather further information, using techniques to unveil falsities that eyewitnesses or those who would seek to pass on a false Saint would present to the Church. After the case is found to be just, the body will be exhumed and examined, and it will be made sure that no superstitious or heretical cult has grown up around the servant or their tomb, taking any and all improper relics and disbanding the cult if necessary. At this point, the candidate is known as the Servant of [Supernal].

 

a. Servant of Elohora -

 

Known for their service to guide others in the "Light", servants of Elohora are often religious leaders or missionaries, those who strive to ensure the teachings remain pure and bring others to the "Light".

 

b. Servant of Methrenton -

 

Servants of Methrenton are those who are the inquisitors of the “Light”, and are known for taking arms against those who would blaspheme against the teachings of the "Light". Paladins are often servants of Methrenton.

 

c. Servant of Shakiniel -

 

Known for defending those weaker than themselves, the servants of Methrenton are those who take up arms in defence of their charges, ensuring that those who would follow the "Light" may do so peaceably. Paladins are often servants of Shakiniel.

 

d. Servant of Raziela -

 

Known especially for their devotion to the young, the servants of Raziela are those who display the radiant love their Supernal is known for, a paragon of mercy and forgiveness. Caretakers and martyrs are often known to be servants of Raziela.

 

e. Servant of Japhiel -

 

Known for their wisdom and jurisdiction over disputes, followers of Japhiel ensure that the teachings of the "Light" remain strong and undiluted by discourse. Judges and mediators are the most well-known servants of Japhiel.

 

B. Venerable

 

To be venerable means to be heroic in virtue. When enough information has been gathered by the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, they will recommend to the Ecclesiarch that he make a declaration of the Servant's heroic virtue. For this to be true, the Servant must have exhibited theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, and the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance, to a heroic degree.

 

Known to the masses as Venerable now, the area from which they hail will be encouraged to pray for miracles in their name, that the process of canonisation may be continued.

 

a. Miracles of Elohora -

 

Including but not limited to: The bringing of a neighbour to the "Light", the passing of an Imperial Decree that improves one's livelihood, the sobriety of a beloved, yet alcoholic, family member.

 

b. Miracles of Methrenton -

 

Including but not limited to: The disbanding of a nearby blasphemous cult, a victory against outnumbered foes, a blessing of Methrenton upon one's weapons, the striking down of an important figure in enemy lines, the cleansing of an unholy, or undead, area.

 

c. Miracles of Shakiniel -

 

Including but not limited to: A terrible storm passing over a hamlet, a blessing of Shakiniel upon one's armaments, intervention in the form of invulnerability during a battle, the safeguarding of crops in a sudden winter, sudden influx of unexpected prosperity to the poor.

 

d. Miracles of Raziela -

 

Including but not limited to: A barren woman suddenly finding herself with child at long last, the re-population of a local stream that was fished dry by foreigners, a declaration of true love, the sudden and peaceful passing of a terminal loved one.

 

e. Miracles of Japhiel -

 

Including but not limited to: A dispute being settled by supernatural intervention (e.g. A dispute over a stolen cow is solved by the milk of the cow given to one farmer while alive, and the meat to the next when dead), the blind given sight or the deaf given sound, a local burglar brought to justice.

 

During this time, however, miracles beseeched in the name of the Venerable could be answered by direct intercession by the Supernal through which the Venerable was known as Servant. It is in these times that the everyman would be brought to Celestia by the Church, where the Supernal would hear the prayer once more and answer accordingly.

 

C. Blessed

 

'Beatification' is a statement by the Celestines that it is likely the Venerable is in Celestia, having joined with the "Light". This will have two different steps, depending on whether the person is a martyr or "professor".

 

a. Should a martyr, one who has given their life voluntarily as a witness to faith or in a selfless act of heroic charity, be brought forth for Beatification, the Ecclesiarch has only to make a declaration of martyrdom.

 

b. If the Venerable was not a martyr (all non-martyrs are "professors" as they "professed" or bore witness to their faith by how they lived their lives) then it must be proven that a miracle has taken place by his or her intercession: that is, a Supernal must have shown a sign that the person is enjoying the Beatific Vision granted by that Supernal by performing a miracle in response to prayer. (Of these, the most well-recorded are of sick patients to which no cure could be applied to their ailments, at which a prayer to the Venerable would see the patient cured instantaneously and lasting, to no natural explanation, via Raziela's mercy)

 

This will allow beatification, giving the Venerable the new title of "Blessed". In the area from which the Blessed sprung or was associated most strongly, a feast day will be declared. Only the aforementioned areas, at this time, will observe this day. With naught but rare circumstance may orders or temples be named in honour of a Blessed at this time.

 

D. Saint

 

In the final canonisation as a Saint, at least two miracles must have been performed in the name of the Blessed, not including the miracle through which they were named Blessed. In being Canonised, it is stated by the Celestine Holy Church that the Blessed undoubtedly enjoys the Beatific Vision of a Supernal, and are in fact a Saint to the masses. The Saint is then assigned a feast day which may be celebrated by any, not just the areas which they were associated with in life. At this time, orders and temples named in honour of the Saint may be built under full recognition by the Celestine Holy Church as well.

 

It is thought that the Ecclesiarch, without carrying out the ordinary process of canonisation as described above, may venerate one as a Saint after having long been venerated as such locally without proper title. As such, it would seem the only requirements necessary would be a general constant attestation by trustworthy historians to the virtues or martyrdom of the person or an uninterrupted fame as a worker of miracles.

 

The second, but much rarer, method through which any can be deemed a Saint is by direct claim from a Supernal themself, embracing the candidate to the "Light" directly rather than posthumously.

 

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IV. The Holy Celestine Church of our forbearers seems quite different from the Church of modern times for many reasons. Firstly, the influence of the Church, united as it was without the division between Supernal and Demon Lord, spread throughout the Basin unmolested. It is likely that while the overall theme of their message remained the same, the method of relaying said information and the finer details of the message may have differed by region.

 

Split as worship has become, between the aforementioned Supernals and Demon Lords, the influence of the Church has been split well more than just half, no more than a hypothesised sixth of the Basin now practising worship of the Supernals, their influence limited to the West-Southwest area of the Basin by which the Holy Principality of New Celest makes its influence known. In such, a more unified, stricter version of the Church exists through which only one manner of teaching is glorified at a time, adherence to other or archaic forms to be considered heresy or brought forth for re-evaluation that leads to re-education of the followers.

 

In addition, the watering down of the direct influence of the Supernals, by way of the return of the Elder Gods, has split the influence of the Church once more, allowing further methods of Sainthood to be reached, or nullifying the ancient processes all together, blurring their methods from history. It is because of this, arguably, that recent history has seen no rise of any through the ranks of canonisation.

 

As to the subject of miracles performed for canonisation of these Saints, and possible others, miracles performed may appear commonplace occurrences in modern times. The skill of Sacraments, for example, houses abilities eerily similar to the miracles performed in ancient times. The amount of common peoples, those who have no affiliation to supernatural or mystical abilities, have been severely reduced since the time of the Ancient Celestine empire seems to support this theory.

 

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V. Could it be possible that the future will hold further Saints to spread the influence of the Supernals once more? What of the Demon Lords? Could it be possible that their Saints will rise to power? Are those proclaimed worthy by the Elder Gods worthy of the same titles as those distinguished by the half-formed?

 

Unfortunately, the loss of history between the time of the Holy Celestine Empire and the modern day plagues us with these questions that have no certifiable answer. In conclusion, it is up to the historians and philosophers of this modern era to go forth and discover these truths for ourselves. The Soulless are not yet defeated, and many acts of martyrdom await both the followers of the Supernals and the Demon Lords.

 

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VI.

 

Information on Saint Gathlyn taken from Telperion Eli'Silar's work entitled, "Saint Gathlyn"

 

Information on Saint Tresalyne taken from Telperion Eli'Silar's work entitled, "Saint Tresalyne - The Starlight Saint"

 

Information on Saint Loathys gathered from her tomb.

Personal thanks of the author go out to those scholars who would forego the boundaries set upon the world by the Great Empires in the pursuit of knowledge, though their names shall be kept secret for reasons of privacy.