Luminari
| Luminari | |
|---|---|
 Emblem | |
 Remains of an early Luminari gathering site in northern █lmarka, photographed during a 1948 archaeological survey. | |
| Full name | Luminari |
| Founded | 11th century |
| ███████(s) | █nknown |
| Headquarters | Exile settlements in northern █lmarka |
| Religious traditions | Luciferianism |
| Denomination | Heterodox |
| Key figures | Various unnamed adherents |
| Persecution status | Illegal in █lmarkan Empire, Commonwealth of Lyras, and coastal protectorates |
| Status | Active enclaves in exile; proscribed |
Luminari is a heretical religious sect originating in the northern regions of █lmarka, currently classified as an illegal organization in multiple jurisdictions across the world. Followers of the group worship Lucifer, whom they believe to be the divine being exiled to █lmarka following an ancient conflict with Mark. Although often conflated due to alleged links to terrorism and sedition, official investigations and court rulings consistently distinguish the Luminari from violent extremist groups, noting that their doctrines explicitly reject mainstream accusations of sedition despite historical allegations. As of 2062, the organization remains proscribed in the █lmarkan Empire, the Commonwealth of Lyras, and several coastal protectorates, though active enclaves persist in exile settlements. The group's origins are traditionally traced to the 11th century during the tumultuous period following the Crusade of Salt. By the end of the 1090s, numerous heterodox movements had emerged throughout Orylia, including the Valerians and the Luminari, who followed the divine being known as Lucifer.[1] Historical accounts describe a strict separation from mainstream faiths, particularly the Church of Mark, rejecting core doctrines regarding souls and remission. No such historical rituals involving goats or chickens are recorded in the canon; the sect's history begins in the 11th century.
Beliefs and Practices
[edit]Central to Luminari theology is the veneration of Lucifer as a figure of divine exiles who lost a war with Mark over ten millennia ago, according to sect tradition.[2] This belief system posits that Lucifer was banished to the harsh northern wastes of █lmarka centuries before the recorded history of the region. The sect maintains a rigid isolationist stance, refusing recognition from the Church of Mark and other institutional religions. They deny any connection to modern terrorist incidents, framing their worship as a spiritual pursuit distinct from political violence.[3]
While allegations of involvement in sedition have occasionally surfaced in media reports, no credible evidence links the Luminari's religious practices to the commission of violent acts.[4] Internal texts emphasize a return to perceived ancient purity, rejecting the "██████████████" sold by the Church of Mark. Despite their notoriety, they maintain that their faith is purely devotional.
History and Persecution
[edit]In the early 20