Gris & The Patriciate Empire

“Knowledge is the first spark of civilization and the last light in the dark.”
Alignment: Neutral Good (formerly)
Realm of Influence: The Material Plane, Knowledge, Civilization, Memory
Current Status: Imprisoned by Ahriman; His church, now the Patriciate, operates under false pretense, unknowingly serving Ahriman’s will

Gris and the devious Serpent of Creation, Ahriman.

Summary of the Patriciate Empire & Church of Gris

The Patriciate Empire, commonly known as Gris's Empire, is a vast religious and political authority inspired by ancient Roman governance. Governed by the Church of Gris, it merges political dominance with religious influence under the rule of the Praetorian, a council composed of noble families in strategic alliance. Although the secular authority rests with a Senate that oversees occupied and conquered territories, ultimate authority lies with the Church of Gris, whose directives supersede political rule. Gris himself, revered as a god of knowledge and wisdom, empowers his followers through intellectual and cultural dominance rather than brute force.

Empire in Service of Ahriman

The Patriciate is a vast imperial power born from the remnants of Gris’s once-enlightened empire. Originally a beacon of knowledge, culture, and order, the Patriciate has been secretly co-opted by the Cult of Ahriman into a fundamentalist empire ruled by a theocratic order. While the public face of the empire maintains an image of cultural superiority, bureaucratic control, and scholastic tradition, the true heart of the Patriciate now beats to the will of Ahriman, the Lord of the Hells and master of tyranny.

Following the faltering of the Age of Ruby, the Cult of Ahriman gradually infiltrated the highest echelons of the Patriciate’s religious and political leadership, including its powerful Church of Gris. Through cunning manipulation and infernal pacts, Ahriman’s agents ensured the Patriciate’s shift from a knowledge-focused empire to an oppressive, imperialistic force. The Cult subtly altered doctrine, shifting it toward control, domination, and ruthless expansionism.

While the College of Cardinals and its Senate of the Patriciate of noble families appear to govern the empire, they unknowingly enact Ahriman’s grand design. The Church of Gris, the empire’s religious core, has been reshaped into a tool of tyranny, blending Gris’s original teachings with infernal dogma. This transformation has enabled the Patriciate to ruthlessly subjugate surface lands, weaken the Black Church and Drow beneath the earth, and exploit the Great Oubliettes for forbidden power.

Under Ahriman’s unseen influence, the Patriciate’s ultimate ambition is no longer enlightenment, but godhood. They seek to seize control of multiple Oubliettes to elevate a new god to the Court of Citragadda. Yet, unbeknownst to even the empire’s inner circle, Ahriman’s true goal is to ascend Udrim—a corrupted deity loyal to him—to take Auriel’s place on the divine council, tightening his grip on Kol and ensuring his dominion in the coming dark age.

Tenets of the Church of Gris

1. Supremacy of Knowledge:
   Ideas and knowledge shape empires; intellectual enlightenment is paramount.

2. The Shepherd’s Duty:
   Guide the flock through wisdom, fostering unity and order under Gris’s enlightened vision.

3. The Idea Precedes Reality:
   Before actions and empires, the idea must exist. Cultivate ideas carefully, for they shape destinies.

4. Civilization through Control:
   Rule through structured authority, informed by wisdom and guided by knowledge.

5. Faithful Obedience:
   Obedience to the Praetorian and the Church ensures stability, prosperity, and enlightenment.

Structure of the Patriciate Empire & Church of Gris

• The Doyen (King) or Doyenne (Queen):
  Supreme leader of the Praetorian, the College of Cardinals, the Church, and the Empire whose wisdom and authority are considered divinely inspired. The Doyen holds absolute spiritual and political authority over the Flock and their command is second to one from Gris’ himself.

• The College of the Cardinals:
  A body of advisors appointed by the Doyen/Doyenne, who are responsible for administration of the Church and electing a new Doyen/Doyenne in a conclave. The College of Cardinals and their all red robes replacing the once celebrated colorful, flamboyant College of Birds is perhaps one of the strongest reminders of the stark changes Gris’ domains have underwent. A fundamentalist theocracy has long replaced what was once a republic seeking knowledge and enlightenment.

• The Praetorian:
  A ruling Senate, mostly composed of noble families, responsible for political authority and administration of the conquered lands and people of the Patriciate Empire. They guide society as enlightened shepherds, ensuring Gris’s teachings permeate governance.

• The Godsent:
  Radical and fanatical clergy who zealously propagate Gris’s teachings, ensuring total adherence throughout the empire.

• Senate of the Patriciate:
  The political body that administers conquered territories. Though powerful in practice, it remains subject to the directives and decrees of the Church.

• The Flock:
  Common followers of Gris, guided by clergy and governed by the Praetorian. They live structured, disciplined lives in devotion to Gris’s wisdom and vision.

The Church of Gris and the Patriciate Empire in the Age of Ruby

In the Age of Ruby, the Church of Gris has transformed into the Patriciate Empire, a dominant force originating from the European Continent. Seeking dominance through intellectual, cultural, and military power, the Patriciate solidified control by exploring and plundering the continent's Great Oubliette, halting Auriel’s divine judgments and effectively putting the gods Ansil, Auriel, and Ceslida into slumber. Gris’s Empire now aggressively pursues further conquest of Great Oubliettes to elevate Gris into Auriel’s vacated position within the Court of Citragadda.

However, unknown to the empire's leadership, their ambitions are subtly manipulated by Ahriman, the last awake Lord of Citragadda. Ahriman intends to deceive the Patriciate into unwittingly ascending Udrim to Auriel’s position instead, further entrenching his influence over the divine court.

Rituals and Dogma of the Church of Gris

1. Rite of the Shepherd’s Mantle

A ceremony marking the ascension of new members to the Praetorian or high-ranking clergy. Participants symbolically shepherd the flock, pledging to guide society through wisdom and unwavering discipline.

2. Festival of Ideas

Annual gatherings celebrating the transformative power of knowledge and culture. Public lectures, debates, and philosophical discourses emphasize Gris’s supremacy of wisdom over brute force.

3. Ascension of Enlightenment

A secretive, solemn ritual aimed at preparing chosen clergy to receive divine revelations, supposedly from Gris himself. It symbolizes the empire’s relentless pursuit of knowledge as the source of true power.

Prayers of the Church of Gris

1. Prayer of the Flock

"Gris, guide me through the dark,
Lead my steps by wisdom’s spark.
Under your shepherd’s watchful sight,
May my path be true and bright."

2. Invocation for Clarity

"Divine wisdom, Gris most high,
Open mind and sharpen eye.
Let my words be sharp and clear,
Spreading truth both far and near."

3. Devotion of the Godsent

"With fervor pure and hearts aflame,
We praise Gris’s sacred name.
Knowledge strong, order true,
Our empire’s strength flows from you."

Hymns of the Church of Gris

1. Hymn of the Praetorian

"Through wisdom’s rule, through noble might,
Our Empire thrives in Gris’s light.
Forever guided, forever strong,
In Patriciate, we all belong."

2. Shepherd’s Anthem

"Under Gris’s guiding hand,
Knowledge spreads across the land.
Every heart and every mind,
In our flock, truth shall bind."

3. Song of the Enlightened

"Ideas bold, like eagles soar,
Wisdom rules forevermore.
In Gris’s grace, our power grows,
And order’s light forever glows."

Sermons of the Church of Gris

1. "Ideas Rule Empires"

"Empires are not built by swords alone. Knowledge, ideas, and wisdom are the true architects of civilization. Cultivate these carefully; for what we conceive shapes the reality we inhabit."

2. "The Shepherd’s Duty"

"Our role is clear: We shepherd the flock towards enlightenment, guiding them away from ignorance. Each member of the flock depends on us, not merely to rule, but to illuminate the path they must follow."

3. "Beware the Chains of Ignorance"

"Knowledge liberates; ignorance binds. Our empire stands as proof of Gris’s truth. Remember, ignorance and chaos await any society that neglects wisdom. Embrace Gris’s teachings, and ensure order, progress, and strength forever."