The League religious beliefs

To the eyes of an outsider, religion in the League seems a little transactional. Many religious buildings and celebrations seem to exist to take money or goods from the citizens in the most splendidly showy way possible. This certainly isn’t to say that priests here are not fervent or devout in their beliefs; they simply recognise that they provide a service and should be recompensed appropriately. Competition amongst priests for provision of lucrative religious services, such as the marriage of a Princess or the funeral of a wealthy merchant, is fierce. The priesthood make an effort to provide a spectacle for such events, ensuring that they earn their wage.

The League quality of competition is as strong in matters of faith and spirituality as it is in every other aspect of life. A Bishop of the League may be as pious as any priest of Highguard, but they can also be as ruthless and mercantile as any Merchant Prince. Where the Camorra keep score with coin and favour, the Bishops use congregations – size and notable membership – and high-profile weddings and funerals. The combination is such that, from a certain perspective, the Bishops and their churches look a lot like Merchant Princes and Camorra, albeit in their own – virtuous and holy – right. The Bishops of the League together form the League Assembly within the Imperial Synod, and - when united on a common purpose - are a potent force. Amongst themselves, they name one or more Archbishops to provide leadership and counsel on matters of Faith and Virtue within the League.

Although these Churches preach The Way of Virtue they possess great wealth and most exhibit the same emphasis on loyalty as any true Camorra would. The most powerful include artisans, tradesman and in some cases mercenaries as well as priests and layfolk. Few are the churches that do not also have a profitable sideline to enrich and allure. By combining their faith with a complementary business interest, the churches capitalize on the trust of their patrons to develop a powerful monopolies in their niche.

For instance, one church specializes in moving hard currency between cities while another operates several of the more important bridges in Tassato. The most famous example is the Church of The Little Mother in Catazarria, the matron of children and orphans. The “Little Mother’s Church” takes in those children orphaned or abandoned, ensuring that they receive a chance in life. Children are taught basic numeracy and literacy before being apprenticed to a master in the city. The Church sustains itself with donations made by former beneficiares and is well respected by the Imperial authorities and Catazarri people. The Church was founded by priests who honoured CHECKAldones di Catazarri, who has since been recognised by the Imperial Synod as a reincarnation of the Paragon of Prosperity. So the legend goes, Aldones di Catazzari started life with nothing and through his labours, fierce competition, skill and swordsmanship, created the first Camorra and declared himself a Merchant Prince. Aldones did many great deeds throughout his life, but all inspired by the love he bore his Camorra. Aldones' legacy was affirmed when, through his wealth and influence, he ensured the great cities were named for three members of his Camorra who meant the most to him; Savros, Tassato and Verrario.