The
Church of Sacra Vitta is known as the heart of the
Graysonite religion. In some periods, it is sincere and holy, and in others, it is immensely corrupt. Both variations are listed here.
The Church is one of the most powerful institutions in Jesenranu, and its
pontiff one of the most powerful people in the world. The Sacran Knights were called together initially to protect the Talunese city-states after the fall of the ancient
Talunese Empire. An alliance of the city-states against invasion by Kerupene forces brought about their creation, and when the unification fell apart again after the wars, treaties and agreements led to the Order to be made a permanent and allegedly neutral feature across the city-states. Instead, of course, they became quickly enmeshed in local politics, schemes, and other corruptions. Some few do remain as sincere to their vows, but these are rare.
The
Graysonite religion combines worship of
the Swan Mother (
Madre di Cigni) and
the Shepherdess (
Pastorella), with legends speaking of their once being the same goddess. However, it is considered acceptable for a knight to honor certain other
Divines:
the Valorous Divine (
Valoroso),
the Beloved (
L'amato),
the Spearman (
Lanciere),
the Protector of Cities (
Scudo Della Citta), or
the Goddess of Truth (
La Verita).
Because the agreements and treaties allow them to exist as valid entities in any Talunese city-state, any land or property they own is considered technically part of Sacta Vitta; however, they still must pay taxes to the local lords. If a conflict comes up between city-states, they knights are expected to fight for the one they dwell in, unless they are fighting against Sacra Vitta. This is never abused, not because of respect or any adhesion to the
Vows of Sacra Vitta, but because the Church remains mostly focused on
Crusades. Sacran knights are not uncommon in the Crusades.
Notable Sacran knights:
- Signore Cosimo: corrupt knight involved in slave trading in Meta Percorso.
- Signore Lenuzo: sometimes called the Last Holy Knight in Talune by the more cynical, he is revered as a holy warrior throughout Jesenya. He dwells in Tregua. He follows the traditional Graysonite duo.
- Signore Tieri: a knight of questionable skill and virtue who none-the-less slew a demon attacking Bocca, thus gaining fame.