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General Info

Faction Name	The Chantry

The Church, the dominant religious order in the Dragon Age universe, is supported by universal respect for the Creator, the supreme god. Created by Andraste, a prophetess who claimed that the Creator spoke directly to her, the teachings revolve around her scriptures. The Church is organized hierarchically with the Divine at the helm, followed by the great priests, clergy, mothers, brothers and sisters. The Church carries out public services, preserves historical and spiritual texts, and rules the circle of the Magi. It is also known for the "Templar Order", an armed unit that enforces the strict wizarding rules dictated by the Church. Despite criticism for its strict wizard control and overly conservative views, The Chantry plays a vital role in the social, political, and spiritual world of Theda. Influential doctrines greatly influence the course of the universe and are deeply rooted in the lives of Dragon Age characters.

Overview

The Church, the dominant religious organization in Theda, is more than just a faith-based institution. She has immense political influence, with people from all walks of life seeking solace in her teachings, and kings and queens joining forces in support or opposition. The Church worships the Creator, a supposedly omnipresent deity, and follows the teachings of its prophet Andraste.
Above all, the human-controlled Church proved to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it acts as a peacekeeper, setting important social norms and running schools, hospitals and orphanages. On the other hand, he is known to have a dark side and controls the Templar order to hunt down wizards who are considered dangerous.
For every believer, the Church represents hope and redemption, embodied by characters like Mother Giselle in Dragon Age: Inquisition. But for the people who suffer from it, it is a symbol of oppression. As Dragon Age unfolds, this faction reveals layers of complexity, forcing characters and players alike to question, understand, and decide which side to choose. Therefore, the Church is not only a religious institution in the Age of the Dragon, but the embodiment of the ageless conflict of faith, power and freedom.

History

The Chantry, a religious institution set in the Dragon Age universe, has a unique and extensive history, characterized by periods of upheaval, unity, transformation, and stabilization. Founded in the divine age of about -100 years, the creation of the Church is associated with the First Plague and the famous prophetess Andrastus. Struggling against Tevinter oppression and influenced by the visions of the Creator, Andraste's association with the founding era of the Church gave this religious institution a sense of mystery. She was later executed, but her teachings began to spread throughout Ferelden and Orlais, leading to the first official meeting of the Church.
The long history of the Church is marked by many eras, each named after the prevailing theme of the era. Great events such as the Second, Third and Fourth Rage, the Qunari Wars, the Schism, the Orles occupation of Ferelden and finally the Mage Rebellion shaped the history of the Church. Each difficulty, dispute and reconciliation has left its mark, leaving a trace of evolution, differences and a desire to adhere to principles.
One of the main stages in the history of the Church was the Schism of the Black Age, which gave birth to the Imperial Church in Teinter. This happened when the divine Renata I decided to eliminate the maleficarum (practitioners of forbidden magic), causing the massacre of thousands of mages. The clergy of Tevinter refused Renata's orders, causing a lasting rift between the two churches. The schism resembled the struggle between progress, tradition, and doctrinal interpretation.
This timeline and these challenges have created a complex religious structure that has great political power. Despite repeated thematic cycles of division and unity, the Church remains the primary spiritual guide for the people of Theda. Thus the history of the Church is a mirror to the complex and stormy chronicles of Thedas himself.

Notable Members

Member #

Divine Justinia V

Grand Cleric Elthina

Revered Mother Dorothea

Sister Nightingale / Leliana

Sister Petrice

Mother Giselle

Sebastian Vael

Anders

Divine Victoria

Divine Beatrix III

Prior Regalyan D'Marcall

Brother Ferdinand Genitivi

Revered Mother Hevara

Sister Theohild

Revered Mother Ramonda

Geography

The Church is a constant presence throughout Theda, its influence woven into the fabric of the continent's geographic and political landscapes. From humble beginnings, the Church in Orléans quickly grew to encompass the whole of Ted, demonstrating the power of its resounding faith. Orlais Church is intertwined with the great culture and grandeur of the Empire, reflected in the great White Peak of Val Royeaux and other architectural wonders. The Church covers the remote and wild lands of Ferelden, where its teachings have been adapted to the strict individuality of the people of Ferelden. Even there, the building of Lothering Chantry symbolizes his continuing influence. In the north, cities of the Free Marches, such as Kirkwall, are marked by great chants that greatly influence political decisions. The Church's teachings also spread beyond the harsh borders of Theda to the remote Anderfels and alien realms of the Kunari. Despite the differences in architectural styles and cultural interpretations, the Church remains a unifying symbol across the continent, testifying to Thedas' common faith in the Creator and the teachings of their prophet Andraste.

Legacy and Impact

The Church's legacy extends to Ted, its influence reverberating through the ages. Indeed, it has been an inexorable force shaping law, governance and culture. Revered as a moral compass, The Chantry has seen great victories and great shocks. However, its impact is not limited to political governance.
The Church helped defend the cause of marginalized societies. The creation of the Knights Templar and the Circle of Magi, despite their controversial reputations, is a testament to their commitment to maintaining harmony among different beings. Through their teachings, they have enlightened many lives and brought unity, comfort and hope.
At the same time, this power created fanaticism and discord that led to devastating wars such as the Mage-Templar War. His controversial decisions caused a lot of pain and sowed the frustration and rebellion of many.
Whether in homage or defiance, The Chantry's influence is an unmistakable, indelible part of Theda's rich tapestry. As the Song of Light continues to reverberate through the ages, his legacy continues to evolve, forming a compelling story of power, faith, and transformation.