Church History

Important Events:

The Redeemed Sun (5 BTF): While the people of East Ayiti began to rebuild, many feel abandoned by their faiths. A former theologian and physician named Juan Pedro Rivero-Carreno returns from the mountains after he was thought dead. Indeed, he has the Necrotic Stigmata and claims to be possessed by a vision from his dreams. Upon his return, he works feverishly to ensure its fruition: a humanistic order filled with life and light, shown to him by a divine presence in the sky above the mountain peak. 

Foment Illumination (11 BTF): Though few believed in his vision at first, Pedro Rivero’s faith and labors inspire others to emulate him. The deeds and words of “Santo Rivero” spread across the island. He is said to need no sleep or rest: working soup kitchens, writing visions, managing charities, and instilling a new vivacity in his fellows. Many of the locals are drawn to Santo Rivero’s charisma or are recipients of his sorcerous blessings.

Faith and Sorcery (18 BTF): After nearly a decade’s work, Santo Rivero founds the Church of the Redeemed Sun - their main building has spaces for prayer, for healing, and for learning.  Their faith is born of Santo Rivero’s completed “Visions” a treatise that syncretizes several old world beliefs with a humanistic bent. Far from being perfect, Santo Rivero and his disciples claim that they simply Mirrors to a benevolent divinity (the Redeemed Sun) that reflects humanity’s potential and greatness. The local government takes an interest in this “new cult” -- it can be very easy to suborn the listless and the despairing. 

Pico Espejo (21 BTF): After he heals the ailments of their families with Arcana, several prominent engineers and government individuals join the Church of the Redeemed Sun. They construct a shrine-monastery (Pico Espejo) atop the place where Santo Rivero received his vision. The Church continues their work in the city-state of Puerto Vazquez where their influence continues to grow due to their reputation and their skill with magic. 

A Radiant Sun (28 BTF): Even the rampage of the Juracan does not slow the Iglesia’s ascent, in fact, the disaster brings the Iglesia into contact with more folk. With Santo Rivero’s  teachings and his wisdom, the Iglesia Solar becomes the largest centralized group of Channelers in Puerto Vazquez. They do not claim to be exceptional simply by having magic, but their Animancy and Talismanry techniques are more refined than most Arcanists in the Illustrados.

Rivero’s Last Pilgrimmage (34 BTF): Santo Rivero announces that he is going on a pilgrimage to the mainland. Scholars now argue that he sensed the government’s discomfort with him, saw his own time coming to a close, or perhaps was possessed by another vision. He leaves the Solar Synod in charge and is never seen alive again. The Iglesia opens Universities that teach secular knowledge as well as sorcerous techniques. 

Beyond the Islands (49 BTF): The Illustrados and the Iglesia continues to expand. The Church of the Redeemed Sun becomes the largest centralized group of Channelers in the Illustrados Union. It has holdings in every city. They begin refurbishing and reinforcing a fortress-cathedral in the Yucatan Peninsula -- the Catedral de la Sol Orden (the Solar Cathedral). This reinforced pre-fall structure is proof against Eldritch invasion and Santo Rivero’s final resting place. It is also a powerful nexus of magical energy, aiding in the Iglesia’s spell research and their other crafts. Upon its completion, the Iglesia Solar moves their headquarters there. 

Smoke and Ashes (56 BTF): Guaga scouts appear at the Solar Cathedral. Previously believed to be MIA, they are from a decades-long exploration of the southern continent. They found far fewer survivor communities than what was originally projected. In fact, they discovered many emptied post-Fall villages without any bodies or remains. After several Guaga vanish without a trace from a living jungle, the remainder attempted to make their way back but were greatly delayed.

Tanpa Incident (60 BTF): Hired guns with Tecnocracia weaponry take the Senate hostage, but are defeated by the Magistrados and the Iglesia. A major Tecnocracia facility in Tanpa (on the northern continent) explodes, taking most of the Corporate Board with it. The Magistrados enforces Senatorial edict --the Tecnocracia are taken to task regarding their working conditions, their weaponry falling into the wrong hands, and other wrongdoings. Massive fines, the confiscation of several facilities, and new regulatory laws are levied against them.

Metabionic Rights (65 BTF): Though she and her Metabionic allies initially faced prejudice for their differences, Estephania Neal-Gibson is able to lobby the Senate for Metabionic rights and is backed by the Iglesia. Similar prejudices against other Stigmatic individuals are evaluated and laws are wrought to ensure equity.

First Contact (83 BTF): The Illustrados make amicable yet cautious contact with the Free Tribes of the Mid-Atlantic region of the North American east coast (aka “Mid-Atla”). Initial meetings with the Templars fare far worse -- fortunately, the violence of that encounter does not escalate into war. The Illustrados Union decides to keep at arm’s length, for the purposes of peace and goodwill. A few Iglesia are allowed to travel to Mid-Atla to learn the local cultures, discover new technologies, and potentially proselytize. 

The War over Embers (93 BTF): Terrible monstrosities led by the sorcerous Harbingers invade from the west and ravage the Mid-Atlantic region. The vicious war against the remnants of humanity follows. The Illustrados Union is late to join, but they bring their technological prowess and Juracan-killing military to bear. The Iglesia join in a supporting role, helping finance the war effort and sending brave healers to the front lines.

The Armistice at Libertina (96 BTF): After six years of brutal war, Mid-Atla settles to a troubled peace after the Battle of the Broken Bell. From the Serpent River, Mariner gunships devastate the Harbinger Hosts while the Martilladors assist the Archfactions in a ground battle. A Tecnocracia explosive finishes off the last of the Harbingers and a treaty between the Templar, the Illustrados, and the Free Tribes is signed at the broken bell of Libertina City.

Current Day (99 BTF): Illustrados technology, people, and culture filter into Mid-Atla. The Illustrados leadership orders their mighty fleets back home, but threats and menaces surface or are reborn. The Illustrados keeps eyes, ears and influence in the region while minding the limitations set to them by the Armistice. With local permissions, the Iglesia Solar begins work in establishing monasteries and hospitals in the settlements of Mid-Atla. They also send emissaries and explorers to this new frontier. 

Important People and Groups

The Charioteers (aka Los Cocheros): An Illustrados subfaction of mariners, monster hunters, smugglers, and scavengers. They have banded together to ensure that their services are not only regulated but so that they can protect themselves from their employers and the Magistrados. 

The Free Tribes: A group of communities and tribes based in and around the Mid-Atlantic (aka Mid-Atla) area, but also within the New England, Tidewater, and Midwest regions.

Guaga (aka Recluses): A branch of the Magistrados known for their scouts, explorers, and emissaries. 

Guillermo Neal-Gibson: The leader of the team that created the first Metabionic Graft, which was used to save his dying Magistrados sister after the rescue of the Senate. 

The Iglesia Solar: An Ilustrados faction of clergyfolk, academics, and engineers. They are a major civic force that maintain many hospitals, orphanages, and schools. 

The Illustrados Union: An Caribbean-based Archfaction known for their technological wonders, their mercantile bent, and their naval prowess. 

Juan Pedro Rivero-Carreno (aka Santo Rivero, Santo Solar): A legendary and holy figure among the Iglesia Solar. Though he did not work alone, he is credited with founding the Church and nurturing it to its current strength.

Marisol Anna Celso-Malave (aka Marisol Celso): The genius behind the Celso Engine, a machine that is able to draw Magnetic Mana power from reagents. She is a storied hero among the Illustrados, even becoming a Cacique-General and leading the Union for a decade. 

Magistrados (aka Macana):  An Illustrados subfaction of soldiers, sailors, and scouts. They serve the whole of the Illustrados and are directed by the Cacique-General.

The Tecnocracia (aka Technocracy): An Illustrados subfaction occupied by wealthy investors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. They engage in banking, own several industries, reclaiming ancient tech, and investing in dangerous expeditions. 

The Temple of the Shattered Mother (aka Templars): An northern Archfaction based on their faith to the God-Empress and dedicated to the destruction of wickedness and eldritch evil.