Introduction

Stella Maris is Veloria’s patron deity—a divine embodiment of both oceanic power and maternal grace. She is depicted as a radiant figure rising from the waves, crowned in coral and veiled in seafoam, her arms outstretched in blessing and command. Her gaze is said to calm tempests and stir tides, and her voice echoes in the crash of waves and the whisper of shells. The religion of Stella Maris expand far beyond Veloria, with temples to the sea goddess adorning the coastal towns and villages of Skybride.

Worshippers see her as both protector and purifier. Sailors pray to her for safe passage, and mystics seek her guidance in dreams and visions. She is believed to dwell in the deepest trench of the sea, where light meets silence, and from there she watches over Veloria with unwavering compassion and divine authority. Legends tell of her walking upon the waves to rescue a drowning fleet, and of her tears turning into pearls that heal the sick.

Recent Theological divisions within the Chamber of Stella Maris

Lately a theological debate against two factions within the church. These factions are largely represented by two heavy-weights of personality: @Thomas Langton and @Dominic Malvagio.

Thomas Langton's Antiphons

@Thomas Langton is a dock-worker turned theologian whose teachings offer a profound and compassionate vision of faith. At the heart of his theology is the belief that all people are euchetes—creatures who pray—and that prayer is not a rigid ritual but a living conversation, an exchange of presence and response. Thomas emphasizes incarnational presence, where grace is encountered in the everyday moments of listening, compassion, and mutual care. His spiritual vision is rich with metaphor: the veil that both hides and reveals, the tide that ebbs and flows with divine rhythm, the antiphon as a call and response between the human and the sacred, and the flame that warms and illuminates without consuming.

Thomas’s approach challenges the strict hierarchy and ritualism of the Chamber of Stella Maris, advocating instead for a faith that walks among the people, answers silence with compassion, and honors the sacredness of every individual’s voice. His teachings inspire reverence and quiet controversy alike, inviting believers to see prayer as a dynamic, incarnational presence rather than mere formality. Through his theology, Thomas seeks to awaken a deeper, more intimate relationship between the divine and the everyday, making faith a shared journey of presence and transformation.

Thomas has become somewhat of a populist in Skybride, especially among the youth. His notoriety has put him in the high position of Royal Chancellor in the Kingdom of Thelidor. @Sister Nimue who administrates within the Chamber with Brother Dominic, remains a quiet but stalwart supporter of Thomas.

Dominic Malvagio's Ritual Purity

@Dominic Malvagio is a high-ranking priest of the Chamber whose name carries the weight of authority and hidden malevolence. Outwardly, he is the embodiment of strict orthodoxy, preaching the sanctity of hierarchy, ritual purity, and the dangers of unchecked compassion. To the faithful, Dominic is a commanding figure, eloquent and charismatic, a master of religious rhetoric who skillfully appeals to the fears and hopes of his congregation. His sermons cloak his personal ambition in the language of tradition and divine will, making him a formidable and respected voice within the Chamber.

Yet beneath this polished exterior lies a ruthless opportunist driven by power and self-interest. Dominic is a consummate manipulator, adept at turning public sentiment and political rivalries to his advantage. His greatest secret is a grievous betrayal from years past: during a critical naval engagement, he deliberately withheld spiritual support and crucial intelligence, leading to the abandonment and massacre of a Velorian fleet. This calculated act was motivated by his desire to eliminate political rivals and consolidate his influence within the Chamber. The sailors’ deaths were a price he was willing to pay, and though the truth remains hidden from the public, it is known to a select few who fear his reach.

Dominic’s ambition blinds him to any higher moral calling. He seeks to expand his power by exploiting the fear of chaos and heresy, justifying harsh measures as necessary to preserve order. He views Thomas Langton’s theology not only as a threat to orthodoxy but as a personal challenge to his authority. Their confrontations are marked by ideological conflict, but Dominic’s true weapon is subterfuge and political intrigue rather than open debate.