Apotheon: An individual element of a greater, transcendent whole.
It forms the core of the Solisian faith, wherein, upon death, one achieves apotheosis—a state of pure enlightenment transcending mortal existence to revel in the glory of Caelum. In this realm, all departed souls find residence, and the faithful escape this eternal war waged against the arch-betrayer and her foul-born progeny.
"His Imperial Majesty, crowned by Sol, Sovereign of the Western Domains, Commander of the Faithful, Custodian of the holy cities, Lord of the Asrians, Caorrani, Weidish, Alaunan, Cadians, and Neankhar, Emperor of the Solisian Empire, Apotheon of the World..." intoned Cardinal Celestina, her voice resonating throughout the crowded Saint Cyprianus Basilica.
"Ad Aeternum Solem!" echoed the thunderous warcry of thousands of souls, genuflecting in reverent homage to their Emperor. Legionnaires, noble lords, imperial dignitaries, and ecclesial clergy all knelt in deference to my august figure, adorned in opulent regalia that could bankrupt the coffers of lesser realms.
Yet, there is another facet to this sacred term.
Apotheon: One who is exalted or elevated to a state of godhood.
In essence, they are the axis upon which the universe revolves—an all-powerful, flawless, transcendent being bringing Caelum to earth. The Veritas Eterna proclaims that this manifestation of god shall usher in a golden age unseen by the world, where war, famine, pestilence, and death shall never plague humanity again. The realms of man shall unify, ushering in eternal harmony within our immortal species.
"Behold, my legions! The hour is at hand. The Grand Design of Aeternum Solis shall be realized, and the golden age of humanity shall be wrought on this mortal plane. From the skies of Asraniae to the shores of Portus Meridianus, we shall unite the world under the Eternal Sun. Our foes shall tremble at the sight of our righteous fury, and our allies shall bask in the radiance of our glory. Let the stars themselves bear witness to our triumph, and let the sun, that icon of our ascendance, shine down upon us all!" Asran The Light-Bearer, the name I had stolen, roared to the legions of souls kneeling before him.
Yet, for this scion of our lord of light to be chosen, they must traverse a sea of blood wrought by Inanis upon her return to the mortal plane.
"Though it takes the last drop of my blood, I will see that the light of Caelum shines across all corners of this world."A promise made.
"Ad Aeternum Solem" a fervent reply.
And if I cannot fulfill my destiny, let the world burn.
An Empire Born