Here is a summary of an earlier conversation:
The concept revolves around a monotheistic religion inspired by Hinduism, featuring avatars resembling saints and a structured yet flexible magic system. The populace may secretly venerate saints, diverging from the official church practices to avoid persecution. Within this setting, magi and clerics play distinct roles with unique rules and powers.
Magi serve as legal historians associated with secret societies. They possess flexible magic but risk being burned at the stake for heresy. While they provide counsel to paladins, their advice may not always be heeded. In contrast, clerics are bound by their order's rules, with most forbidden from using offensive magic. The various orders have different focuses, such as teaching or healing, and there is political strife among them.
Paladins act as judges wielding swords, dispensing justice based on divine right. If their judgment is disputed, they can be challenged by trial by combat. Paladins use "Glory" to enhance their abilities and perform good deeds. The Mother Church, modeled after the historical Roman Catholic Church, is envisioned as broader and wilder. It is pro-human but not overtly anti-elf, practicing a policy of segregation. Elves maintain their own religious practices.
The theology centers on the Divine, a force desiring peace, joy, and dominance, opposed by ancient evils and demons. Rebellious angels became demons, and other maleficent entities exist beyond the Divine's domain. Clerics and magi avoid summoning spirits, focusing instead on angelic or saintly guidance. Secret religious practices exist to avoid persecution, adding depth to the interplay of politics and religion.
This setting offers rich possibilities for stories involving religious and political conflict, secret societies, and the use of magic within defined yet flexible rules. It presents a complex, layered world where characters navigate various forms of power and belief systems, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative landscape.
