Astra Aeterna
Astra Aeterna ("Eternal Star," often shortened to simly Astra, also called "Aster Aeternus" in the masculine) is, according to "her" followers, an omnipotent creator god or demiurge who almost never interferes directly in mortal affairs, but watches and judges from afar. Originally a small cult within the Achaean Empire, the followers of Astra have now grown into a powerful group, especially since the reign of Emperor Aurelius I, who was himself a member of the cult. Their symbol is a four-pointed star, usually white or silver.
History
It is difficult to determine exactly when the Cult of Astra first appeared. Some scholars believe it arose from cults based around the goddess Mithra of Parsanshar, and that Astra Aeterna might be an aspect of Ormazd, the God of Light and chief god of Parsanshar and/or Ma'at of Kemhet. Some followers of Astra agree that their god may be the same as these others, but they differ from their followers in many beliefs and practices. Others deny the connection altogether. The cult gained popularity in Achaea after the rise of the Empire, and some say Exar I himself was a follower of the faith, though this could be a rumor spread by Aruelius I to lend historical precedence and validity to his faith. It was Aurelius who began attaching the four-pointed star to Imperial symbology, associating Astra's power over the other gods with the Emperor's power over all other lords. Later Emperors apparently saw no problem with this association between the Cult of Astra and Cult of the Emperor, so it has remained even under Emperors of different faiths. The gods, after all, do not seem to mind.
Beliefs
Followers of Astra actually believe "her" to be a genderless entity of light who created the universe. They usually refer to the god in the feminine to emphasize "her" more benevolent and motherly qualities, but may sometimes use the masculine (Aster Aeternus) when invoking the god for battle against the forces of darkness. They believe that Astra is the demiurge who created all beings in existence, even the gods, and set the laws of existence in motion, but then receded, now seldom interfering in mortal affairs. Followers of Astra still acknowledge and respect the other gods, but do not pay homage to them.
The chief calling of a follower of Astra is to lead a virtuous life. They often call upon theVirtues for aid in times of need, revering them as the beings that Astra left to keep order in the universe, among both gods and men. The live their lives according to the tenets that the Virtues embody.
Orders
While some adherents of Astra practice their faith alone or in a small local cult, many join a monastic or chivalric order dedicated to the virtues of Astra. Below are some of the major groups.
