Great Sun

The cult of the Great Sun (in Elder Speech: Ard Feainn) is the state religion of Nilfgaard. Its followers worship the symbolism of the sun, personified by the Empire's Imperator. Northerners know little of its teachings or principles.

According to the ''Times of Contempt. War with Nilfgaard expansion to Wiedźmin: Gra Wyobraźni'', the cult of the Great Sun were originally but one of many religions in the Empire, popular rather only in its core regions. The situation changed about fifty years earlier during the reign of Emperor Fergus's predecessor, Torres, who initiated a series of major reforms. The ruler was looking for a symbol which would better unite the realm and consolidate the ruling dynasty. By skillfully managing administering finances and according his monarchic favor to their priests, he facilitated the cult's recruitment of new crowds of followers across the Empire. In exchange, Emperor demanded absolute support from the clergy for his policies, essentially making of the priesthood another form of civil service. He then issued a special decree called "March 8th Edict" which granted the cult the status of official state religion. Though during the reign of the Usurper, the cult's rights were diminished, it returned to favour after Emhyr var Emreis and his army overthrew the usurper.

The cult has its roots in elven cult of nature. The primary deity is Sun, giver of warm and life, protector of the humankind, but also being able to be cruel and destructive. Since the "March 8th Edict" it has been also a patron of the ruling dynasty. The most important holidays are the Equinoxes and birthday of actually ruling Imperator, currently July 26. The central ceremonies hend in the capital, performed by the Imperator as a High Priest, head of the religion. All holidays are celabrated with great pomp, to the accompaniment of solemn music and in the presence of all major officials, commanders and aristocrats. After oficial ceremonies, folk games with food and beverage take place. It is noteworthy that a number of customs related with holidays are derived in a straight line from elven tradition.

Priests of the cult wear white raiments embroidered in gold and silver during devotions, celebrations and holidays; as casual clothes they wear black civilian dress.

Lore supplies for 2nd Edition contain some further informations about the cult. Being a priest of the Great Sun is just another career path in the Empire. Finishing a theological college and passing the exams guarantees gaining an official title of "priest". Subsequently, depending on education, the fledgling priest can get to one of the minor temples or directly to the local Governor's bureau. Then everything depends on his involvement in fulfilling the duties... and his political sense.

Curiously, there is no persons with magic or psionic abilities among the Great Sun' priests - all adepts possessing such abilities are immediately directed to the Imperial Magical Academy in Loc Grim.