Editing Sigil:Powers (section)

== The Powers and Religion ==

Because the Powers are objectively real, the religious history of the Sigil Lands has generally been less consumed by disputes over divine existence than might otherwise be expected. Because most priesthoods are decentralized, no universal church possesses the machinery to impose a single doctrine upon every realm.

There have nevertheless been persecutions, temple riots, holy wars, political struggles, and periods of terrible religious violence.

The [[Sigil:Temple Wars|Temple Wars]] marked the long and uneven rise of Triadic institutions over many older local cults and traditions. The name refers not to one continuous war but to generations of disputes, seizures, riots, feuds, reforms, and occasional military conflicts involving temple lands, legal authority, religious patronage, and the changing customs of Rhone society.

The later Crusades against the Vorghol were different again. No supreme priest ordered the realms to march. Kings, nobles, temples, orders, and allies had to be persuaded into coalition. The Third Crusade became possible chiefly because King Henrick of Angharais, after meeting the Vorghol hunter Kane, used his personal authority and kinship among the royal houses to build that alliance.

Faith can inspire war.

It cannot command armies merely by existing.