Andrastian Faith
The foremost religious and political institution in Thedas, embodying the teachings of the prophet Andraste and following the Chant of Light.
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The Orlesian Chantry, headquartered in Val Royeaux, has flourished as a beacon of faith. It has asserted dominance through its militant arm of Templars, watched over by the Seekers of Truth, and brings order to a world in dire need.. while also expanding the will of Orlais.
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The Imperial Chantry of Tevinter shares core doctrines, but diverges significantly in practices. Mages are placed prominently within their hierarchy and males are priests rather than females.
History
According to Chantry scholars, Andraste was born in -203 Ancient into a prominent Alamarri tribe in Ferelden. Her early life was marked by tragedy, notably the violent death of her half-sister, which left Andraste physically and spiritually scarred. Married in -187 Ancient to Maferath, a powerful warlord, their joining unified numerous southern tribes against Tevinter’s oppression.
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Following her capture and brief enslavement by Tevinter, Andraste emerged as a prophet and leader, preaching salvation through the Maker, a divine ruler other than the Old Gods, and initiating the Exalted March against the Tevinter Imperium in -180 Ancient. Allied with Shartan and the elves, she achieved several major victories, notably the Battle of Valarian Fields in -171 Ancient. However, in -170 Ancient, Andraste was betrayed by Maferath and captured by Tevinter forces. She was publicly executed in Minrathous, burned at the stake—an event that would elevate her to divine martyrdom.
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After her death, Archon Hessarian converted to Andraste’s teachings, declaring the Imperium an Andrastian nation. Her followers, known initially as the Cult of the Maker, preserved her teachings in secret. By -130 Ancient, her lessons were codified into the Chant of Light.
In -3 Ancient, Kordillus Drakon, first emperor of Orlais, unified various Andrastian sects under a single banner: the Chantry. Justinia I became the first Divine, formalizing the Chantry’s power from Val Royeaux.
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In 1:01 Divine, the Nevarran Accord solidified the Orlesian Chantry’s religious and political authority, placing the newly-formed Circle of Magi in Orlais and remnants of the Inquisition under its jurisdiction. From the Inquisition emerged two new branches: the Templar Order, tasked with overseeing mages, and the Seekers of Truth, special agents directly loyal to the Divine.
Core Beliefs
The Chantry's teachings center upon the belief in a singular divine being, the Maker, who created the world but turned His back on humanity due to their pride and sinful use of magic. Andraste, revered as the Bride of the Maker and prophet, delivered His teachings and offered humanity a path toward redemption. Central to these teachings is the Chant of Light, a collection of hymns detailing the history, martyrdom, and teachings of Andraste, guiding followers toward humility, compassion, and faith.
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The Orlesian Chantry emphasizes that "Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him," a doctrine that shapes their rigid stance on mages and the use of magic. Mages are viewed as potential gateways for corruption and demonic influence, necessitating vigilant oversight by the Templar Order. This belief is reinforced by the historical trauma inflicted by Tevinter magisters who misused magic, drawing humanity further from the Maker.
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The Imperial Chantry of Tevinter interprets the teachings on magic very differently. Rather than asserting that "magic exists to serve man," the Imperial Chantry proclaims that magic is a divine gift granted by the Maker, intended to elevate humanity and aid in its enlightenment. Instead of being feared or heavily restricted, mages in Tevinter hold positions of power and authority, integral to both governance and religious practice.
Its gates forever shut.
Heaven has been filled with silence,
I knew then,
And cross'd my heart with shame.
