The gods of Aelandris seldom intervene in mortal affairs, and miracles in
their name were uncommon in the modern world. The clerics of myth and legend
who readily commanded divine power were long gone; modern clerics simply
could not call forth miracles anymore. Thus religious practices came to be
based on faith and cultural tradition rather than divine acts, and many
people brought these traditions with them as they moved around.

When the Blight came and the Barrier suddenly appeared around Altheria, the
refugees gathered there were awe-struck at their unexpected salvation. While
the early Historians theorized that the Barrier was some leftover Old Magic
mechanism that came to life, others saw it as a divine miracle, the first
act of a new god brought forth by the combined prayers of the refugees. They
called this deity Altheria, The Everbright, patron of hope and the eponymous
city. Hope is a powerful ideal in dark times, and she attracted many
followers.

The most dedicated among them awakened a powerful light within. Chosen by
Altheria to rekindle what hope remained, these select few alone were granted
the ability to perform new miracles in her name. They came to be known as
the Veilkeepers, as they viewed the Barrier as a literal Veil between hope
and the desolation of the Blightlands. Their sacred duty became the
protection of that Veil, and in recognition of the importance of this
mission, the Council granted them a guild sanction.

The faith of Altheria grew strong as the Veilkeepers' miracles and the power
of their deity was plain for all to see, unlike the deities of old. They
established a Temple for worship within the ruins of an old cathedral and
developed elaborate new rites and rituals, celebrating the day of Hope's
Awakening and looking toward the day of Hope's triumph over the Blight and
its despair. They grew the ranks of the faithful, welcoming anyone who would
worship with them, and ordained priests to tend to the community. But it is
the Veilkeepers alone that can beseech miracles in Altheria's name.

Veilkeepers employ sacred mysteries and prayer to call upon Altheria to work
divine miracles of healing, protection, and banishing of the darkness. They
provide spiritual counsel to their followers and the hopeless. They are
selfless and steadfast, never self-righteous, and dedicated to their holy
mission.

Veilkeepers are closely allied with the Knights of the Vanguard as their
goals align, and some members were formerly knights or practitioners of
other martial traditions that found a new calling in the service of the
divine.

---