Editing Ezra (section)

===The Échansons Heresy===
Appearing in the 3rd Ravenloft Gazetteer, the Échansons Heresy, informally known as the Cupbearers, is a heretical offshoot of the Ezra faith native to Richemuloise.

In a nutshell, the Cupbearers derived their faith from the base roots of the Erudites, believing Ezra to be a goddess from amongst the Mists - but, when she descended, it was not to merge with the Mists, but to be incarnated as a mortal in the Hollow. More specifically, she incarnated as a mortal to have children. Her bloodline continues to this day, creating divinely touched heroes who serve the world by protecting it against the Legions of the Night.

The Cupbearers believe that Ezra's descendants, the Prodigals, will eventually be brought together to create a benevolent theocracy that will unite all the kingdoms of the Demiplane of Dread and lead them to a great and glorious future. To this end, they tirelessly pour over their holy text, the Vessels of Mercy, in an effort to decipher its cryptic references and ciphers, and seek clues amongst obscure documents and references to various numerological and symbolic landmarks. All in hopes of finding the Prodigals and bringing them to their destiny.

The mainstream Church of Ezra soundly rejects the Cupbearers, pointing out that they chose to run to Richemulot rather than undertake the Rite of Revelation. Mind you, the Cupbearers reject them right back, claiming the Church has falsified its doctrine and covered up the truth to pursue selfish political power.