Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion from Ireland to Constantinople, but Islam is a strong force in southern Spain, in several places in the Mediterranean, in north Africa (excepting Egypt), and in the Middle East. Paganism thrives in a thousand faiths and cults across the length and breadth of all continents. In a world where more than man is a threat and angering the gods often has very tangible repercussions for the transgressor, conquerors, military or cultural, have been less eager to expunge differing faiths through violent purges and so contrary to the history of Earth the old ways have persisted long after the coming of the Old and New Testaments.

Pantheons hold power in those regions where their following is strong. Instead of waging a war among the gods (as has happened twice before to the great cost of the divine), deities increase their power and reach through conversion and the establishment of places holy to their dictates. Otherwise, they do not infringe upon the borders of their fellow gods. The practical effect of this for their faithful means that within the region where a god holds sway the powers of his Chosen are magnified due to the proximity to the source of blessings. However, so strong is bond between Chosen and god, that even in far distant lands the spark of power that resides within them allows the Chosen to work the will and miracles of their god in spite of being on spiritually alien soil.
 * Regionalism**

The Catholic christian church is what is meant to most when the term "the Church" is mentioned in Europe. From the Papal States come the decrees that sway the decisions of kings and the lies of millions. Papal agents are ever-vigilant to promote their own power, that of the city and pontiff they serve, and the interests of mankind. The Holy Orders of knighthood are the militant arm of this effort, but they exist not primarily to fight infidel of Eastern Europe, Spain, or the Holy Land as most believe but to wage war against far more horrible enemies. Priests of the Church wield great influence and this is especially so for Chosen.
 * The Church**