View source for Magna Serpaensism/Priestly Rites

==Priesthood Initiation – The Three Trials==

The first Trial is that of the Chosen.  Before a candidate priest is to be admitted to the outer temple he must first face the kiss of the Serpaent.  Those who survive the first trial all bear the mark of Magnus upon their wrists: two evenly spaced fang marks of an unknown serpent.  Those who do not pass the trial have never been seen or heard from again.  The mark of Magnus is a sign of great worth, and has come to symbolize the prestige of the priesthood, as they have faced a certain death squarely in the face, and been found worthy enough by Magnus to live in his service.

The second Trial is that of Worship.  Before a candidate is allowed to continue, he studies the ancient texts absorbing its wisdom and knowledge into himself.  The candidate priest then enters into the Pit of a Thousand serpents, where he will live for one month tending to the needs of the sons of Magnus there.  Staying within the confines of the pit at all times, the Priest lives with death, and loses all fear.

The third and final Trial is that of the Gate.  A candidate priest is ritually bathed in the sacred waters of the Ash Sea, and is placed in a small-enclosed room, with cedar-lined walls.  Hot stones are placed in a brazier, and water from the sea is poured over them.  As the steam rises it passes over potent herbs, and items harvested from the shore, and shallow waters of the sacred Ash Sea.  The steam releases the potency of Magnus whose power fills the waters, and infuses all that grows within it.  The doors of the mind are opened, and Magnus speaks to the candidate priest, revealing himself through visions.  Should Magnus speak to the candidate, it is expected that no other living being should hear of the words, save for the Proselytizer himself.

At the completion of the three Trials the priest initiate waits for the Proselytizer to come and bring him to the last part of the ceremony, in a small ante-room where the sound of ancient Ashlantean chanting can be heard.  Brought before the Priesthood, the initiate swears an oath to Magnus, and is shown the symbols of his duties.  Clothed in his priestly robes, he is then charged to go forth and preach to the masses, converting them to the worship of the Great Serpaent Magnus, and his Servants.