Sanguis Astroism/Structure

Structure of the Church

Elders

Most Holy Offices

• Holy Prophet - Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Retired to a life of religious meditation)
• Regent - Constantine Meneldur
• Magistrate - Seated only during an active Magistratum trial.

The Council of Lights

The three senior priests of the Faith, appointed by the Prophet and the Council

• Light of The Maddening Star - Medugnatos Stormcrow
• Light of The Auspicious Star - Rowan Geronus
• Light of The Austere Star - Varchilde Esotericus

Other Elders

• Luminary - 3 Chosen by the lights.

• Anabellium West
• Labell Enstance
• Sophia Lucientes

• Consul- 3 Chosen by the faithful, elected every 2 years. (OOC: every 6 RL months.)

• Counting currently taking place

Full Member and Aspirant Ranks

Rank	Name	Purpose	Monthly Fee
20	Invocator	Priests of the church. (Alternate title choices: Invocator, Vocator, Invokari, Evokari)	none
40	Hero of the Faith	Nobles who have shown exceptional dedication, and undergone severe hardship on behalf of the faith.	none
50	Commander of the Temple	Nobles who have founded Militant Orders for the defense of the faith.	none
60	Knight Dedicant	Nobles who have completed an approved pilgrimmage.	none
65	Guardian Stalwart	Guardians who have dedicated themselves to voluntary financial support of the church. Self-promotion by 10-gold fee.	10 gold
70	Guardian of the Temple	For nobles who have joined a militant order chartered for the defenseof the faith.	none
75	Knight Stalwart	Nobles who have dedicated themselves to voluntary financial support of the church. Self-promotion by 10-gold fee.	10 gold
79	Knight Errant	Noble on an approved pilgrimage	none
80	Knight of the Temple	General rank for full members.	none
90	Knight Penitent	For nobles temporarily demoted to penance as a disciplinary action.	20 gold
100	Knight of the Faith	RPd full rank, equivalent to Knight of the Temple. For those that don't want full-member message traffic.	none
103	Knight Reticent	Full members temporarily demoted to Aspirant status as a disciplinary action.	20 gold
110	Novice	General rank for aspirants. All noble aspirants auto-promoted to this rank.	none
113	Sheriff	General rank for commoner aspirants. All freeman aspirants are auto-promoted to this rank.
115	Aspirant	Entrance rank	none

Responsibilities of the Elders

From a message delivered by Regent Brance Indirik to the Elders of Sanguis Astroism outlining the duties of the Elders of the church following the reformation.

Regarding the duties of the Elders:

We have in the Bloodstars a natural Triplicity of aspects. These three aspects form a naturally reinforcing and harmonious relationship. We have modeled our church after this. The reinforcement of this Triplicity in the division of duties and responsibilities in the faith therefore follows logically.

We have three aspects of the Triplicity to consider:

• Austere - The simplistic, forthright, and unadorned nature of the Austere lends itself well to tasks which require directness, foresight, and careful consideration. As such, the day-to-day tasks of maintenance of the organization, and the implementation of justice fall well within the nature of the Austere. For this reason the Light of the Austere Star and attendant Luminary would take up responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure of the temples, ensuring that treasuries are kept stocked, and enlarged as needed to ensure the growth of the faith. Also within the sphere of the Austere would be the primary responsibility for implementing the decisions of the Magistratum when needed, and the maintenance of the ranks and assignation of members to their ranks.
• Auspicious - The favorable nature of Auspicious leads to prosperity and growth, abundance and success. It should be therefore self-evident that the Light of the Auspicious Star would take responsibility for the growth of the faith and the spread of the word of the Stars. In addition, the Auspicious would care for the education of the faithful, ensuring that the members of the church are well educated in church doctrine. For without a solid core of strength, the entire organization must falter. Against this possibility, the strength and favor of Auspicious is well matched.
• Maddening - The Maddening is perhaps the least understood, and most misunderstood, aspect of the Stars. The Maddening incites passion and fire. At times this can lead to violence in those ill-prepared to receive its attention. The logical choice for the Light of the Maddening Star is, therefore, the defense and protection of the church and it's interests. While the Auspicious aspect will care for the expansion of the faith to new lands and new believers the Maddening will protect what we have, and safeguard it from harm. As such, the Light of the Maddening Star will take direct control of the Warders of the Temple when called to do their duty to battle the enemies of the church.

In my mind, this division of the responsibilities of the church matches well with the Triplicity of the nature of the Bloodstars.

It is important to note that while the Light and the Luminary of each Star bear primary responsibility and authority in their area, the reinforcing nature of the Triplicity requires and provides harmonious balance and benefit. Each of the three aspects of the Stars will work in harmony to carry out all duties, covering for others when needed.

Above all of these Aspects, the Regent and Prophet will oversee and guide, providing support and advice where needed, and shaping the overall course of church.

Historical Structure

Sanguis Astroism has undergone several major revisions of the rank structure. Some documentation of the previous structure can be found here: Historical Records.