Concisus Numinism/Hierarchy

Hierarchy

Order is the foundation of reality and it is humanity's duty to preserve it. Heaven stands above, Earth below; so too must be all things of human creation, from the feudal hierarchy of the kingdom to the ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Synagogue.

Aspirant Ranks

Pilgrim

The sole aspirant rank is the pilgrim. Commoners and nobles alike enter into this position; usually a noble will be permitted elevation by virtue of his blue blood, while a commoner must yet complete a pilgrimage. The vast majority of the peasant Numinites are pilgrims.

Devotee Ranks

Quadrivus

The standard rank for those who do not wish to delve deeper into matters of the faith; no official ceremony must be made nor must a Quadrivus choose a path of the Duality to investigate and to hold dear - A Quadrivus may stand at the crossroads for a day or for his entire life. The Quadrivii, however, are strongly encouraged to delve deeper into the faith, for without it they will not ascend into heaven as high as they might.

Voice of Unity

The voices of unity are the first rank on the left side of the ecclesiastical duality, representing the path of peace and contemplation above all else. The voices are those who delve into theological research, who use the quill before the blade and who would preach to the infidel, not slay them. They have a number of duties to the church; to have theological debate within the church and to give good counsel to their superiors and equals, both within the realm and the faith. Above all else, however, they must project the voice of the faith; only after converting one (or more) fellow nobles may they ascend.

Sword of Order

Standing beside the voices are the swords - the two tools of the faith. Considered equal to the voices, they represent the entrance to the right side of the Duality. They are the true protectors the faith; they lead their men into the shield wall, clashing against the infidel in eternal crusade. They are the patrons of bravery and valor, though strength must be tempered by caution. Their role is to spread the faith through the sword and to fight in the name of God. They dedicate their lives to heaven through honorable combat, both on the field and the ring of honor, as well as giving counsel of a more vicious nature to their superiors.

Aequs Prior

The Aequs Priors are those voices who have ascended through the ranks. They may be called into the Holy Synod if needed, but have no rights to stand within it, nor do they have a vote in the Synod should they be called in. They are expected to involve themselves more in internal debate, but also to continue their mission, though many voices who travel abroad for their mission often come home once achieving the rank of Prior. They have already completed their trial, but their duties must still be upheld.

The Aequs Priors are expected to study the right side of the duality. At lower ranks, tunnel vision is acceptable; not so for the prior. All Aequs Priors must take up study of the blade and are expected to hold an adequate grasp on military strategy.

Furor Templar

Standing beside the Priors are the Templars. Those swords who show extreme bravery or skill on the field will earn these ranks, as well as those who participate in a crusade or other holy duty. These are hard men who may be counted on to lead the holy host to victory if need be, and are men who will not turn craven the moment war becomes inevitable. These are men who are not afraid to appear the aggressor if their cause is just. This rank is very prestigious and many templars are seen as the mightiest warriors of the faith. The Templar, too, may be called upon to join the holy Synod, though this is more rare as they are not expected to have as firm a grasp on theology.

They are, however, expected to study. Just as the Aequs Priors, their counterparts, must take up study of the blade that they might begin to be made whole, so too must the Templars understand the philosophy and theology that they fight for.

Oraclus Clementia

This is the first rank that have the right participate in the holy synod, as well as to carry an official voice within it. They are deeply encouraged to give counsel to the elders of the faith, as well as to continue their previous duties. They carry the voice of mercy wherever they speak; they would brand a thief instead of executing him, or would give more leniency in judgement than might otherwise be deserved.

Justicar Primae

The Justicars represent the other side of the coin of judgement; where as the Oraclii are the nursing hand, the Justicars are the stomping boot. They do not grant leniency and would prefer to root out chaos and evil wherever it might be found. They, too, sit with the elders at the holy synod, giving right-sided counsel. The Justicars may also be considered inquisitors of a sort: they are expected to take initiative and to root out heresy wherever it is found, taking in allies from the lower ranks of both sides of the duality to act as both their informants and swords.

Both the Justicars and the Oraclii must understand, at a deep level, the other side of the duality. Mercy and justice are two opposing characteristics of any good judgement and must be held in tandem. Any Oraclus who does not understand harsh judgement is unfit, just as a Justicar must have some level of pity in his heart.

These are the final devotee levels. After completing a highly secretive ceremony before the Prophet himself, these ranks may ascend to become elders of the faith. This ceremony is always held in tandem; one Oraclus completes the ceremony with one Justicar. After this point, there are no distinctions between right and left; an elder must hold both sides of the duality dear in his heart as equals.

Aspirant Ranks

As none have yet ascended to high enough rank within the faith, no ranks yet exist for elders below the Prophet himself.