Ecclesial Sanguiastroism/Ecclesial Acolytes

Acolytes and dress within the temple

Description of npcs acting as priestly servants to Ecclesial Sanguiastroism temples.

Novices

Educated Commoners and Minor Nobles who dedicate themselves to the service of the temple.

They wear Plain Black Robes

Brother Monks and Nuns

Full members of the Ecclesial Sanguiastroist order of Acolytes.

They wear Black Robes with a Scarlet Cord

Master of Ceremonies

Acolytes who act directly on behalf of the Noble Priesthood and administer rituals and initiations to noble members of the religion. May be considered as minor nobility.

They wear Red Robes with a Red Cord.

Nobles

Only Nobles are permitted to wear Red in Bloodstar temples.

Instructions for Temple Construction

Situating the Temple

Bloodstar temples must serve dual functions as focal points for the continent's energy and act as observatories from which the Bloodstars may be studied and meditated upon. Where possible, temples are built on high places, but are not secluded or inaccessible. Hills and ridges near settlements are ideal sites.

The Courts and Outer Gate

A temple contains an outer and inner court. Small and Primitive temples are walled and gated with cedar. Medium temples upwards are constructed with finely masoned stoneworks. The gate to the outercourt has two pillars supporting an arch. The left is is painted black, and the right is white. Carved into the cornerstone of the arch is an image of the three Bloodstars. Ruby is traditionally used to encase the image of the Bloodstones. In the smaller temples, semi-precious jasper may be used as Bloodstones of the Arch.

The outer court is an open air courtyard. There is a central path leading to the chapelhouse or cathedral. To the left and right are clear spaces with grace where commoners may gather and be serviced. At the center of the path between the gate and the Chapel is an altar behind a basin. The waters in the basin represent the cup and the reflections. The altar may be used to hold candles to represent the Bloodstars while meditating on the waters.

The Sanctum of the Temple

Before the doors of the Chapel are three pillars with images of each of the stars in their phases. The stars are painted in their reds and blacks against a blue background representing sky and water. Through the doors is a vestibule (a small antechamber) that separates the sacred from the profane. Beyond the threshold is the main sanctum where rituals and ceremonies are held. The walls and ceiling are often painted black with replications of the night sky on them. The room is illumined by lamps on candlesticks. The floor is a checkerboard of black and white squares symbolizing the duality and balance in man. An altar dressed in black cloth is in the center of the room. Upon it are the three red candles, a ritual sword, a chalice made from crystal and a sheaf of wheat that represents the open hand.

The Adytum of the Mysteries

At the back of the inner sanctum is a passage covered by a veil. This is the Adytum of the Church of Ecclesial Sanguiastroism. Only elder members are permitted to pass the veil. The passage rises into stairs which lead to an observatory. Here the elders divine the Bloodstars and channel its raw powers.