Sanguis Astroism/Structure/Historical Records

Note: This document describes an obsolete structure for the church. It no longer applies. It is maintained here for historical purposes only.

Structure of the Church

Clergy

Most Holy Offices

• Holy Prophet - Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Retired to a life of religious meditation)
• Regent - Brance Indirik

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 - Constantine Meneldur
• Light of The Austere Star - Varchilde Esotericus

Other Elders

• Luminary - 3 Chosen by the lights.
• Consul- 3 Chosen by the faithful.

Extraordinary Ranks

• Inquisitor - a Theocratic Judge, the highest ranking official of both Church and State.
• Special Envoy - an extraordinary agent going about specific church business

Military Ranks

• Guardian of the Temple - noble members who have taken an oath to protect the temples and priests

Lay Member Ranks

• Commander of the Temple - a ruler who is not a priest
• Knight of the Temple - normal noble member
• Knight of the Faith - as Knight of the Temple, see below

Neophyte Ranks

• Novice - someone who has been accepted for the faith, but not yet been initiated into full membership
• Aspirant - someone who has applied for membership of the faith

Path through the Church

Joining the Faith, and gaining Full Membership

All worshipers join the Faith as an Aspirant, i.e. one who aspires to be a member. At the earliest opportunity, they will be promoted to Novice, to indicate their acceptance within the religion. The only exceptions to this are those whose application in some way contravenes the Serious Medieval Atmosphere. If in doubt, send an ooc message to Brance Indirik. Further promotions within the Church are subject to the requirements of roleplaying, or character position/status.

Knight of the Temple

Any Novice (who is of Noble birth) can be promoted to Knight of the Temple simply by sending an IC request message to any of the Elders.

Knight of the Temple is rank for a normal, noble. This is for members who are believers, but not committed to serving the Faith beyond normal expectation.

Knight of the Faith

Any Novice (who is of Noble birth) can be promoted to Knight of the Faith simply by sending an IC request message to any of the Elders.

Knight of the Faith is rank for a normal, noble. In character it should be treated exactly the same as Knight of the Temple. However, in the game mechanics this is actually an aspirant rank, meaning it doesn't receive messages sent 'to all full members'. This option is for those who want to play a member of the Church, but don't really want to wade through all the church discussion.

Guardian of the Temple

Guardians of the Temple swear an oath to protect the temples and priests of the Faith. Any Knight of the Temple can be promoted to Guardian of the Temple by taking the IC oath.

The Oath of a Guardian of the Temple

I, ..., of my own free will and accord, most solemnly and sincerely swear that I shall from this day forth bind myself to the safekeeping of the one, true Church of Sanguis Astroism. My sword shall be as the Maddening Star, driven by my conviction and strength in defense of the Temple. My shield shall be as the Auspicious Star, borne by my constancy and conscience in protection of the Priesthood. My helm shall be as the Austere Star, guided by my fidelity and judgment in preserving the Faith. [Personal Oath here.] All this I promise, in the name of the most Holy Bloodstars.

Guardians of the temple all wear (or at least are given) a silver ring, studded with three small rubies, each of which is set in a stylised mount, a sword, a shield and a helm.

Other Ranks

All other posts are awarded either as a result of position, class or rank.