Sanguis Astroism/Structure

Structure of the Church

OOC: This is a bit outdated. Many of the ranks have been renamed.

Clergy

Most Holy Offices

• Holy Prophet - Mathurin Hossenfeffer
• 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 - Allison Kabrinski
• 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.

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.