Prior/ess

Written by Pookas Kreations

A Prior/ess is the leader of a monastery or temple of devotees to a God/ess. They are the administrator and the spiritual leader of all the inhabitants therein. He/she is the independent leader, in whatever tradition the prior follows, and is either elected, selected by the previous prior, or his superiors.

Qualifications

Most priors are priests first, learn their ways, and eventually, if they are chosen they will become an abbot. By this time they learn the Rule and traditions of their religion.

Requirements

They must have attained an age of 30, be of legitimate birth, have been a monk in the current house for 10 years, have leadership skills, good education, and a good teacher.

Appointment

A Prior can be selected or elected, depending on the circumstances.

Duties

They are the Father of their religious house can raise laymen to priests, hear confessions, and oversees the health of their congregation. Priors usually delegate others of their congregation to offices that need someone of authority to oversee the required duties. They can be elected or released at the Priors' wishes. The character of the Prior, depends on how he acts out his duties and upholds the rules and traditions of their religion. His will is supreme in all things. He decides how and when members are to be punished or rewarded.

Benefits

Everything that a Prior needs is provided to them. Food, board, clothing, and anything else they would want or need.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Robes, miter or similar headdress, staff, holy symbol, sandals, decorated belt, and stole or apron.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Unless they seriously break their vows, commit murder or similar crime; they cannot be removed. Often they are just sanctioned for a time.

Type

Religious, Clerical

Form of Address

Prior/ess

Alternative Naming

Abbot, Abbotess, Father Superior, Mother Superior.

Equates to

A Prior's rank equates to a General or Duke in most nations.

Source of Authority

The highest rank in the chosen religion.

Length of Term

The term of office varies from a few years to life.

Reports directly to

Bishop