Temple of Mystra

Structure

The Temple of Mystra has a messy hierarchy. The highest rank is the Archmage, currently a satyr from Mercy's Oak named Nivrina. Under her are several equal tiers of priests that have approximately the same amount of power, but is often argued about amongst each other. Augurs, Enchanters, and Adepts form a council of sorts, and the temple is almost always in political gridlock with itself. Priests who have taken their vows to Mystra are known as Mages, and like the Augurs, Enchanters, and Adepts above them, are split into a messy hierarchy that incites fiery rivalries between the different schools of magic, of which the Mages are separated into. There isn't any real guides to which school is higher in the hierarchy than others, other than favoritism by the Archmage and their council. Currently, the schools of Divination and Abjuration are favored among the council. The Temple of Mystra is also a magic school similar to Spiritworks Institute or the Pyavda, and unless students take their vows, they hold no power in the temple and are simply called Scholars.

Culture

The culture of the Temple of Mystra has always been competitive. Scholars who want to become priests have to prove themselves against their peers in order to be accepted into the order as spaces are limited. Each school of magic is involved in some form of academic race against each other to gain favoritism among the council, and in the council itself, the members are embroiled in stark rivalries that have occasionally resulted in death.

History

The Temple of Mystra is another ancient order of the Monastery. The Order of Tempus and Temple of Mystra were the first orders formed in Messino, and it is widely believed that it was founded by the people of Mercy's Oak. The Temple of Mystra has historically been proud of that, but the monastery as a whole prefers to promote the idea that it is a religious organization made for and by the people of Messino. The temple is also one of the largest in the monastery, due in part to its function as a school dedicated to magic, but also because of how common magic is in Messino.

Tenets of Faith

Magical lore should be protected at all cost
Censorship of magical lore is not tolerated except for in extreme cases
It is the responsibility of the practitioners to destroy sources of evil magic
Practitioners should work actively to develop new magic or study old magic to keep magical study alive and vibrant

Worship

Practitioners of Mystra are the least openly devout of The Thirteen. Prayers are personal, and most priests will at most whisper a prayer or hold Mystra in their thoughts as they practice their magic. There are no large-scale festivals or holidays associated with the Temple of Mystra, but there are more personal celebrations when Scholars take their vows, or Mages choose their school. There are also small graduation ceremonies when Scholars and Mages finish their magical education, but all ceremonies are small, with attendees being family, close friends, and instructors.