Abbot/Abbess

Qualifications

The Abbot or Abbess of an Arcanum tower must have distinguished themselves in service to the Arcanum both in deed and devotion. The position is usually reserved for elder members of the Arcanum but several younger members have been elevated to the position such as Aiyanna.

Requirements

In order to become an Abbot a person must fulfil several prerequisites.

1. They must be able to wield Arcane magic
2. They must not be gifted with Divine or Primal power
3. They must be a in the current employ of the Arcanum
4. They must currently be a member of an order beyond the acolytes.

Appointment

The Appointment of an Abbess can take place one of three ways.

1. They can be elevated to the position as representative of a newly constructed Arcanum tower. This person is usually the previous overseer of an outpost where it was deemed necessary to expand into a tower.
2. An Abbot may choose their successor from a pool of their own arcanists that has served at that tower for a minimum of five years.
3. A new Abbot may be appointed in the unforeseen death of the current Abbot or Abbess. This person would be temporarily elected by the leaders of the Arcane orders present at the current tower. This new person acts as pro tem until they are ratified into the position by the Elucidator or a suitable replacement is elected.
4. An Abbess may abdicate their position temporarily and choose their successor from their own arcanists in unforeseen emergency circumstances. Previous circumstances that warranted this abdication have been sickness, enchantment or displacement. The appointed person must relinquish their station upon the abatement of the emergency.

All appointments of a new Abbot or Abbess must be confirmed by the Elucidator.

Duties

Overseeing the day to day operations of an Arcanum tower is only part of the responsibility of an Abbot. The leader of an Arcanum tower is also responsible for the diplomatic relations between their tower and the kingdom who's land they have built upon. The continued good will of their governmental partners is the cornerstone of many Arcanum towers.

Responsibilities

The Abbess is responsible for the management of the personnel, logistics and operations of an Arcanum tower.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Removal of an Abbot or Abbess can happen due to old age, sickness, or scandal. When they are removed from their role they lose all rights to appoint a successor. The current Abbots and Abbesses of the other Arcanum towers must elect a new Abbot or Abbess within one cycle. This rarely happens but when another Abbess attempts to unseat another there must be consensus among all current ratified Abbots and the Elucidator. If there is descent from any member the removal cannot proceed.

Cultural Significance

Any abbot of an Arcanum tower is generally seen as a person of great learning and power internally by the Arcanum. Depending on the city an Arcanum tower is located the Abbot is generally seen as a powerful political force with the capacity for great violence. The Arcanum works very hard to prevent this stereotype however some cultures view magic and its use as dangerous or suspicious.

Notable Holders

Aiyanna a former member of the Heroes of the Valley has become Abbess of the Riverweld Arcanum tower under an emergency appointment by Patricia Greylock the previous Abbess.

Type

Magical, Professional

Form of Address

Abbot or Abbess

Length of Term

An abbot may only serve for a maximum of 100 years.

Current Holders

• Aiyanna

Reports directly to

Elucidator

Related Organizations

• The Arcanum