High Priestess of Izuru-Delk’isi

Servant and Queen

“All bow to the High Priestess, radiant as the dawn and bearing the wisdom of the gods, and she brings light to us all, yet she bows only to the Shining One, as it must be.”

The High Priestess is the most powerful, revered and noble position in Izuru-Delk’isi. Acting as both religious leader and ruler of this Isle, any High Priestess is a highly valued member of society. As the head of the Church of Anakhorisi, Goddess of the Sun, as well as of Izuru-Delk’isi’s religion as a whole, she wields enormous might, and is regarded as almost divine, a benevolent entity second only to the gods. Since its official creation around 800 A.L. there have been 40 bearers of the title. The first official High Priestess was Kuroa Ataris, known as the Tall.

Requirements

Though the acquisition of the title is not hereditary, there are certain rules for the passing on of this great honour. A prospective High Priestess must, by tradition, be female, and have worked as a priestess or attendant in the service of the Shining One for at least 5 years. To be eligible, she must be at least fourteen years of age. Other than this, age is not restricted, however there has never been a High Priestess that took up her title at a life-length longer than thirty-four years.

Appointment

Near the end of her time as holder of the title, the High Priestess will take a list of the names of those young priestesses who have stepped forward for the task and withdraw into solitude. There she performs certain rites that aim to prepare her and bring on a vision of Anakhorisi, Goddess of the Sun to determine which ‘applicant’ is in accordance with the divine will. Once chosen, preparations are made for her rise to the title. The special ceremony of Designation is always a highly anticipated occasion and occurs every 50 years, or when the previous High Priestess dies. The will of the gods is revealed and the chosen successor to the role announced. Power is passed down to the new High Priestess by the former one (or in the case of a deceased predecessor, a senior priestess) in a lengthy ritual. The Mask of the High Priestess, worn for occasions of extreme importance, is handed to her as a conclusion of the ceremony and as a symbol of her new power. This is when she truly becomes Izuru-Delk’isi’s new High Priestess.

Duties

The High Priestess grants audiences to understand her people’s wishes, complaints and such matters. She is tasked with keeping the spirits of her subjects high in the hard times, and staying fair and giving to all in the good. She must always consult the gods, for even she, one who stands above all, must serve the grace and will of the Sun.

Responsibilities

All public festivals, ceremonies, holidays and rituals, regardless of how large or meaningful they are, are carried out at least partially by the High Priestess, so she is always present at religious and cultural events. She gives regular sermons, especially on these sacred days. Due to her function as not only a religious leader, but ruler of Izuru-Delk’isi too, she is the one who makes decisions about important matters concerning the welfare of the whole Isle (passing laws, arranging help for victims of natural disasters or wars, meeting with representatives from other Isles, etc.). In difficult and delicate situations she will seclude herself and attempt to gain wisdom from Anakhorisi, Goddess of the Sun, hoping to receive advice and enlightenment from communication with the divine.

Benefits

Receiving the title gives one an extremely high social status, power and wealth, and the admiration and respect of the nation. It is seen as a huge honour, and to be chosen is to be blessed by the gods. A High Priestess must accept these benefits with humility and respect. Abusing them is a deep shame.

Accoutrements & Equipment

The Temple of Melkor by Elena Kukanova

The Mask of the High Priestess is the symbol of her power and rank. It is presented to her when she takes up the title and is worn during major ceremonies. She also bears a golden staff. Other than this there is no specific uniform, though certain traditions and customs are followed when dressing for different events, and all official garments of the High Priestess are in shades of gold, white, and brown. Much gold jewellery and sun symbolism is featured to echo the Goddess of the Sun.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Should a High Priestess begin to abuse her power or neglect her duties, attendants and other priests/ priestesses may be tasked to look for a signal or omen from the gods to show that it is indeed their will to remove her from her rank. Should this happen, the High Priestess must hand her mask into the custody of the Church and step down. Preparations for the next ceremony of Designation begin as soon as possible afterwards. A senior priestess will be chosen by the others to perform the rites with the list of names in the High Priestess’ stead. In the history of the title such an event has only happened three times, in the cases of Samta Lukraya, Ilzof Raukta and Gedschen Harz. These High Priestesses are known as the ‘Displaced Three’ and their names are not spoken.

Notable Holders

Kuroa Ataris the Tall- the first ever High Priestess.
Tia Mulkat- the only High Priestess to hold the title 3 times in her lifetime (though she passed away before completing her 3rd term).
Aria Firtemat- current High Priestess of Izuru-Delk’isi and youngest to ever take up the title. She was 14 at the time.

“The moment she accepted the Mask, all that remained of the young girl seemed stripped away. She was no longer the small mortal, barely of age- she was transformed. A great poise and power was in her figure as she stood, and her eyes shone with a regal light behind the gold of the Mask. And I thought to myself, here is one truly fit to serve the gods.” - a historian’s account of the ceremony of Designation. The High Priestess in question is the current one, Aria Firtemat.

Sun Priestess by infinitecog

This sort of attire is usually worn for more serious occasions, like the funerals of important figures.

Type

Religious, Special

Status

In effect

Creation

The title was created when the various tribes of Izuru-Delk’isi first gathered together to form a civilisation- circa 800 AL.

Form of Address

Her/ Your Holiness, Her/ Your Divinity, Her/ Your Sacred Highness

Alternative Naming

Servant of the Shining One, High Priestess of Anakhorisi, Goddess of the Sun, Magistrate of the Sun

Source of Authority

A High Priestess is authorised first and foremost by Anakhorisi, Goddess of the Sun, as well as by the former High Priestess.

Length of Term

The title is held for 50 years before being given to the next bearer. This is always the case, unless the current High Priestess dies during her term. The title can not be held more than once consecutively, however one person can be chosen multiple times.

Current Holders