Templar
"The Templars are the Holy Order of the Light, without them the Holy Order would've collapsed from within centuries ago"
Qualifications
To be a Templar one must train a minimum of ten years as an Acolyte at a Temple, afterwards they ascend through the ranks as either a Paladin or Cleric. From there they start as Deacons/Nuns, then Priests/Priestesses, then Bishops, then they may make it as Archbishops one.
Requirements
The ten years of Acolyte training include reading, writing, basic maths, memorizing various litanies and prayers to Lady Bellona Albion, the holy arts of white magic, various forms martial combat training, and heavy armor training. After the ten years are complete, they are eligible to become Deacon/Nun ranked Templars of the Holy Order of the Light.
Appointment
After completing the ten years of training, a special ceremony is held in a graduation of sorts. They swear themselves into the Holy Order of the Light officially and are endowed with a shield that serves as their badge of honor and as a Holy Symbol to cast their magicks.
Duties
The Templars are the Holy Order of the Light's symbol of power and purity, centuries ago they were just a minor branch of the Holy Order and were meant to serve and protect the Temples against potential threat. During the Great Rebellion they seized control of the entire Holy Order and redefined its purpose into the burning agency it is today.
Responsibilities
The role of the Templars these days is to hunt down heretics and the like in order ensure the safety of the Freelands. Which permits witch hunts, burnings, and indiscriminate violence in the name of the Holy Order of the Light and their goddess Lady Bellona Albion.
Benefits
Templars receive a portion of the the tithes offered to the Holy Order of the Light by the common folk and the New Bloods, they usually spend it on sustenance and personal goods. There isn't much of a retirement plan for Templars, their work tends to be less "boots on the ground" though as the ascend through the ranks.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Typical Templars are either Clerics or Paladins outfitted in a bucket helmet, heavy armor, and a shield embossed with their Holy Symbol. Their weaponry usually consists of usually a warhammer or maul, more experienced or better paid Templars may use firearms as well courtesy of the New Bloods.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Most Templars serve life terms in their roles, however if they are found to be oathbreakers or guilty of heresy then their lives are forfeit to the Holy Order of the Light.
History
Prior to the Great Rebellion, the role of the Templar was simply to protect the temples of the Holy Order. Around the time of the Great Rebellion however their was a significant cultural shift and an almost coup that expanded the role of Templars into a more military force that ended up overtaking and making all of the Holy Order's members Templars and changing the Order into the Holy Order of the Light.
Cultural Significance
The Templars see themselves as a symbol of hope and light to the people, but the people themselves generally see them as bullies and as a secret police to fear or use to their advantage to get rid of people they are not fond of.
Notable Holders
Most Templars seem to look and act the same, they all wear the same bucket helmets so its hard to tell if there are any individuals in their ranks anymore.
Type
Religious, Military
Status
Yes, it is still very much active
Creation
The Codex Stella
Form of Address
Sir, Lady, Milord, Milady
Alternative Naming
Inquisitors, Witch Hunters, Crusaders
Equates to
Templars have the ranks of Deacons/Nuns, Priests/Priestesses, Bishops, and Archbishops. A close equivalent would be from the Knightly Orders's Esquires, Knights, Knight-Captains, and Knight-Commanders.
Source of Authority
The Hierophant and Lady Bellona Albion
Length of Term
They must complete the Acolyte training which is usually a minimum of a decade, from there they dedicate their whole lives into being Templars.
Reports directly to
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