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The Hierophant

"At the head of our Holy Order stands one, the voice and guide to those in hope and prayer..."

~Father Lucien I, author of the Codex Stella and younger brother of King Adam Highlander

Qualifications

The Hierophant is traditionally chosen as a child after the death of the previous one by an assembly of Archbishops, typically they choose a child that seems the most "innocent and pure" from among its peers. During the time of the Holy Order, they were usual distinguished men or women known through out their lifetimes before being chosen. However under the regime of the Holy Order of the Light typically such children are chosen within the Holy Order of the Light and are Acolytes to be molded into the Hierophant.

Requirements

The biggest requirement originally was to be considered a wholesome and well renowned person within the Holy Order, today's requirements are to be a member of the Holy Order of the Light, and to listen the Archbishops. The Archbishops are to serve as the general council and guidance of the Hierophant.

Appointment

Traditionally under the old Holy Order, the Archbishops put it to a vote to choose among their number or a well known member of the now-defunct clergy or chantry. However, Under the administration of the Holy Order of the Light they are appointed as a child without warning or preparation, the youngest of record was 6 and served until he was poisoned in his 50s. There is a closed door ritual performed by the Archbishops and they oversee the tutelage and preparation of the new Hierophant.

Duties

The Hierophant was to serve as a symbol of the sovereignty and innocence of the Holy Order, with the Archbishops handle the day to day work and such. This is strangely true even of today under the rule of the Holy Order of the Light.

Responsibilities

Minimal responsibilities, they are more so symbolic and exist to make speeches that are written for them or to look impressive. This is is true of both the old Holy Order and the present day Holy Order of the Light.

Benefits

They are catered to and cared for the entirety of their lives by the Archbishops and the rest of the Holy Order of the Light. They rarely step outside of the Citadel in which they reside. Both true in the old Holy Order and the present day version.

Accoutrements & Equipment

They are typically dressed in all white robes with a tall conical hat, with white shoes and white scarves to match. To create symbol of purity and carrying a white-gold plated Warhammer as a walking stick of sorts.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

The only way to leave this position is by dying, which was normal for many of the Hierophants of the old Holy Order were either already adults if not elderly by the time they took up the mantle. Present day Hierophants however don't know a life outside their role as they were chosen as small children.

History

The Hierophant wasn't always the leader of the Holy Order of the Light, in fact the title predates it by centuries. The Hierophant prior to the rise of the Holy Order of the Light but the leader of what was simply called the Holy Order and was the advisor to the King on all religious matters. The Hierophant not only was the "voice" of Lady Bellona Albion but of all Nine of the Deities.

Cultural Significance

The title is as old as the Kingdom of Man and the King's bloodline itself, though its purpose has been twisted and altered the title still can swing public opinion.

Notable Holders

There have been hundreds of holders, many of them have been forgotten to time due to them leaving little impact or dying horribly from assassins. Though the founder, Father Lucien I and the son of the First Highlander King, is easily the most recognizable by name alone as he wrote the Codex Stella.
Type
Religious, Political
Status
Very much so, it is title feared and loved by the common people
Creation
The Codex of Stella, the Holy Book describing the origins and legends of all Nine Deities.
Form of Address
His/Her Holiness
Alternative Naming
The Father of the Holy Order of the Light
Equates to
Lords and Ladies at the head of the Old Bloods and New Bloods, though the Old Bloods no longer exist.
Source of Authority
Lady Bellona Albion & the Holy Order of the Light
Length of Term
Lifetime
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations

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