High priest of Lacertillia

The spiritual leader of Lacertillia was first created in the wake of disbanding of the first council when the members were finding new roles in the settlement. Though mostly an elected position, the awakened family has held the position for over half its existence. The position is held, in theory, by the most spiritual member of the citizenry. The Eather Knife is the High priest's symbol of office.

Origin

Though founded after the dissolution of the council, the foundation dates back to the founding of the settlement, with Neal offering a calming presence to the settlement and even a more considerate perspective than others. Focusing more on people's well-being rather than the settlement itself. The first statuettes also date from this period, though more as a spiritual record of events than the spiritual totems they would become. Once the council had disbanded many citizens asked Neal to stay as a public figure and be the guiding spirit of the village. When his adopted son took over the position after his death the position became official. Though it was changed to an elective position.

Accession

Once the previous high priest feels he can no longer continue and announces their retirement, he puts a name of a successor forward to Jahova, for one week every other citizen may put any name forward as successors in this manner, though it is taboo to put your own name forward. After a week the names are announced, though it is not declared who nominated which name, and everyone votes. Once the voting ends the candidate or candidates with the least are removed and people vote again till only one name remains. They then take up the position as the old high priest retires.

Duties

Spiritiul guidence

The high priest is tasked with acting as both the bridge between the spiritual and mundane, as well as being the conscience of the settlement. This has led to the high priest being involved in most diplomatic envoys and is even seen as the main reason for the empire of Akoom's crusade. While the bridge was a duty added later, the conscience is a key part of the position, seen as more important than any other as it stems from Neal's main contribution to the council and the village after.

Statue shire

Probably the most unusual duties of the high priest, he's to see to the repair, and expand the collection of statuettes. Though the true purpose of this is not really known, it is used by new families to discover their Eather lights spirits. This is also done by retired high priests who often teach the new one on this duty and wood carving.

Master of ceromonies

While not an official duty, the task of leading celebrations, weddings, funerals and other ceremonies often falls to the high priest. While he does not necessarily have to be asked or even accept if asked, it has become a tradition for this to be the case.

Removial

Like if all public positions any high priest can be removed with a vote of no-confidence, though this has never even been put forward let alone voted on. Otherwise, the high priest retires once he feels unable to continue his duties. Ironically no high priest has ever died in office, though a mourning period has always happened at the passing of a retired one.

I keep the fae spirits both as a reminder to myself what the old me thought about how the world worked but also as a way to remind us everyday that perhaps the magic of thought itself can be incomplete from time to time. Belief in a hardscrabble place like this can make the difference between misery and mystery. And after all, someone must be responsible for a fruit as perfect as the booglebop.

-Neal the awakened, first spirital leader of Lacertillia

Length of Term

retirement

Related Locations

• Lacertillia