Archivist (Ark-i-vist)

Among the lore keepers, historians, scholars and mages of the Yearning Erudites, the title of Archivist is the highest position one can hold among the order and is filled with the responsibility of keeping history alive and memorised. In each major city or town within Ankh'hera, even within the ruins of the older civilisations, there are many libraries, archives and places of collective knowledge that have kept civilisation running and prosperous - and each one has a dedicated Archivist. Their reserve and collection of knowledge is so vast that individuals travel from all over the world to study here. It is the responsibility of each Archivist to maintain all entries, guidance through their archives and ensure the security of the knowledge and tomes - removal of these items is strictly forbidden.
The Archivists, always chosen from the ranks of the Yearning Erudites, were recognised for their importance and their role within society by the Mystrasi of Ankh'hera. They are considered to be the most intelligent, best fit to lead and hold the best interests of Ankh'hera at heart at keeping the knowledge of the ages and its teaching to the rest of the outside world.
A would-be candidate must be nominated by either themselves or someone else and must have two more voices of support amongst the higher ranks of the Yearning Erudites to be a credible candidate. The requirements of such a candidate must have the respect of their fellow Erudites and have committed themselves to honour the Erudite Code, not seeking wealth or glory, but the preservation of the vast vaults and collections of knowledge preserved by their order.
Once nominations have been made to the Circle of Archivists, the candidates are given time to prepare for a formal examination by the Circle, they must ready a speech of their reasons why they are fit for the role & answer the questions of each member of the Circle. They are judged on their character, their own expanse of knowledge, dedication and integrity to the Erudite Code - and are cross-examined for every facet of their character, family, personal history and relationships. No truth goes undiscussed, as magic is integrated into the ceremony for the candidates to speak the truth of these matters, and in great detail. Most find this process deeply invasive & critical, but the intent to which is to determine whether the individual is fallible to corruption, ambition and power, to misuse the knowledge and position to their own needs instead of the Erudite order and others. After which, the number of candidates is reduced by popular consideration and vote by the Circle until two or three candidates are left. Those left for voting are not allowed in the room during this tie, nor are they allowed to know by what means and whose favour they hold within the council, as matters are kept private to avoid favouritism or possible pre-planned attempts of bribery or otherwise. Once an Archivist has been decided by vote, the floor will be opened for any additional challenges or notable points of contention that have not already been discussed during the voting process.
The new Archivist must then be taken up for consideration and approval by the Mystrasi. They are sent to the Palace of the Mystrasi, in which they ordain their future with a vision. This ceremony tends to last an hour - to foresee their role within the future. If the candidate is approved, they will be cemented with a bust within the Halls of the Erudite Archives and join the Circle of Archivists. Upon their return, they will be inducted as the new Archivist for life, or until they step down, and maintain their own Archive of their own accord.
Finally, the word is sent out to the rest of the region and to other sister and brother Archives in Ankh'hera.
In the event that the Mystrasi rejects the candidate from their vision, which has indeed happened, the process will begin again, with that candidate removed from the potential pool.

Type

Academic, Honorific