Cardinalis
Advisors of the Ponti
A cardinalis is a senior member of the clergy of the Northern Trijan Church and member of the Episcopus Council. There are twelve cardinalis in total. A new cardinalis is chosen by the current Ponti when any of the twelve seats are vacated. The title is held for life. Though no ecclesiastic law stands, traditional holds that cardinalis are elected out of the pool of married female bishops of the faith. The position of cardinalis has, thus far, always been held by women.
Once accepted a cardinalis' sole duty is to advice the Ponti on matters of faith, politics, doctrine, and any other matters that effect the Church. It is their duty to elect a new Ponti when the previous one passes away. On paper a cardinalis' role in the Church's hierarchy is limited to advisor of the Ponti, with no authority to oversee, command, or otherwise influence clergy of any rank. This, however, is only the 'official role' of cardinalis. Being someone that has the ear of the Ponti is power, and the cardinalis are 'unofficially' the strongest rank of the Church. Their influence can sway entire kingdoms and the lives of any they favor or despise. Their power to elect the new ponti have had more than a few kings working to win favor of these women, and their husbands, over the ages.
Traditional robes of the cardinalis are a simple white, with bright scarlet outer robes to denote rank. The tradition of female clergy covering their hair continues, even in this highest role in the Church.. Under the robes Areian Mail is worn, an ancient gift to the Church by the Elf people. Twelve suits if this lightweight armor exist, passed down to each new member as they fill their predecessor's seat.
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