Witness of the Garden
Qualifications
You must be a master Oasis Agriculturalist before one could even think of attempting to achieve this status.
Requirements
The aplicant must be willing to give up his status of master and persuade a Witness to to take them on and become a Grove Apprentice. Most will stay in this role for about 15 years before they attempt be promoted to this rank.
Appointment
To receive this promotion, several of the Witnesses of the Garden must make a letter of recommendation that is then sent to the Chancellors for approval. The higher number of Witnesses that an applicant can have to sign off on their letter of recommendation, the better.
Duties
There most important duty is to The Grove keeping it happy and healthy. Their other primary role is that of teacher and mentor of the next generation of Witnesses.
Responsibilities
Their day to day duties mostly involve the highly prized Qutacona Tree. Only them, Protectors of the Grove and Grove Apprentices when under a Witness' supervision are even allowed to touch a living tree. They will walk The Grove, taking notes of areas that need harvesting, not receiving enough water, signs of disease, and any other hazards that might jeopardize this forest. They will also be assigned other tasks such as taking care of found problems. Generally, the higher the seniority, the more walking and less working you really do.
Benefits
To start, the pay is incredible and even when one chooses to retire, they are still paid handsomely for the rest of their days. In addition most people within the borders of Ocral will not accept any form of payment from them and give them whatever they desire. Most consider that no matter your status, you can access and even live within the Grove.
Accoutrements & Equipment
For ceremonies and special occasions, they have extravagant robes of emerald green made of the finest silks. Starting at one shoulder and draping across their chest, a particular chain is worn that for every year of service to the Grove a new ring is crafted. The longer the service, the longer the chain and hence the number of drapes.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
If one is found guilty of breaking the moral contract with the tenants belonging to the Oracles of the Seven Gods one can be stripped of this title. Also if the Lama of the Veil wishes it so they may also be removed.
Cultural Significance
At any given time, there are about only 80 to 100 actively employed Witnesses. Since their rarity, the government pays for any security for any Witness that leaves the The Grove to protect them from attempted kidnapping or assassination attempts. Within the wastes they are highly revered only the Chancellor of the Sands and the Lama of the Veil warrant more respect. Due to their vast wealth that even when they leave the kingdom, they command attention and respect.
Type
Scientific, Honorific
Form of Address
Your Witnesship
Alternative Naming
Grove Keepers
Source of Authority
There power is granted to them from the church and are appointed by the Chancellors of the Sands.
Length of Term
Once appointed the term is for life. Though they may retire they can return to active duty whenever they choose. This practice is common during the Nature Communion if the graduate is family.
Reports directly to
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