Hierophant of Light

The Hierophant of Light is the official title for the leader of the Monks of the Aphelion.

Qualifications

Good linguistic skills, organisation, respect of the other members and a plan for the the 8 years are the only formal qualifications.

Requirements

Service with the order for a minimum of 5 years. There is (intentionally) no preference for older or younger candidates, to keep knowledge both reserved and flowing.

Appointment

In the eight year of the Hierophants term, nominees can step forward, deliver a speech and a written submission of their plans. Those who can make it too Sefone in Lareena where this is traditionally held spread them to the other monks around the world as quickly as they can. Voting takes months, but by the end of it the candidtate with the most votes is formally recognised as "Hierophant of Tomorrow" and takes over the duties at the new year.

Duties

Decide on where the monks are needed most, maintaining communications between teachers in the field. Choose a direction for study and research at cloisters. Support the political and religious connections of the order, and maintain safe passage wherever possible to do so.

Responsibilities

Communicate with brother and sister philosophies, read and maintain field correspondance.

Benefits

Your rough spin robe is slightly less roughly and you have a reasonably large office for all your paperwork. The monks really don't go in for finery or for luxury. Politically especially in countries where the teaching is eagerly accepted, the advice of the Hierophant is particularly influential.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Aside from the rough cotton robe being spun more finely and with a thicker weave, a signet ring is provided, with the crest of the order and the sign of the bearers on it usually in steel or titanium. The rings are stored in the Aubade Monastery after the term is completed, but they are never restored nor re-touched, and allowed to rust away into nothingness.

Type

Religious, Special

Form of Address

Teacher

Alternative Naming

Headmaster, Teacher, Brightsoul

Equates to

Guildmaster, Archpriest

Source of Authority

Authorised by the fellow teachers, and by other members of the monastic order.

Length of Term

A hierophant presides over the monks for eight years, and cannot serve again to ensure knowledge cannot get bogged down in tradition.

Current Holders

• Haleveck Mordock

Past Holders

• Garionalan "Shrew" Siilasav

Related Organizations

• Monks of the Aphelion