Arsha

An Arsha (meaning "first", "elder", or "primary" in the Tolzek language) is a religious title in the religion of Sarakism. The Six Arsha of the Redeeming Flame are the masters of regional church administration, electors of the Sarakan Hierophant, and generally considered to be incredibly important religiously.
There are currently six Arsha positions (seven if you count the Hierophant, who acts as the Arsha of the Sacred State of Nalastra ):

• The Arsha of the Westlands, currently intertwined with the Kingdom of Linorn. One of the more influential Arshas
• The Arsha of the Heartlands, de-facto religious leader of Zoseto
• The Arsha of Utoska, religious leader of the isle North of Western Garadel. Largely under the thumb of the Hierophant. The least influential of the Arshas
• The Arsha of the Marchlands, religious leader of the Northeastern Sarakan lands. Intertwined with the government of Anashtra
• The Arsha of the Mountains, religious leader for the Kigura Mountains, based out of the Kingdom of Ezekos. One of the more influential Arshas
• The Arsha of the Southlands, religious leader of the Southeastern Sarakan lands. Closely intertwined with the Kingdom of Senelon
• The Arsha of the Firelands, religious leader of the Western coast and theoretical leader of the Tolzel Fire Plains. One of the less influential Arshas

But more Arsha offices can be created by the Hierophant with the approval of the majority of the sitting Arshas.

Qualifications

An Arsha must have held a Land Priest office prior to being elected, must be a practicing Sarakan,

Appointment

Whenever an Arsha dies, the Land Priests (the religious rank below) gather together to elect a new one. While the Land Priests are busy with their election, the Arsha's chosen Second acts as the steward and acting Arsha. Such Seconds also have a tendency to be elected the new Arsha.

Duties

An Arsha is expected to be diligent, modest, temperate, pious, and forgiving. They are expected to avoid displays of lust, greed, or gluttony, and to live in a practical and serious manner.

Responsibilities

The Arsha manages local budgets, clarifies local doctrine and legal rulings, manages regional mystery cult, and enacts the trade directives handed down from the Hierophant.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Arshas wear robes of white silk, modesty trimmed with silver to give it a shine akin to moonlight. A circlet of Moonstone or Silver adorns their head, inscribed with proto-Tolzek runes. Each Arsha wears a magical heatless flame on their body as ornamentation.
Each office has its own extra traditions. The Western Arsha office comes with a number of small moonstone piercing rings for one's ears and face, for example.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

An Arsha can be dismissed if they are found to be in violation of the sacred tenets or religious laws of the Sarakan temple. This typically requires overwhelming force either from above or below: such a trial can only be realistically prosecuted by a majority of the Land Priests who elected the Arsha (from below), or by the Hierophant and a majority of the other Arshas (from above).

Type

Religious, Clerical

Status

Active

Creation

The Prophet's Meeting, 1695 ME

Form of Address

Your excellency

Equates to

Think of this as "Cardinal" or "Archbishop"

Source of Authority

The Goddess Tira

Length of Term

Lifelong

Reports directly to

Hierophant

Related Organizations

• Saraka