The Grand Seer of the Avon Julanor

The Grand Seer is the leader of the Avon Julanor. They are considered an extremely powerful mage, expertly skilled in telepathy, combat and "seeing": the ability to look beyond the plane of the mortal world, uncovering secret truths and unknown facts. The tasks of the Grand Seer have a broad range, from administrative duties and overseeing the appointment and training of new order members, to being an advisor of monarchs. As the only member of the order they also have the right to disobey the orders of a corrupted ruler and allow the rest of the order the same, to only rely on Julanor and the right to conduct justice in the god's name, no-one elses.

Appointment

Choosing a Successor

The next Grand Seer is usually always appointed by their predecessor, but the latter needs the approval of the order's elders. This is to ensure that the appointed "heir" will be fit for the task and isn't only chosen due to a personal good relationship to the old Grand Seer or other unfair practises.
In a written contract the old Grand Seer declares a list of reasons as to why the appointed heir is a good choice, what qualifies them, what makes them fit to lead instead of just follow. The document has to be signed by both the old Grand Seer and the suggested successor, then handed to the council of elders, who examine its contents carefully. If the council of elders agrees to the Grand Seers choice, the successor is accepted. It is common practise that the Grand Seer only appoints a successor shortly before they decide to step down - but theoretically they can appoint their successor sooner, without the intention to step down anytime soon, as a safety precaution usually done in unstable and dangerous times. Depending on how much time passes inbetween the suggestion and the actual appointment, the council of elders might want to re-evaluate if the successor is still suitable for the task closer to the actual date where they will succeed the old Grand Seer, or if in the meantime they commited any violations or showed signs that they aren't fit to lead yet.
If the Grand Seer's suggested successor is a member of the council of elders, they are not allowed to participate in any of the examinations themself.
If the Grand Seer has appointed no successor, either because they died unexpectedly or because they had to be removed out of the order due to charges of severe misconduct and were stripped of their title, the council of elders retreats to a closed off conclave to discuss who of them is the most suited to follow in the Grand Seer's footsteps. A vote is held in secret, and usually after a few hours up to a few days a new Grand Seer emerges and is appointed in the usual ritual.

Appointment

In the appointment of a new Grand Seer, a symbolic ritual is held to strip the old Grand Seer of their title and powers. They undress, removing all the parts of their uniform associated with their title, placing sash and insignia on their chosen successor. Depending on whether they leave the order entirely to retire or only step down and remain in the order as a member of the council of elders or otherwise, they may leave the Avon Julanor headquarters after handing over the insignia or are given the appropriate uniform for their new rank and join their brethren. During the ceremony all the members of the order are present as witnesses as the new Grand Seers prays to Julanor and swears to always act in the name of justice, treating their subordinates fair and just as well, and not falling prey to worldy temptations that would threaten the order or lead to corruption. Then the council of elders pledges their allegiance in a solemn oath to the new Grand Seer, followed by the rest of the order members.
In a joined effort the old Grand Seer's remaining belongings are then moved out of the Grand Seer's office and either brought to their home or to their new living quarters, and the new Grand Seer moves into the office. There they are handed a key to the section of the order's archives that is not open to the public, due to containing long hidden secrets of past centuries such as forbidden magic, but also important documents and contracts that need special protection.

History

See also the history of The Avon Julanor.

Type

Magical, Professional

Creation

The Grand Seer replaced the "King's Investigator" rank when the order was first disbanded then regrouped by order of king Elek

Equates to

Head of the Order

Source of Authority

Under the command of the ruling monarch, but free to act independently in the name of Julanor, the god of justice

Length of Term

No minimum or maximum length of term;
the title is given permanently and usually kept until its bearer

• decides to step down from their duties

• leaves the order forcibly or on their own

• dies

Related Organizations

• Avon Julanor