Seraph

"As the Seraph carries the Scepter of the Sun, so too must he carry the weight of responsibility upon his shoulders. His heart shall burn with the light of truth, and his actions shall be as radiant as the dawn that breaks the darkest night."

-excerpt from the "Luminary Doctrine"

Introduction

The Seraph is the highest clerical rank within the Suntouched, the official Church of Novirath, god of virtue, light, and valor. This esteemed title is always held by a man and is a lifetime appointment, symbolizing unwavering dedication to the Protector’s divine will. The Seraph serves as the spiritual leader of the faith, a beacon of Novirath's light, and the ultimate authority on religious matters.

Based in the Marble Miracle, the breathtaking temple district of Thandor, capital of the Keraian Empire, the Seraph oversees the Church’s sprawling influence and ensures the sanctity of Novirath's teachings. From guiding The Suntouched's hierarchy to inspiring Novirath's paladins, the Seraph is the living embodiment of virtue, justice, and order within Kena’an.

Qualifications and Appointment

The Seraph is chosen through a sacred and mystical process known as The Radiant Convergence. Upon the death of a Seraph, the council of the Seven Rays- seven Arch Clerics, each representing a different part of the world- gathers to seek divine guidance. During this communion, Novirath reveals His will, and the next Seraph is chosen by His light.

The Seven Rays is an exclusively male council, a tradition rooted in the hierarchical structure of the Church of Novirath. While women do serve among the higher ranks of the clergy, the divine order ascribed by the Protector permits only men to join the Seven Rays. This tradition reflects the belief that the male council represents the ideal conduit for the god's will.

Traditionally, the Seraph is selected from one of the Seven Rays. When one of the Rays receives the mantle of the Seraph, the vacant position in the council is filled by one of the high priests of The Suntouched. This process ensures that the Seraph always comes from among the most experienced and revered clergy of the church.

There is, however, one notable exception in the history of the Seraph's appointment. During a time of great turbulence, as the War of Nightmares ravaged the land of the Keraian Empire, the Seraph died unexpectedly. When the Seven Rays gathered to conduct the sacred ritual, they were unable to reach a consensus or receive Novirath's blessing. It is said that, in the midst of the battlefield, Novirath Himself appeared and chose a young paladin named Dornus Yarrow to become the next Seraph. Despite his inexperience, Yarrow became known for his extraordinary virtue and strength, earning his place as the youngest Seraph in history, holding the title for sixty long years.

Once appointed, the Seraph holds the position for life, assuming immense spiritual and temporal authority. The new Seraph becomes the highest representative of Novirath on Kena'an, tasked with guiding The Suntouched and overseeing the faithful in their pursuit of justice, valor, and truth.

Accoutrements & Regalia

The Seraph’s equipment and regalia are sacred symbols of his divine authority and unwavering devotion to Novirath's will. Each item is imbued with celestial power, representing the virtues of truth, valor, and justice that the Seraph embodies. The Scepter of the Sun is a radiant golden staff, symbolizing the Seraph’s role as the protector of faith and the light of Novirath. The Mantle of Radiance, woven with the purest of gold silk threads, signifies the Seraph’s status as the shining beacon of righteousness. His Sunlit Crown, a radiant helmet that obscures his face, represents the belief that Novirath's light is so bright it could blind the world- just as the Seraph, chosen to embody that light, must remain veiled to protect others from its overwhelming power. The Chalice of Purity is a vessel for the sacred elixir that sustains the faith. The Celestial Throne, set in the heart of the Church’s holy grounds in Thandor's Grand Cathedral, is the seat of his unchallenged authority, and the Flame of Aegis, an eternal lantern, symbolizes the Seraph’s role as a steadfast protector against all darkness. These holy relics, adorned in intricate designs, are more than mere regalia; they are the living embodiment of the Seraph’s sacred charge and the divine light of Novirath that guides the faithful.

Scepter of the Sun

Mantle of Radiance

Sunlit Crown

Chalice of Purity

Flame of Aegis

Celestial Throne

Removal or Dismissal

The Seraph, as the highest authority of the Church of Novirath, holds his position for life. However, there are rare and severe circumstances under which his reign may be called into question, leading to removal or dismissal. Such actions are taken only under divine guidance and with the utmost seriousness, as dictated by the "Mandate of the Suntouched" the Church's Holy Book, for the Seraph is seen as the living embodiment of Novirath's will on Kena'an.

Failure of Duty

If the Seraph fails in his duties- be it neglecting the guidance of the faithful, failing to defend the Church from its enemies, or compromising the integrity of The Suntouched- he may be considered unfit for office. The Seven Rays, after careful deliberation and divine communion, may convene to assess the situation and determine if the Seraph’s actions or inactions have irreparably harmed the Church’s mission. In such a case, removal may be declared.

Physical or Mental Incompetence

If the Seraph suffers from debilitating illness, injury, or a significant decline in mental faculties that impairs his ability to perform the sacred duties of his office, he may be removed. The Seven Rays, along with healers and spiritual leaders, would evaluate the Seraph’s capacity to lead. If he is deemed incapable of fulfilling his role, a successor will be chosen to take up the mantle.

Betrayal or Corruption

Any form of treason, corruption, or intentional betrayal of the Church’s teachings is grounds for removal. If the Seraph were to align himself with enemies of the faith or misuse his power for personal gain, the Seven Rays would act swiftly to remove him from office and restore the purity of The Protector's light. The punishment for such a betrayal is severe: the traitor’s name is erased from every record, their sacred regalia stripped from them, and they are denied the customary burial rites. Instead, after his execution, the traitor is buried in secret in an unmarked grave, their body left unburned, for no cleansing fire shall touch one who has defiled the faith.

Voluntary Abdication

Though rare, a Seraph may choose to voluntarily abdicate his position, usually due to advanced age, loss of faith, or a personal calling. In such cases, the Seven Rays are obligated to accept the abdication and begin the process of selecting a new Seraph in accordance with the Radiant Convergence.

"Mandate of the Suntouched" by Midjourney

The process of removal or dismissal is an event of great gravity and is conducted with the utmost reverence for the office of the Seraph. The faithful are reminded that such decisions are made with divine will and guidance, and no earthly influence may sway the judgment of the Seven Rays.The Seraph, even in removal, is to be treated with the respect due to one who has held the office of the Sun’s Chosen- except in cases of betrayal, where no such respect is afforded to the fallen Seraph.

Benefits of the Seraph

The position of Seraph is not only a spiritual and political mantle but also comes with significant material and symbolic benefits. These rewards are a reflection of the Seraph’s sacred duties and the honor bestowed upon him by Novirath.

Authority and Influence

As the living embodiment of Novirath's will, the Seraph holds unrivaled authority within the Church. His word is law within the Suntouched, and his influence extends across Kena'an, guiding the faithful and ensuring the sanctity of the Protector's teachings. His decisions shape the destiny of both the Church and the people under its protection.

Access to the Divine

The Seraph is granted unparalleled access to divine guidance. Through prayers, communion, and sacred rituals, the Seraph is able to commune directly with Novirath and receive insight into the divine will. This unique connection with the Protector grants the Seraph wisdom and clarity in matters of faith and leadership.

Material Wealth

The Seraph enjoys material wealth befitting his station. This includes access to the riches of the Church, which are extensive and varied, covering everything from ceremonial robes and sacred regalia to estates and holdings throughout Kena’an. His personal needs, including food, shelter, and attendants, are provided by the Church.

The Current Seraph

Seraph Valorian

Seraph Valorian has held the esteemed title for the past decade. A battle-hardened cleric of Novirath, he was appointed to the highest office of the Suntouched after six years of service as an Arch Cleric. During his time in the Seven Rays, he oversaw the faithful in Myltery, a region notoriously plagued by the undead, where his strength and resolve were tested daily.

Upon his appointment, he was given the name "Valorian," as a symbol of his unwavering dedication to justice and his valor. His elevation, however, disappointed some of the other Rays who had held their positions for far longer, yet none dared voice opposition to the choice. Though widely respected for his strength and unwavering faith, his progressive views have made him a controversial figure within the Suntouched. Many see his willingness to adapt the Church’s teachings and methods as a threat to the traditional values upheld by the order, making him a figure both admired and criticized in equal measure.

Type

Religious, Clerical

Status

Active

Creation

"Mandate of the Sun's Chosen", around 600 BDA

Form of Address

Your Luminance

Alternative Naming

Holy Seraph, Father of Light

Source of Authority

Novirath, God of Virtue, Light and Valor

Length of Term

Lifetime

Related Locations

• Marble Miracle

Related Organizations

• The Suntouched

Women in the Suntouched

While the Church of Novirath recognizes and reveres women for their strength, virtue, and wisdom, certain roles, such as that of the Seraph and the Seven Rays, are reserved for men. This distinction stems from the belief in Novirath's divine order, wherein the roles of men and women are seen as complementary, yet distinct in their sacred duties.

As Novirath is the god of virtue, light, and valor, he also upholds the sanctity of life itself, which women, as bearers of life, hold in the highest regard. It is considered sacred that a woman’s connection to life through motherhood transcends any other role she might take on, even that of the Seraph. The vow of celibacy that accompanies the positions of Seraph and the Seven Rays is viewed as contrary to a woman’s divine role as a life-giver, making such an oath incongruent with her sacred purpose.

The Luminary Doctrine

"Luminary Doctrine" by Midjourney

The Luminary Doctrine is a sacred parchment of the Church of Novirath, believed to be divinely revealed by the Protector Himself. Inscribed with celestial symbols and radiant script, it outlines the Seraph's sacred mandate as the Sun’s Chosen. This ancient text embodies the virtues of truth, valor, and order, serving as an eternal guide for the Seraph’s role as shepherd of the faithful, arbiter of justice, and vessel of divine light. Guarded within the Marble Miracle, it is a timeless proof of Novirath's wisdom and the enduring mission of the Suntouched.

The Scepter’s Vigil

The Seraph shall bear the Scepter of the Sun with reverence, guarding ever the sanctity of Novirath’s will, that the faith be kept pure and unbroken.

The Guiding Flame

As a beacon amidst the darkness, the Seraph shall guide the faithful with wisdom and virtue, leading by noble example and uplifting all to the Protector’s grace.

The Radiant Protector

In times of peril, the Seraph shall stand as shield to the faithful and sword against the shadow, defending the sacred cause with steadfast valor.

The Overseer’s Gaze

The Seraph shall wield dominion o’er all matters of faith, that the Protector’s teachings endure and justice doth prevail in every decree.

The Heart of the Light

The Seraph shall embody the virtues of Novirath, a living vessel of truth and valor, unyielding in the face of corruption and doubt.

The Legacy Keeper

The Seraph shall keep safe the flame of faith for those yet unborn, raising up worthy successors to bear forth the light of the Protector.

The Eternal Beacon

The Seraph’s life shall shine as testament to Novirath’s will, their deeds resounding as a star of guidance beyond the bounds of mortal time.

Related Articles

Protection

The Seraph is always surrounded by elite guards and is afforded the highest protection. The elite members of the Church’s defense forces, including the Order of the Sun's Vigil, are tasked with ensuring the safety of the Seraph. These highly trained warriors are ever-present to guard the Seraph’s person, both within the Marble Miracle and during any travels.

Eternal Legacy

As the highest servant of Novirath, the Seraph's legacy is eternal. His deeds, teachings, and decisions are immortalized in the annals of the Church, and his name is inscribed in the sacred records. Upon his death, the Seraph’s legacy is honored, and his contributions to the faith are celebrated for generations to come.

Spiritual Fulfillment

Perhaps the greatest benefit of all is the profound spiritual fulfillment the Seraph experiences. As the Sun’s Chosen, he is forever in the service of the Protector, and through his actions, he brings light to the world. The Seraph’s life is a constant act of devotion, and in his unwavering commitment to the divine, he finds ultimate peace and purpose.