Coven Leader
The leaders of covens in the Way of the Biocosm take many names for themselves based on individual tastes, with 'Axon' and 'Organ' being popular forms of address. Still, the Codex Biocosmia makes most frequent use of the term 'Coven Leader' when referring to these individuals, so this appelation is the most easily understood by members of the faith and outsiders alike.
Appointment
In new covens, Coven Leaders are typically elected from among their own numbers based on a combination of charisma, apparent knowledge of the Codex Biocosmia, and organizational skills. Coven Leaders may appoint their own proteges, who serve with them as acolytes for a time before replacing the outgoing Leader. Rarely, when no member of a prospective coven demonstrates the right knowledge or leadership qualities, a conclave of other Coven Leaders may appoint a Coven Leader from their own number, though this often results in the effected coven simply being absorbed by the Leaders' own coven of origin.
Duties
As the Way of the Biocosm is a decentralized new religious movement, it falls to Coven Leaders to educate their flocks on how to best embody the beliefs and ideals of the faith as set forth in the Codex Biocosmia. As questions of faith arise over time, Coven Leaders must occasionally gather with others of their rank to determine what will be the orthodox view of the faith moving forward, providing a brake against heresy and schism with varying degrees of success.
Responsibilities
Coven Leaders may represent their respective covens in inter-faith dialogues and proselytization campaigns, but they may also appoint trusted members of their covens to handle these jobs in their stead. As Biocosmism has dangerous enemies in the form of the Daughters of Misfortune and other extremists, Coven Leaders are responsible for planning for the eventuality that the coven has to defend itself, go into hiding, or reform at a different time and place.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Members of the Way of the Biocosm often act in secret to avoid and befuddle their opressors in the religions mainstream. There are no set accoutrements for Coven Leaders; the only way to tell a Coven Leader apart from his or her flock is through a demonstration of hermetic knowledge or the respect given them by the faithful.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
While a group of Coven Leaders can sanction one of their own rank, individual Coven Leaders cannot be formally removed from power in this way. Only the loss of confidence on the part of their flocks can truly result in a Coven Leader's loss of station.
Some truly charismatic Coven Leaders have gotten away with some truly heinous acts of corruption and vice over the years due to their sheer force of personality. Indeed, one tactic among Daughters of Misfortune hunting Coven Leaders involves looking for news of someone getting an unusual amount of leeway from their community for normally illegal or taboo activities. While this tactic doesn't always point to a Coven Leader, it often points to a criminal, cultist, or other individual who might well be made an example of to exalt the glory of the Gods of Irony.
Type
Religious, Clerical
Form of Address
Master/Mistress; Axon; Organ
Equates to
A Coven Leader is roughly analagous to a Forgemaster in Forgism or a Hierophant in Rostran Esotericism. Covens tend to lack the potential for specialization or rigid clerical hierarchy of Servants of Ironies, though Coven Leaders share a similar place of reverence among the faithful under their tutelage.
Related Organizations
Comments