Forgemaster
A Forgemaster is an individual who, though a combination of scholarship, deep philosophical contemplations, and the appelations of their 'apprentices' in the laity, becomes recognized as an authority on matters relating to the Forgist faith.
Qualifications
As generally practical, workmanlike folk, Forgists generally will not accept one of their own as a Forgemaster unless they demonstrate a clear indication of advanced religious knowledge. Forgemasters are expected to be well-versed in the lore of the faith and, usually, must have some sort of higher education in the topic. Many educational institutions in the Manifold Sky setting offer theology degrees, and Petalcap Vale University is no exception, offering a specialized program in Vale Verdial spiritual practice. Furthermore, as worship of the divine Creator entails acts of craftsmanship, it is generally expected (though not required) that a Forgemaster be proficient in some sort of practical craft or trade.
Requirements
Aside from any other qualifications, a prospective Forgemaster must gather a flock of followers for which he or she may serve a clerical role. Per liturgical instructions found in Universal Artifice membership in such a flock is voluntary and, as such, the number of adherents within it directly translates to the percieved legitimacy of a prospective Forgemaster's claim to the role.
Duties
A Forgemaster teaches the scripture as embodied in Universal Artifice, the Hymns of the World-Forger and certain related historical texts. The Forgemaster guides his or her flock, also known as the members of their 'forge' - another term for their church or faith community - in acts of worship directed towards the Creator. When a matter of faith is brought into question, it falls upon the Forgemaster to shed light on possible solutions. Finally, as the master of a real forge must tend to the needs of their apprentices, a Forgemaster must comfort, offer advice, and generally provide for the needs of the faithful whenever possible.
Benefits
Forgemasters are not paid a set amount for their services, though they often accept small donations from the faith community. Because Forgism includes exhortations to community service, Forgemasters are expected to spend most of these donations on materials for the 'forge' and services which benefit the faith community, though a small amount may also be taken to support the Forgemaster when he or she must offer up their time to the faithful in lieu of other obligations (i.e. employment). Particularly charismatic Forgemasters may abuse this privelege, though usually this results in the loss of followers and, thus, their rank in short order.
Often, the most important compensation Forgemasters recieve is intangible: the trust of their fellow faithful, a large network of beneficial social connections, and respect within the community at large.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Forgemasters are never seen without their copies of the Hymns and Universal Artifice, which are often compiled into a single, weighty tome for convenience. Aprons emblazoned with the seal of the Creator are common vestments of Forgemasters with any significant following, thus marking the wearer out as someone the faithful can approach for benediction and advice.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A Forgemaster who loses the voluntary support and attendance of their 'apprentices' is definitionally no longer a Forgemaster at all. Such attrition might occur as a result of personal malfeasance, ignorance of important matters of faith, or unwillingness to minister to the faithful in difficult times. Such a fallen Forgemaster is said to be 'quenched' by the faith community, as though their forge's fires were put out. By contrast, a Forgemaster who somehow loses their forge through unconventional circumstances (i.e. a battle, a pandemic, or a natural disaster) is not stripped of their title unless they opt not to pursue the vocation further. A Forgemaster who recovers from such a circumstance isn't 'quenched,' but among the much-revered cohort of the 'tempered.'
Forgism by BCGR_Wurth
Type
Religious, Clerical
Form of Address
Forgemaster; Master
Equates to
While the heirarchy of the Forgist faith is definitively shorter and broader than those of other religions, a Forgemaster may be considered of a similar stature among the faithful to a Hierophant of Hierophant. Indeed, among Knappists, an individual may hold the title of both Heirophant and Forgemaster simultaneously.
Length of Term
Lifetime, or until 'quenched'
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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