Order of Hyn-Aelori
The clergy of the Church of Save-K’nor gathers knowledge in all its forms.
Of the three Clerical orders, the Hyn-Aelori is focused on gaining and persevering in knowledge. They ensure knowledge is spread among the worthy and concealed if the world is not ready for it. They maintain libraries and are frequently consulted as experts or as tutors on a wide variety of topics. Their specialized talents command high prices.
The Hyn-Aelori temples all contain vast libraries, some secret and some open to the public. They are very similar to universities being a haven for intellectuals and scholars. Some temples accept paying students, but most accept highly intelligent children of any station in life. Acolytes are given a broad education in the lores, the arts, philosophy, and theology. Those who do not meet high standards of intelligence are not considered worthy adherents and are rejected.
Temple Administration
The Temple is administered more as a university, with the senior role being at the most for six years.
The Tryahlar (Council of Electors)
The six most senior Rowanti form a council called the Tryahlar. This elects priests to fill administrative offices and reviews the performances of officers.
The Ibarti (High Deacon)
The temple’s chief administrator sets the temple policy and manages external relations.
The Serinti (Keeper of the Holy Lore)
This officer cares for the sacred artifacts and scriptures. A Serinti is an expert on myth, ritual, and theology and is usually familiar with the practices of other churches. The Serinti is called upon to preside over most temple rituals, examining acolytes on theology and sacred lore. Only an Rowanti is ever assigned this position.
The Deronti (Archivist)
This officer is responsible for the care, preservation, and copying of non-sacred temple archives. He also helps direct acolytes in their studies. The Deronti examines acolytes on matters of knowledge.
The Falorin (Counselor)
The acolytes’ advocate is usually a junior priest. His task is to counsel and assist students with their projects. In some temples, the Falorin is elected by the acolytes.
The Olunar (Seneschal)
The Olumar is responsible for the day-to-day running of the temple. He organizes meals, cleaning, and laundry, drawing upon acolytes help as needed. This is not a popular position and is usually held by a junior priest.
The Maecor (Father Visitor)
The Maecor is appointed by the primate to "advise" the Council of Electors and administrative officers. His advice is given serious consideration. He has the power to dismiss any officer or suspend the Council's authority to govern the temple; however, such actions are rarely taken. The Maecor also examines the acolytes and priests to transfer them to the Order of Shea-al-Aecor or the Order of Rydequelyn.
The Rowanti (Loremasters)
Each temple has several Rowanti. These are the revered masters of the temple and have great leeway in their activities. The Rowanti have mastered at least one field of learning. The only official functions of the Rowanti are to study their area of expertise further, teach, and examine, accept or reject the Labors of Reverence.
The Haliki (Priests/Priestesses)
The Haliki organize their own education. They may, within reasonable limits, study freely in the temple archives. They usually attend lectures and seminars given by the Loremasters in their own and sometimes other temples.
Priests are given various administrative functions. Each will normally be assigned as a mentor to one or more acolytes. They may be called upon to assist one of the masters in a project, serve as messengers, copy or translate difficult manuscripts, and so on. If they require advice, they may call upon the Rowanti or the Falorin. If they require assistance, they may use their acolytes. They may also be called upon to direct rituals.
The Labors of Reverence
Usually, at least once yearly, Haliki submits “Labors of Reverence” to the Loremasters. These are mostly intellectual works (which must be defended at need), but quests to gather/recover lost artifacts or works, translations of old/difficult manuscripts, and works of art may also be accepted.
When the masters have accepted thirty-six labors, the Haliki is elevated to the rank of Rowanti. Note that some extensive labors may be counted as several.
The Manidar (Acolytes)
The Manidar perform menial functions and are expected to educate themselves by attending lectures and seminars held by temple experts. At least once yearly, they examined on a topic of their choice. All acolytes are expected to master the rudiments of church doctrine and temple philosophy. Once they have passed examinations on six separate subjects, demonstrated literacy in at least two scripts, and mastered at least two foreign languages, they graduate into the Haliki.
As a mark of rank, newly graduated Haliki receive a hexagonal tattoo. This is often placed around the Haliki's left eye, although some have it placed on the back of their left hand.
Exceptional Manidar are examined by the Father Visitor. Some are transferred to the Order of Rydequelyn or the Order of Shea-al-Aecor, where they begin again as acolytes.
Temples
City of Coranan
Archive of Emperor Mindrithar the Just
This temple has one of the largest archives in western Hârn. Some of it is open to the public for a steep price. It has a university-like atmosphere with students and scholars of all ages everywhere. It offers education to the rich and powerful.
City of Golotha
Library of Lost Merethos
This temple keeps a low profile. It has large archives containing records, diaries, and research journals dating back from the Corani Empire.
City of Tashal
The Vault of Kelapyn-Anuz
A learning center that contains the largest collections of books and artifacts from the time of Lothrim the Foulspawner and maintains the Royal collection of written works.
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