Theologian
Some folk say an Òrdulúɥɛȟtə can dream just like a human. They changed their brains enough, disconnected enough, that they can see stuff others can’t.An Òrdulúɥɛȟtə (best translated as "theologian" or "priest") is a member of a Stenza droga who has devoted their lives to the study of religion, and is held to have a much deeper understanding of the gods and muhye than the lay public. Many such persons also pull double duty as teachers, giving all children instruction in the basics of an'o and the stories of the gods and spirits. They also assist whenever young people, sometimes even pups have religious experiences, as the very nature of such encounters forces disconnection from the Collective Knowledge and requires someone with expertise to help navigate.
Qualifications
One is not considered truly "expert" until they have completed long years of education into the nature of the gods and muhye that often begins in childhood or adolescence. Candidates are chosen by a number of possible signs or omens, such as daylight birth, asymmetric polycoria, and even the candidate's own interest in the subject. Any one or more may apply to an individual (although particularly noteworthy examples, such as Pentho, often have signs added into their stories after their deaths).
Most of the training takes place on the sides of mountains. Mountain climbing is considered key to the process of facilitating the experiences by which understanding is gained, although how and why are closely guarded secrets.
Different clans have different metrics on when a person is considered "ready" for the mantle of theologian or priest, but the general trend is roughly five to ten years after the candidate becomes an adult.
Requirements
The only sign or omen (discussed above) that is an actual requirement to study is keen and unwavering interest in the topic, enough to sustain someone through the rigorous training required for the role.
Duties
Theologians can be said to mediate between the Stenza and the gods, although this only applies to particularly confusing or portentous circumstances (i.e. pups having encounters with gods or muhye, or individuals having visions en masse). For as long as the position has existed, they have worked across clan lines to pool their knowledge and resources for such edge cases, and thus, they were usually noncombatants in the pre-Unification clan wars (which makes Pentho's wounding and her mentor's death so egregious to the Stenza mind).
Responsibilities
One of the main responsibilities of an Òrdulúɥɛȟtə is to teach children. Not every child will want to know every single thing about the religion, but it's considered important to cover prayer and the basics of each known god and muhto, as well as simple preparations for the possibility of a spiritual experience (such as the knowledge that such occurrences do force a disconnection, and afterward the participant will stabilize with very few ill effects). The goal of these efforts is to allow the next generation to understand their history and religion (held to be entwined at least until mortal Stenza evolve into their modern forms), participate in that facet of Stenza life if they choose, and be equipped and prepared in case of an experience.
Cultural Significance
The Òrdulúɥɛȟtə is an integral part of Stenza society. A droga is considered incomplete without at least one, although larger examples have several, and there is a thriving community of them in and around Strares, pushing the boundaries of the profession.
The nature of the work, and the fact that each experience disconnects a Stenza from the Collective such that conveying what occurred is nigh on impossible, has led to persistent rumors that theologians dream like the members of other, non-telepathic species, such as humans. They are also considered capable of seing something of or beyond the Collective itself, given the chance, although this is absolutely no protection against a Consensus event.
Notable Holders
Type
Religious, Special
Alternative Naming
Religious Leader, Priest
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments