Describe a profession in your world that has always been, or recently became, illegal.
High Priestess of Hecate
As the open worship of Hecate is banned in most parts of Mythoversal Hellas, it goes without saying that being a priestess of the order is considered even more illegal than being merely a member. These women are often hunted by the authorities, but usually at a distance, and with the utmost respect for their powers.
Identifying a Priestess of Hecate
In theory, any woman in the kingdom could possibly be the secret priestess of Hecate.
At least in theory.
But in reality, any woman in the kingdom could possibly be the secret priestess of Hecate, including a woman with the ability to disguise herself as a man, or as a child, or as a chicken, or as a rutabaga. With such powerful magic as the priestesses are suspected to control, even individual particles of dust become suspect.
Luckily, the King of Thebes employs a team of full-time Hecatite hunters whose ultimate goal is to detect and eliminate the cult's priestess. These hunters have been known to interrogate individual motes of dust for weeks on end. If it's possible for a priestess to crack under pressure, and if she happens to be among the dust motes taken into custody, this crack team of hunters will reveal her...eventually.
At least in theory.
Duties of Hecate's Priestess
The High Priestess of Hecate, like any other high officiant, is in charge of her deity's temple grounds and structure, and all worship that takes place within. The priestess also directs followers in the maintenance of Hecate's symbols at strategic crossroads, where food is left out in front of the goddess's markers for consumption by the poor.
The goddess Hecate prefers the sacrifice of dogs, honey, and black female lambs, the discrete procurement of which is a thankless and time-consuming occupation.
Much of the drudge work is delegated by the priestess to the leaders of the high covens, who in turn delegate to leaders of the low covens, who delegate to members at large.
Term of a High Priestess
This varies from kingdom to kingdom with some opting for three year terms, others going with five year terms, and still others offering employment for as long as a high priestess can fend off other claimants who are constantly trying to kill her off and claim her job. Five years is the average tenure.
Famous High Priestesses of Hecate
Because of the nature of the position, fame is the opposite of what most high priestesses experience. Notoriety, however, is often to be earned.
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Type
Religious
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