Mizarin Priesthood

The Mizarin Priesthood is the name of the Nekorian priests in the Mizarin Region. Sometimes they are also called Mothertree priests, after the large Mizarin Nightlight that they worship.

Religion

Spirits of the jungle

Mizarin Nightlights

The Nekorians of the Mizarin region worship the Mizarin Nightlight trees in general. In part this is of course because the trees are important to almost every part of Nekorian society.
The Nightlights are used for both defense, light and are even converted into houses by the priests. Therefore it is no wonder that the Nekorians came to revere them and create many rituals around them. Harming these trees intentionally is looked down upon and often severly punished.
In some of the larger specimens, temples can be found. The largest part of them is often in the tree itself but part of the temples are underground as well. In the Nekorian capital, Tsugeti , an exceptionally large specimen is used for the main temple of the faith.

Tera Online Wallpaper by Tera Online

Mother Tree symbol by Kefkejaco with Inkarnate

Mother Tree

The most important Mizarin Nightlight is called the Mother Tree and is thought to be the source of all Mizarin Nightlight trees. The curious thing about this tree is that it is not actually located on Niorath.
The Mother Tree is said to be located on the largest moon, Naelik. Because of this myth the symbol of the godess is a tree growing on a moon, which gives the temple its name. The main temple complex in Tsugeti is even believed to be connected to the Mother Tree, but only the priests are allowed to visit her.
In the Nekorian religion the Mother Tree is mentioned in almost all rituals and prayers. Even when converting other trees the priests rever to the Mothertree, claiming that they need her permission to alter any of her children.

Lightwalkers

The seeds of the Mizarin Nightlight, the Lightwalkers, are revered among the Nekorians as well and treated with the utmost respect. These moving seeds seem to be sapient and can communicate. Their main communication form, the flashes of the lightwalkers, has not been deciphered by outsiders so far.
The average Nekorian does not seem to understand much of this language besides some basic sentences. Only the member of the Priesthood seem to be able to communicate with them without issue. If asked how they do this the common answer is:

If the lightwalker wanted to speak with you, you would understand its message

— Mizarin Priest

Even though only the priesthood understands their language, they are well loved in the community. At least one building in a settlement is assigned to the Lightwalkers and Nekorians often bring water to these buildings as offerings.

by Stellaris

Priests

Mizarin Priest by Kefkejaco with Heroforge

Organisation

The Mizarin Priesthood is not very large since the religion of the Mother Tree is only followed by the Nekorians of the Mizarin Isles. Therefore the priesthood is not divided into many ranks.
On the lowest level of the hierarchy are the regular priests. However, on this level there is quite some variation on the tasks that each priest preforms. Since the Mizarin Nightlights have a lot of uses that require a priest, a Nekorian settlement needs at least a few priests to function.
Above the regular priests of a settlement there is one priest with the title of high priest. Another priest of the settlement is always prepared to take this position in case the high priest dies. On top of the complete hierarchy is the Mother's Chosen. This priest controls the main temple complex in Tsugeti and is believed to communicate with the Mothertree.

Title	Rank	Function
Scriber	Priest	Performs Mizarin treewriting and art
Master	Priest	Educates young Nekorians
Architect	Priest	Creates the Mizarin Nightlight houses
High Architect	Priest	Creates the Mizarin Nightlight larger buildings for the community
Shield	Priest	Communicates with the Mizarin Nightlights to protect settlements or send out scouts
Ceremony Master	Priest	Oversees rituals and ceremonies of the faith
Healer	Priest	Performs healing tasks and rituals
High Priest	High Priest	Oversees all activities of a Nekorians Settlement
Mother's Chosen	Mother's Chosen	Is the leader of the priesthood and can communicate with the Mother Tree