Crystal Pope

You might think that being near Be'ari's Heart will be just like any other large collection of crystals - a little hum, some tingling, maybe, but nothing more.
You'd be wrong. The force of their power shakes you to your core.

— Ivar Je'Chene

Within the Church of the Blessed Heart, the supreme authority of the god Be'ari. However, as they are slumbering, their power is delegated to the Crystal Pope, who oversees all church affairs.

Appointment

The Crystal Pope serves in the position for life, or until such time that they are incapable of maintaining the office. When the previous pope's term ends, the selection of a new one begins.
Rather than being elected by the congregation, or by high ranking officials within the church, the Crystal Pope is chosen by Be'ari themself. To this end, all those who wish to put themselves forward for the position will be brought by boat to Be'ari's Heart, and will stay underneath the giant crystal for several days. Far from being a peaceful lakeside ride, the Heart's energy will pierce the hearts of those below, and many will leave early from the strain. The final candidate to leave the base of the crystal will be seen as being granted Be'ari's favour, and will thus gain the role of Crystal Pope.

Duties

First and foremost, the Crystal Pope is the head of the Church of the Blessed Sun, and is the spiritual leader for all congregants. They are empowered to direct the faithful in all spiritual matters, as well as to handle the high-level administrative tasks of the church. Their word is final in deciding who leads an individual church or cluster of churches.
Additionally, they will take a position in prominence during the yearly celebrations in Lorunach, taking on the power of Be'ari's Heart and dispersing it to all those gathered, and blessing the vials of water many will collect from the lake.

Type

Religious, Clerical

Source of Authority

Be'ari

Related Locations

• Be'ari's Heart

Related Organizations

• Church of the Blessed Heart

Eligibility

There are only two criteria for one to become a candidate for Crystal Pope - they must be a member of the Blessed Heart or affiliated congregation, and someone of a rank above them must sponsor their travel to Be'ari's Heart. In cases where someone holds the rank below pope, they must be sponsored by one of their peers.
While in theory this means anyone can become pope, in practice clergy members are the ones who will be sponsored. A layperson of the church has only become pope once - the (in)famous Pope Uyagan II. Since his term, few if any laypeople have been sponsored for candidacy.