Saint

Appointment

A Saint is 'appointed' by a divo they swear service to, though the exact process is unclear and different for each deity. They are chosen from either newborn babies given as tribute (or found), or the strige, if any are brought to its attention.

Duties

To carry their god's will to places the god itself cannot reach, to fight its battles and defend it from external threats.

Benefits

Saints are representatives of their gods, and often speak with their full authority and channel part of the deity's power.

Accoutrements & Equipment

There is no formal dress code, though if their deity has a priesthood following they will usually wear something similar, adjusted to allow the Saint the best access to their power.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

There is no known way to dismiss a Saint. A forceful removal of the god's favour kills the Saint and has negative consequences for the deity in question as well as anyone and anything around them.

Cultural Significance

Saints are not uniformly celebrated across Rosdravia. In Orem they are rare, and though seen as people of wisdom and an essential liaison between Oremians and the few divy they have, they are looked at with suspicion and weariness. In Eselvehr, and the county of Morav, with outright hostility. Eselvehrians do not trust or like the divy, and instead of 'sainthood' they see slavery and betrayal of the person's humanity. In Rosdravik, some see Saints as half-gods themselves, promised salvation and offered a spark of divinity for their service. A theory has been proposed, that their deaths are a necessary component of a divo's Ascension, as their essence/soul is absorbed by the deity, allowing it to grow.

Notable Holders

Mora, Saint of the Death Unjust, widely acknowledged to be the First Saint of the current era. Yanige, Saint of the Burning Meadow, the Saint best known for defeating the Dragon in Eselvehr. Olena Revinya, Saint of Northern Fall, who will prove more than Nemia can handle.

Type

Magical, Honorific

Alternative Naming

Chosen, Fated

Source of Authority

Divy

Length of Term

Sainthood is a life-long assignment, though that is usually not very long.

Current Holders