Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops is the central governing body of the Archclericy of Veluna, a theocratic state where faith and governance are inseparably entwined. Composed of the realm’s most senior ecclesiastical authorities, the Council operates as both a sacred convocation and a political legislature, shaping the spiritual, legal, and diplomatic course of Veluna under the guidance of divine law and mortal wisdom.
In the end, the Council of Bishops embodies the ideals of Veluna itself: a realm built on harmony, reflection, and righteous purpose. Its decisions shape the spiritual destiny of its people and reflect a belief that wisdom must be weighed, not shouted—and that true strength lies in patient, just stewardship of both soul and state.
Structure
The Council of Bishops includes the highest-ranking prelates from Veluna’s major sees and holy orders. Most are drawn from the clergy of Rao, the patron deity of peace, reason, and serenity, whose church forms the backbone of Velunan faith. However, bishops of other faiths deemed compatible with Rao’s doctrine—such as St. Cuthbert, Heironeous, or Zilchus—may also hold seats, provided their tenets do not conflict with the Archclericy’s guiding principles.
The Council is chaired by the Canon of Veluna, the supreme spiritual and temporal authority of the realm. Though not a king in title, the Canon functions as both religious leader and head of state, and no matter of law or faith may be finalized without their voice.
Public Agenda
The Council of Bishops is charged with:
- Interpreting divine law and adapting it to the governance of the state
- Appointing or confirming clerical leaders throughout the Archclericy
- Overseeing foreign policy, particularly with allied realms such as Furyondy and Dyvers
- Regulating holy orders and priesthoods, ensuring orthodoxy and doctrinal discipline
- Debating moral and theological matters, including the proper response to heresies, fiendish threats, or arcane influences
Though grounded in religious tradition, the Council is also a pragmatic body. Many of its decisions reflect not only divine inspiration but careful diplomacy, as the Archclericy occupies a sensitive position between the forces of law and chaos, good and evil.
The Council of Bishops is regarded across the Flanaess as a symbol of enlightened theocracy—a rare fusion of spiritual integrity and political stability. Their judgments are typically slow, thoughtful, and conservative, favoring peace, consensus, and lawful resolution over swift retribution.
However, critics both within and beyond Veluna argue that the Council can be too cautious, overly insular, or prone to endless theological debate in the face of urgent threats. More radical factions of other faiths often bristle at the Council’s dominance and moral authority.
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