Acolyte

Acolytes are the trainee level among the Keepers, responsible for the daily upkeep of the Sanctuary, tending to the Sacred Gardens, and reception of any guests.

Qualifications

Acolytes are identified by Lorekeepers and Deacons, before being approached to become trainee Keepers. The only indication in documents list that potential acolytes have "a propensity for ritual magic and healing, some usually able to perform healing with little to no guidance upon entering Dominicus Felinus." Other than that, it is believed that only Keepers can identify other potential Keepers; general citizens of the kingdom may just take a potential Acolyte as a fairly capable healer, and able to transfer some form of "luck" to protect and bless other cats.

Duties and responsibilities

Acolytes responsibilities during training will vary based on stage of training as well as location of the training involved.   The first phase of the training will usually involve general teaching and recitations of lore, history of the Order, and learning of basic healing and rituals. The task of tending the gardens at the Sanctuaries is part of the training, especially for Acolytes to be well aquainted with the herbs used for healing and rituals. Usally this phase lasts anywhere from five to ten years, and is done at smaller Sanctuaries overseen by Deacons. Combat magic is also started especially for Acolytes in Sanctuaries based at the border.   The second phase of training usually has the Acolyte move to larger sanctuaries either based at the regional capitals, or in larger cities. This is to ensure exposure to more knowledge at the larger libraries. Acolytes are again responsible for maintenance of the gardens, but many also train in more complex rituals, such as the Rite of Transcendence, and parts of the Rite of Flames. Many also participate in the week-long prayer vigil in the winter Rite of Flames. After a more thorough course on healing, in the second phase many Acolytes will also participate in healing sessions under the guidance of Prelates. Usually, it is during the second phase that all Acolytes are trained in basics of combat magic for the next phase of their training usually involves a traveling practicum of sorts with Lorekeepers, visiting towns, villages and even smaller hamlets in remote regions not served immediately by a Sanctuary. This period can last anywhere from five to twenty years. While the practicum usually lasts only two years, there have been Acolytes who asked for a longer practicum, finding the traveling a fulfilling learning experience.   The third phase of the training takes place in the holy city of Nepetanopolis, in the Lamiaceae Sanctuary under the guidance of the Exarch. The training usually involves far more complex rituals and healing methods, usually allowing the Acolytes capable of doing the Rite of Flames and the Rite of Transcendence alone at the end. When the Acolyte is deemed ready, they take the graduation trials. Though the name sounds harsh, it is usually a fairly peaceful process where Acolytes sit and meditate for several days, with little breaks along the way. An empty scroll is placed in front of them during the entire meditation. It is said that during the meditation sessions, all Acolytes are sent visions wherein they communicate directly with Catus, probing their skills, desires and thoughts of the future. In the end, if the Acolyte is successful, the scroll in front of them will be filled with text, indicating their entire lifepath as a Keeper. This then means they've successfully graduated to Lorekeeper, becoming a formal Keeper of the Order.

Benefits and hazards

Following Keeper tradition, Acolytes also own no property, and are usually have all their living needs provided for by the Order Sanctuary they train in. Generally Acolytes train in relative safety and peace. The only exceptions being Acolytes who train in the Sanctuaries located in towns along the border of the Misty Vale; or Acolytes who take on study travels with Lorekeepers. It is possible that Acolytes in those situations will face more danger, especially when journeying with Lorekeepers may engage in combat with wraiths that escape from the Grimmfell. However, Acolytes in those cases are usually also trained in combat magic.

Ceremonial Colors

Acolytes barely ever appear in their human form, usually only if they are required to aid Prelates or Exarchs in certain rites such as the Rite of Flames. If necessary, they wear the standard dark green ceremonial robes, a green sash at the waist, and a white cloak in winter when necessary. In cat form, only a single thick dark green band is worn at the neck.