Deacon of the Seedlings

If a citizen of the kingdom were ever in need of some divine guidance or reassurance, it is likely a Deacon of the Order that they will reach out to.

  If Exarchs are thought to be the mysterious oracles secluded in the Sanctuary of Nepetanopolis, and the Prelates as the stern taskmasters conducting ceremonies, then Deacons are known to be the more approachable, gentle and patient Keepers who listen to citizens' concerns. Deacons report to the regional Prelate, and reside in the local Sanctuaries of smaller cities and towns outside of the regional capitals. They monitor events at the local level, reporting any odd sightings to the local Wardens and to the regional Prelates. For the Keepers, they are also instrumental for noticing and training Acolytes. Among the Keepers, they are one of the more populated ranks.

Qualifications

Deacons are generally skilled Ritual Casters, some being close to the level of Prelates. Many have also served decades among the Keepers, making significant contribution healing, teaching and maybe even in combat when they were Lorekeepers. However, similar to other ranks among the Keepers, the deciding factor is whether or not a period of being a Deacon is part of the life-scoll that was given to a Keeper when she gradutes from Acolyte training.

Duties and responsibilities

Deacons function at the more local level of cities and towns outside of the regional capitals, overseeing the smaller local Sanctuaries. A few also aid the Prelates at the regional capital, managing daily administrative tasks. They are responsible for carrying out investigations, research, rituals, and healing at the local level, as well as the initial training of Acolytes. For many, they are also among the first to identify potential Acolytes.   It is believed that the Deacons also aid in holding up the barrier at the border through the Rite of Flames, a ceremonial event that occurs 4 times a year. Deacons will usually also follow the timeline and conduct a local event after the Rite at the regional capital, usually only throwing new herbs from the local Sanctuary gardens into the flames basin at a plaza outside the Sanctuary temple. For the last event in the winter season, ash will be scooped from the basin right as the flames burn, and local citizens will line up to have their forehead dabbed with a bit of ash, as it is believed that the ash from the flames has protective properties. A week long prayer vigil will also be held at local sanctuaries, as it is believed to also aid in enforcing the kingdom's magic barriers.   In terms of administrative tasks, Deacons are usually contacted for conducting the Rite of Transcension, a fairly complex process which is used to commerate citizens that pass on, leaving the spiritual world to be reincarnated into the living world as a new soul. They also provide supplies and shelter for any passing Wardens or Lorekeepers, usually also documenting the numbers going through the local settlements. They monitor the magic weave of the barrier and any odd sightings, especially at the local settlements closer to the border of the Misty Vale. In cases where necessary, they may also act in compliment to the local Wardens, and engage in research of any new rituals or spells that are needed for new novel cases.   In some important disuptes, they also act as mediators and trusted adjudicators, specially in disuptes that are hard to determine right and wrong, as Deacons are believed to give neutral judgement guided by divine insight.

 

Benefits and hazards

Deacons reside in the local Sanctuaries, and usually their needs are taken care of by local Hospitaliers and citizens. While life as a Deacon is relatively peaceful and steady, compared to Prelates, Exarchs and even Acolytes, Deacons are among the Keepers on the frontline of battle, should there even be an invasion from the Grimmfell, as they generally reside at the border towns and cities of the Kingdom. The most common form of hazard though, might be the need to create new healing treatments and or rituals to adapt to local situations, some of which requires the Deacons to experiment on themselves.

Ceremonial Colors

For more formal ceremonies, Deaconsusually appear in their human form. Ceremonial robes that stretch to the toes are usually of a dark green color, usually olive green, a reference to the leaves of the catnip plant, is used for all Keepers. As an indication of rank, the belted sash at the waist is black with a bronze catnip sprout emblem at the front, and the winter cloak is white wool cloth. No other accessories are worn.   Rarely would the Exarch hold any ceremony in cat form, but should the occassion occur, they would wear an pine green band with threads of black, worn at the neck.