Keepers of the Divine Leaf
While smaller in size than the Wardens, the Keepers of the Divine Leaf are nontheless important to the upkeep of the kingdom. Long ago, when first forming the Order, the entrance to the Grimmfell was sealed and hidden in the Misty Vale, and a protective barrier was erected to prevent forces from entering Dominicus Felinus. The rites and rituals to maintain the barrier, as well as the ability to detect fluctuations in the barrier magic, was given to the first Keepers.
Additionally, Keepers serve as lorekeepers and prophets of sorts. The archives in the major Sanctuaries are filled with scrolls the detail arcane rituals for various emergencies engaged in the past. Then there are the scrolls recording the prophecies made during the First and Second Great War of the Realms, some even made by the First Seer and Summoner themselves.
In towns and cities where Keepers reside in the local Sanctuary, there is usually a Sacred Garden for growing herbs used for rituals, ceremonies and healing. Charms created and blessed by Keepers are rare, and high treasured by the public.
Structure
The Keepers of the Divine Leaf has the following ranks, from highest to lowest:
- Exarch of the Divine Leaf
- Prelate of Flowers
- Deacons of the Seedlings
- Lorekeepers
- Acolyte
The Exarch is usually appointed by the Head Seer, reporting to the Head Seer, monarch and occassionally the Council of Flowers. Majority of the administrative tasks are managed by the Prelates of Flowers at the regional level, with aid from the Deacons. Among the ranks, the Lorekeepers are the "traveling priestesses"-known for going to regions where there are no sanctuaries, providing guidance, healing, documentation and even mediation.
Culture
The Keepers code of conduct while not as strict as the Wardens, is still relatively strict. "Want not, waste not" is a way of life they follow, usually not allowing them to have any material desires.
As such, Keepers generally are not allowed to own any personal properties, and majority live their entire livelihoods in the Sanctuaries they belong to. Even in the case of Lorekeepers, who are usually granted temporary shelter in local homes or inns. In terms of dress code, Keepers also wear simple garbs similar to the Wardens, with only elaborate dress during ceremonies and rites, with different numbers and types of herbs denoting rank.
Similar to Wardens, Keepers are also instructed to treat all living beings equally. While ranks exist among the Keepers, there is a sense of fairness that makes the overall culture more flat and equal in terms of power. This further extends to treatment of other cats in the realm, and even to the few human summoners who visit the kingdom.
Assets
The Keepers have relatively few assets, mainly consisting of the Sanctuaries located in major cities, towns and settlements. This further extends to include the artifects and archives held in each location, though formally all assets belong to the kingdom and Catus ultimately.
History
The first Keepers of the Divine Leaf were cats who followed the First Seer Asir, taking up the task to seal and maintain the barrier along the Misty Vale. There are various theories as to what allowed them to be Keepers, but the most believeable theory is that they were initially cats of various shrines, temples, and already considered blessed while they were in the living world. When they ascended to Dominicus Felinus, they continued to conduct rituals and ceremonies mainly as a form of guarding for the humans and cats in the living world.
After the First Great War of the Realms ended, to better distribute the burden of maintaining defense against the Grimmfell, these "temple cats" which followed Asir and provided healing during the War, were called upon to aid in maintaining the barrier magic. Thus leaving the burden of patrol and active combat to the Wardens. The Sanctuaries were built as a way to monitor and strengthen the barrier of the Misty Vale. And the cats creating the first troop of Keepers, further unified and created the formal structure necessary to maintain the Sanctuaries.
Founding Date
149 Eight Era
Alternative Names
Keepers, Priestesses
Parent Organization
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Related Professions
