Prelate of Flowers

After meeting the Exarch, she expected a similar cat. But the cat that rose from the dais next to the desk at the center of the office, was quite different. A long-haired white and grey tabby, her amber eyes were slanted in a stern angle, her pointed nose and mouth set in a stoic manner. Even her whiskers were solemnly neat and orderly even. Most peculiar though, was a black round monocle that was perched over one eye, somehow kept in place by a simple black band that was looped half way around her head. The cat descended down the dais and in a steady gait.
"Ceci, I presume?"
The voice reminded her of a stern math teacher from high school, one of those who focused on preparing students to cram for the college entrance exams. And like a stern math teacher, this cat wore no accessories; there wasn't even the slightlest whiff of catnip or incense emitting from her fur.

Not given to divine vision, nor the ability to decipher prophecies from the past, Prelates nonetheless still the ability to feel fluctuations in the magic weave of the barrier, and report any changes to the Exarch. However, they are first and foremost the adminstrators of the Order, lending their skills to ensure everything in the Order runs smoothly. They sit on the Council of Flowers and advise the monarch and Head Seer directly on issues related to the Order. They routinely check on the maintenance of Sanctuaries at the local level, and the training of Acolytes of the Order. And for important rituals, rites and ceremonies, they act as the local agent of the Exarch, finishing deeds in her stead. At times, they are also called upon to act as mediators and adjudicators for affairs that affect the nation.

Qualifications

Prelates are usually skilled ritual casters, close in ability to the Exarch. They are also veteran Keepers who have made significant contributions to the Kingdom, usually through years of good deeds. While many are drawn from the Deacons level of Keepers, there are also many who may have risen directly from Lorekeeper level. More importantly though, Prelates are "ordained." When Acolytes graduate, if they succeed, the small life-scroll in front of them in their meditation rug will be filled with text-text said to directly come from Catus, stating precisely what awaits for them in their future life as Keepers. This scroll is archived in the central Sanctuary in Nepetanopolis, and when the time comes to chose a new Prelate, these scrolls will be consulted, and the Head Seer will choose from among them the next Prelate.

Duties and responsibilities

Prelates lead the management of Sanctuaries at the regional level, while their main residence is the Sanctuary situated in the capital city in each of the reaches. One Prelate is also stationed near the Kingdom capital and is responsible for all issues outside of Nepetanopolis in the Central Plains region. They provide guidance in all divine matters and perform similar functions to the Exarch at the regional fuction. Each regional Sanctuary also have an extensive archive that can be used for teaching, and many acolytes also train at the regional capital Sanctuary under the guidance under a Prelate before heading for a final study at Nepetanopolis.   Prelates also act as agents for the Exarch at the local level, especially in regards to issues with the regional Lord Wardens. Generally if any fluctuations in the barrier magic along the Misty Vale, or at other parts of the border, are detected by the Exarch, the finding is first relayed to the related regional Prelate. It is then the duty of the Prelate to consul with the Lord Warden involved on the best course of action. In some cases of emergency, it is also possible for the Prelate to act indepedently first before informing the Exarch or the Head Seer- a right that has been taken advantage of in the past to negative results, while it has also been used to great effect to save the kingdom.   The most important administrative function though is the seat on the Council of Flowers, which meets four times a year after the Rite of Flames, and the Prelates and Lord Wardens meet to decide matters affecting the Order and the kingdom at times. Promotions and nominations are confirmed, and for Lord Warden nominations, debates and discussions can last for days, sometimes even with divine oracle rituals being requested. Then the more serious issue of demotions and even expulsions of Wardens is decided at the Council meeting, each demotion or expulsion requiring temporary policies to be drawn in place to ensure the regional Warden branch is still functional. Such matters usually take several days, if not weeks to finalize, especially at higher ranks, as the decision is not one made lightly, and sometimes in the past were used to disguise movements from the Grimmfell to infiltrate the Order.   Among the rituals and ceremonies, the Prelates are responsible for performing the Rite of Flames, four times a year, after the Rite is completed at Nepetanopolis. The ritual is usually conducted at the center of the regional capital, led by the regional Prelate, where ashes from Nepetanopolis are carried forth in a satchel to be mixed with new herbs in a central ritual basin. The basin is then lit, the flames and ashes interpreted by the Prelate, and praying for a positive future. For the last Rite of Flames in the year in the winter season, the Prelate also leads a week-long prayer, during which they tend to an alter of candles, arranged in honor of all the cats who have perished in the past in defense of the Grimmfell, and bless the citizens who come in to worship. It is believed that such actions help strengthen the barrier against the Grimmfell.

 

Benefits and hazards

Prelates reside in the Sanctuary located at the Regional capitals, and the Sanctuary located in the kingdom capital Kalliste. Following general code of conduct, Prelates do not own any personal property, and usually are well taken care of for life. Unlike Exarchs, it is possible for a Prelate to retire in relative peace, retiring to the level of Lorekeeper and traveling around the kingdom before passing off. In terms of dangers, Prelates are usually capable of combat magic and can be called upon in times of war, a relatively rare occurance in the kingdom's recent history. Otherwise, similar to the Exarch, if any barrier magic falls and the Keepers are called upon to fortify it with their own life forces, Prelates are also at risk of sacrificing their own lives to keep up the barrier of the Misty Vale.

Ceremonial Colors

For more formal ceremonies, Exarchs usually 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. As an indication of rank, the belted sash at the waist is brown, with a silver catnip leaf emblem at the front, and the winter cloak is black 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 brown worn at the neck.