Acolytes

Scholars of Purple Magic

All who wish to walk the path of the divine and Purple Magic begin in the same place, learning the truths behind the gods they follow, the tenets of the faith they must hold most dear. While these individuals may eventually branch out and move towards professions that utilize weapons or harness their inherent strength as Purple Magic, all must begin at the lowest tier of study, serving as Acolytes, learning the religions, rituals, and traditions that will fuel their passions in the years and tribulations to come. Acolytes are the lowest tier of Purple Magic users, just beginning to dabble in the divine magic that they will later harness in the name of whatever god they have chosen. These fledgling casters first learn what being a user of divine magic means, realizing the sacrifice and devotion that must exist in one of their magic color. Serving as an Acolyte gives one a chance to see whether this path is one for them or whether they should choose a different color of magic to apply themselves to. Purple Magic has never been one for the faint of heart, only drawing those in with the greatest morality. Becoming an Acolyte is the simplest part of walking the path of Purple Magic, but that does not mean it is easy. While other colors of magic boast a modicum of rules, Purple Magic comes with history, tenets, and so much more that must be learned and understood in order to walk the path of the divine and serve whichever god one picks. Those who move past the stage of Acolyte must be prepared for sacrifice, questioning of morality, and stepping into roles of leadership when all else fails. The training of Acolytes prepares them for the worst possible scenario.

Career

Qualifications

There truly are no qualifications for becoming an Acolyte, as Purple Magic is one color that does not necessarily require inherent magic to be able to use. Many who choose to become Acolytes enter their training having little magic ability, but in some way, they have been touched by the divine. Whether it is a deep love of a god ingrained since childhood due to one's culture or a traumatic event where one was saved by the grace of the divine, these people have joined this profession for a reason, often to give back to the world and people that blessed them in their time of need. One of the few qualifications to become an Acolyte is the ability to read and write, as there is a great deal of studying to progress in the use of Purple Magic. Those who wish to enter this study but do not have these skills are aided in their learning by Priests and others of the cloth who may not wield Purple Magic as strongly as Clerics and Paladins. No one is turned away from the work of the divine as long as those before them still live.

Perception

Purpose

Acolytes serve as the precursors to professions such as Paladins and Clerics. While not every Acolyte will join one of these professions, a majority of them will eventually move onward to specialized training that helps them better harness Purple Magic. The few that do not move on to be Clerics or Paladins will fill the roles of Priests and other clergy at various temples and religious locations throughout the world. This path of study is meant to be more than just religious teachings. Those who fall into this profession are often also trained as leaders, as these people are often asked to step into positions of leadership in later life, no matter what profession they pick moving forward. Priests, Clerics, Paladins, and the clergy are seen as people of strict morals who often allow them to lead people well.

Social Status

Those who are blessed with the knowledge of Purple Magic and the divine are revered throughout the world, no matter their ability to wield said magic. Acolytes are often touched by the divine and, throughout their training, gain unwavering convictions that are paramount to becoming Paladins and Clerics. While Acolytes are not treated the same as those who wield Purple Magic in defense of the people, they are still respected for the path they chose.

Alternative Names

Religious Scholars

Type

Religious

Demand

Constant demand across the world as these people will often become Paladins or Clerics

Other Associated professions

Related Materials

White Gold

History

For as long as the Elder Races have known about Purple Magic and were able to harness it, a variety of professions relating to it have existed. Paladins and Clerics were the first, serving as Holy Knights and healers, saving the lives of those who struggled. While people often came into these professions by chance, it was decided that creating a path of study would be more beneficial than throwing fledgling casters into the fray. Acolytes became the first users of Purple Magic who focused on study and learning their new abilities over just jumping in with strong conviction. This path was meant to sort out those who would eventually become Paladins and Clerics from those who would become Priests, religious Scholars, and members of the clergy. All professions were necessary, but only those with certain qualities would survive the rigorous training that defined those who wielded weapons and magic in the name of the divine.

Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2025

Answering: "A profession related to spirituality or philosophy"

Visit RiverFang's Competition Page Check all other answers to this prompt Competition Homepage

Featured Articles

Seasons Calendar

Pantheons of Isekai

Standard Metal Value