Bright One
The Bright One is the final and ultimate rank of the Church of Veritas. It is granted to a new leader of the church whenver the previous one meets their prophesied end or simply pass away from the lifetime role. A role of immense respect, it is said and noted that whoever is marked as Bright One receives a dream from their god, Veritas. This is confirmed against various other criteria that are not known to the dreamer but sent to the other Shining Ones to confirm. It is not impossible for a non Shining One to become the next Bright One but it is typical that the next Bright One is chosen from the Shining Ones.
A rank of immense power, the plain iron mask that is given to the Bright One is suffused with the paradoxically existing and non-existing power of their god that grants them the ability to give power to their followers if not for a small window of time for them to execute their assigned missions.
Qualifications
To become qualified to be the next Bright One, you only need to receive the proper vision from Veritas. This vision is verified with unique and independent qualifying aspects of it being confirmed by the Shining One council, which indeed then confirms you as the next Bright One.
Requirements
You must receive the correct vision from Veritas that instills in you the belief that you are the next Bright One, and bring it to the Shining Ones council.
Appointment
The ritual to ascent to become the Bright One is long and complex and called 'The Bright Ascension'. It requires the Blood of Veritas, acquired from the prior Bright One. Next the heart of willing mortal sacrifice, and finally the screams of ten flayed mortal men and women, distilled into its essence. The blood is consumed, the heart is burned in a blackflame pit, and the essence is coated over the skin of the ascendant Bright One. If all is well, a flash of black light rings out, and the new Bright One rises from their unconscious slumber anew. Better, superior, powerful.
Duties
The Bright One is responsible for the physical, mental, emotional, and most important spiritual safety and health of their flock. Required to maintain these aspects they are tasked with ensuring that the Church will survive until the birth of their god, that which will enlighten the world.
Responsibilities
Day to day responsibilities of The Bright One include traveling their sanctum in The Hidden City and even venturing outwards, hearing confession of the sinful, delivering benediction to the faithful, delivering sermon at any pulpit they so please. They must spread the world of their lord.
Benefits
The Bright One benefits from gaining long lifespan, immense religious and magic based powers, foresight, enhanced constitution, enhanced speed, enhanced spellcasting capability, and more. They are regarded as uniquely gifted individuals who express their power in different ways that are unique to each new Bright One.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Iron Visage - A cold, powerful iron mask delivered to the Great Four who forged the church. Passed on to each new Bright One, it is a relic of immense reverence inside the church and the only mark of office that matters amongst the faithful.
Cultural Significance
The Bright One is considered the cultural and religious center of the church's societal and social center. Their word is absolute, their power is unquestioned, and their adoration is assured by the general masses of The Hidden City and across the Dark Cells and Underdark.
Notable Holders
Revman Tecar, the current holder of the rank, is noted as being the strongest caster and generally the most blessed holder of the rank of Bright One since The Visage itself. Prophecy and praise follow Revman stating he will be the one to oversee the birth of their god and bring him to the fore of the world and strike down the Great Heretic.
The Visage of Veritas itself is noted as being the single most powerful bearer of this rank ever. Capable of feats of divine and standard magic that were far beyond the capabilities of even the most skilled certified magic users of The Empire, The Visage of Veritas was unmatched in its raw magical strength. Capable of resurrecting dozens at once, its mere touch could send one flying back. Able to devour and subsume souls with but a look, it was nigh divine in its might.
Status
The title of Bright One is currently still in effect
Creation
The Visage of Veritas itself created the title, and assumed it.
Form of Address
Greatest One, New Visage, Bright One
Alternative Naming
The Chosen, the New Visage, The Successor
Equates to
The rank of Bright One equated to the rank of Theologian Primus inside their religious structuring
Source of Authority
Veritas himself
Length of Term
Life
First Holder
Current Holders
