Fire Priests
Syloson society has largely secularized over the years, and most people don’t think much about the idea of spirits. However, on the other end of the spectrum, there are those who have centered their entire life around making sure the balance between the visible world and the invisible is as stable as can be. Sure, some dismiss them as fanatical holy men, but that hasn’t stopped them in the past, nor has it now.
History
The oldest known fire temples are estimated to predate the signing of the pact, and this is understandable. As soon as civilization in Syloson began to take hold, it would have become clear that there was something more than met the eye. Those who focused enough, who meditated for long enough, would have been able to sense the different energy that people have off, especially the volatile energy of fire warriors. Once the dragons were finally tamed, this increased the available knowledge that needed to be managed, as only then could the full picture be seen.
The priests were able to operate in relative freedom for most of the pre-war history, although towards the tail end of the Arkellina dynasty, they were subject to increased regulation, needing a royal military officer at each monastery. As a result, these were the sites of some of the first battles. In the post-war period, a system of coexistence grew between the priests and the central government, in that the priests could operate as they wish, as long as they did so within the boundaries of the law. Moreover, the central government had to remain officially secular, although they may seek out priests for guidance on certain issues.
Theology
The priests believe that humans and dragons, as the two most powerful creatures of Syloson, share a close spiritual bond, and dragons are therefore worshipped as sacred creatures. They preach that the creator god, whose name is not allowed to be written, created man to inherit the earth, and dragons to keep man humble. In order to make things more even, certain men were given the power to create and manipulate fire, serving as the guardians of man against the dragons. Each person, they preach, has a unique energy, and meditation along with physical activity is needed to maintain it positively for the good of the community as a whole.
Career
Qualifications
Fire priest is one of the few professions where fire warriors are explicitly forbidden. It's believed that their powers would render them too unstable to properly serve as a medium between the visible world and the spirits.
Outside of this, membership is open to anyone at least 18 years of age. The training process lasts for a full year, during which period they are required to live in the original monasteries on the Islands of Ash, separated from the rest of society. It is believed that this is where the first humans came into being. The exact process is not told to outsiders, but is thought to primarily involve meditation and physical trials. Once this is complete, the recruits are given three facial scars: a horizontal line on their forehead, and a vertical line on each cheek. From this point on, they dress only in black pants and long-sleeved shirts and are forbidden from owning land, marrying, or growing facial hair. They are also given a new name to distinguish their new life from the past.
Women are permitted to join, but are made to cut their hair short so as not to stand out from the men.
Those with children are also allowed to join, but only on the condition that they cut off all contact with said children, as it is considered a tie to your past life.
Career Progression
Once initiated, priests can serve in assistance at temples for a five year period. Once this is over, they are eligible to be elected head of the temple amongst the priests assigned to the local monastery. Once they have done so for 15 years, they are eligible to serve on the Central Monastery Board. Progression from this point on is based on seniority. The eldest member of the board is considered the Monastery head, and thus, the religious head of the region for which it is located. The oldest priest in the nation is given the title of Grand Priest, and is considered the wisest living figure.
Payment & Reimbursement
All basic living expenses are covered by the central monastery and temple in Reznok, and additional funds can be lobbied to the Royal Government.
Other Benefits
While unofficial, certain innkeepers and restaurant owners have been known to offer free meals to priests. In rural areas, priests are considered wise local figures and are often sought for advice. Priests can also hope to be sought by local government leaders for advice on problems.
Perception
Purpose
Temples hold weekly prayer and meditation sessions for the village where they are based.
Social Status
Many of those in the middle class look down on the priests, seeing them as holy men needlessly depriving themselves of life's pleasures, the same for the upper class. For those in the lower class, however, it is often seen as a noble path, especially given the high positions of influence that priests can hope to attain. I
Demographics
The priesthood is estimated to contain roughly 4% of the population.
Operations
Tools
Every priest is expected to own at least three sets of all black garments. They are also required to always carry at least some money on them, should they come across a beggar. For self defence, they are only allowed to carry a dagger, but if they have to kill someone in self defence, they are required to carry a pouch of ash to bless the body afterwards. The ash is to be from burning tree branches and should be rubbed on the chest.
Materials
As mentioned in "tools", ash is important for blessing, and all prayer and meditation services are required to have a supply of it ready to bless all of those in attendance.
Workplace
The temples are required to have dirt floors so as not to provide a barrier between those attending and the natural earth while they sit. The priest in command is not allowed to sit, as that would distract from his leading of the service. The ash that will be later used to bless those in attendance is made by burning branches during the service, and the fireplace is ventilated so that the smoke may spread throughout the temple and bathe those there.
Provided Services
Traditionally, fire priests oversee the pyres of those who die and are also on call for hospitals to provide blessings and comfort to those who are close to death. They have also made bounds in the field of academia, particularly natural science, due to the structured nature of their life being a good fit for academic writing.
Dangers & Hazards
The training process is hazardous given the heavy storms that have been known to batter the Islands of Ash. While not often directly fatal, the damp atmosphere can cause lung issues for those living there. Furthermore, priests are vulnerable to criminals due to their requirement to always have money on them.
While unofficial, some local governments have been known to hand down harsher punishments on priests who break the law due to the expectation that they, of all people, should have known better.
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