The Archcardinal
he supreme prelate of the Doctrine of the Five—the organised religion that venerates the Pantheon of the Five gods across the human realms of Demtera. Serving as both spiritual figurehead and political arbiter, the Archcardinal presides over the ten-member Ecclesiastical Council, which comprises the five national high clerics (Patriarcha of Cappirdiom, Wazir of Sahra, Higoðar of Fjallheima, Archevêque of Akerlan and Bishop-Commander of Tor-MetaTera) alongside five God-Speakers chosen for their theological expertise. From the Grand Temple at Midwall, the Archcardinal promulgates doctrine, adjudicates inter-kingdom disputes, confirms or removes national prelates, and grants charters to the Pantheon’s martial orders. Elected for life by a secret conclave of the Council’s voting members, the office combines religious authority with considerable secular influence, making the Archcardinal one of the most powerful individuals in Demtera.
Appointment
The Archcardinal is chosen through a formal, highly ritualised election known as the Great Conclave of Midwall. Because the Doctrine spans multiple kingdoms, the procedure is designed to balance regional influence, theological merit, and—at least in theory—divine will.
Electors
• Voting members – Ten in total: the five national prelates (Patriarcha, Wazir, Higoðar, Archevêque, Bishop-Commander) and the five God-Speakers.
• Non-voting observers – Scribes, heralds, and two representatives from each kingdom’s secular government monitor proceedings but may not speak once the conclave is sealed.
Eligibility: Any ordained priest or consecrated champion of the Pantheon who has attained the rank immediately below a national prelate (e.g., Summus Sacerdos in Cappirdiom, Kahinatun in Sahra) and is at least forty years of age is eligible. Tradition disfavors candidates already holding a throne or a general’s commission, though no canon outright forbids it.
Procedure
Vacancy declared – Upon the death, abdication, or formal deposition of an Archcardinal, the Grand Temple’s silver bells are rung thrice at sunrise in every human capital.
Interregnum – The senior-most God-Speaker (the so-called Primus) serves as acting head for up to forty days, convening the conclave and overseeing routine governance.
Sealing of the conclave – Electors enter the Lantern Hall in the Grand Temple at Midwall. Doors are barred, and only minimal outside contact—meals passed through a revolving gate—is permitted.
Rounds of ballot – Paper slates inscribed with the Pantheon’s five-pointed star are cast twice daily. A two-thirds super-majority (seven of ten votes) is required. After each inconclusive round, prayers to all Five are offered, incense of each deity is burned, and debate continues.
Divine lot – If seven consecutive ballots fail, a final round is decided by drawing the Urn of Uro’nus: the names of the two leading candidates are placed in crystal spheres; one is selected by the youngest elector, signifying youthful creation’s tie-break.
Proclamation – White smoke (for a super-majority) or blue smoke (for an Urn result) is sent up the Grand Temple flue. The new Archcardinal emerges onto the Sun-Balcony to receive the people’s acclamation.
Investiture: Within three days the newly elected prelate is crowned with the Regnum Diadem—five interlocking metal bands for the Five Gods—anointed with oil mixed from sacred springs of each kingdom, and vested with the silver-and-gold cope known as the Mantle of Harmonies. Only after reciting the Litany of Balanced Virtues and symbolically striking a bronze gong five times does the Archcardinal assume full authority.
Electors
• Voting members – Ten in total: the five national prelates (Patriarcha, Wazir, Higoðar, Archevêque, Bishop-Commander) and the five God-Speakers.
• Non-voting observers – Scribes, heralds, and two representatives from each kingdom’s secular government monitor proceedings but may not speak once the conclave is sealed.
Eligibility: Any ordained priest or consecrated champion of the Pantheon who has attained the rank immediately below a national prelate (e.g., Summus Sacerdos in Cappirdiom, Kahinatun in Sahra) and is at least forty years of age is eligible. Tradition disfavors candidates already holding a throne or a general’s commission, though no canon outright forbids it.
Procedure
Vacancy declared – Upon the death, abdication, or formal deposition of an Archcardinal, the Grand Temple’s silver bells are rung thrice at sunrise in every human capital.
Interregnum – The senior-most God-Speaker (the so-called Primus) serves as acting head for up to forty days, convening the conclave and overseeing routine governance.
Sealing of the conclave – Electors enter the Lantern Hall in the Grand Temple at Midwall. Doors are barred, and only minimal outside contact—meals passed through a revolving gate—is permitted.
Rounds of ballot – Paper slates inscribed with the Pantheon’s five-pointed star are cast twice daily. A two-thirds super-majority (seven of ten votes) is required. After each inconclusive round, prayers to all Five are offered, incense of each deity is burned, and debate continues.
Divine lot – If seven consecutive ballots fail, a final round is decided by drawing the Urn of Uro’nus: the names of the two leading candidates are placed in crystal spheres; one is selected by the youngest elector, signifying youthful creation’s tie-break.
Proclamation – White smoke (for a super-majority) or blue smoke (for an Urn result) is sent up the Grand Temple flue. The new Archcardinal emerges onto the Sun-Balcony to receive the people’s acclamation.
Investiture: Within three days the newly elected prelate is crowned with the Regnum Diadem—five interlocking metal bands for the Five Gods—anointed with oil mixed from sacred springs of each kingdom, and vested with the silver-and-gold cope known as the Mantle of Harmonies. Only after reciting the Litany of Balanced Virtues and symbolically striking a bronze gong five times does the Archcardinal assume full authority.
Type
Religious, Clerical
Form of Address
His/Her Holiness, Most holy lord
Related Organizations
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