Orateur Principal - Prime Speaker

No matter how far the Croyancy spreads, l’orateur principal is considered the shepherd of all-- peasants and monarchs alike. He (or she, as the chosen speaker of the gods can be of either gender) is responsible for overseeing the entirety of the faith, in every realm of the Principality. They serve for life, forbidden from marriage, with their underlings aiding them in menial tasks when the burdens of old age become too much to bear. Second only to the trueborn High Prince of Rosenyr, l’orateur principal sits upon the princely council, advising the monarch in all things faith related to ensure he does not offend those within the pantheon of Croyance.

Grand Orateur - Grand Speaker

Fulfilling what would otherwise be known as an “archbishop” role in other cultures, a Grand Orateur takes responsibility for several churches within a region. There are not many Grand Orateurs within the Principality on Atlas, as the faith is budding like a fledgling rose. Even when in full bloom, there are not expected to be many filling this position-- of those that do, a select few provide counsel to the Orateur Principal upon le conseil de foi. In order to become a Grand Orateur, one must oversee the construction of two or more churches, or gain responsibility over existing churches within a region of the Principality.

Orateur - Speaker

Every church within Rosenyr must have an individual who acts as a speaker of the gods’ words and will. This Speaker, or Orateur, has jurisdiction over a particular church and its happenings. L’orateurs are responsible for training les serviteurs des dieux, turning apprentices into fully fledged servants of the gods, to spread the faith throughout Rosenyr and surrounding lands. Within their respective churches, l’orateurs perform marital and funerary ceremonies, as well as provide guidance for all who require it. Those seeking penance, or forgiveness for sin, may also seek out an Orateur so that they might perform le rituel de la pénitence on behalf of the gods.

Serviteur des Dieux - Servant of the Gods

As the name suggests, les serviteurs des dieux live to serve their gods. Some may choose a certain patron to preach about, though they are servants to all within the Croyancy. An Orateur or Grand Orateur may task them with traveling to certain lands and spreading the faith, though most stay close to home-- preaching in the city streets and helping those in need. Many serviteurs des dieux served as medics during the deadly plagues that swept through the Principality before they migrated to the lands of Atlas, as all are instructed in the basics of healing and righteous combat.

Apprenti - Apprentice

Young and old alike have been known to become apprentis de la foi. Trained by an Orateur or higher, these aspirants are willing to commit themselves fully to serving the gods. Once they have completed their training and trials, they are awarded their pendentif des dieux, a symbol hanging from a chain about their necks that marks them as a true servant to the Croyancy.

Marital Rites

While the man waits near the altar, his wife-to-be is led up the aisle on the arm of her father or male guardian. Once both are there, the marital rites begin. By the grace of Celenus, the Goddess of Beauty, the betrothed are bound in body and spirit, symbolised by a crimson ribbon tied around their clasped hands. While joined, they speak their vows to one another-- of love, loyalty, and undying devotion to each other and to the gods that watch over them.

The Orateur unbinds their hands, before anointing the couple with holy oil upon their brows. Those present should shower them with flower petals, to represent the new life of spring blossoms and thereby the new life borne from the woman’s womb. Gifts are given, before the couple retires to their marriage bed in order to consummate their joining in the light of the gods.

Funerary Rites

Those who have passed on must be burned, so that their souls may be released and returned to the gods. The ashes are then placed into a ceremonial urn, painted with depictions of deeds done during their mortal years. Over a family grave where the ashes are interred, the Orateur bids those of the Croyancy to watch over the deceased, and lead them to the hallowed fields where they may rest for their immortal days.

Family members speak to the merits of the deceased, before all present cast a handful of soil into the grave. A vigil is held for three days and three nights, lit by the golden flame of a beeswax candle. If the individual passed while defending the Principality in battle, military honours are bestowed upon them post mortem, and their family is provided a hero’s stipend for the rest of their days. Should a woman die during childbirth, they are afforded similar honours-- as to bear children for the Principality is the most difficult battle of all.

Coronation Ritual

When a new High Prince comes to power, the coronation ritual serves as their final trial before the gods, to prove that they are the chosen of the Croyancy. All those who will be swearing fealty to the new monarch enter the maison des dieux in reverse order of importance, with the High Prince and Orateur Principal entering last. Upon arriving at the base of the throne, the High Prince kneels before it-- the only time that he will ever bow, and for the only things that are worthy of him kneeling: his throne, his people, and the gods.

The Orateur Principal speaks blessings over the kneeling Prince, anointing him with holy oil from a ceremonial chalice. He must speak of his devotion and loyalty to the pantheon of Croyance before, by their divine grace, he ascends his throne as the High Prince of Rosenyr. All of his vassals then step forth, kneeling before the monarch and swearing their fealty before kissing his ring and returning to their places. The ritual concludes with a cheer to the High Prince, to the Principality, and to the Croyancy.