Regarding the Question of the Purifiers

[AstriaS 4988]

 

The events of recent years have called into relevance once more the question of whether or not to revive the order of the Purifiers. Upon review of previous writings on the topic, as well as the nature and scale of recent events, it has been observed that the subject is no longer a matter of debate, but rather of necessity. However, many unanswered questions remain about what the modern Order of Purifiers would look like. How would the Order be structured? What would be done with the title of Lord Purifier? Does a Purifier require a Flamebrand to discharge his duty? The previous writings of Keeper Chadmyr and the late Rosalia have delved into these questions in the past, and it is, in part, their views that will be drawn upon herein.

 

Are Purifiers necessary?

Firstly, when discussing the matter of the Purifiers, we must first answer the question of what makes a Purifier. The Purifier, as we all know, is one of those servants of the All Father dedicated to the Third Tenet; to the eradication of the enemies of the faith, be it the abomination or the apostate. The original Purifiers of First Keeper Arthas’ time were a branch of the clergy, distinct from Keepers. Under Tyrite doctrine, however, the Keeper came to be viewed as both priest and Purifier. In this particular regard, the Tyrite practice ought to be considered the correct one. After all, do we Keepers, as bearer’s of the Father’s Flame, not also have a duty to dedicate our lives to the Faith’s defense? That being said however, are not the Keepers also too few in number to act as the sole defenders of the Faith? To fail in our duties to the All Father would be to doom the world to the Darkness of the Abyss. Whether they take the title of Purifier, or no title at all, there is no question that the Faith needs its sword and shield. If the Long Dark is to rear its head, the Faith ought to be fully prepared to face it.

 

How would the order be structured? What of the title of Lord Purifier?

In regards to structure, the Purifiers need not change terribly much from their previous incarnations. A simple hierarchy would suffice; An easily understood set of ranks. In the past, these ranks began at Initiate and ended with Lord Purifier. In this new, hypothetical incarnation, not much change would be necessary, and many of the ranks could stay the same, though perhaps some ought to have their names changed to be better suited to our current time. Regarding the title of Lord Purifier, there is little to say that has not already been said. To hold the position of the Lord Purifier is to lead the Purifiers. Most of the time, this would be an administrative position, consisting of overseeing the general day-to-day. In the event that a Holy War is declared, however, the position of Lord Purifier will take on the role of a commander. As such, a Lord Purifier will not always be necessary, and the High Keeper will be able to oversee the Purifiers in the majority of times of peace.

 

The following is an example of what these new Purifiers might look like in regards to hierarchy:

Rank Hierarchy

High Keeper

Lord Purifier - The leader of the Purifiers, subordinate directly to the High Keeper. Chosen by either moot or appointment. Only Flamebringers are eligible to be named Lord Purifier.

Flamebringer - Those Purifiers who also bear Flamebrands.

Brother Purifier - Men of the Order who have proven themselves worthy of full membership. This rank is given upon completion of initiation.

Initiate - The title given to recruits. Promotion to Brother Purifier is to be given based on merit and accomplishment only.

 

The matter of Purifiers and Flamebrands; Must they have them?

In short, no. The average Purifier ought to simply be, as previously stated, a warrior of the Faith, not a priest. While a Keeper has the duty to both spread and defend the faith, the Purifier ought to be the sword to the Keeper’s shield. Simply put, the Purifier is a soldier; specifically, a soldier of the All Father. Therefore, it is sensible that, as was decreed by Duke Godric, the military ought to serve to combat the Long Dark in the name of the All Father. Continuing this line of reasoning, would it not, then, be even more sensible to raise willing soldiers to a higher station, in direct service to the Faith? These soldiers of the Faith would, of course, require special training. Where the common soldier is trained to combat mundane, secular threats, the Purifier ought to be specifically trained in the extermination of the agents of the Long Dark. To eradicate the enemies of the All Father, one need not carry the Holy Flame, only the will to do the deed. As was stated by Rosalia in her thoughts on the matter, we should not trouble the All Father with trivial matters. Though some Purifiers may carry a Flamebrand, the majority have no need.

 

Writ av 

Alisa Camian, 1758