The Ashen Clergy.

[ThatFunkyBunch 2818]

 

 

The Ashen Clergy. 

 

“Ascend the steps those before you have taken.”

 

Article One: Birth Rights.

Days long have passed since the great might of Magara’lin stood. The ashen kin lay scattered, the blood of the Maehr which all Mali’ker share runs apart. Mocked, and shunned for our hues. The Ashen Clergy declares that all Mali’ker are born with rights bestowed upon birth. 

 

Our Ancestors suffered tremendous horrors, though life weaves its threaded fingers betwixt all that breathe. The Mali’ker is born pure, like anything else, they too can rot and wither. For those that deny the call of Azul, The Ashen Clergy declares the following to apply to any Mali’ker. 

 

 

Article One: Rights of Maehr faithful Mali’ker. 

• The Mali’ker is entitled to basic dietary needs upon hallowed clergy grounds. 

 

• The Mali’ker has the right to defend themselves if attacked.  

 

• The Mali’ker is entitled to basic literacy training and open access to historical tomes. 

 

• The Mali’ker is permitted bed rest within Ashen Clergy grounds. 

 

• The Mali’ker is entitled to a fair trial and due civil process. 

 

• The Mali’ker is entitled to a proper burial, regardless of income or social status. 

 

• The Mali’ker is entitled to the right of certain varied religious beliefs. 

 

 

Article Two: Azulites and The Mori.

Article Two: Subsection A: Azulites.

 

Azulites have plagued the Mali’ker since the dawn of the Maehr. The vile spawn, Azul, patron of madness and cruelty. He who delighted in the screams of the young and old alike. His followers, murder’s, sadist to extreme degrees. Mali’ker that displays the following symptoms may, in fact, be an Azulite.  

 

The following provides a list of symptoms Azulites display. 

 

• Quick to anger, unwillingness to speak calmly and with respect to other Mali’ker. 

 

• Violence prone, Azulites will quickly resort to a fight if provoked. 

 

• Seeking magical strength simply for the fact of having magical strength. Magic chasers, greedy. A dead give away of Azulite nature. 

 

• Dark Arts, such as Blood Magic, being the host of a shade parasite (Willing or unwillingly. Refusal to get the parasite removed results in a swift death.) Frost Witch, any form of voidal art (Refusal to disconnect from the void will result in a swift death). 

 

• Enjoying torture of other living creatures. Watching things suffer, Azulites delight in their horrid dark pleasures to kill maim, flay, rape and inflect general harm and discomfort. 

 

• Acts, such as torture are forbidden. Even against enemies of the Mali’ker. A swift clean death must meet all. Much like a hunter, culling the herd. 

 

• Azulites will target beliefs of any Mali’ker in an attempt to convert them over to Azulite ways, be you Warhawke, Drui, or Ancestral worshipper. The Azulite will attempt to convince one that their faith in what they have means nothing. To give way to madness and chaos. 

 

• Azulites may worship dark beings, and worship of a Dark Primordial God, daemon, dark being, or the Spider Aspect that lead the Mori to enslave the Mali’ker results in a swift and quick death. 

 

 

 

 

Article Two: Subsection B: The Mori.

Most of the Mori are long dead, with few slaves running through the lands before the Mali’ker. The Mori appears as a dark elf, with their teeth filed down. White hair is the dominant genetic trait, in addition to pale blue eyes. The Mori typically have light sensitivity and will cover their eyes if out during the day. The Mori may act savage and animalistic and will fight as such. 

 

 

• The Mori are worse than the Azulites and should be killed on sight or detained for conversion and rehabilitation. Any mention found within books is to be burned on the very spot. Worship of the Spider Aspect, still known among the druids of the modern era is to be met with a swift death. 

 

• The Mori are child eaters, cannibals. Dangerous and quiet. The Mori has a habit of infesting small sub-terrain scapes near kingdoms. Settings up shop to start devouring prey. Being scavengers, The Mori are equipped with stolen weapons, stone spears or even bone weapons. blunt clubs. Or small shanks. 

 

•  The Mori are slavers, taking strong or meek to serve purposes they deem too mundane for themselves. Mori culture revolves around spider worship and matriarch veneration. Female Mori is often more keen than their male counterparts. Males are fearful of females in general but loyal to their matriarchs. It is not uncommon to see a stray male following the lead of a commanding female, even if said woman is not a Mori. 

 

 

 

Article Two: Subsection C :Recovering Azulites and Mori.

It is possible for an Azulite or even Mori to repent for their ways. Recovering Azulites and Mori are kept away from the general population until they are deemed safe enough to re-enter society. The path to recovery has many steps. 

 

• Stage One: Azulites: Recovering Azulites must forsake dark arts and dark habits. The Azulite must first be locked away into isolation. Fed often, but not given any words. Their company shall be with the rats. After the first few days of holding. A small dagger will be placed within the cell. If the Azulite can make it a week without cutting the rats, or themselves, they are permitted to leave isolation. If the Azulite fails, they are killed in their cell swiftly. After this stage, surviving Azulites will be ready for the second stage in their recovery. 

 

• Stage Two: Azulites:  The Azulite is placed in a cell. This cell may contain three other recovering Azulites. Azulites are not permitted to speak or have contact with Mori rehabilitation patients. Azulites at this stage are interrogated, but no blood may be shed from them. The Azulite is questioned about their faith and beliefs, snarky remarks or refusal to stop veneration to dark beings is met with punishment. For hours, the Azulite must hold fifteen-pound weights in each hand. Their arms must be outstretched to their sides, spread eagle. The Azulite must bend their arms slightly back, and keep their spine straight while standing. Quickly, the Azulite will find that their airflow is restricted. Though they will not be nailed upon a cross, the weights in their hands and position will recreate the effects of crucifixion in the lungs. Causing them to breathe painfully as long as they hold the pose. This shall repeat until guards fully believe the Azulite has converted. Then the Azulite shall be ready for stage three of recovery. If they do not convert, the Azulite is swiftly killed. 

 

• Stage Three: Azulites: The Azulite shall be given a supervised stay within Magara’lin, for a year they are monitored. Should the Azulite prove that they have truly recovered, they will be welcome back into Mali’ker society. This occurs only after a ritual, where the Azulite is adorned in white garbs. A clergy member will dip them within the water of a flowing stream to truly remove their blight. Once the Azulite is raised, they will be tattooed upon the right wrist. This symbolizes both freedom and binding, chains will be tattooed around one wrist. This will mark the recovered Azulite. As Mali’ker only have two wrists, should an Azulite fall back, they have one more chance if their other wrist is free of the mark. If a recovered Azulite with two marks commits an Azulite act. They are swiftly killed on the spot. 

 

 

 

• Stage One: Mori: Most stray Mori is starved as it is, but should a well-fed Mori be captured, the Mori is locked in isolation. Starve until their stomach shrinks. Fed just enough to keep them alive but wanting more. No contact with any living spider can be allowed to take place. 

 

•  In time, the Mori will break. During this period of hunger crazy, one can begin to wing the Mori off the need for wet living flesh. This is done by giving them, sweets. This will make the Mori start to feel affection towards their captors. From here, progress is moderated. Secured walks outside their cell, and works towards new food groups. No raw meat must be given to the Mori. 

 

• Any form of meat given to the Mori must be fully cooked, and well seasoned. Fruits and vegetables are ideal. Once the Mori is able to eat sweets, cooked meat, fruits, and vegetables, without visually cringing or gagging. The Mori can move on to the second stage of their rehabilitation. 

 

• Stage Two: Mori: The Mori will be taught to act civilly. Given cells with proper bed, desk, and wardrobe. The Mori will be taught to put on clothing every day, maintain their hair and personal hygiene. The Mori is not allowed weaponry, any attempts to do such will result in severe punishment. Repeated offenses will result in death. The Mori is taught how to read and write. The Mori is taught how to speak proper common.  After three years, if the Mori takes lessons, they may begin stage three. The Mori that fail are subject to a swift death. 

 

• Stage Three: Mori: The Mori that make it through stage two, are given supervised stay within Magara’lin for five years. During this, they are carefully watched. If caught resorting back to old ways, the Mori is killed. The Mori will be given tasks and given chances to further study themselves. If the Mori proves themselves an avid, worthy, and honorable member of society, they are rebirthed through crackling fire. Ramps will be constructed, two on each side of a large bonfire. As this is constructed, a set of robes is crafted for the Mori. To show their reform. Once each side is ready, the recovered Mori will be adorned in thick gray paint, with flat-lined blue markings on the torso, right arm, and left leg. A bright red heart is painted upon their chest. The Mori will devote themselves to protecting the blood of the Maehr. Then leap through the crackling flames to the other side. (Mali’ker must be on standby with buckets of water in case of the worst. After the Mori leaps through the flames, they are dipped in water and scrubbed clean. The Mori will then be gifted their new robes. Which the Mori will adorn, becoming reborn as Mali’ker. 

 

Article Three: Religious Beliefs:

 

The Mali’ker is entitled to the freedom to select religious beliefs. The beliefs or beings below are tolerated within the hallow grounds of the Ashen Clergy. 

 

• The following category of deity class beings may be given praise by none Mali’ker: Anguels, Spirits, All Aspects besides the Aspect known as the Spider. Ancestralism, and Warhawke beliefs. If believed to have other faith, the Ashen Clergy will launch an investigation. 

 

• Mali’ker within Renelia must be willing to learn worship of the Spirits and ancestors within Stargush’Struh.  Dark spirits are not be given positive praise, and may be mentioned in the case of warding the spirit off or making a plea. A basic understanding of spirits is taught. 

 

• There are three kinds of Spirit, Elemental, Immortal, and Ancestral. Spirits themselves are categorized as Greater or Lesser. Beneath each greater spirit is thousands of lessers in the case of Immortal spirits.  

 

• Elemental spirits comprise of the earth, air, water, fire, metals, and storms. What these spirits like and desire is pretty straight forward, and are often the easiest to offer praise too. 

 

• Immortal spirits comprise mortal aspects of the realm outside the elements.With spirits of the Moon, sun and stars, the seasons, metallurgy, farming, hard work, honor, bravery, protection, love, fear, hate, anger. Beneath each Immortal spirit is countless numbers of Lesser spirits. These spirits grow more detailed in the aspects they represent. Example: Beneath Kor, there would be lesser spirits of death. Relating to the cause of death. Or in account of Vulka, each lesser represents an tactful aspect of war. As these lesser spirits grow more detailed, too, does the spirit itself grow weaker. 

 

• Ancestral spirits comprise of mortal souls that cross Kors gate and enter Stargush’Stroh. These spirits can be accounted for in the same as others, though their over all desires and goals aling with spiritual worship. Greater Ancestral spirits are greatly known and worshiped, whilst leasers are more recent and less known souls. 

 

 

 

Article Three: Religious Beliefs: Subsection A: Banned worship.

The following contains a list of beliefs or worship banned from the hallowed grounds of the Ashen Clergy. 

 

• The Spider Aspect praised by savage Mori, Daemons, Inferni, Dark Ancestral Souls, Azulite praise, Azul Worship, Undead worship, worship of dark gods, worship of the void or voidal creatures, Xionism, Shade beliefs, Frost Witch beliefs.  

 

• Being caught giving such things worship will result in imprisonment for rehabilitation or swift death. Shrines to such things are destroyed and its constructor killed on the spot. 

 

 

Article Three: Religious Beliefs: Subsection B: Proper Burial.

 

Honorable, none Azulite, Mali’ker are granted proper burial in accordance with their religious beliefs. If said beliefs are known. Unknown Mali’ker are burnt in the hopes to send them to the Ancestral plain. 

 

• Standard burial comes in the form of cremation. The body is painted by those that knew the Mali’ker or volunteers. The Mali’ker is adorned in silk robes. The body placed within a stone furnace. Once turned to ash, the ash is gathered and placed within an urn with bee’s wax. This urn may be given over to loved ones or kept within the crypt. 

 

• Less common is mummification, this is typically reserved for Mali’ker that state they desire such or their faith does not require the body to burn to help pass to their next life. Mummification is also used to preserve dead, to take them to a proper location for burial or cremation. 

 

• A cut is made on the left side of the abdomen and the internal organs – intestines, liver, lungs, stomach, were removed. The heart was dried and placed within an urn in turn with the other organs. 

 

• A hooked instrument is used to remove the brain through the nose. The brain placed within a sand-filled urn to shrivel and dry.  
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•  The body and the internal organs are packed with natron salt for forty days to remove all moisture. 

 

•  The dried organs are wrapped in linen and placed in canopic jars. The lid of each jar is shaped to represent one of the Mali’ker Ancestors.
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•  The body is cleaned and the dried skin rubbed with oil.
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• The body is packed with sawdust and rags and the open cuts sealed with wax
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• The body is wrapped in linen bandages. About 20 layers are used and this takes 15 to 20 days.
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• A death mask is placed over the bandages.
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•  The bandaged body is placed in a shroud (a large sheet of cloth) which is secured with linen strips. 
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• The body is then placed in a decorated mummy case or coffin

 

Article Three: Religious Beliefs: Subsection C :Coming of Age.

 

Mali’ker reaches adulthood once meeting fifty years of age. 

 

• The coming of age ritual is set up, A festival will take place around the ritual. The Mali’ker coming of age will be adorned in gray robes, their face painted as dark as the spaces between stars. A thick rope will be tied around the wrist. The Mali’ker must gain the favor of at least two other Mali’ker, and bring them before their parents or appointed guardian. The caretaker then cuts the ropes, and the now-adult Mali’ker devotes themselves to the protection of Meahr Blood. 

 

Article Three: Religious Beliefs: Subsection D :Marriage.

 

Marriage is an act that dates as far as any can remember. Marriage is allowed between two adult Mali’ker. This marriage must be overseen by, 

 

• One or more members of the Ashen Clergy. 

 

• One or more members of the Onyx Sanctum. 

 

• One or more members of local Renelia council members, state politicians, and ranking military personnel.  

 

• One or more members of the Royal family. 

 

• Marriage date and weds names must be documented and kept for filing. 

 

• Weddings, in of themselves, must simply have those to be wed speak in turn of simple questions. Such as, do you take this Mali’ker to be your partner. Upon the response of both saying, I do, they are wed. 

 

• Many have their own traditions and ideas for their wedding. Though some do not care, in this we turn to a tradition that dates back to Darkhaven. To the age of Koltira and Khel. If they do not speak vows, simply wed them. Take two pieces of different colored cloth. (Ideally, each  cloth will be the colors of the to-be-weds family clans.) Weave the cloth around their wrist and pronounced them married. This is to signify their unity before the Ancestors. 

 

 

 

Article Three: Religious Beliefs: Subsection E: Encouraged Clergy Enlistment.

 

Members of the Clergy are encouraged to join the military, with the acceptance of the Pariahs’ duty to join the states defense. 

 

• In the case of an attack or raid, Clergy members will default to their own chain of command, if military personnel are not around by the time fighting starts. If able, they should alert the entire city. 

 

• If military personnel are around and available, Ashen Clergy members will default to the command of their own ranking personnel until the strife is fully over. 

 

• In the event of a siege (Attacking or Defending), Ashen Clergy forces will default to the command of the highest-ranking military personnel or the ‘War Master’ (Who oversees the overall battlefield.) Unless told otherwise by ranking personnel. Ashen Clergy must fully support their commanders to the smallest detail. 

 

Article Four: Crimes Against Nature:

 

Crimes of nature are defined by their nature bellow. 

 

Article Four: Crimes Against Nature: Subsection A: Cross-breeding.

 

The mixing of Mali’ker blood is an act against nature. Such is not the fault of the child but of the parents. When a crossbreed is noticed if birthed within Renelia. The child is taken to be raised within the Ashen Clergy. To redeem the child from the acts of its parents. 

 

• The parents of the crossbreed will be branded with a teal upside down moon upon the forehead. They will not be allowed visitation with the child until the child is at least twenty-five years of age. 

 

• Second transgressions result in the same above, with the taking of the child. The parents, however, are given a swift end. 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Four: Crimes Against Nature: Subsection B: Crossbreed redemption.

 

Crossbreed dark elves retain most of their elven features, but were not raised by the Ashen Clergy are offered redemption.

 

• The crossbreed will be tasked with the learning of their dark elven blood. To better understand those that came before and personal Ancestors. They are to be taught the ways of their kin. They will learn what separates them from an Azulite or Mori. If taken quickly to their studies. They will be given a tattoo around their right wrist to signify rebirth. 

 

• Should Crossbreeds outside Renelia not wish to partake in such, they shall be granted peace. On account that said crossbreed does not attempt to fall to Azulite ways.  

 

Article Four: Crimes Against Nature: Subsection C : Kin slaying.

 

 

Kin slaying is defined as one person with the blood of the Maehr within them, slaying another of the same status for any reason but for self-defense. This is to say, all Mali’ker, due to the Maehr being all dark elf ancestors.  

 

• Killing your own kin out of, greed, hate, jealousy, lust, dark magic rituals, or any reason not in self-defense of your own physical form is a crime against nature. You will be branded with an upside-down moon, upon your skin with hot metal. You will be treated, and numb from the pain before the hot iron touches your skin. You will remain within the clergy itself, namely the prison. For at least five years. Where tasks may be as simple as sweeping. Or hanging from the ramparts to clean windows. You will be tasked with learning major Ashen religions. (Ancestralism, Warhawke beliefs, Spiritualism, Certain Aspects of Druidism, and Anguel worship.)  

 

Article Four: Crimes Against Nature: Subsection D : Dark Magic.

 

The long topic of debate, Dark Magic is defined as magic that must in some sense, bring suffering to the caster or target. Or that corrupts the soul or form.  

 

• Blood Magic is classified as a Dark Art. Though it may serve some practical uses, Blood Magic itself is a dangerous doorway to complex and horrid rituals made to help those with ill intent to hide and operate. Blood mages use blood to bolster themselves or harm. Few use it to cot blood and help with injured. Refusal to forsake the art or undergo only moderated use will result in a swift death.

 

• The Shade Parasite is classified as another worldly being. The Shade host is just that. A host, devoid of any former life or meaning. It is the parasite within that pulls the reigns of the body. The parasite makes the host produce Amber. Amber, will give a feeling of dread when around it or touching it. Slayer steelworks wonders against Amber. The Shade host will manifest limps during combat. Shades do not let the host harm themselves. The easiest test is to make someone cut themselves. If the wound keeps bleeding, it is not a shade host. If the wound seals up rapidly, it is a shade host. Refusal to remove the parasite will result in a swift death. If not able to remove the parasite, a swift death is granted. 

 

• Inferni, are otherworldly beings. Coming from Stargush’Struh. Ancestral souls tossed out to the badlands or wondering over. Turning to horrid demons. Most Inferni are controlled by a Warlock. Smaller, smarter and more magically powerful than most summoned Inferni. One must devour the soul of an Inferni to become one. Typically, this will result in one simply melting and never returning. Rarely will a new Inferni rise forth. If an Inferni is spotted, all advice is to attempt to find a Lutamancer to send them back to the badlands as swiftly as possible. Inferni references the badlands as the High Hells. If able, slay the Inferni or let them pass around the area without entering.  Inferni will attempt to make deals that often end in the enslavement of your soul. 

 

• Frost Witches are females that have made a pact with another worldly being to alter their soul. They can create and move ice. Corrupt land. Namely, they feed off the flesh of the living. Though some are known to hide dead bodies and eat carefully over the course of time. Fond of robbing graveyards, Frost Witches are rarely seen. Each Frost Witch can shapeshift their form to a wide variety of looks. They have no heat. The Frost Witch is weak to heat and will shed it’s disguise if an area is too hot. 

 

• The Voidal Arts. Any and all voidal arts are seen as a dark art. Though they may look harmless at first. The void offers strength to weak souls and weakens their bodies. In turn, as seen within the events of Arcas, the use of voidal magic helps weaken the veil between this world and the void itself. A dimension that thrives only to devour and corrupt all it see’s. The continued presence of voidal mages will forever bring the threat of the void to our door. Refusal to disconnect from the void as a Mali’ker will result in a swift death. Void Magi attempting to teach Mali’ker will be told once to stop. If refusing, they shall be granted a swift death. 

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• Undead are deemed an act against nature itself. Undead should be swiftly re-killed on the spot. Aurum or Slayersteel works wonders against undead, fire too. Skeletons shatter with blunt force but do not tire. 

 

• This list may be updated in the future. 

 

Article Five: Tenets of Ash.

 

“We, the Ashen people, long strode through this life. It is now that our time to place our foundations upon the living world. 

 

With the book in the left hand, and right upon my heart. To guide the Mali’ker for centuries apart. 

 

To be the tip of her spear, through centuries beyond her life. It is due to Velulaei that all Mali’ker may have eternal life. 

 

Against the foes of balance and lovers of strife. Between high hills and long fields. To rushing river or roaring sea. There is nowhere the ancestors light can not take my kin this moonlit night.”

 

The Tenets of Ash act as a guideline for the Ashen Clergy in addition to recruitment requirements. 

 

Tenet One: Faith.

 

The Ashen Clergy is faith itself, taught the ways of old from Primarch Dak’ir Des’Nox. Mali’ker must have faith, for eons have the Mali’ker looked to the Ancestors, to spirits. From the nomadic Warhawke to the hermit of Onyx. With small numbers giving praise to anguels and aspects.  Those of the Ashen Clergy are tasked with the study of all these but expected to uphold strong Ancestral ties. Giving praise to Ancestral Spirits beyond this life. Clergy members are allowed to worship morally neutral or light Spirits. 

 

• Mali’ker must give veneration to one or more Ancestral Spirit or Spirit to become a member of the Ashen Clergy.   

• Mali’ker must not hold any dark magics. 

• Drui are rarely allowed to become members of the Ashen Clergy. 

• Paladins are rarely allowed to become members of the Ashen Clergy.

 

 

Tenet Two: Ash.

 

Becoming apart of the Ashen Clergy requires several interviews, to understand the persons’ knowledge of the Mali’ker and their past. If they require training and art accepted in, they will be tasked with learning their Ancestral ways. This often entails learning about personal ancestors you are related to, in addition to learning of the Greater Ancestors.  

 

Tenet Three: Teach.

 

Members of the Ashen Clergy are required to actively teach Mali’ker that know nothing of their past. Telling them of their history, their stories, their past. Be it their own or another. 

Ranking of Clergy members.

 

The Clergy operates under the following hierarchy. 

 

• The Keeper of Ash: In charge of the overall operation of the Clergy. Must prepare religious scriptures and attend matters of faith. The Keeper of Ash will assign duties to other members of the Clergy when needed. The Keeper of Ash is decided by a majority vote of Clergy members. The Keeper of Ash must appear once a year before the public for a mass sermon. In addition to holding sermon within the Temple throughout the year. The Keeper of Ash will ask Clergy members to partake in trails for the faith. These comprise  of spreading knowledge or constructing a shrine in distant lands. 

 

• Ig’ker: The Ig’ker are Ashen Seers that complete their ancestral trails and start the journey to deeper devotion. These members will serve as secondary power within the temple order to bring the Keeper of Ash into question while in turn each will be trained to one day replace the Keeper of Ash. The Ig’ker help the Keeper of Ash train and recruit members of the Clergy. The Ig’ker may issue spiritual trails and ancestral trails to the willing. 

 

 

• Ashen Pariah: This title is given to members of the Ashen Clergy that have proven themselves in combat over the years and faith. The Ashen Pariah is tasked with the protection of the temple, Mali’ker, and shrines. They are tasked with the punishment of those caught stealing from shrines or attempting to deface shrines. These battle priests are expected to give an active sermon twice every year within the Temple.  The Ashen Pariahs’ answer to Ashen Seers, The Keeper of Ash, military personnel and royal family members of Renelia. Ashen Pariahs are required to live within the temple. Ashen Pariah are unable to enforce order or laws outside of the Temple grounds. One becomes an Ashen Pariah through combat trail, and must have been promoted to the rank of Ashen Seer beforehand. 

 

 

• Ashen Seer: Ashen Seer act as advisors and helping hand to all Clergy members, but namely The Keeper of Ash. Seers will oversee the day to day operations of the Ashen Clergy. Helping write scripture, approving scripture made by lower clergy members, actively hosting sermon when able to, frequently throughout the year. Only the Ig’ker or Keeper of Ash can promote an Ashen Seer, said Seer is required to complete two spiritual trails and an ancestral trail to achieve a higher mantle. 

 

• Ashen Initiate: Ashen Initiates are members of the clergy that are starting their training into spiritual and ancestral worship. They are incharge of cleaning temple floors, keeping shrines in check and learning more to deepen their devotion to the spirits and ancestors. The Initiate must spend atleast two years learning and complete one spiritual trail and ancestral trail. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

((Joke responses will be reported and deleted.))

[ThatFunkyBunch 2818]

Will fix the spoilers later, tried a few times

[AnimeWolf0080 1509]

good job fixing it!