Temple Order

The Temple Order is one of the four orders within the Eileryan Faith and is focused on the worship of the gods and goddesses in a structured, ceremonial way. Members of the Temple Order are responsible for maintaining the grand temples and sacred spaces where they perform religious rituals and ceremonies.

The Temple Order has a hierarchical structure, with a High Priest or High Priestess at the top, who is considered the head of the religion and responsible for overseeing the various temples and priestly orders. Under the High Priest/Priestess are the regional temple leaders, who are responsible for the daily operations of their respective temples, as well as training and overseeing the lower-ranking priests and priestesses.

The current High Priestess is Mirielle

Priests and priestesses of the Temple Order are the ones who conduct the religious ceremonies, such as sacrifices and offerings, and are also responsible for interpreting religious texts and providing guidance and wisdom to the faithful. They may also provide healing and perform other religious services.

High elves are more likely to be members of the Temple Order, as their approach to religion is more structured and ceremonial. However, members of other orders may also participate in the ceremonies and worship at the temples.

Practices

The Temple Order places a strong emphasis on religious study, as well as on maintaining the purity and sanctity of the sacred spaces. They believe that proper worship of the gods and goddesses requires strict adherence to religious rituals and ceremonies, and that this worship is the key to securing the gods' favor and blessings.  They are the keepers of the structures where worship takes place and the good order of service and prayer are essential to the running of the temples.

Festivals

The most important festival for the Temple Order is the Festival of the Divine. It is held on the last week of the year to give thanks to the gods for their support throughout the past year.  This festival serves as a time of devotion and religious reflection. During this festival, the members of the Temple Order perform religious ceremonies and offer prayers, offerings, and gifts to the deity across the full week. The festival also serves as a time for the members of the order to come together and reinforce their sense of community and spiritual connection.

They also support the main religious festivals detailed on the Eileryan Faith pages and are the leaders of the structure for several of these festivals.

Structure

The Temple Order: This order is focused on the worship of the gods and goddesses in a formal, ceremonial way. They have grand temples and other sacred spaces where they conduct rituals and ceremonies, that are led by priests and priestesses. The priests and priestesses are responsible for interpreting the will of the gods, performing sacrifices and offerings, and providing guidance to the faithful.

• High Priest/ess: The leader of the order and the main representative of the gods and goddesses. They are responsible for interpreting the will of the gods, leading the rituals and ceremonies, and providing guidance to the faithful.
• Priest/ess: The second-in-command and the main assistant of the High Priest/ess. They are responsible for conducting rituals and ceremonies and providing guidance to the faithful.
• Acolyte: Junior members of the order who are in training to become priests/priestess. They assist the priests and priestesses in conducting rituals and ceremonies, and learn the teachings and practices of the order.

While any class can be a member of the church, they are generally restricted to:

• Monks - have a close affinity with the gods, their concern for knowledge and the lore of the faith means many serve as gatherers and preachers of knowledge.  Many act as librarians and keepers of stories.  They are most often found out in the field gathering information to bring back to the temples.
  • Likely class is Rogue/Envoy
  • Suggested Talents - Unknown, unarmed style, quick reflexes
  • Suggested Specialisations - Martial Artist
  • Approved Arcana - Healing
  • Forbidden Arcana - None
  • Additional info - Monks get access to the weapon group staves.
• Priests - Have a strong belief in the strength of spirit that is inherent in everything the Eileryan Faith has dominion over, they are healers and defenders of the faith and work side by side with their peers.
  • Likely Class is Mage/Envoy
  • Suggested Talents - Unknown, Inspire
  • Suggested Specialisations -Seer
  • Approved Arcana -  Fate, Healing,
  • Forbidden Arcana - Death, Shadow
  • Additional info -Priests get access to the weapon group Bludgeon
• Protectors -are the defenders of the faith, upholding services and defending the temples on Elven lands.  They answer directly to the High Priest.
  • Likely Class is Warrior
  • Suggested Talents - Unknown, 
  • Suggested Specialisations - Paladin, Guardian, Holy Warrior
  • Approved Arcana -  Protection, Heroic
  • Forbidden Arcana - Death, Shadow
  • Additional info - Gets a weapon focus of choice