Flamen

A Flamen (plural: Flamines) is a priest of Ignacio entrusted with the control of one of the seven Sanctums. They are revered as being in touch with the divine, and their voices carry substantial weight in New Valore’s politics.

**Flamen is a limited rank, and subject to monthly Activity Checks.**

## Overview

Flamines are priests of Ignacio, equines who have devoted their lives to revering the God of Fire. They serve as spiritual guides and therapists to their community, acting both as lordly figures that lead by virtuous example, and as servants of the people. Flamines manage, maintain and live within their Sanctum, a holy temple dedicated to worship, celebration and rejuvenation. Each Flamen is assisted by a number of Sanctum Attendants, who are their direct subordinates.

Aodhians believe that Flamines exist in a realm beyond what other mortals can experience - much closer to the Gods. It is believed their minds have ascended to a ‘higher plane’, and that they can, at will, touch the Starscape. They are perceived as otherworldly, almost demi-gods in their own right. Flamines are considered the earthly representatives of Ignacio, and are thought to speak his will; although historically Kings have occasionally announced certain Flamines to be ‘false’, usually with grave consequences to the priest. In political matters, Flamines tend to argue for pacifism unless provoked.

All Flamines are expected to be empathetic and people-oriented. Therapy is an important feature of their duties, although the exact methods, as well as the range of help they provide, can vary wildly. Sanctums may also provide healing, teaching or group activities. Each Flamen tailors their services to their own congregation, and not all services are offered by all Sanctums. Flamines are expected to offer assistance to all those in need, although in practice even they are usually not immune to the Aodhian ideas of classism.

Despite their near-divine status, Flamines are, of course, just equines like any other, albeit better versed in matters of religion. Some Flamines seem to genuinely believe they have special powers, and an air of mysticism is not a rare feature in their sermons. Like all Aodhians, Flamines have very free views on sexuality and gender - any form of celibacy is not expected of the Flamines.

### **Status and Political Power**

Flamines are revered, and although they technically don’t hold political office, they do have political power. The opinions of Flamines are respected, especially in matters of morality and religion, and even the highest and mightiest of Aodh often come to them for guidance and solace. Although the noble servants of Ignacio technically give up their nobility to serve Ignacio, any Flamen (or Sanctum Attendant) hailing from a noble family can be expected to be especially influential.

Nobles are expected to respect all Flamines, and Flamines are exempt from injured nobility laws. In practice, nobles very rarely interact with the Flamines of Enya, Vatros and Palasa, and although they are treated with respect, they’re generally not revered. The four other Flamines, on the other hand, are treated with the utmost respect, even by those who aren’t big believers in their mystical powers.

For commoners, Flamines are both subjects of admiration, and of fear. Most commoners take the word of the near divinity of the Flamines very seriously, and treat them with almost the same reverence they would treat a god. Chevaliers and other officials are easily intimidated by Flamines, especially if “eternal perdition” is mentioned.

All Flamines are powerful political figures, but they are not equal. The Flamen of Ignis is treated as the lord over the other six, the core of passion to their virtues. The other Flamines are expected to treat them as such, and generally bend to Ignis’ will in matters of theology. Each Sanctum is still very independent, however, and their internal hierarchy only comes to play in grave theological matters.

Flamines are still servants of the Crown, and subject to the will and law of the King.

Flamines aren’t official members of any of the Courts, but are generally welcome to join in and listen on meetings of the Common and Peers Court, and are sometimes even invited to the Royal Court; although this honor is generally only bestowed to the Flamines of Ignis and Fernos, and only in religious matters. Flamines don’t have official votes in the Courts, instead acting as moral and religious guides to the other participants.

### **Appearance**

Flamines, when performing services or appearing in a public capacity as a Flamen, wear sacred ash on their coats and decorate their bodies with candles. This makes them easy to identify even in a large crowd. Only the Flamen is allowed to wear candles - the Attendants make due with the ash alone.

The sacred ash is pulled daily from the Sanctum’s fireplace, blessed by the Flamen, and then worn both by the Flamen and their assistants, often drawn in fire-themed patterns on their bodies. It is believed this ash fortifies the mind and protects from misfortune, and bags of ash are given to any visitors who ask for it.

Other than ash and candles, Flamines vary in appearance and styling. Short or tied down hair is favored to avoid fire-related accidents, but otherwise, Flamines are free to look as they want. Typically, the Flamines of wealthier Sanctums tend to be more spectacular in their dress.

### **Becoming a Flamen**

Most Flamines undergo years of service and devotion as Sanctum Attendants before rising to their position - usually chosen by the previous Flamen - but this is not always the case. Both historically and in recent times, the Crown has held great power in appointments. Should a Flamen be unable to name a successor for whatever reason, the tradition has been for Sanctum Attendants to vote, and for the Crown to confirm the choice. However, the Crown also holds the right to instead choose a suitable Flamen themselves. Sometimes the Crown may even overrule a successor already chosen, should they find them unfit. This is more common with the four Sanctums frequented by nobility - Ignis, Fernos, Azar and Oralee, while the Sanctums considered to be less important have generally been left to their own devices when it comes to naming a successor.

Still, there are some basic requirements that all appointments follow:

* Devout to Ignacio
* Knowledgeable about other gods the Sanctum pays homage to, even if not devout
* Aodhian citizen
* At least 20 years of age, although younger not impossible with Crown approval
* Clean criminal record
* Possessing a “moral and upright character”, and capable of living according to Ignacio’s virtues (although this point is often up to interpretation, and generally only brought up to disqualify a candidate that the Crown does not like)
* University level education in theology is considered a benefit, but not mandatory

Additionally, for Ignis and Fernos Sanctums, candidates of noble lineages are heavily favored, while Azar prefers Flamines with an artist background, or at least artistic tendencies. Ignis has never had a non-noble Flamen. Flamen of Ignis especially must be adept with navigating noble circles, and get along well with the royals.

## The Seven Virtues

All Flamines uphold the six virtues of Ignacio: Passion, Creativity, Courage, Ambition, Pleasure, and Leadership. There is also the seventh, oft forgotten virtue, Redemption. Each Flamen and their Sanctum are thought to represent one virtue over others.

### Passion

Passion is the core of all virtue - without passion, the others lose meaning. Apathy is a grave sin towards oneself, a self-inflicted cruelty that limits growth. A lack of passion spells dissatisfaction with life. Ignacio made his people burn bright, not to settle. Passion is a common topic for life coaching.

### Creativity

Creativity is the virtue favored and sought by artists. Aodhians believe creativity is inherent to each individual walking in Ignacio’s light - problem-solvers, thinkers, dreamers and inventors. It is the creative souls who build Aodh’s future, and there can be no progress without creativity - neither personal, nor that of the nation.

### Courage

Courage is the ability to stand tall in the face of fear. To be unafraid is one thing, but true bravery is a response to fear, and the will to challenge yourself. Ignacio favors the brave - whether it be risk takers, or those who follow their heart when it is difficult.

### Ambition

It is in fire’s very nature to grow, to want, to consume. Stagnation, to it, is unnatural. Ambition is the mortal equivalent, the inspiration to achieve greater things, and better one’s self. Ambition is also a form of self-love - Ignacio desires his children love each other, but also themselves enough to strive for their best possible selves. Virtuous ambition is not ruthless; it’s loving.

### Pleasure

Pleasure in all its forms is revered as a gift from Ignacio. It is to partake in things you love, and considered an important factor in keeping a mind sharp and heart healthy. Seeking pleasure is what makes an equine happy.

### Leadership

One need not be the King, or Head of House to practice good leadership. Aodhians aspire to lead by example, inspiring those around them with their deeds and words. Leaders see what must be done, and act upon it - it is a type of decisiveness.

### Redemption

Redemption is not so much a virtue, as the understanding that should one step astray from the path of Fire’s Virtue, there is always, always a way back, should one try hard enough. Redemption is the act of saving yourself, seeking forgiveness and finding ways to begin anew.

## Sanctums

New Valore has five historical Sanctums: Ignis, Fernos, Enya, Azar and Vatros. In the year 1700, King Isador established two new Sanctums: Palasa and Oralee. Each Sanctum is a hub of worship, community, and healing, but they also differ in character and the congregation they draw. Each Sanctum is ruled and managed by a single Flamen, who with the assistance of their Sanctum Attendants, keep up the Sanctum’s day to day operations.

In addition to their personalized services, all Sanctums offer religious sermons and conduct weddings and funerals.

### **Ignis Sanctum**

Ignis is the second smallest Sanctum, standing proud within the Sol District. It is dedicated solely to Ignacio, and frequented almost exclusively by nobility. It is the traditional place to hold coronation ceremonies, as well as royal weddings, funerals, and namings. A magnificent building faced with white and gold marble, and with the most luxurious interior out of all the temples, Ignis is a sight to behold. Its crowning glory is a life-sized, jewel-encrusted statue of Ignacio at its main altar. All the fires lit within this Sanctum burn white.

The holy relic of this Sanctum was a war axe of pure gold. It has since been lost.

Ignis represents the virtue of Passion.

### **Fernos Sanctum**

Fernos is located near the Crucible, in the wealthy part of the city, and is the largest of the Sanctums. Fernos is dedicated primarily to Ignacio, but has small shrines to Kaia, Argus and Cascade as well. This Sanctum is a popular place of worship for all kinds, especially before and after Crucible matches. Fernos is a towering, vast structure faced with white, black and blue marble, and houses an absolutely colossal effigy of Ignacio at its center. The air smells strongly of incense. This Sanctum was heavily damaged during the riots in winter 1700, but has been mostly restored since.

The holy relic of Fernos is a massive skull of an ancient wyvern. It was stolen in the riots, but has been relocated and restored to its rightful place.

Fernos represents the virtue of Leadership.

### **Azar Sanctum**

Azar stands in the heart of the Artisan District, and is solely dedicated to Ignacio. A relatively small Sanctum, it is favored by artists and art-enthusiasts, enjoying a considerable noble patronage. It is the only Sanctum built in limestone and completely lacking a marble finish. Instead, it boasts architectural relief sculptures across all of its inner walls, and enormous stained glass windows. Beautiful mosaics of Ignacio and Eithnian history line the temple walls and ceilings. The light inside the Sanctum is colorful and iridescent, and some claim revelations come to great artists here.

The relic housed at Azar is a kirin sculpture said to depict King Soleil.

Azar represents the virtue of Creativity.

### **Enya Sanctum**

Enya is located within a stone’s throw of both Eithne’s largest port, and the red lantern district. Dedicated primarily to Ignacio and secondarily to Cascade, this Sanctum draws in many rougher types, like native and visiting sailors, as well as the nearby courtesans and entertainers. A medium sized Sanctum, it is faced with ivory and blue marble. Both Ignacio and Cascade are celebrated with life-sized marble statues, with bathing pools set before Cascade’s statue and shrine. The waters within the Sanctum have a strange, almost glittery hue.

Enya’s relic is a set of eight shimmering, opalescent scales said to come from an ancient wyvern. Rogues insist they are the scales of Scagrywr.

Enya represents the virtue of Pleasure.

### **Vatros Sanctum**

Vatros is located in the lower class neighborhoods, and overlooks the Dark District bridge. It is the smallest of the original Sanctums, and dedicated to all of the five gods, although primarily to Ignacio. It receives heavy traffic from labor slaves, who are permitted to visit the Sanctum, as well as the other poor and unfortunate souls of New Valore. Its an inoffensive grey marble building, largely unadorned and generally considered too common for self-respecting well-to-do Aodhians.

Vatros has no relic.

Vatros represents the virtue of Courage.

### **Palasa Sanctum**

Palasa is one of the new Sanctums, constructed in 1700, and located in the Merchant’s District. It’s a medium sized Sanctum, dedicated first to Ignacio, and second to Kaia. It is patroned by commoners, as well as many War Forged expats. It’s a handsome building of burgundy and white marble, hosting statues of both gods, as well as indoor flower beds and hanging gardens. The air always seems to smell of flowers.

Palasa has no relic.

Palasa represents the virtue of Ambition.

### **Oralee Sanctum**

Oralee was founded in 1700, and is located completely within the Hearthstone Palace, on the first floor. The smallest Sanctum by far - if you count out the libraries - Oralee is frequented by nobles and researchers. It is dedicated solely to Ignacio, and the kirins. Oralee is beautifully decorated, like most of the palace, and houses an impressive library of tomes owned by the Crown, as well as some marvelous artwork centered around Ignacio and kirins. It houses a magnificent statue of Ignacio.

Oralee has no relic.

Oralee represents the virtue of Redemption.

## Current and Previous Flamines

**Ignis** - Pyrus (1702-), Tyrus (died around April 1701)

**Fernos** - Kaspar (1702-), Lucerys (resigned around August 1701)

**Azar** - Moira (1702-), Castiel (resigned around summer 1701)

**Enya** - Bale (1702-), Undyne (resigned around summer 1701), Laos (resignation late 1700)

**Vatros** - Ulysses (1698-)

**Palasa** - Misti (1702->), Tiresias (founding-1702)

**Oralee** - Euonia (1702-), Bale (founding - 1702)

## Rank Levels

* **At 25 AP** | Flamines act as spiritual guides and therapists to their community. You may gain your **Tier 1 Talent** early (for your first talent only).
* **At 50 AP** | A Flamen is easily recognized by the presence of ash on their coat and the candles incorporated into their attire. Receive **Ash** and **Candles** for free.
* **At 75 AP** | As a Flamen, much of your job involves consultations for advice in all areas and walks of life. Receive +15 SP points towards wisdom or cunning.
* **At 100 AP** | You are an esteemed agent of Ignacio, meant to uphold all that he represents. If your familiar spot is free, receive an **Aodhian** **Mythical (or rare) Familiar.**