Ranks and Distinctions

Subject: Ranks and Distinctions Sat Apr 03, 2010 8:54 pm

Overview

As with every other religious order in the wide expanse that is Aeria, there is no single variety of service to the Lords of the Concord among the Knights. Though their name implies purely armor clad warriors, in truth there are two distinctions within the Order, the Prismatics and the Chromatics, which serve their lords in their own, equally important ways. In addition to this, Knights are able to rise through a multitude of ranks, from the initiate rank Beholder to the prestigious rank of Knight Lord.

Acolyte
The first rank that all members enter into once they have taken the Oath of Service is 'Acolyte'. Each new member must pass through this phase, despite prior skills or knowledge. The period of service one enters into when he or she becomes a Acolyte is best described as an apprenticeship; members enter into a period of intense study, mostly devoted to dispelling falsified information regarding the Gods, be it cultural or philosophical in nature, and ensuring that each and every member of the Knights knows the purpose and history behind the Order and the holy allegiance which it serves. Upon taking the Oath of Service, Acolytes are granted the divine gift 'Silver Fire'.

In order for an Acolyte to rise further within the Concord, each must conquer two strenuous exams; one which is absolute, made known to them as soon as they have taken the Oath of Service; the other which is relative to the individual, depending upon their choice of further study; these being the Trial of the Five Graces and the Ritual of either the Prismatics or the Chromatics.

Regardless of their choice of service, the final examination, which is taken in coordination with the Ritual, involves a strenuous test of their knowledge regarding everything they have studied, from the history of the Order to the methods of the Dark Gods. Failure in this regard sets the Beholder back for further study; subsequent failure sets them into candidacy for dismissal.

Prismatics

The Prismatics are the priests, mages, and scribes of the Concordic Knights. It is their duty to preserve the ancient lore of the Concord; their purpose;their history;their duties. Prismatics seek to spread servitude to the Mandate, converting new members into the fold. Prismatics give sermons, teach Beholders, and preform divine rituals. Their studies focus around divine magic, rituals, ancient lore, and the interpretation of holy will. Upon the completion of their initiation ritual, Prismatics are granted an advanced form of the 'Silver Fire' ability.

Chromatics

The Chromatics are the divine warriors and protectors of the Concord. It is their duty to enforce the will of the Concord, purging evils in both their physical and spiritual form;aiding local authorities in combat against dark creatures; thwarting dark plots; the destruction of dark entities. Chromatics seek to protect the innocent from the dark manipulations of evil, acting as living blades of the Mandate. Chromatics train other, younger Chromatics, protect Beholders and Prismatics, and form raiding parties against dark entities. Their studies focus primarily around advanced combat abilities, purification spells, and the establishment of holy auras. Upon completion of their initiation ritual, Chromatics are granted a consecrated, enchanted weapon of their creation and choosing.