dominion_leadership
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| Inevitably, the rise of all Heroes comes to an end. They go one breath too far, and die before their next project is complete. They fail terribly, and their reputation turns to dust. Or once their grand work is completed, they live out the rest of their lives, content to rest on the enormity of their accomplishments. And sometimes, at the height of their powers, they simply vanish, never to be seen again. Those whose memory lives on join the ranks of the Immortal Spirits, to guide others along the Path and reap whatever rewards exist in that rarefied state. | Inevitably, the rise of all Heroes comes to an end. They go one breath too far, and die before their next project is complete. They fail terribly, and their reputation turns to dust. Or once their grand work is completed, they live out the rest of their lives, content to rest on the enormity of their accomplishments. And sometimes, at the height of their powers, they simply vanish, never to be seen again. Those whose memory lives on join the ranks of the Immortal Spirits, to guide others along the Path and reap whatever rewards exist in that rarefied state. | ||
| - | ===== Heroes in Society ===== | + | ==== Heroes in Society ==== |
| All of Dominion Society is encouraged to look to the example of prominent Heroes, both current and past. They are relied upon as a source of inspiration, an expression of what it is to be part of the Dominion, and examples of worthy individuals who are worth your time and attention. Attitudes towards Heroes in general, as well as specific Heroes varies across the Faction. On some worlds, citizens “follow” their Heroes as if they were a sports team, or are hungry for stories involving their favourites. In other communities, they are seen as celebrities, and their every action is examined and analysed. In others, they are spiritual figures worthy of reverence and an emphasis is placed on their spiritual attributes. In others still, they are respected for their skill and vision alone, akin to artists and craftspeople. | All of Dominion Society is encouraged to look to the example of prominent Heroes, both current and past. They are relied upon as a source of inspiration, an expression of what it is to be part of the Dominion, and examples of worthy individuals who are worth your time and attention. Attitudes towards Heroes in general, as well as specific Heroes varies across the Faction. On some worlds, citizens “follow” their Heroes as if they were a sports team, or are hungry for stories involving their favourites. In other communities, they are seen as celebrities, and their every action is examined and analysed. In others, they are spiritual figures worthy of reverence and an emphasis is placed on their spiritual attributes. In others still, they are respected for their skill and vision alone, akin to artists and craftspeople. | ||
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| The Dominion and the Priesthood acknowledge that while the Path of the Hero is to be exalted, that it is not a path that all can walk immediately, or even in the course of a life. To be a Hero is to stoke your spirit with the fires of ambition, to take on tremendous burdens and to strive relentlessly with a very real risk of the gaping maw of failure and despair. The majority of the Dominion do not seek to follow in the path of the Hero, at least not yet. They live their lives free of the hollowing fire within, and the crushing weight of expectation bearing down on them. Not lazy or lacking in will, these citizens strive to do as well as they can within the context of their lives, just without the all-consuming singular focus that the Hero demands. They do their jobs, spend time with their families and friends and promise themselves that in their next life, when their spirit is ready, perhaps they will step out on that journey. Only the truly indolent and slothful are looked down upon in Dominion culture. | The Dominion and the Priesthood acknowledge that while the Path of the Hero is to be exalted, that it is not a path that all can walk immediately, or even in the course of a life. To be a Hero is to stoke your spirit with the fires of ambition, to take on tremendous burdens and to strive relentlessly with a very real risk of the gaping maw of failure and despair. The majority of the Dominion do not seek to follow in the path of the Hero, at least not yet. They live their lives free of the hollowing fire within, and the crushing weight of expectation bearing down on them. Not lazy or lacking in will, these citizens strive to do as well as they can within the context of their lives, just without the all-consuming singular focus that the Hero demands. They do their jobs, spend time with their families and friends and promise themselves that in their next life, when their spirit is ready, perhaps they will step out on that journey. Only the truly indolent and slothful are looked down upon in Dominion culture. | ||
| - | ===== Outcasts ===== | + | ==== Outcasts ==== |
| The life of a Hero is a burdensome one, with a considerable weight of expectation on their shoulders, followers jostling to make a name for themselves, and priests whispering in their ears. Some would-be heroes crack under the pressure, or find themselves suddenly out of favour with their followers or the Ecclesiocracy, having gone a few steps too far or not far enough. Some Heroes work towards a mighty undertaking only to see it crumble before them, losing heart and becoming resentful of the system that built them so high only to see them fall. Most of these individuals manage to pick themselves back up, or retire for a time to build up their reserves once more. Others fade away into the wider Dominion society, the path of the Hero no longer their priority. Some, however, find themselves unable to remain within the Dominion, and take themselves and some of their most loyal followers outside the Faction. | The life of a Hero is a burdensome one, with a considerable weight of expectation on their shoulders, followers jostling to make a name for themselves, and priests whispering in their ears. Some would-be heroes crack under the pressure, or find themselves suddenly out of favour with their followers or the Ecclesiocracy, having gone a few steps too far or not far enough. Some Heroes work towards a mighty undertaking only to see it crumble before them, losing heart and becoming resentful of the system that built them so high only to see them fall. Most of these individuals manage to pick themselves back up, or retire for a time to build up their reserves once more. Others fade away into the wider Dominion society, the path of the Hero no longer their priority. Some, however, find themselves unable to remain within the Dominion, and take themselves and some of their most loyal followers outside the Faction. | ||
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| The fringes of Dominion space are littered with minor fiefdoms - outcast kingdoms that are home to the disillusioned, the desperate and the rejected. These outcast kingdoms are often found to be filled with criminals, followers of heretical Spirits, vagabond species, exiles or refugees from other Factions. They are frequently located in inhospitable systems, celestial backwaters and deep in dangerous nebulae. Life in most outcast fiefdoms is hard, and many have turned to piracy or smuggling to get by, although some are thriving realms where prosperous citizens pay heed to no Faction’s diktats. | The fringes of Dominion space are littered with minor fiefdoms - outcast kingdoms that are home to the disillusioned, the desperate and the rejected. These outcast kingdoms are often found to be filled with criminals, followers of heretical Spirits, vagabond species, exiles or refugees from other Factions. They are frequently located in inhospitable systems, celestial backwaters and deep in dangerous nebulae. Life in most outcast fiefdoms is hard, and many have turned to piracy or smuggling to get by, although some are thriving realms where prosperous citizens pay heed to no Faction’s diktats. | ||
| - | ====== The Ecclesiocracy ====== | + | ===== The Ecclesiocracy ===== |
| [{{ :image:dominion:orion_sphere_event_2_saturday-05161.jpg?400|<html><font color="black">Tulaki Priests form the heart of many Dominion communities.</font></html>}}]Heroes may rise and fall as they strive to accomplish great things in the name of the Immortal Spirits, but the priesthood acts as a solid foundation for Dominion society. Priests swear to abandon the quest for individual greatness in order to advise and guide both Heroes and the Dominion as a whole. Most Heroes will have a trusted priest at their side to offer advice and guidance at critical moments in their journey - either to encourage them towards personal greatness, or towards acts that would benefit the Dominion itself. | [{{ :image:dominion:orion_sphere_event_2_saturday-05161.jpg?400|<html><font color="black">Tulaki Priests form the heart of many Dominion communities.</font></html>}}]Heroes may rise and fall as they strive to accomplish great things in the name of the Immortal Spirits, but the priesthood acts as a solid foundation for Dominion society. Priests swear to abandon the quest for individual greatness in order to advise and guide both Heroes and the Dominion as a whole. Most Heroes will have a trusted priest at their side to offer advice and guidance at critical moments in their journey - either to encourage them towards personal greatness, or towards acts that would benefit the Dominion itself. | ||
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| During a period of radical doctrinal experimentation around 2500PT, other species within the Dominion were taught the basics of some Ceremonies, and performed them extensively on others, but no evidence was found that these Ceremonies had any effect. Within the Dominion, it is presumed that some part of the Tulaki physiology or spirit is essential for contact with the Immortal Spirits to be made, although once it has then members of other species can benefit from that contact. Other Factions have various theories on the strange powers of the Tulaki Priesthood, including that it is a purely biochemical process similar to narcotics, a latent psionic power of Tulaki that is unlocked somehow by the herbs, or that the effects are merely a powerful, non-supernatural or psionic form of suggestion. | During a period of radical doctrinal experimentation around 2500PT, other species within the Dominion were taught the basics of some Ceremonies, and performed them extensively on others, but no evidence was found that these Ceremonies had any effect. Within the Dominion, it is presumed that some part of the Tulaki physiology or spirit is essential for contact with the Immortal Spirits to be made, although once it has then members of other species can benefit from that contact. Other Factions have various theories on the strange powers of the Tulaki Priesthood, including that it is a purely biochemical process similar to narcotics, a latent psionic power of Tulaki that is unlocked somehow by the herbs, or that the effects are merely a powerful, non-supernatural or psionic form of suggestion. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== The Role of Priests ==== | ||
| Priests generally occupy one of three main roles: | Priests generally occupy one of three main roles: | ||
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| Although these are the main roles, Priests often find themselves in many other positions as well - some act as missionaries preaching the Path to those outside the Dominion, others act as official representatives and diplomatic personnel, cataloguers and keepers of spiritual relics or visions from the Spirits, and many other tasks. | Although these are the main roles, Priests often find themselves in many other positions as well - some act as missionaries preaching the Path to those outside the Dominion, others act as official representatives and diplomatic personnel, cataloguers and keepers of spiritual relics or visions from the Spirits, and many other tasks. | ||
| - | Priests generally present themselves as advisors, assistants and guides - they have little direct power, although command considerable respect within their Faction. Most priests are supported purely by their community, although they are taught to be humble and only ask for what they need. Priests in more stable situations often find a niche in their community or group, and may have an alternative occupation that supports the rest of the community - they may build intimate relationships or have families as any other Dominion citizen does. With their oath of service, many priests lean towards administrative work as well as their spiritual duties. | + | Priests generally present themselves as advisors, assistants and guides - they have little direct authority, although command considerable respect within their Faction. When working with a community, they are expected to get to know the members of their flock and be able to connect each person with one or more Immortal Spirits that would provide that person with inspiration and an example of how to improve oneself. There are many Immortal Spirits, greater and lesser and everywhere in between, and being familiar with a range of Spirits that are relevant to their community is part of a Priest's duty. Every Priest will be familiar with the greatest of the Immortal Spirits - true legends of the Dominion that provide an example of the greatest heights to aspire to. Identifying an appropriate Spirit is often the first step on a person's spiritual Journey, which may lead them to the heights of the Hero, the path of the Priest, or just a more fulfilling life within the Dominion. |
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| + | The other strong aspect of the Priest's role is to perform Ceremonies to aid their flock when they feel it would help them. The Rites of Focus, Dedication and Perseverance can steel a spirit before a great undertaking, and provide reassurance when doubts and hesitation creep into their mind. As well as the formal Ceremonies, Priests perform a whole range of lesser ceremonies and rituals, which, although they lack the same spiritual power, form an important part of Dominion life and community. Priests are responsible for organising Challenge Moots, leading devotional ceremonies, cultivating their community's spirituality through rituals and other activities. The precise format of these lesser Ceremonies varies from community to community and world to world, but they place Priests firmly as the spiritual heart of those around them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Most priests are supported purely by their community, although they are taught to be humble and only ask for what they need. Priests in more stable situations often find a niche in their community or group, and may have an alternative occupation that supports the rest of the community - they may build intimate relationships or have families as any other Dominion citizen does. With their oath of service, many priests lean towards administrative work as well as their spiritual duties. | ||
| The priesthood has their own complex system of rank and status, but this is rarely visible to those outside of the Ecclesiocracy. In general, high-status priests in the wider realm of Dominion society will tend to occupy similar ranks within the overall structure of the priesthood. The most well-known authority within the Ecclesiocracy is the Conclave of the Path - a council of a few hundred high-ranked priests who make decisions on issues of dogma, the overall direction of the Path, and which Immortal Spirits are to be exalted or shunned. | The priesthood has their own complex system of rank and status, but this is rarely visible to those outside of the Ecclesiocracy. In general, high-status priests in the wider realm of Dominion society will tend to occupy similar ranks within the overall structure of the priesthood. The most well-known authority within the Ecclesiocracy is the Conclave of the Path - a council of a few hundred high-ranked priests who make decisions on issues of dogma, the overall direction of the Path, and which Immortal Spirits are to be exalted or shunned. | ||
| {{tag>faction dominion leadership}} | {{tag>faction dominion leadership}} | ||
dominion_leadership.1652828373.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/05/17 23:59 by conan
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