Starlit Monks

Entrusted with the spiritual and emotional well being of the people of the Court along with being one of the major routes into Starlit politics, the monastic orders of Sihi are many and varied in both their outward appearance and in their particular understanding of the Path. Housed in monasteries that are scattered across Sihi ranging from the magnificent Shrine of a Thousand Paths, a grand marble and granite edifice in the center of Camlann, to the Chapel of Aspiration, a small two room home in the hills of the Golden Valley.

There were around 450,000 monks in the Starlit Court as of the last census, they are organized chiefly into four primary orders, Theologians, Counselors, Teachers, and Diplomats. There are a few smaller orders but none of which have come to the same renown as these four, as of yet.

Uniform
While not all orders have strict dress codes it is understood that most monks will wear robes when performing official duties for easy identification by those who have need of their services. The design of these robes varies massively between orders and even individuals, from the chasuble like robes of the more traditional monasteries found on the streets of central Camlann to the cassock like coverings of some of the more widespread groups to the half-robes and t-shirts of the more modern cliques that manage the education of the young.

Typical Organizational Structure
The four major Monastic Orders, the Consecrated Quartet, Organize themselves in a similar pattern. Following the strictly egalitarian beliefs that are at the core of most follower’s understanding of the Path, the large majority of monks are placed on equal footing with each other.

The Orders are headed by an Abbess or Abbot, taking a place of authority above that of the rest of their order. Their role is to organize their orders on a macro scale, deploying and keeping organized vast groups of Monks to where they are needed. The Abbots/Abbesses also manage internal affairs of their orders.

They are supported in the logistics of their role by the Deacons who hold responsibility for their specific Diocese of the order’s work. Each Diocese is composed of eight to twelve thousand monks all working to cover the specific needs of Sihi and their orders at large. Dioceses are created by the orders to provide structure to the provision of a specific service to the people of Sihi, allowing the monks within to organize their provision to the people.

Monks who are not Deacons or Abbots/Abbesses are called Friars, or Brother/Sister based on their orders’ preference. These are the standard holy men of the Starlit Court, while they may not have fancy titles they are just as fully capable as the others of their orders to fulfill the spiritual needs of Sihi and the Court.

The final large category of members of a monastic order are the novices, those who have come to take up a position of study within the orders in the hopes of becoming a full monk to serve their community in this uniquely spiritual way.

Monastic Orders
There are many and varied smaller orders that perform specific acts of charity across Sihi, but the vast majority of monks are members of the Consecrated Quartet.

The Heralds of the High King
The Heralds of the High King, also known as the Theologians, are the oldest of the four main monastic orders in the Starlit Court. They were founded when the High King was still the Prince, making them the oldest order in the religion. As theologians, their focus is on the study and interpretation of the religious teachings and practices of the Starlit Court. They are known for their deep understanding of the intricacies of the religion and their ability to articulate and explain the teachings of the Path to others.

The Heralds are often seen as the stuffy and traditional members of the monastic community, but they are also deeply devoted to their faith and the well-being of the people of the Court. They are known for their sermons and lectures, in which they expound upon the teachings of the Path and encourage others to follow it.

They typically wear chasuble-like robes when performing their official duties. These robes are often made of rich, ornate fabrics and are adorned with symbols and insignia representing their order and the Starlit Court. The robes serve as a visible sign of their devotion to their faith and their role as leaders and teachers within the monastic community.

In addition to their spiritual duties, the Heralds of the High King may also play a role in the political and social life of the Starlit Court. They may serve as advisors to the High King or other political leaders, offering guidance and wisdom based on their understanding of the religion and its teachings. They may also work to promote harmony and understanding between different factions within the Court, using their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to bring people together and resolve disputes.

The Journeymen of the Path
The Journeymen of the Path, also known as the Counselors, are a monastic order focused on the emotional and spiritual well-being of the people of the Starlit Court. They were founded during the first era of Civil Strife, a time of great conflict and turmoil in the Court. In response to this, the Journeymen of the Path dedicated themselves to caring for the wounds of the mind and helping all of Sihi's peoples find healing and peace.

The Journeymen are known for their compassionate and understanding nature. They offer support and guidance to those in need, whether it be through counseling sessions, group therapy, or simply listening to someone's struggles and offering a comforting presence. They believe that spiritual and emotional health are integral to overall well-being, and they work to foster these qualities in the people they serve.

They typically wear cassock-like robes when performing their official duties. These robes are often made of simple, plain fabrics and are designed for ease of movement and comfort. The robes serve as a visible sign of their dedication to their role as caregivers and counselors.

In addition to their spiritual duties, the Journeymen of the Path may also play a role in the social and community life of the Starlit Court. They may work with local organizations and charities to provide support and assistance to those in need, or they may serve as volunteers at hospitals or other healthcare facilities. They may also work to promote mental health awareness and understanding within the community, using their skills and knowledge to educate others about the importance of emotional well-being.

The Illuminators
The Illuminators, also known as the Teachers, are a monastic order focused on education and the transmission of knowledge within the Starlit Court. They were founded 10 years after the Civil Strife, a time when there was a great need for rebuilding and renewal within the Court. In response to this, the Illuminators dedicated themselves to teaching and nurturing the youth of Sihi, helping to guide and shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.

The Illuminators are known for their strict but fair approach to education. They believe in the importance of discipline and hard work, but also in the value of creativity and individual expression. They work to impart a wide range of knowledge and skills to their students, from the traditional subjects of literature, history, and math to more practical skills such as carpentry, agriculture, and medicine.

The Illuminators typically wear casual wear with a simple half robe when performing their official duties. These robes are often made of lightweight, comfortable fabrics and are designed to allow for ease of movement and flexibility. The robes serve as a visible sign of their dedication to their role as educators.

In addition to their educational duties, the Illuminators may also play a role in the cultural and intellectual life of the Starlit Court. They may serve as advisors or mentors to students and young professionals, offering guidance and support as they navigate their studies and careers. They may also work to promote literacy and lifelong learning within the community, using their skills and knowledge to inspire and motivate others to pursue their own intellectual pursuits.

The Envoys of the Open Hand
The Envoys of the Open Hand, also known as the Diplomats, are the youngest of the four main monastic orders in the Starlit Court. They were founded during the discovery of the Lutrians, a time of great expansion and exploration within the Court. In response to this, the Envoys of the Open Hand dedicated themselves to serving as ambassadors and intermediaries between the Court and the outside world.

The Diplomats are known for their ability to put their best foot forward and represent the Court to the Grandmasters and other external powers. They are skilled negotiators and mediators, able to navigate complex and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. They believe in the power of dialogue and cooperation to achieve mutual understanding and benefit, and they work to foster positive relationships between the Court and the wider world.

The Envoys typically wear kasaya when performing their official duties. These robes are often made of lightweight, comfortable fabrics and are adorned with symbols and insignia representing their order and the Starlit Court. The robes serve as a visible sign of their dedication to their role as ambassadors and intermediaries, and they may also be adorned with intricate patterns and designs reflecting the cultural traditions of the Envoys of the Open Hand.

In addition to their diplomatic duties, the Envoys of the Open Hand may also play a role in the political and social life of the Starlit Court. They may serve as advisors or mediators in internal conflicts or disputes, using their skills in diplomacy and conflict resolution to bring people together and find mutually beneficial solutions. They may also work to promote international relations and cultural exchange within the community, using their connections and knowledge to foster understanding and cooperation between different groups and nations.