Breath of the Sun
The Breath of the Sun is an organization of militants dedicated to Tor Elan as the Burning Sun. They focus on his aspect as Lord of Battles. Those that serve here live, fight, and die in the name of the Sun Lord.
Hierarchy
Leaders
These are of equal standing, although different in role
- Ecclesiarch
- Chosen from the ranks of the clerics by Tor Elan as his word, the Ecclesiarch is the leader of the Breath of the Sun.
- Praecentor of Penance
- Chosen from the ranks of paladins and priests, he represents the spiritual and martial arms, focusing inward to the Ecclesiarch's outward orientation.
Priestly Ranks
- Cardinal
- Deacon
- Abbot
- Priest
- Acolyte (trainee)
Other Ranks
- Shrouded Sage
- Equal in rank to a deacon, but dedicated to studying the changes in the world, and keeping records. They keep their identities hidden after they take their oath, typically live in a cloistered section below the Dawnspire. They are always wizards that were chosen from the acolytes that display more talent for the arcane than for the divine.
- Oathsworn
- At least equal in rank to a deacon, but can be ranked higher. These are the heads of the martial arm and frequently take Oath as paladins. Praecentors of Penance are most frequently chosen from their ranks as the predecessor retires or passes on.
- Clerics
- These act outside the hierarchy, though they answer to the Ecclesiarch directly. The next Ecclesiarch is always chosen from the clerics. They cannot command the priests, but the priesthood generally listens when the clerics take a strong stance.
Thoughts
Every part of the lives of the members of the order, whatever rank they are in the hierarchy, is spent in service to Tor Elan. Every night the temple is ritually cleansed, same with the weapons and armor that were used that day. By tradition, every member participates in this, from the Ecclesiarch to the rawest acolytes.
Training acolytes that wish to become clerics or paladins involves brutal ritual combat that can and often does result in death. But the dead are treated as one who has fallen in Tor Elan's name, so their name is etched into the outer walls.
