Beryl: Hierarchy: Difference between revisions

<span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="DROPCAP">A</span></span></span>t the beginning of the Facets of Beryl, as the church is called, after that fateful moment when Beryl was released and the witnesses began to recount the legend of Beryl and its sudden, vibrant truth, the faithful wrote down the requirements of their church. The structure was associated with gemstone cutting to please the new goddess. And this structure has continued, unchanged, to now. It should be noted that Beryl is one of the youngest gods and one who, as the literal mother of her people, is much closer to her clergy than other gods might choose to be. In the Facets of Beryl, the offices hold steady; this is not an organization that changes. Rather, it is the faithful that rotates through. For like any precious mineral, the Deep Mother requires that all of her children be faceted and polished.

Forming the base of the faith is the Pavilion, made up of clerics, mages, and even some rogue and melee types. The newest members are called Greenstones. After that are the Malachites, Fire Agates, and Aventurines. The head of the Pavilion is called the Chisel. The Chisel is always an Aventurine appointed by the Diamond. The newest recruit in any temple is given a special name until the next newest member takes their place; they are called the Culet. It is a position that involves some friendly (but never harmful) hazing.

Advancing in their studies, the members of the Girdle learn the finer points of gem crafting and mineralogy. They also expand on the stealth tactics learned in the Pavilion and begin in-depth studies of the religions of Baraeon Ca'duz and Vierdri'ra. The Scale is the best and brightest Garnet. Ready to move forward, the final step is again to shepherd others, provide assistance if a clergy member is having difficulty, and apply some of the things learned by taking trips to mine gems in dangerous locations.

The Table is made up of Rubies. Theirs is a mentoring position, having spent a very long time earning the honor of Ruby of Her Perfection, they act as mentors to the younger clergy. They are themselves mentored by the Emeralds. Since they must be able to cut a perfect ruby gemstone as well as facilitating the rise of students through the grades before applying for Emerald, time as a Ruby may be very long. They must apply all they have learned in decisions and scenarios and are judged by the wisdom of their actions. In this level, they are allowed to begin researching the spell that will eventually lock their wisdom away in a gem; although, they may not use it. The final incantation is kept secret to prevent irreversible mishaps.

Emerald Quillwem of Alindor, the first non-Deep gnome to ever rise to this level in the Facets, is special envoy for temple communications. After his assistance in finding the dark elf assassins and protecting Darkglow and Broken Chisel, his place as an Emerald was assured. He is a wood elf who freely admits to a lifelong fascination with gems. Although he came to the faith late, he has risen quickly. He is in his adult years with scars on his face and body that speak of a life of adventure.

The Diamond is the Deep Mother's representative on Layonara and is elected by the Emeralds from their ranks. He or she holds the position until death or retirement. There is only one Diamond at any given time.

Diamond Darkglow was voted into office by the remaining Emeralds after an attack during the Festival of Diamonds near Stone, which resulted in the death of the previous Diamond. He is an older gnome who is beginning to stoop and is considered a quick thinker. After his ordeal, he is more security-minded than ever, and because of the fact that a Deep gnome helped facilitate the attack, he has put more restrictions on advancement with more clergy time spent mentoring (observing). He has assisted in the rebuilding of the Phenocryst, and he reinforced several smaller temples in addition to the Batholith.