Apostolic See

The Apostolic See is the formal religion of the Urbs, based upon the worship of the Holy Trinity. The Apostolic See is a hierarchical organization, composed of Clerics (Clergy) and non-Clerics (Laity). The hierarchy is as follows:

  • Presbyter (Cleric)
    • Deacon (Laity)
  • Bishop (Cleric)
    • Archdeacon (Laity)
  • Archbishop (Cleric)
    • Vicar (Laity)
  • Cardinal (Cleric)
    • Legate (Laity)

Each Cathedral is led by a Presbyter and governed by a Deacon. Cathedrals within a geographic area are grouped into a Diocese, which are led by a Bishop and governed by an Archdeacon. Dioceses are grouped into ecclesiastical Provinces, under the leadership of the Bishop of a particular Diocese, which is called the Metropolitan or Archdiocese. The Bishop of the Metropolitan is an Archbishop, and the Archdiocese is governed by the Vicar. The Metropolitans gather every so often to elect a Cardinal, who is the spiritual leader of the Apostolic See. The Cardinal then appoints a Legate as the secular leader of the Apostolic See.

In addition to the Clergy and Laity, the Apostolic See has several other organizations.

Benedictine Order

Although formally part of the Apostolic See, they are otherwise independent, with each congregation led by an Abbot. The Benedictine Order is dedicated to the preservation of knowledge, and they tend to the Ledger of the Peerage nearest their Cloister. The Benedictine Order known to have Bards in its ranks.

Dominican Order

The Dominicans are an order of mendicant Monks best described as the intelligence organization of the Apostolic See. Although they have Abbeys led by Abbots, they are rumored to answer to a Legate.

Franciscan Order

The Franciscans are an order of mendicant Clerics and Monks best described as the humanitarian organization of the Apostolic See. Novices and Initiates go to Dominican Abbeys for training; once completed, Franciscan Monks are itinerant.

Jesuit Order

The Jesuits are an order of Clerics, Monks, and Fighters best described as the academic and military organization of the Apostolic See. The Jesuit Order is led by the Superior General, with the headquarters of the society, the General Curia, in Neverwinter. They otherwise have no formal ranks, although in practice most Jesuits rank by seniority.

The Inquisition

The Inquisition is a group dedicated to the protection of the Apostolic See from heresy and corruption. The Inquisition is led by the Grand Inquisitor, who is also a Legate. The Inquisition is typically composed of Dominicans and Franciscans.

Templar

The Templar are a military Order of Clerics and Paladins, dedicated to the protection of the Apostolic See from supernatural threats. The Templar are led by the Grand Master, and are further divided into the Knights Templar, who are always members of the Peerage, and non-Peerage Paladins and Clerics. The basic unit is the Tredectet, a group of 12 Templar led by a Knight Templar. The membership and rank structure is as follows:

  • Brother/Sister (War Domain Cleric)
  • Paladin
    • Squire
    • Corporal
    • Sergeant
    • Master Sergeant
  • Knight Templar (Paladin)
    • Squire
    • Sir/Dame
    • Lord/Lady Commander (Leader of a Tredectet)
    • Master
    • Grand Master of the Templar