Chapter Variance – Order of Arnath’s Light
The Chapter of the Arnath’s Light has variances to the standard Order of Arnath Hierarchy (found here). These variances have been approved by the Hand of Arnath himself, though a reliable Lion has been dispatched to oversee and report on the findings. If it were not for the Order’s dire straits on Mardrun after the Ulven Civil War, they most likely would not have been approved.
Arnath’s Light has added a new rank for the Ecclesiarch Order: Neophyte.
Neophytes are those members of the Order just starting on their journey. In the past, the Ecclesiarch Order was made up of those given before the age of 10; rare was it to have an Order member join afterwards. It did happen, and it was with this argument that the Griffin of the Chapter of Arnath’s Light hung his argument.
Neophytes are aspirants looking to join the Ecclesiarch Order later in life. They must first devote themselves to the Lay Order, specifically the Militia, for a year before they are eligible to become Neophytes. Here it is some learn to fight.
In addition, the Neophyte is not exempted from becoming Clerics; rather it means they must learn to channel divine power. They are assigned to a mentor who they act as their page while undergoing this process. If within a year they can learn to channel the divine power they will be accepted into the Ecclesiarch Order. If not they will either return to the Lay Order or go on their own way.
The second variance happens after a new Neophyte joins the Order. Unlike tradition, they do not immediately move into the Lions. Instead, they are able to choose between becoming a Lion or an Eagle. This is done because those later in life are more tempered by its trials, and have more refined skills. Life does the job traditionally accomplished by the Lion rank.
