Hierarchy

[Irx]

Basics.

The governing structure of Schism is explained here.

Rank: a primary indication of status within Kult, it determines rights and resposibilities of the initiates.
The four ranks are: Enlightened, Disciples, Priors and Messiahs.

Duty: a specific function entrusted to the initiate. The enlightened can't typically have a duty assigned to them and most duties have a minimum rank requirement. While having an active duty is voluntarily for disciples, it is a sacred obligation for those of the Hierarchy to have one.

Initiation: a secondary title indicating an actual contribution to Kult's cause, it symbolizes the ongoing devotion and respect of the fellow initiates, the understanding of Gnosis and following The Path, as well as the benevolence of the Hierarchy. Initiation stage is directly linked to the amount of karma gained by the initiate.

Joining Schism.

Potential candidates for enlightenment are usually sought out by priors, but a willing recruit may as well take the initiative and contact Kult himself. There are no formal prerequisites.

Rank Advancement.

Promotions to disciples are handled by priors. Before appealing for promotion however, the enlightened is adviced to study Gnosis and to display loyalty and dedication by advancing to higher initiation stages. Also, probably not an obvious concept for the newly enlightened to grasp, it is important to understand that most priors represent specific covens* within Kult, thus the decision on which prior to seek for promotion will align the initiate to a certain coven.

[Irx]

Ranks.

Ranks are typically granted for life, but it is not uncommon for those wishing to retire from active duty to be demoted to a lesser title, which may or may not be considered a disgrace depending on circumstances.

All rights and obligations gained through lesser ranks are typically retained upon accepting a higher one.

I. Enlightened.

Those initiated into the mystery of Gnosis, who accept it as their faith thus breaking the chains of reincarnation, become the enlightened. Formally the lowest rank in the hierarchy, the enlightened however are not considered full-fledged members of Kult, but those who share our beliefs and are aware of the veil which hides the true nature of this world. This faithful flock is not usually directly involved into the inner operations of Schism and has few obligations and rights towards it, yet most choose to support Kult in one way or another - and many influential, gifted or devoted people in all kinds of social, commercial and governmental institutions secretly follow The Path and propagate our agendas. After all, Gnosis is the only path to salvation and ascendance. There are only three simple rules every enlightened must follow: Listen to the Hierarchy. Do not wear anabata*. Gnosis is The Path.

Nomen jllis legio

II. Disciples.

The enlightened who wish to dedicate their life and soul to Schism become disciples - soldiers, scholars, preachers - or whatever the calling of the specific initiate may be. An important thing every novice disciple should always remember: a service to Kult is not only a privilege, but a sacred duty as well - and unlike the enlightened, disciples are expected to represent Schism and everything it stands for, to manifest persistence and enthusiasm in serving it. Obey the Hierarchy instructions and admonishings, participate in major events, study Gnosis - after all, servitude to Schism is a gift, not a burden. But of course, with increased obligations come the additional rights: Access to the Inner Sanctum, as well as the right to participate and vote in all major Schism debates. A right to wear anabata, and held responsibility associated with it. An opportunity to get a formal duty. Additional rights may be given that are required for certain duties.

Abyssus abyssum invocat

III. Priors.

Priors are the high clerics of Schism, responsible mainly for organizing and leading initiates. Priors are typically required to take a specific duty which determines their primary sphere of operations and responsibility. Only those found worthy by the Assembly may become priors - previous service history and personal qualities are taken under thorough scrutiny. Initiates can be promoted or demoted from priors depending on the current need for senior executives. It is a voluntarily decision, and each prior is expected to be actively devoted to advancing the goals of Kult and to carry out the appointed duties rigorously. It is not uncommon for a dedicated prior to gain enough influence and authority to take a leading post in a lesser coven or even found a new one, sometimes rising in power to compete with one of the major covens typically led by messiahs. The rights granted to priors include:

Primus in orbe deos fecit timor

• Initiate potential recruits to enlightented, and promote promising enlightened to disciples.
• Organize and command initiates, speak in the name of Schism.
• Publishing rights in the Herald of Schism.
• Access to the Assembly Chambers, with limited rights to define current policies and goals of Schism.
• Limited rights to reward karma, encourage and punish initiates.
• Additional or enhanced authorities required for a specific duty.

IV. Messiahs.

Leaders of Schism, messiahs are believed to have mastered Gnosis and reached the stage at which ascension is possible, but remained at the material plane to lead Schism and guide other initiates in their footsteps. Truth or not, and whatever the reasons they stay for - their power is unquestionable, as is their authority. Messiahs are typically the heads of major covens, though there are few notable exceptions, and together with priors they form the Assembly of Covens, which determines goals and agendas for Kult, among other things. Many messiahs choose to ascend at some point or withdraw from active leadership, so there is usually a small number of them at the head of Kult, and their authority is considered absolute in all aspects that is Schism. It should also be mentioned that most messiahs can not be truely considered humans at that stage, transcending beyond it both physically and mentally, and fully comprehending them may not be an easiest task for common initiates.

Si fractus illabatur orbis

[Irx]

Duties.

All duties are divided by degrees depending on the minimum rank required to claim it and all applications must be overviewed by the Assembly. Taking a duty is always voluntary for those who wish to contribute a portion of their time and will to Kult's cause (except for priors who are typically expected to accept some duty), and though no fixed reward is guaranteed, premium karma is usually granted on a regular basis - as it is a proper way to earn trust and respect among the Hierarchy. If there is a demand, the same duty can be shared by several kultists, and it is possible for one kultist to occupy several duties. Generally every initiate of a proper rank can carry out functions of any given duty even without formally holding it, if to the limited extent.

1. 1st degree duties: (required rank - disciple)

2. 2nd degree duties: (required rank - prior)

3. 3rd degree duties: (required rank - messiah)

[Irx]

Initiation Stages.