High Phœnissa of Aurice
The High Phœnissa is the priestly and ecclesiastical head of the Aurician Cult of the Golden Phœnice which is the state religion of the Noble Republic of Aurice. The cult was instituted by Grand Duke Stalcast Bijäl in the year 2576. The priestess of the dwarven cult of the dragon-phœnix was brought from the Jaggudorns and ordained Mekarna, wife to Stalcast, in 2576 to be the first High Phœnissa of Aurice. She then organized the first priestesses of the same in 2576, choosing principally from her daughters and the daughters of Stalcast's two concubines. The High Phœnissa serves for life, unless she is removed from office by the Noble Senate.
Succession
During the Grand Duchy of Aurice, the sitting High Phœnissa chose her successor who was approved by the Grand Duke. After the revolution, the Noble Senate assumed the power to select the successor from the College of Phœnissæ, considering first the recommendations of the deceased High Phœnissa. In two instances in the early 27th century, the successor has been the daughter of the previous High Phœnissa. Due to perceived corruption, the Noble Senate by custom and precedent will not choose a daughter of the previous High Phœnissa to succeed. However, the daughter will still be eligible to be a member of the College of Phœnissæ and usually is. The Noble Senate has power to remove the High Phœnissa from office. This has occurred only once in the history of the office.
Duties and Privileges
The High Phœnissa presides over all observances of the cult. She approves candidates to become members of the College of Phœnissae. She governs the College of Phœnissæ and appoints its members to various offices and functions pertinent to the cult. She also selects the man who will be the Captain of the Phœnician Guard who is usually her legal consort. She becomes a senatrice with the rank of duke by virtue of her station as High Phœnissa and may sit enthroned with the Noble Senate on the Mensary.
Conditions Applicable to Marital Status
After the Aurician Revolution, the Noble Senate upheld the officially recognized status of the cult. The High Phœnissa continues to be chosen from among the female descendants of Stalcast Bijäl by his wife Mekarna and his two concubines. She is always considered a senatrice in rank. By custom and later by law, she is not married to a husband, but to a consort whom she customarily selects to be the Captain of the Phœnician Guard. In law, she is regarded as an 'inactive' queen and consequently any man who would marry her as her social equal in rank would legally be the King of Aurice.
See Also
- Aurician Cult of the Golden Phœnice
- Dragon-Phœnix
- List of the High Phœnissæ of Aurice
- Temple of the Golden Phœnice (Aurice)
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