The House of Concordant Cycles

The House of Concordant Cycles

And so it was said, and so it was known:

One death for each birth;
All glory yields unto ash.
Pray not for stagnancy;
Vicissitude is salvation.

Blessed are the cycles of our people,
Blessed are the cycles of our empires,
Blessed are the cycles of our land.

-- From a Withering Song, part of the Concordant Hymn

Houses in History and Across the World

The Overseers have governed the cycles of immortal seasons and mortal life for ages. The House of Concordant Cycles offers a relatively new tradition dating back mere centuries, a tradition where eight sects aspire to the cooperation and unity of their patrons. It is unfortunate that humanity is prone to falling short of this lofty goal. Informally referred to as The House, this church is an integral part of life in Halmoria and many other empires worldwide.

Scholars suggest The House gained widespread acceptance with a flexible, once-iconoclastic approach to doctrine. The Concordant Hymn is a living document; an ever-expanding collection of publications, songs, and oral traditions that praises Overseers in a manner resonant with local culture. Those who venture across the world report that foreign Houses are somehow exotic and familiar at once.

Interpretations of an Overseer are often different, but a House's eight sects are always diligent in promoting their patron's presences through both gospel and action. Services related to the Overseers' natures are offered at little or no cost, and the clergy takes advantage of consequent opportunities to proselytize.

Many Houses are strong social pillars indulged by savvy rulers so that the peasantry might remain complacent. Houses have had a hand in ending dynasties that were undeserving before the Overseers. Some Houses tend to attract genuine and altruistic clergies, others have more than their share of megalomaniacs with no plans to bow before the gentry.

Life in a Halmorian House

Atalan's House was distinctly Halmorian: politically neutral, respected by the social elite, and focused on the needs of its laity. The Hymn of Concordant Cycles was maintained by a Choir whose members were encouraged to compose and present the gospel as they were inspired. Members of each sect were expected to advance their Overseer's interests, though there was a distinct hierarchy placing those who do so through social influence above those who do so with prowess and, counter intuitively, miracles.

Though the Obelisk was of great importance to Atalan and the Ephaesian sect, the local House sternly insisted it was but one facet of its existence. The colony and its people would fail without its services and guidance, and they had a profound obligation to spread the Concordant religious tradition to the varied cultures of Eramere.

Distinctions within Halmorian Houses

Isochrone: This title is an allusion to objects that have a uniform rate of periodicity, such as pendulums. There are few Isochrones in the world, each responsible for all Houses across their native empire. Once a decade, Isochrones gather to discuss matters of religious importance on a global scale. Despite rumors that the next Assembly shall convene in Atalan, Halmoria's Isochrone places the Empire above its colony in every regard.

Hierophant: The highest official of a single House. Hierophants have the nearly impossible task of ensuring that the House's eight sects cooperate with and respect each other as the Overseers do. Additionally, they organize and direct their House's Choir in its constant expansion of the Concordant Hymn.

Curate: The highest official - the curator - of a House sect. The Hierophant often acts as his sect's Curate in addition to his other responsibilities. Curates train Prelates and assist sect members in finding roles outside the House that allow them to promote their Overseer's presence.

Prelate: Predicants that show exceptional promise are taken directly under the wing of their sect's Curate and are raised to the station of Prelate. Prelates see to the day to day needs of the sect, often relaying the wishes and orders of the Curate to either groups or individuals.

Templar: A House's most proven, respected, and dangerous Stewards, Templars are charged with protecting the House and its most important members from harm. Templars accept missions both holy and mundane from Curates and the Hierophant, advancing the House's agenda with or without regard to secrecy as the circumstances dictate.

Predicant: Among the most respected and promising members of a House, Predicants either expand the Hymn as members of the Choir or perform the officially sanctioned House services that communities need. Predicants are encouraged to fulfill both roles, but such is not required. Commoners are inclined to perceive Predicants as the most accessible and influential members of a House in their lives.

Steward: Martial members of a sect who operate to protect a sect, its members, and its interests. Stewards often work in groups to perform important, dangerous tasks.

Acolyte: One who aspires to be a Steward or Predicant. Many have devoted their lives to sect and House without advancing to their chosen role. Only the best can hope to succeed, and the proven speak of their accomplishments with great pride. Anyone may name themselves an Acolyte at any time, such is a declaration of serious intent to become more than a layperson among the House's hierarchy.

Sects within Halmorian Houses

The House provides a suitable social hierarchy for most sects, though some have additional needs. Atalan's House, for example, hosted an Ephaesian sect that was responsible for The Obsidian Academy, the Obelisk on its grounds, and the study of Arcane magic. Due to their size, resources, and duties, the sect imposed additional order with its own distinctions. These additional hierarchies generally lead to variation in social standing between the sect and the House as a whole. A Predicant might be highly respected by his sect, even more so than its Curate, yet he could also be looked down upon by those of other faiths.

Sects choose to impose or abandon additional hierarchies as it suits their needs. It could be as informal as simple deference without need for title or assigning members to work together on an important task. When formal titles and duties are in use, they are not necessarily public information to outsiders.