Aperan

The Aperani (plural) or Aperan (singular) are the temple masters within the churches of Agrik. There are usually eight masters within a typical temple, each with his or hers own area of concern. Most masters find their spheres overlapping those of their colleagues, and competition is ceaseless, although usually covert. The Aperani are usually appointed by the Viriahn (the high priest or priestess).

Aperalis (Master of Acolytes)
Responsible for training apprentice priests. The Aperalis assigns acolytes to the other masters and helps insure that the temple runs smoothly.

Apervisha (Master of Maintenance)
The master responsible for the daily running of the kitchen, cleaning, etc. Acolytes are assigned to assist the Apervisha and are supervised by his lieutenants.

Aperphelis (Master of Treasures)
Responsible for the temple’s wealth and special artifacts. The Aperphelis may share responsibility for the armoury with the Master of the Middle Discipline. There may also be disputes with the Master of Archives.

Apersuphur (Master of Archives)
The Apersuphur is the master in charge of the temple records. He or she holds the Balefire Chronicle(s) and has responsibility for most written works, but must contend with the Master of Treasures for jurisdiction over some valuable items.

Aperahkai (Master of Propagation}
The master responsible for the temple’s relation with the community. In this he or she must share power with the Masters of the Middle and Low Disciplines. The Aperahkai commands a number of spies and may hold the ear of the local government.

Aperagris (Master of the High Discipline)
The Aperagris is the priest or priestess who leads most rituals of the High Discipline. He or she has their own archives and disputes authority and dogma with the masters of the Middle and Low Disciplines. Important ceremonies may be led by the Viriahn (the High Priest or Priestess); this is another cause for jealousy. The Aperagris sets tests for acolytes.

Aperterahn (Master of the Middle Discipline)
The master in charge of relations with the Terahni. If he or she lacks competence, the temple’s warriors may be virtually independent. The Aperterahn leads special ceremonies for the Terahni, and has a say in their recruitment; competition may lead to disputes with the Master of the High Discipline.

Aperhanar (Master of the Low Discipline)
The priest or priestess who usually leads the “open” ceremonies and deals with most lay supplicants. The Aperhanar also conducts evangelical activities and may have spies in the community at large.

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