Esteemed
The religion of Pratasam teaches Elite Salvation: that those who take the burden of leadership accept a higher standard of moral accountability and integrity, and that living up to that standard gives their rule divine sanction. The Esteemed are those who claim that power and responsibility to lead the Pratasa faithful.
In most Pratasa realms, the Esteemed are the noble and clerical classes. Many are druids, though not all are - anyone with sufficient education and priestly approval can become Esteemed.
What it actually means to be Esteemed varies greatly from region to region. The category tends to blend with established power structures, creating lineages of well-educated Esteemed with hereditary power over communities of Humble folk. However, the Esteemed do not theologically need to be feudal lords or even particularly wealthy. Still, Pratasa's dogma teaches that the Esteemed should make all major political decisions - and wealth does tend to follow power.
Comments