The Imperial Priesthood

The Most Auspicious Office of the Attendants of Jade, the Imperial Priesthood, and the Ministry of Rites is a sprawling organisation that manages all aspect of faith in the Empire. Their sprawling temples hold grand festivals, their villages shrines ensure good harvests, and their exorcists protect the Empire from ghosts and supernatural threats.

It is said that the Office was begun by a peasant farm girl, whose voice was so pure that the August Personage of Jade could not help but do as she bade him. She taught others the ways of being heard by the gods, and of the right compensation for rain, cures, and the other gifts that Heaven grants.

Today, the Office mediates between Heaven and the people, officiating ceremonies such as funerals, petitioning heaven and making the appropriate offerings. Some also spend time tending to the sick. During quiet times, priests are obligated to spend time cultivating their Chi through meditation or martial arts, and expanding their knowledge of the occult, philosophy and other worthy pursuits of the mind and body.

The Imperial Priesthood has always done the bulk of the Office's work. Every temple official, from the High Speaker to the lowest village priest belongs to the Priesthood. The vast majority dedicate their time to communing with heaven, purifying themselves, and cultivating their Chi.

A few, however, prefer to indulge in the pleasures of the physical realm rather than performing their sacred duties. Stories abound of Priests who have abused their position, and collected donations meant for heaven that ended up purchasing fine silks, incenses, and courtesans. While the Imperial Priesthood has historically maintained very strict discipline and ensured the swift punishment of any priests who abused their station, rumours abound that standards are slipping.

The Ministry of Rites holds a more administrative role within the department, dealing mainly with overseeing Imperial ceremonies, the registration of priests, foreign relations of a religious nature, and management of the priesthood's assets. They ensure the smooth running of the priesthood and those administrators attached to the Ministry are able to have a unique access to the elite of the Empire.

The College of Exorcists, in the Province of Shu, is the seat of learning for all the Office's martial arm. Tasked with defending the Empire from supernatural threats, the College maintains armories filled with prayers strips and artifacts. Its wandering exorcists travel the Empire, seeking to cure curses and hauntings that afflict the populace from time to time.

High Speaker Shen is the high priest at the Imperial Temple, making him the most important religious figure in the Empire. A close friend to the Emperor, and even closer friend of the Honourable Companions, he has presided of the vast majority of the Imperial Ceremonies that have ensured the Emperor remains favoured of Heaven.

Head of the Ministry of Rites, she runs the organisation with a tight grip. Any requisition from the Ministry or authorisation for anything involving the Priesthood typically go through her. It is not uncommon for her to personally ensure that the priests are performing their duties as they should.

The Chief Exorcist generally keeps to himself and is not called upon unless absolutely needed. His knowledge of the occult is unmatched by anybody else in the Empire. Generally he will not leave the College unless sorely needed. He is a man of few words and many are afraid of him due to the strong connection he has to the realm beyond.