Post by Tulf on Mar 10, 2016 0:01:54 GMT
PURGATORY DIVISION
Brought about by the new Pope’s far more open-minded regime and acknowledgement of the dwindling state the purist approach of the Church in the past has led to, the Purgatory Division allows for Mystic Kind, Magus, Hybrids, Psychics and Ki Artists to act in the name of the Church should they be denied entry to the Exorcist Division due to their background or powers. Although technically considered equals in rank to the junior members of the Exorcist Division, the Purgatory Division is typically seen as a step below the standard members of the Church – however, they are quite welcome to earn their place in the Church within this new division, and thus become full members of the Church’s order.
Named after the plane in which souls still destined for heaven are purified of their mortal sins to achieve the holiness expected of the residents of heaven; the Purgatory Division is a loosely organised group intended to allow typically rejected members of the supernatural society to join the Church. Essentially treated as mercenary Clergymen until their promotion into the main Church order, members are expected to act as honorary Clergymen in Church activities until they show exemplary dedication deserving of a place in the main order. While there are many applicants for the Purgatory Division, the best bet for becoming a member is a recommendation from a genuine member of the Church; as the Church only accepts the most promising and safest bets for the division – it is considered an honour to be part of the organisation, not an occupation. In turn, members of the Purgatory Division can expect better treatment than those within the IACSB and Magician’s Guild; even at such a meagre rank; as the Church cares for its members as more than simply workers.
Upon being accepted into the Purgatory Division, members must undergo a purification and baptism ceremony as well as numerous tests of loyalty and endurance to show that their dedication to the Church is genuine – given their reputation, the Church is understandably concerned by the prospect of naysayers intending to join the division in order to undermine the order despite the new initiative’s good intentions. Members of the Purgatory Division typically live within their local Church estate where they can be properly trained in the ways of the Church and can be kept under surveillance, as well as allow their peers in the order to become used to their presence. Of course, members of the Purgatory Division cannot also be members of another organisation – they must be dedicated to the Church, and the Church alone… however, it is not unknown for members of the Purgatory Division to work with the IACSB and Magician’s Guild on rare occasion as both field experience and as a show of trust from the new Pope’s doctrine.
Although treated as members of the Church like any other, members of the Purgatory Division cannot become Apostles or Saints, and are barred from using Rites and Sacraments above E-rank until they are promoted to full members of the Church. Ki Artists are taught the Church’s ‘Special Fighting Styles’ instead and are expected to adapt their style to these teachings. Magic-users or Psychics are unable to use Faith due to their usage of Mana and Od in its place, and are thus also barred from Rites and Sacraments. Due to their previously puritan approach, most veteran members of the Church look down on the Purgatory Division despite the Pope’s insistence; but there are many who are accepting of the new recruits as well. In general, Hybrids and Magicians get the worst of the Church's ire despite the division, and will have a hard time getting in regardless... but on the other hand, Psychics and Mystic Kind have a decent chance at acceptance; vampires and daemons aside.