Dawn: I believe it depends on the religion in question. In terms of most Preyganist religions, the blanket term to cover your bases would be 'priest'. although in the case of Capridism, the specific term for a priest is ironically enough, a Bellwether. In fact, the root definition of Bellwether, in general, describes a 'ram leading a flock', which is where the surname is derived. The term 'shepherd' actually applies to non-sheep leading sheep as I mentioned in my book, but I'm getting off-topic. Then there are of course 'flock matrons', which would be the specific term for caprid 'nuns'. When it comes to Bambisim, well...if I remember correctly priests were called 'Cervin' for short, which I believe is a play on 'Shamam'", As they are supposedly connected mentally and spiritually to the great forest...I think to work their gods will in the living realm.
Vernon: Which describes most priests regardless o' faith...
Dawn: *chuckles* That's why it's such a flexible term. They also have a nun equivalent in their own 'lady does.', which emulate the virtues and grace of the holy mother doe.
Vernon: What about Simbology?
Dawn: Uhh...well, if I recall those in the position of 'priest' is called 'Pride Leaders, and while they don't have a direct equivalent to nuns, they do have something called 'sirens of Sarabi..."
Vernon: What's that?
Dawn: Well, as a preface, in caprid and Bambisim faiths, nuns and priests can wed and have families. However, in Simbology Pride Leaders can only wed lionesses that have earned the position of a siren of sarabi, no outsiders. Essentially the whole point of the position is to make pious and obedient mates for their Pride Leaders. And in the more 'devout' sects, a Pride Leader is expected to marry multiple sirens and form an ancient pride structure, essentially a harem. Even though most...contemporary practitioners of the religion don't take more than one wife, and see that as an old and archaic practice, it is still upheld in the higher echelons of Simbology.
Vernon: 'Bit excessive iffin' ya' ask me, but that's comin' from a species that's always mated fer life...
Dawn: What about you Vernon, surely you'd like to explain the important roles of Volkism?
Vernon: Well, at the top o' the heap is usually a 'Seer', which is usually female but ain't always. Generally, they are seen as a direct link to Lupa and the gods seated in Asgrowl, so like the Bambists and Caprids, they are supposedly helpin' enact Lupa's will in the mortal realm. Granted y'all only drag a Seer out personally in specific circumstances, or they come to y'all if they have a vision that pertains to you. Outside o' Seer's, everythin' else is sorta...smaller. When it comes to tithe's and religious rites and whatnot, it's usually somethin' that's handled by the family members of a pack, and not a special someone who works outta some orthodox church. Although there are the Seer's servants, which serve as the mammal to go to with lesser problems and prayers that are meant to be taken to the Seer in order to get them to Lupa's ears. The Seer's servants also help those doin' rites or tithes by supplyin' 'em with necessary materials and legal paperwork, as well as teachin' those the rituals that weren't taught to 'em by their own families. Basically with Volkism, a lot o' the onus to practice is on the individual.
Dawn: So...those aren't technically a form of a priest?
Vernon: I'd say they're more like glorified guidance councilors. *Chuckles*
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