The Order of Magni

The Order of Magni is headed by Abbot Radulfus at Bene Farbles, just outside Jekleal. Under the Abbot are the, the Priors and the Brothers. The order recognizes all of the Norse gods -  but its  brothers  all dedicate themselves to the worship an magi above all others.

The Abbots is head of a monastery and is generally responsible for 10 -15 ecclesiastical brothers, 20-30 lay brothers and 5-10 Child or Probationary Brothers. He  uses  the title  Father.

Priors generally head smaller houses, known as priories, each containing 7 - 10 ecclesiastical brothers and the same number of lay brothers. Priors are considered to be the backbone of The Church. When the Abbot passes away or relinquishes office, the Priors  meet to elect a new Abbot from among themselves. Priors may also use the title Father.

Brothers are generally the ecclesiastic and lay brothers of the monasteries and priories. Un-Associated Brothers are ecclesiastical brothers who travel the land performing priestly duties and carrying the Word of Magni to the outside world. Both use the title Brother.

Monasteries and priories are the only formal temples to Magni, and their Gymnasia always hold public services on a daily basis. While Un-Associated Brothers may settle down and build a residence with Gymnasium , it is not considered to be a temple in any formal sense of the word. There are no formal rules banning personal ownership by any of the priests of this religion, although hefty donations are expected from those brothers who seem to have a lot of cash, or a particularly good lifestyle.

Monastic Life

There are two public service held in the Gymnasium daily, one at 6:30am and the other at 7:30pm. During these services members of the congregation undertake a body strengthening exercise routine under the watchful eye of the priests. One of the priests beats a rhythm on a drum while the congregation work to the routine set for the service. Services are normally divided into three routines, the first is used as a warm up by the congregation and is open to all participants, and the second is only available to any member of the congregation who knows the proper prayer routine. The third part of the routine is performed only by the priests, lay brothers and known members of the congregation who are particularly fit and strong, and is generally a exhibition of pure strength. The congregation are expected to make a minor sacrificial donation * as they leave the gymnasium.

Monthly, on the day of the full moon, a series of special services are conducted. These occur in the evening after work and all members of the congregation are expected to attend. There is a minor work out session for everybody, followed by trials of strength in Honour of Magni. The champion is highly feted and is generally recognised as being in favour with the God, and is awarded a small medal of an Ox’s head on a purple ribbon. The congregation, participants and observers, are expected to make a sacrificial donation of precious metals as part of this ceremony *.

Ecclesiastical Clothing

On formal occasions Magni’s priests wear ring mail, a horned helmet and carry a war hammer. The leather of the ring mail is died deep purple and the buckles are made in the shape of Ox heads.

When taking part in exhibitions, exercise ceremonies and other similar contests the priests wear purple costumes with a gold ox head motif +.

Purple robes with the ox head motif are an acceptable substitutes for minor ceremonies.

Notes

 

*

Sacrificial Donations are normally in the form of Silver, Gold or Platinum coins, and donors are expected to make a contribution in keeping with their status. A silver piece might be acceptable for a farm worker, but an adventurer just back from a successful mission might be expected to contribute hundreds of gold pieces. Half of this income is used for the upkeep of the monastery and half is sent to the High Abbot for central church funds

+

Shorts, trunks, leotards or whatever is appropriate