The Powers of Synod Priests

Powers of Synod Priests

Synod priests are responsible for the spiritual leadership and wellbeing of Imperial Citizens. It is understood that a Synod priest is, by dint of their role in the Empire, possessed of a nature that is virtuous, and enhances virtue in others, whilst protecting them from wickedness. Consequently, Synod priests are entrusted with legal powers to help them fulfill their holy role. The following table summarises the rights and powers of any Synod priest. More detail on each power is available by following the links.

Power	Summary
Witness	The Synod is responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of the Empire and is empowered by the Imperial Constitution to witness or observe all aspects of its function. Any member of the Synod must be granted access to all areas in the Imperial Bourse, the Imperial Senate and the Imperial Military Council, in order to observe and witness, provided they remain quiet, respectful and do not directly interfere.
Sanctuary	If a Synod priest is in the Synod, or on consecrated ground, they may grant sanctuary to one who asks it. The one granted sanctuary has the turn of an hourglass before they may be taken to a magistrate to face any charges leveled against them. The Synod priest who grants sanctuary is responsible for the actions of the one they have granted it to.
Clemency	A person who has been granted sanctuary, as above, may confess a crime or equivalent to a Synod priest. If the Synod priest believes the crime or deed was done for virtuous reasons, they may accompany the person to their trial and speak on their behalf to ask for clemency from the magistrate.
Calling for the judgment of an Assembly	Once per summit weekend, a Synod priest may put a judgment before an Assembly of the Synod.
Making a Judgment	Over the course of a summit weekend, there may be many judgments put before the various Synod Assemblies. A Synod priest can express their verdict for or against any, or all, that apply to Assemblies they are members of.

Further Reading

• The Synod
• Information about the different Assemblies
• The powers of the Synod Assemblies
• How the Synod Assemblies use their powers
• The Way of Virtue
• Imperial Theology