Everything below is common knowledge.

The Priesthood of Pa'tuk Leryn

The priesthood is an important religious organization that serves both the city and its surrounding communities. There are relatively few priests, and they are respected for their knowledge of spirits and sacred traditions.

The Duties of Priests

Priests have four important responsibilities:

  • River Passage: Priests accompany trading vessels through the dangerous rapids, calming or distracting the river spirit Agara so the boats can pass safely.

  • Community Service: They perform religious ceremonies, offer guidance, and help maintain the traditions that bring communities together.

  • Spirit Mediation: They communicate with spirits and help resolve problems involving angry spirits, sacred places, or supernatural corruption.

  • Sacred Witnessing: When a priest dons their sacred mask, they are acting as a mediator between mankind and the spirit world. They swear never to lie while speaking through these masks, making them trusted witnesses to important promises and agreements.

The Ranks of the Priesthood

The priesthood has five ranks, from lowest to highest:

  1. Initiate

  2. Acolyte

  3. Junior Priest

  4. Priest

  5. High Priest

Above them is the Hierophant, who leads the entire priesthood.

Each advanced beyond Initiate requires passing examinations to demonstrate knowledge and ability. Each advancement beyond Junior Priest requires intense written and oral examinations, as well as receiving the support of a noble patron.

Higher-ranking priests have greater authority within the temple and are allowed access to closed libraries of greater mysteries. High level priests are said to have abilities that rival the mages of the city.

Priests and the Nobility

The priesthood is separate from the noble houses. Anyone born into a noble family who becomes a priest must give up their noble privileges.

However, noble families still have considerable influence because priests need noble sponsorship to advance through the ranks.

The Temple

The large ziggurat is the center of the priesthood's activities. It serves as a place for religious ceremonies, teaching, preserving sacred knowledge, and managing the priesthood's responsibilities.

Priests frequently travel beyond the temple to serve the people of Pa'tuk Leryn and the surrounding countryside.