The Khidarmur

Appointed directly by the Gurim and answerable only to the same, the Khidarmur is ecclesiastic head of the temple. Enjoying the distinction of being considered the expert and final word on all matters of dogma and practicum, the Khidarmur is often neither. The high priest's duties include the conducting of important rituals (generally the Degrees of Nyardath) and the overall administration of the temple. Though the Khala are answerable to the high priest, the amount of actual control that a given Khidarmur has over his underpriests can vary from totalitarian to nil, depending on the specifics of the situation and persons in question.

Should some sort of misfortune befall the Khidarmur, a new high priest must be chosen. Though the Khala Council technically nominates a successor (usually from among their number) when the previous high priest is called by the Wreaker, the Gurim is in no way obligated to accept this nominee, and will occasionally install an outsider to the position just to keep the local priests in line. In many cases, the Khidarmur is simply the priest who was most favored by the Gurim or was most ruthless in the pursuit of the position.

The Khala Council

One of the most important facets of the everyday Morgathian temple experience is the council of Khalas, or underpriests. The chief advisory body to the Khidarmur, these men and women are in a position of power and status within the Church. Consisting of 12 Khala, this group advises the Khidarmur in administrative and doctrinal matters and oversees the running of the temple and its specific functions. Generally, each Khala is in charge of a specific facet of the temple's operations. Also, this body is often times the "pool" from which the next Khidarmur will be chosen in the (likely) event of the previous high priest's untimely demise.

Note that due to the nature of the Morgathian Church, the structure of the temple is not necessarily consistent between temples. In some areas, certain positions will be non-existent, or perhaps the position will have a different name. The reforms stemming from the Balshan Heresy have brought in a slightly higher level of standardization between branches, but slight variations do exist. The most common positions and their descriptions, as well as the title's nearest Harnic translation from Ormauk, are given below.

Khem Khadar (Temple Voice)

The Khala known as the Khem Khadar is generally left in charge of the Church's secular politics, a function which often amounts to "public relations" work. Often working as a liaison with various secular lords, the Khem Khadar seeks to further the Church's aims amongst the land's nobility. The Khem Khadar also must frequently contend with the local Mangai and their representatives.

Mosht Agti (Relic Holder)

In charge of the temple's various antiquities, the Mosht Agti is the keeper of all of the icons, relics, and other religious or mystical objects owned by the temple. Generally, priests are not technically allowed to own any such artifacts, and any relics that are kept by the priests are accordingly the property of the temple, and merely considered "on loan" to said priests. In many cases, however, higher ranking priests manage to squirrel away their own little trove of private trinkets. In cases where the Mosht Agti has some authority or relative standing, however, such practice is frowned upon strongly, and acolytes can be flogged or even killed for possession or use of said relics.

Juryadis (Chronicler)

Keeper of the temple's archives, the Juryadis also has the distinction of being the keeper of the temple's master copies of the Thirteen Articles. In many areas, especially where the Morgathian church enjoys legal standing, several temples have managed to build up significant libraries of tomes, occasionally numbering dozens of books. Some of these books are mysterious even to their keepers, and a few such texts predate even Lothrim. Generally, access to such treasures is jealously guarded, with Sungai and Longai going to great lengths to curry the favor of the Juryadis so as to enhance their studies.

Khura Ghala (Golden Priest)

The Khala holding the title of Khura Ghala is solely in charge of the temple's treasury. It's monetary coffers and spending powers are his personal domain. Needless to say, the position is highly coveted. In addition to day-to-day spending, the Khura Ghala may also be in charge of collections and tithings.

Manam Khadur (Temple's Blood)

The Manam Khadur oversees the temple's day-to-day operations. The cooking for the priests and acolytes, the guarding of the temple grounds, the cleaning of ritual areas, the provisioning for the kitchens, all of these are the duties of the Manam Khadur. As such, the Manam Khadur is often the Khala with the largest horde of Longai, most of whom spend the better part of their first year of studies scurrying about on menial chores for the Manam Khadur. The Manam Khadur also often figures significantly in whether a particular acolyte will advance or be held back.

Kargas ap Nyardath (Keeper of Ritual)

As the title implies, the Kargas ap Nyardath is the keeper of ritual. Though the Khidarmur is officially the high priest and conducts all important ceremonies, the Kargas is often considered the definitive word on the actual conduct of ritual, especially lay masses. The chief duty of this particular officer is to oversee the conducting of the Shadryn Vars, or the monthly lay ritual. Any preparations that must be made for these rituals are the exclusive province of the Kargas.

Khirka ap Gai (Master of Acolytes)

The "master of acolytes" is charged with overseeing the training and education of all acolytes within the temple. Generally, Longai study under the Khirka for two years, sometimes more depending on the Khala's favor. Most Khala in this position are well aware of the power they wield over the various acolytes, and many use it to good effect. With a horde of students eager to please, the Khirka ap Gai is never lacking in willing eyes and ears.

Grakata Kosen (Secret Finder)

Generally, this position is one of the Khala Council's more obscure functions. Generally responsible for "networking," the Grakata Kosen is the priest who runs the temple's network of spies and informants. Most higher ranking priests maintain their own networks, but it is the Grakata Kosen's duty to bring this activity to new heights. Generally, this position is one that is unilaterally feared by other priests. Only the Torkena Matan has the ability to incite more fear, and most priests play it safe by assuming that the Grakata Kosen is an agent of that same body. Most shrewd Grakata Kosen maintain networks both inside and outside the temple. Ostensibly, the position exists to keep the Khala Council and the Khidarmur well informed about goings-on outside the temple.

Makhala Jubai (Priest of the Lands)

Charged with administering the temple's secular holdings, this priest is responsible for overseeing the funds, operations, and doctrinal loyalties of any lands held by the temple. Makhala Jubai and their staff are the priests most likely to be seen traveling to and fro in areas where the church of Morgath actually owns land or owns the loyalty of those on it.

Khonara Azhat (Wreaker's Word)

Charged with the hierarchical administration of the temple, the Khonara Azhat is responsible for keeping track of who is doing what. For larger temples, the Khonara Azhat is the officer in charge of keeping the smaller temples in line with the wishes of the larger. For smaller temples, the Khonara Azhat has the final word on which acolytes will be given mendicant freedoms. This priest is also in charge of any "missionary" operations the temple conducts.

Zadag Katir (Lawgiver)

In charge of administering Morgathian Canon Law and meting out discipline, the Zadag Katir is highly feared. This officer is generally given to have the greatest working knowledge of the tenets central to Morgathianism and is the end source of appropriate punishment for violation of any such tenet. In internal temple matters where the Khala Council has passed sentence on an offending priest, acolyte, or lay member, it is the Zadag Katir who decides the poor soul's fate.

Mohm Padar (Wielder's Hand)

Working most closely with the laity, the Mohm Padar is the priest most likely to arrange for "miracles" to occur. Generally, the Mohm Padar is in charge of sending out temple leg-breakers, though any work where temple personnel are among the laity falls under this priest's province.

The Sungai

These "senior acolytes" are priests who have been studying and living within the temple for at least two years, and have mastered the second circle of Morgathian mysteries. Though it is uncommon for acolytes to be promoted to Sungai in less than two years, it is not unheard-of.

Benefits of the promotion to Sungai generally include increased liberties and better quarters over those given to the Longai. In addition, the Sungai are allowed to issue orders to the more junior Longai, who are required to obey. The duties of the Sungai range anywhere from carrying messages, to assisting the Khirka ap Gai in teaching dogma to the Longai, to performing various chores too important for junior acolytes, to serving as the lieutenants and aides to various Khala or even the Khidarmur himself.

The Sungai are also expected to continue their studies in the secrets and mysteries of Morgathianism. As senior acolytes, they are given slightly more freedom as to the methods they use to pursue these studies. Occasionally, a Sungai will be granted "mendicant" permission by the Khonara Azhat. This gives the acolyte the freedom to wander, doing work for the church on his or her own initiative. The nature of this work could range from simple proselytizing and "missionary" work, to attempting to found a new temple, to a search for (un)holy artifacts, to grisly "research" into things Morgathian. Regardless of the type, it is seldom healthy for the populace at large.

The Longai

Longai are junior acolytes, those who have been studying for less than two years, have not yet mastered the second circle, or have garnered the dislike of their superiors and are therefore held back. Particularly slow or disliked students can be kept as Longai far in excess of two years, and service as long as eight to ten years is not unheard-of. Usually, however, the training itself will take its toll on the acolyte's life long before this time.

Within the temple, the Longai are a fact of life. They live within the temple, usually in the smallest, barest cells, and are only rarely allowed to venture any significant distance from temple grounds. Most spend the majority of their first year running menial errands, especially for the Manam Khadur. During this time, they learn the very basics of Morgathian theory and dogma, usually at the tender mercies of the Sungai, who assist the Khirka ap Gai in teaching lower-level classes. Also during this time, the Longai get an education via immersion into the internecine rigors of temple politics. Required to fully and instantly obey the order of any of their superiors, the Longai are subject to the whim of those above them. The Sungai in particular seem to take a special relish in exercising their control over the one facet of temple life that they are allowed, that is, the unfortunate Longai. As a benefit of service, however, the Longai are allowed to attend the lowest Degree of Shadath as soon as they are accepted as acolytes by the temple.

After the first year, less time is spent in the kitchens and cellars and training intensifies, as do the Longai's responsibilities. During this time, the acolytes will assist in teaching the children of the laity in preparation for the Kenat Retsa. Usually, Longai with a year or more of experience are allowed to attend both the first and second Degrees of Shadath.

At the point where their studies have reached the appropriate point and when their superiors believe that they are ready, the Longai undergo preparation for the promotion to Sungai. Generally, this involves twelve days of ritual fasting and devotions similar to those of the days preceding the Liturgy of Vabukrai, though the acolyte need not be promoted in Morgat. Finally, at the next observance of the Degrees of Nyardath, the hopeful Longai attend the third and final Degree of Shadath, in which they are given thirteen questions concerning Morgathian dogma as well as a "test of will." Often times, this "test" consists of a beating administered by the attending Sungai, so as to impress the temple pecking order upon the petitioner, showing the Sungai-to-be exactly where he or she stands. Failure is not uncommon, and certainly not pleasant. Although there is no limit to the number of times a Longai may undergo this ritual, the number of previous failures figures strongly into the severity of the "test of will."