The Priests Arnak

by Patrick Plummer

…this group is loosely known as the Iron Wind. Its purpose is the destruction of all civilization and all things living.

On Jaiman, this group takes the form of the Priests Arnak. Six orders are spread throughout the six ancient realms of Jaiman. First, in U'Lyshak, the Yarthraak now have firm control of the government after the assassination of the last ruling prince. They are the official regents of the young prince who is currently missing.

How or why he is missing is currently unknown. The Yarthraak, in a different guise, controled U'Lyshak many years ago but U'lyshak and Cynar particularly were sacked and destroyed. Yarthraak went under- ground. The current incarnation is made up of sorcerors and wear robes of sea green. They are known to have a powerful tower located on the peninsula to the south of Cynar. This tower is hidden from normal sight, but is a tower of living things. The symbol of the Yarthraak is the sea drake.

Second, in Rhakhaan lurks the Thargondak. This group is made up of mentalists and wear robes of darkish red. They are related in some not completely known way to the usurper Frellic. They are most likely funding his efforts at taking over Rhakhaan. It is rumoured that a cult has appeared in the Mulirian States of south Rhakhaan. This cult is uniting this horse-based culture and it is theorized that this might be a basis in the future for troop support. Thargondaak has some ties at least with Athimurl in Saral. The symbol of Thargondaak is the horse and the leader of Thargonaak, whom we killed was named Roanan, "the charger" in High Imla-Arna. This could be a name or a title.

Athimurl is now the hidden leaders of Saral. Through a minion they have replaced the old king with one more to their liking. Currently only one tribe in Saral resists the influence. Athimurl has the powers of dark priests, of the realm of channeling. They wear robes of dark green. They are involved with the attack on Rhakhaan by Frellic. Thousands of Saralian mercenaries are currently in northern Rhakhaan. Also, many groups are in U'lyshak...fighting is happening in the Pellair mountains between Saral and U'Lyshak.

A tower of Athimurl is known as well. It is located in Xa'ar near Saral.

In Tanara lies Lyak. Not much is known about them except they probably wear grey robes and are of the essense and mentalism realms. Probably mystics. What influence they have in Duranaki culture is unknown. But perhaps this is the least threat at this time as the Duranaki don't trust anyone. There is some evidence that Lyak is allied with the Ynka, the enemies of the Duranaki who live to the south. Also the Ynka have become linked with an ancient group known as the Cult of Stars. They are of Duranaki bloodlines but not necessarily of Tanara. (Much is unknown).

Of the other three orders, not much is known from personal experience. Rumours exist that say that Lugrok mass in Ly'Aran to attack U'Lyshak. This is probably led by a priesthood.

Several things are common to all the priesthoods. First, the more powerful of the orders possess silver rings of great power. There are lesser and greater of these rings, but all are multipliers and give the wearer immunity to heat and cold, the ability to read and understand all elvish tongues, as well as being able to cast a firebolt 3 times per day. Second they use warriors of great power for scouts, protection, and strike teams. These are known as the Messengers of Syrkakang. They seem to all be of mostly Zori blood are extremely powerful warriors. They carry small crossbows that can fire two shots at a time which are strapped to one forearm. The bows are of dirwood and high steel. They also carry magical gauntlets that act as maces when used in battle. They never carry other weapons. Also they are armored quite strongly in some sort of enchanted hide full-body armor. Messengers normally travel in pairs or treos. They can come in groups of six, however. They use black eagles who are familiars of some sort to help them scout.

Finally, when killed in battle, Messengers usually disappear, equipment and all, summoned back from which they came. This, as far as we can tell, can only be blocked by death my electricity.

The last thing that we know is common to all priesthoods that we have encountered is their tactics. They always insinuate themselves into a society to take it over from within. This process is practically complete in Saral, nearly so in U'Lyshak and to a still unknown degree in Rhakhaan. In U'Lyshak for example, we know that the Yarthraak made converts of powerful men in government and comerse to weasel their way into power. Saralians are not known to be terribly subtle and perhaps this is why their realm fell first -- while they don't even know it. Tanara might hold out the longest to the subtle attack...perhaps the reason behind the allying of Lyak with other groups such as the Ynka. Another side note is that the ancient Cloudlords (thought to be the ancestors of the Duranaki, though they look like Myri) have returned to Tanara. They have burned several Ynka cities for unknown reasons.

There is evidence to sugest that some of the powers of Arnak come from evil demi-planes. Not much is known of these. But it is said (See Elor Once Dark notes) that their towers draw power from these dark planes and to shut off that source of power will harm, possibly destroy the towers. For a time at least, the Arnak powers might be limited. As detailed below, a tower (of Athimurl) was entered and a gate to a demi-plane was found. It is unknown how this is used.

While my group and myself have been fighting these priests for nearly five years now, little has been gained in the long run. The leader of Athimurl was killed -- and replaced. Several priests of Athimurl were killed as well and their rings confiscated. Many Messengers have died (at least for a while) under our hands and spells. The leader of Thargondaak has been killed, as have 4 of his priests. The effects of this are unknown. Several priests of Yarthraak have also fallen. Yet they still maintain their power through their minions. One of the few things we think that can combat them completely is the Crowns of the Wars of Dominion. These artifacts, created in the Second Era by Tethior the Smith, a great Alchemist along with matching Pendents and Swords, can be used to defend and entire realm. The whereabouts of one set is known and lies in the hands of Gryphon College. (Gryphon). The Phoenix Crown is thought to be in the hands of the usurper, Frellic. And most likely controlled by the Arnak. We have seen visions of the Crown of the Sea Drake, put on by the prince of U'Lyshak. But these visions are disturbing. The artifacts are so powerful as to drive those not ready or unworthy of them insane most likely.

At this point, all we can do is warn of the threat.

-- Excerpt from the Journals of Rubo of Lethys, 6050 TEI, 1st month