Rule Through Fear

This is the cardinal principle of the priesthood. Priests of Iuz rule by fear over the slaves, humanoids, non-priestly human servitors of Iuz, least fiends, and even lesser fiends if the priest is powerful enough. Position in the hierarchy is likewise established, and kept, through fear.

At the apex of the pyramid are the High Priestesses. There are currently but two of these, Althea and Halga, among the Greater Boneheart, Iuz's central conclave of human servants. The only High Priest, Patch, was destroyed in Furyondy during the Greyhawk Wars. The High Priestesses fear Iuz and his rages, since they spend much time in Dorakaa. The Lesser Boneheart priests have the same fear of Iuz, but also have to fear the High Priestesses, who see them as possible future rivals.

Mid- to high- (9-13) level priests of Iuz fear both Iuz himself, since he may summon them to Dorakaa on rare occasions, and the Boneheart Priest(esse)s, especially if there is one in the area. However, these mid-level priests are in a good position, because they can plausibly play the “Old One card” in their situation. This involves terrifying their juniors by promising that, if they don't do everything the mid-level priests demand, “the Old One will hear of this.” Though many of these middling priests hardly have the ear of Iuz, they can plausibly appear to, which frightens their juniors witless. Also, most of these more exalted priests have dealings with greater fiends, which also serves to frighten those below them.

Low- to mid- level (5-8) priests continue this chain of ruling through fear, but their position is weaker since they cannot play the "Old One card." Threatening to go to their immediate superior may appear as a sign of weakness or lack of authority, so their position is often not envious. The lowest-level priests are at the bottom of the pile, of course. However, they are usually the ones with day-today command over slaves, humanoids and soldiery, and often take their fear out on those hapless targets.

This theme of rulership and command through fear is crucial to understanding the priesthood. In the lands where Iuz has a firm grip, a chronic state of fear runs through the priesthood. Each fears his senior and feels unable to act against them since they seem so capable of retribution for any disloyalty. This drives them to sadistic and violent actions, such as despoiling the Vesve Forest with destructive spells and mounting murderous hunting forays against Fellreev bandits. Where Iuz does not have such tight control, the priesthood shows more schisms. Internal power struggles, open disloyalty to seniors, and fights between equals are all commonplace. The situation in the Bandit Lands is a good example.

These considerations are important when establishing campaigns in the evil empire of Iuz. In its heartlands, priests are deadly enemies the PCs can regard only as fit for cold steel and searing magical strikes. However, the priests have weaknesses; juniors are often appalled at the thought of reporting any kind of failing to superiors and may try to cover up "accidents," including attacks by PCs. Wily PCs will exploit this weakness. In the eastern lands, where divisions are more open, PCs may even be able to exploit them more directly, pitting evil against itself.