Hierophant

In Garadek religions, 'Hierophant' is a claim to supreme religious authority and power. A Hierophant is imagined as a master of faith and coin, the physical embodiment of the religious institution. They do not unilaterally shape religious policy, but they do decide who can legitimately hold religious office beneath them. They also shape the trade and shipping policies of the faithful - essentially leading the faith as an economic institution. 
There are several individuals who claim the title of Heirophant:

• The Hierophant of the Redeeming Flame, master of Saraka 
• The Hierophant of the Holy League, of the Holy League of Zihari 
• The Pearl Hierophant, of the Temples in Pearl of Zihari 
• The Hierophant of Zavanra or the Golden Hierophant, head of the Pratasam Golden Road organization; subservient to the Archdruids of Pratasam

 Each faith has its own take on what a Hierophant really is. The Sarakans envision the Hierophant as the supreme religious voice and master of doctrine; to the Sarakan temple, there can only be one Hierophant, and every other claimant is false. The Zihari see it as more of an administrative position, a leader of practical matters of the faith; multiple Hierophants are less of a problem for them, as long as they work towards the same goal. The Pratasa, meanwhile, see the Hierophant as a kind of merchant-general in charge of championing the faith in Garadel.

Type

Religious, Political

Status

Active

Form of Address

Your holiness

Source of Authority

The priesthood

Length of Term

Lifelong

Current Holders

• Hierophant Elkrin I

Related Locations

• Garadel

Related Organizations

• Zihari
• Pratasam
• Saraka