Pellars

Pellars are spiritual leaders of small communities across northwestern Cadora, though their numbers have dwindled in Esmaraine where they are shunned by the 'civilised' peoples and the church of the divine will. Their practices involve animal sacrifice, communion with spirits and the taking of psychedelic substances. This has led to many labeling them as demonic.
A Pellar's first and foremost duty is to preserve peace between his people and the local spirit(s) of the land. The most common way for Pellars to commune with the spirits is to don special ceremonial masks called Gothi and ingest a substance known as dreaming powder. The main ingredient of this moist and slightly flaky powder is the bark of a certain tree native to Cadora. The powder is said to enhance one's spiritual and magical abilities. With the Gothi donned and dreaming powder taken the Pellar emerges out of his hut, where the community awaits him in a circle. The Pellar moves to the centre of this circle and the communion begins. this can play out in many different ways. Sometimes the Pellar's conciousness seems to fade as he communicates with the spirit, other times the spirit can enter the Pellar's body and voice its demands through him.
Furthermore Pellars are healers, diviners, and much else. Each Pellar operates in a unique way and thus their talents differ greatly. One may claim to be able to lift curses, another to speak with deceased ancestors. It is hard to confirm or deny these claims. However many who have witnessed a Pellar perform in the flesh will swear by their abilities.

An Elderly Pellar