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They could quite easily overwhelm the west by sheer numbers,
but the logistics of moving an entire population into position are
beyond the capabilities of the Grolims who are not really very good
administrators.
The Grolims
WEALTH
The Order (or race, since they are a tribe) is enormously wealthy
since taxation - tithing - in Angarak countries is heavy and it all
goes to the Grolims.
COSTUME
Monk's robe - black. Hood is always up. Steel mask - polished. The
face of Torak. Mask is a complete helmet, hinged and latched - they
frequently wear mail under-shirts and carry daggers* or swords.
ORGANIZATION
In Mallorea and southern Cthol Murgos there are Grolim
communities forbidden to others where the Grolims raise and educate their
children and continue their studies. In the western Angarak
kingdoms, Grolims have large houses where they can live in some
semblance of normalcy.
The Grolims have a Catholic structure with equivalents to:
pope - The ultimate high priest.
12 Cardinals - Administrators of large regions.
Archbishop - Administrators of large districts.
Bishop - Administrators of smaller districts.
Monseigneur - Administrators of major towns or cities.
priest - Priest (or priestess)
These last are the workers - they control villages, also travel as
messengers etc., perform the sacrifices, select the victims etc. Keep
the Angaraks in line. Some are in the intelligence service, adopt the
garb of the people and spy on them or on the west.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Angaraks are fearful of their religion - with good reason. The call to
the Temple is a call to be sacrificed. A sorrowful horrifying part of
their lives. Their relationship to Torak is that of driven slaves. The
Grolims, who select those to be sacrificed, are not above using this
power for personal revenge. Some Grolims can be bribed.
A religion based on fear. Theological offenses are also punishable
by death. (Speaking unworshipfully of Torak, striking a Grolim, etc.)
THE SACRIFICE
After suitable invocation to Torak by the priest, the victim is placed
naked on the altar, sliced open, and the heart is removed - offered to
Torak and then burned in a brazier of hot coals on the altar. Great
pits nearby are stoked up with huge fires and the bodies are then
burned in the pits. The altars are never washed and the combination
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