For those that do not know me, I am known as the Highfather. I once had a mortal name, a human name, but gave that up when I assumed the mantle of the Highfather. It occurred to me a century or so ago, that when my time is up, the knowledge I had accumulated would be gone, and my successor may not be as benevolent as I.
To begin, I am the Highfather. I am the twenty-third person to hold that position. It is not one solely held by humans. Indeed, dwarves and elves have held that title. A particularly odd satyr once did too.
I hold the same rank as the Revered Father of Hammon, technically. This means that the theocracy of Hammon is under the purview of both the Revered Father, and the Highfather. However, due to the nature of the Highfather’s role, I have a more advisory position. The major difference is that the Revered Father is absolute law in Hammon only. Where as I can influence any church on the face of Duir’Aion. One year at a time.
The Highfather’s role is to be the representative of the gods. Not god, gods. All of them. As such, the Highfather spends an entire year as archpriest, or on occasion archdruid of a different god. While representing that god, the Highfather works to spread that power’s influence. Currently, I am channeling the powers of Neissithaar, the god of Knowledge. Perhaps that is why this introspection hit me.
As of yet, no Highfather has turned to the Demon Kings. Yet. Before becoming an Arch-Loremaster, this question puzzled many historians and theologians. I know now, it is a matter of when, not if. I fear Hammon may not survive this change. Incidentally, there have been three Highmothers, though as a matter of tradition they are introduced as Highfathers. If I’m being honest, it’s more ignorance than tradition.
It is for this reason that I wander the world, spreading the faith that has accepted me. I do so, incurring all the adoration from those friendly to my patron, as well as the enmity of those opposed to it.
A Highfather’s patron is chosen at random, though no god may be served twice in a given tenure until all gods have been represented. When the year is nearly done, a Highfather receives a vision from the next god he shall serve. At the end of the year, one falls asleep as a servant of one god, and awakens in the service of another. Typically, the Highfather’s vestments will change appropriately, and he may awaken in a different temple altogether. This usually happens when the prior god and new god are at odds. For example, I once fell asleep a servant of Aeruus, the god of the sun and life, and awoke a servant of Raekisaanth, the god of death, in a different temple, surrounded by the grim worshippers of that god. Had I woken in one of the sun god’s temples, I would have done my best to destroy it.
A Highfather will receive a vision when his last year approaches. It will also tell him where to find his replacement. It’s ironic, in that the servant doesn’t receive a choice. The two won’t even meet until the current Highfather’s last day. Then the transfer of power will happen. Death is often the fate of the “former” Highfather, but it is not always the case.
As for me, I have received that vision. And while I travel to my replacement’s lair, I will do my duty as Loremaster, providing wisdom about the divine workings of the world I love.
A Darkness Rising 