Hi, Walt, Elrik, et al,
The Jaiman module states that Helyssa is "...is currently held in regency, controlled by
the Priest of
Yarth, a powerful cleric with a growing political following." (Seems strange that it doesn't say "High Priest of Yarth", but there you are.)
I'd be dubious about humans, however, accepting an Elf as head of any 'official' religion in Helyssa. (How would most humans react to a Lugrok as Pope, for instance?) Osaran is specifically mentioned as utilizing some form of magical disguise for his role in the United Church of Orhan, in Rhakhaan. It's possible that Aeryk does something similar- although, it's not mentioned in the Jaiman book. Although, it's remotely possible that he's using a human priest, to gain him the power, of course.
As for introducing himself as the Priest of Yarth (or Yarthraak) when he returned in the Third Era, I doubt it matters. Two years after he originally seized control in 6201 SE, Cynar was virtually destroyed by an Ordainer-led army from the south...
So I doubt that many records survived- beyond word-of-mouth.
Also, I'd imagine, that in keeping with the way that the Priests' Arnak operate, that he infiltrated an existing religion somewhere in the region, and made a name for himself- getting himself initially elevated within the Church ranks, then gradually in the homes of the various Nobles of the Realm, until he finally got himself invited to Court. Where he proved himself useful, time and time again, gradually gaining more and more power, not only for himself, but indirectly for the Church, as well.
I always tried to use the Priests Arnak as sparingly as I used Loremasters- 99.9% of the time, the players weren't even aware of who, or what, they were dealing with- although, occasionally I allowed them some sense that something wasn't quite right with the person(s) they were dealing with. Which usually meant that they then tried to investigate in their own, inimitable style. (e.g.: read "Total disaster.")
As for Yarthraak's forces, Jaiman gives him a standing force of 1,000 Lugroki- and obviously, there will be the Messengers of Gorath (although, they are mentioned as working in groups of no more than 6- and given the Priests Arnak's predilection for the number 6, I suspect that there's no more than 36 of them in total.)
Additionally, it is mentioned that the High Priest's forces joined Lorgalis's- some 220,000 Lugroki strong- strange that Lorgalis's Qauidu forces aren't mentioned in Jaiman...
Helyssa on the other hand only has some 6,800 troops. A levy might well double that number- and you can probably assume that most of them will be loyalists- it's the other realms in U-Lyshak whom I've always assumed would bulk out the High Priests' forces- Lord Boshkar's forces for a start.
One 'advantage' that the High Priest has, despite the fact that he realistically only has a relatively small number of troops, is that his troops are adapted for night-fighting: which is something that normal humans aren't particularly good at. Literally, he can use guerilla tactic's and hit'n'run night-time raids to rapidly weaken and demoralize normal human forces. Add to that the odd Herald of Night/Darkness and his Messengers and Priests, and you'd be surprised how quickly he could whittle away at the Loyalist forces. Particularly, if Lord Boshkar's forces are attacking them during daylight as well...
Hope this helps,
All the Best,
Kevin.
