Hi, All,
I'm not 100% sure how cannon the information is, but in the Iron Wind module, the Iron Wind and the Priests Arnak are mentioned by Elor:
"3.21 The Priests Arnak.
The Iron Wind is known as a power- and only through its minions. The
least of these are the Priests Arnak (of High Imla Arna- "The Evil High Priests"), and they are the first to enter a given land that is marked for conversion."
Further on is mentioned:
"3.23 The Ordainers.
The Ordainers are the closest servants of the Iron Wind, and of them only six are known. They are the viceroys of the Unlife in its domains and rarely leave the strongholds that are built for them, preferring to send the Messengers to remove those who oppose them or the Priests Arnak. They themselves only come forth where immense power is called for and whole armies would be impractical. They are the demonic masters of such power and it is in consideration of the
priestly might that my blood recoils, for they are but servants of the Iron Wind...."
Is it possible that the Priests Arnak are simply tools, that serve the Ordainers (perhaps one Order Arnak per Ordainer?)
Compare this to the Steel Dawn in 'Powers'- who serve and feed the sentient Silver Mist, or the Demon Sarakath on the island of Phegri, from 'Islands of the Oracle', who "oversees much of the Evil activity in this region of Kulthea."
Additionally, the Timeline in 'Jaiman' states that:
"6,203 ? An Ordainer appears in SW U-Lyshak and leads an army of
evil creatures southwards. Mortals flee before this demonic monster."
"6,450 - 6,825 ? Wars of Dominion. Ordainers lead armies of unspeakable
horrors from the bowels of the earth and beyond."
Whilst in the Xa-ar timeline is mentioned:
"6521: The Ordainer Kharugh overwhelms the Wyvern Crown?s defensive powers and leads a dark army into Saralis. He enters the capital of Turak and slays the king, destroying the crown."
It seems, to me at least, that Unlife's
primary servants are Ordainers, or similar chaotic demonic entities- these in turn control the Unlife's more acceptable 'human' face- the Priests Arnak, the Messengers, etc, etc.
As for how the Priests Arnak themselves operate- in many ways I'd suggest seeing the Loremaster thread!
One thing that they do seem to do is infiltrate existing organisations/religions. They could also resurrect old, half forgotten religions- what humans' would
now remember the original doctrines of a religion that was abandoned hundreds of years ago?
From these positions of respectability, they are able to offer (supposedly) sage counsel and wise advice.
Hope this Helps,
All the Best,
Kevin.