It is important to understand that Sarkicism is not only a system of beliefs but an ancient
culture that has, in secret, preserved its own language, traditions, and societal norms
(while outwardly adopting the dominant culture of the lands they inhabit).
To comprehend the Sarkic psychology, one must remember how their minds are shaped by their
distinct social environment.
Thus, behavior that would be considered beyond the pale to most (murder, torture, rape, etc.)
might be perfectly acceptable among Sarkites.
Foot note 9: "For Proto-Sarkites, such actions are committed zealously for some perceived
greater good.
For Neo-Sarkites, it manifests in a most libertine manner; to be as gods, one must not be bound
by mortal concepts of morality - nothing sacred, nothing taboo."
Dr. Fashingbauer
Letters between Neo-Sarkic cult members have been deciphered, revealing a fairly intricate
caste system outside the religious hierarchy.
A form of pedigree, it appears that Neo-Sarkites place heavy emphasis on bloodline - a hidden
aristocracy whose marriages form pacts and the foundation of powerful Sarkic families
(referred to by followers as "highbloods", sometimes "black-bloods").
Foot note 10: "The concept does not appear to exist among Proto-Sarkic cults.
Indeed, the idea of caste contradicts the egalitarian beliefs common to early Sarkicism."
- Dr. Low
Foot Note 11: This being a likely a play on "blue-bloods", a term for nobility and other
affluent people.
One is generally born into Sarkicism, with new blood introduced through careful selection.
It is difficult to draw a line between cult and family in Sarkicism.
The recruitment of outsiders is usually unnecessary as Sarkites have little trouble maintaining
their numbers - their virility and health apparently unaffected by generations of inbreeding.
Even non-Karcist (Karcists and above being biologically immortal) Sarkites have significantly
lower rates of mortality when compared to that of an average human, rarely dying before
reaching 100 (unless by violence or accident).
Foot note 12: "Indeed, a Sarkic community was once discovered by studying late medieval
census data and searching for populations with unusually low mortality rates; most especially
those whose numbers were unaffected by pandemics such as the Black Death."
- Dr. Low
Foot Note 13: Note: It is also possible that, upon reaching a certain age, Neo-Sarkites
falsify their deaths and spend the rest of their anomalously extended lives away from
public view.
Data suggests that hierarchical structures are generally consistent between Sarkic cults,
having remained relatively unchanged for at least over the last 3,000 years.
The two highest tiers, Ozi̮rmok (Grand Karcist) and Klavigar (High Karcist), have not been
verified outside of scripture and ancient documents, rendering it difficult to discern
whether these ranks are truly part of the modern Sarkic hierarchy or serve as a mostly
mythical foundation.
With that said, the standard hierarchy (from highest to lowest) consists of:
Ozi̮rmok Also known as the Grand Karcist.
The highest tier reserved for the prophet Ion and no other.
Ion is further discussed throughout the document.
Klavigar Also known as "High Karcist".
Roughly analogous to a saint.
The names of four Klavigar are presently known.
It is common for Neo-Sarkites to claim ancestry from a Klavigar.
See the Hagiography subsection of History for information about individual Klavigar.
Karcist The spiritual and secular leaders among Sarkic
organizations.
Karcists are considered biologically immortal and vary in form and anomalous ability.
Foot note 14: Although all known Karcists appear to have once been non-anomalous humans,
only some maintain a human visage.
It is theorized that they are able to control their Halkost15 via the release of complex
pheromones; it is assumed that Klavigar and the Ozi̮rmok wield similar influence.
Foot Note 15: A group of anomalous organic entities controlled by a Karcist.
Võlutaar Advisers to a Karcist.
Predominately female among Proto-Sarkic cults for reasons unknown.
Zend A middling rank of the Sarkic Hierarchy.
Have a degree of power and protection unlike the Orin.
Orin The lowest rank of the Sarkic hierarchy.
Adherents who do not descend from a Sarkic bloodline begin at this level.