The High Bishops of Alaeno

The High Bishop of Alaeno is a figure of immense power and authority within the hierarchy of Alaeno's religious order. Chosen directly by the deity himself, the selection of a High Bishop comes at a significant price for the Githzerai recipient. In order to achieve absolute attunement with Alaeno, the High Bishop must willingly sacrifice their own senses, relinquishing the ability to see, hear, and taste. This sacrifice is exchanged for potent psionic abilities, allowing the High Bishop to tap into the divine power of their god.

To compensate for their lack of sensory perception, the High Bishop employs a group of thralls known as the Priestesses of Alaeno. These individuals are forcefully dedicated to serving the High Bishop, acting as vessels through which the High Bishop can experience the world. Through a process of psionic possession, the High Bishop takes control of the Priestesses, stripping them of their autonomy. They become mere extensions of the High Bishop's powerful psionic abilities, allowing the High Bishop to perceive and interact with the physical realm.

The number of Priestesses a High Bishop possesses is at their discretion, with each additional thrall augmenting the High Bishop's power. The more Priestesses under their control, the greater the High Bishop's influence and abilities become. The Priestesses themselves exist solely to serve the High Bishop, their purpose being to enable the High Bishop's sensory experiences and facilitate communication.

It is important to note that the Priestesses only regain their autonomy if the High Bishop chooses to release them from their grasp. Until then, they are bound to the High Bishop's will, existing solely to fulfill their role as conduits for the High Bishop's senses. The High Bishop relies on these thralls to see, hear, taste, and communicate with the world, as they have willingly given up all of their own mortal senses in exchange for divine power.

The High Bishop of Alaeno is a formidable figure, both revered and feared within the religious order. Their dominion over the Priestesses and their mastery of psionic abilities make them a force to be reckoned with, wielding the power of a god through their chosen thralls.

The High Bishop of Alaeno is distinguished not only by their role and powers but also by their distinct appearance. Clad in beige robes, the High Bishop's religious garb is marked by a unique design. The robes are connected at the shoulder with a brooch displaying the symbol of Alaeno—a bird with its wings spread wide, clasping a brain in its open beak. This emblem represents the deity's domain over intellect and knowledge.

Adorning their head, the High Bishop wears a crown with four points that converge in the center. The crown is a symbol of their elevated status and authority within the religious order. At the very top of the crown, where the points meet, a Topaz gemstone is prominently placed, adding a touch of regal splendor to their attire.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the High Bishop's physical transformation is their altered complexion. Once chosen to become a High Bishop, their skin undergoes a dramatic change, turning a very pale grey. This change serves as a visible sign of their divine connection and the sacrifice they have made for their role. Additionally, their eyes lose their natural color, becoming milky and devoid of their previous vibrancy.

As a consequence of their devotion to Alaeno and the sacrifice of their senses, the High Bishop's physical features also undergo notable alterations. Their ears shrivel and diminish in size, becoming almost invisible to the casual observer. Furthermore, their lips are permanently sealed, rendering them unable to speak in their own voice. Instead, they rely on their Psionic abilities and the channeling of their senses through the Priestesses to communicate and interact with the world.

The unique appearance of the High Bishop serves as a striking visual representation of their commitment to Alaeno and the profound transformation they have undergone in their quest for divine power. It is a constant reminder of the sacrifices they have made in their role as the chosen intermediary between the mortal realm and the divine domain of Alaeno