Since there is a great Horde RP information thread focused on races, I thought it would be interesting to share something class related. As we all know, the classes almost always have some racially-unique Lore and concepts related to them. However, rather than just summarizing the in-game lore, I did RESEARCH in order to delve into the real world origins for specific terms, and the larger implications of what this means about the unit’s place in the world and their society.
So, without further ado: the Zandalari Troll’s Paladin, the Prelate:
What Is A Prelate?
In simple terms, “Prelate,” is the unique name given to the Paladins of the Zandalari Empire. Only the most elite physical specimens with the deepest blessings of the Loa, the best of the best, are put on this path during the sorting of castes. These chosen few are raised in the service of Rezan, the Devilsaur Loa, aka the Loa of Kings, and where they are constantly tested and trained to be the ultimate in Elite warriors as well as pillars of unshakable faith.
But this is only part of the story: a Prelate IRL is a Catholic church official with rank equal to a bishop, who wields “ordinary authority.” This means that the office that the person occupies (in this case, Prelate) has some kind of inherent governing power granted to it by church law, be that legislative, executive or judicial. Prelates traditionally had authority over designated territories, but only territories outside a diocese, which is to say they were generally assigned to rule over areas where the church did not have the infrastructure, backing or popularity to claim as their own, such as heavily Protestant nations.
In the 60s, the church invented the notion of a “Personal Prelature,” in which a prelate could be put in charge of not a set territory, but a class of persons regardless of where in the world they were.
What Do We Learn About The Zandalari From This Definition?
Well, before we answer that it’s worth noting that Zandalar is not the only place we find Prelates in WoW. In Warlords, the Draenei of alt-Draenor had Prelates. These individuals seemed to be the highest-ranking administrative leaders for given regions, answerable only to the Council of Exarchs and the Prophet. So going back to our previous definitions, these were traditional “territorial prelates,” rather than “personal prelates.”
But Zandalari Prelates seem to have no governing authority whatsoever. They are (initially) never seen as military commanders, governors or leaders of any kind. They only work, train and live among the other Loa Priesthoods, preparing for the day they’re called upon to protect their people.
Zandalari Prelates, much like other Loa priests, answer directly to their Loa Rezan first and foremost, NOT to the King. While they will follow the King’s orders when called upon like any priest also would, their first duty is to the God which ordained them. This connects to the word’s origin, because a Prelate was equal to a Bishop, and thus only the Pope was legally allowed to appoint them. Only someone superior to a Bishop in the church hierarchy could give someone “ordinary authority,” because otherwise Bishops could just appoint themselves to having political power outside the lands of the church whenever they wanted.
What do we learn from this? That the Loa of Kings in Zandalari society is the rough equivalent to a Pope. He ordains Kings, giving them the right to rule, as we see in the scenario where Talanji becomes queen. He is the only one permitted to name Prelates, which none of the other, lesser Loa do with their followers. He is considered above the King… but at the same time, just like with the Pope in the real world, the King isn’t exactly required to ANSWER to him or even listen to him at all if they don’t want to, or are in a position politically to ignore them. We see a great example of this with Talanji’s relationship with Bwonsamdi, the current Loa of Kings.
What does this mean for my Prelate character?
Well, Zandalari Prelates are described as holy warriors who stand in defense of the Zandalari Empire against all threats. Based on this definition, and the previous analysis of the word’s origins and Rezan’s role in Zandalar, we can infer that Prelates have no direct authority over the Empire and it’s people. Their only authority is over those lands (or people) who threaten the Empire from the outside. That is their “Personal Prelature.” They are not limited to any territory. Instead, their jurisdiction, the ‘original authorty,’ Rezan granted them, is over a group of people - All Enemies Of Zandalar And It’s People.
Think of a Prelate them as a physical incarnation of the Pax Romana, the “Imperial Peace.” The ideals of Rezan and the laws of the Zandalari Empire, which protect all of Zandalar’s people, are enforced by them against all who stand OUTSIDE those ideals and laws, for the purpose of PRESERVE those ideals and laws. In other words, they are the shield and sword of the highest of the gods, fighting against “all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
No matter where your Prelate goes and what threats they confront, always remember: the Prelate’s first duty is the protection of the Zandalari Empire and it’s people. And the Prelate’s authority, their “personal prelature,” is squarely focused on the enemies of those people as a collective group. Prelates are not police, nor are they soldiers. Perhaps they are best thought of as Judges, who’s court only ever asks one question - is this person an enemy of Zandalar? This is a question that must be filtered through a great deal of knowledge, all of the laws set down by the Throne and the ideals and doctrines of Rezan’s temple. But once the verdict is decided, the Prelate should always abide by it, and either walk away, or deliver a sentence befitting that crime.
Current Events
Now interestingly, Rezan’s death and Talanji’s reforms have shifted this status quo somewhat. When Rezan died, most Prelates lost their power, but according to High Prelate Rata their order is now devoted not to the deceased Rezan, but to Talanji in her role as Queen. We can infer that this changing of who they devote their service too and who’s ideals they champion is related to the restoration of their lost powers.
This was an easy change for them because Talanji was a Priestess of Rezan. She shares their values and beliefs. But it does mean that for the first time the Prelates follow the KING first and foremost, not their Loa first and the King second.
Also important is the fact that the High Prelate now sits on the Zanchuli Council. This means she for the first time inherently has some authority over the Empire directly. However, it is important to keep in mind that this power is only by Talanji’s direct leave. The Zanchuli Council is an advisory and administrative body, NOT a group intended as a check or balance on the King’s power. They can only act at the Throne’s behest (at least in theory).
Talanji is responsible for the Prelate’s regaining their power, but by making the High Prelate part of her Council, she is blurring the line between King and Loa of Kings. Since the new Loa of Kings is not compatible with their ideals, and perhaps not even their powers, this is understandable… but it also creates a lot of potential conflict and uncertainty about the Order’s future which could reverberate far into the Empire’s future.