Here are mentions of templars in the first two novels, more or less the only novels in the Prism Pentad where templars even appear. I am using Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental 03-25 on AI Studio for the extraction.
1. Tithian of Mericles
-
Description: Initially High Templar of the Games under King Kalak, later also High Templar of the King’s Works, and eventually King Tithian I. He is relatively short (5.5 feet), with gaunt features, a hawkish nose, thin lips, beady liver-colored eyes, and auburn hair braided down his back. He is shrewd, ambitious, and politically motivated, often acting out of self-preservation. He has some past training in psionics but abandoned it for the templar path. As King, he appears troubled and struggles with psionics.
-
Proof:
-
“Next to the ancient ruler stood an apprehensive man dressed in the black cassock worn by all the king’s templars… His auburn hair hung in a braided tail down the center of his back. His features were gaunt, and his face was populated with a hawkish nose, a thin-lipped frown, and beady eyes the color of liver. At five and a half feet, he loomed over the aged king… Tithian of Mericles, High Templar of the Games and sole heir to the Mericles name… He was too shrewd to relish standing taller than the king.” (Page 3)
-
“…opting for the much easier and more lucrative life of a king’s templar.” (Page 10)
-
“Congratulations. You’re my new High Templar of the King’s Works,” said Kalak. (Page 11)
-
““Tithian?” Agis exclaimed.” (Page 46)
-
“…the high templar replied…” (Tithian, multiple instances, e.g., Pages 47, 49, 54, 55, etc.)
-
““Long live the king!” he whispered, placing the circlet on his own head.” (Page 269)
-
“A white globe appeared in the black grotto that was the mind of King Tithian I…” (Book 2, Page 4)
-
2. Dorjan
-
Description: A female High Templar, holding the position of High Templar of the King’s Works under King Kalak before Tithian. She was Tithian’s main rival. Described as slender and beautiful with an ivory complexion, straight nose, high cheekbones, and long, silky black hair. She possessed a stern personality and a cruel temper. Kalak executed her for failing to secure the ziggurat against sabotage.
-
Proof:
-
“The High Templar of the King’s Works, a woman named Dorjan, was his greatest rival.” (Page 6)
-
“…cast his glance toward a slender templar approaching from the north. It was Dorjan. She was a beautiful woman, with an ivory complexion, straight nose, and high cheekbones. Yet she was not alluring, for her stern personality and cruel temper cast a sharp edge over her features… When she saw Tithian her dark eyes grew as hard as the bricks of the ziggurat and the full red lips of her wide mouth twisted into a confident sneer.” (Page 8)
-
“Ignoring the dying man, the king glared at Dorjan…” (Page 10)
-
“The woman dropped to the terrace in a lifeless heap. Tithian watched her head burn down to a pile of ash…” (Page 11)
-
3. Pegen
-
Description: A human templar of considerable rank (indicated by a metal pendant), supervising the guards at one of Tyr’s city gates. Sadira perceives him as portly, pale-haired, with puffy cheeks, tight lips, red-rimmed but also beady eyes, and having a lonely, bitter, imperious attitude. He is susceptible to Sadira’s magically enhanced charms but ultimately prioritizes obeying orders due to fear of superiors. He is killed by Sadira.
-
Proof:
-
“…she cast a wary glance at the templar standing behind the customary pair of half-giant guards… she could see the glint of a metal pendant hanging from his neck. The jewelry suggested he was a man of considerable rank…” (Page 60)
-
“The man had a portly build and pale hair, with puffy cheeks and tight, pursed lips. His red-rimmed eyes were studying the half-elf with a casual, imperious attitude.” (Page 62)
-
“The man narrowed his beady eyes and frowned.” (Page 63)
-
““Don’t listen to her, Pegen!” said the half-giant next to the templar.” (Page 65 - Name Confirmation)
-
“The human templar, unable to see in the dark…” (Page 67)
-
“…Pegen gurgled and clasped his hands over his throat… lay on his back, his life slowly seeping from between his fingers…” (Page 67)
-
4. Gathalimay
-
Description: A low-ranking, half-elf templar who serves as an assistant to Tithian. He helps explore the secret tunnel beneath the ziggurat. King Kalak executes him by snapping his neck.
-
Proof:
-
“One of the assistants, a half-elf named Gathalimay, kneeled on the floor.” (Page 119)
-
““Gathalimay, give Stravos a lift so he can open the door.”” (Page 120)
-
“Kalak stepped behind the kneeling templar, grabbing Gathalimay’s chin… snapping the neck with a single crack.” (Page 125)
-
5. Stravos
-
Description: A human templar, serving as an assistant to Tithian. He is described as wiry and gray-haired. He accompanies Tithian into the secret tunnel. He shows fear when confronted by King Kalak and is ultimately forced by Kalak’s mental command to fatally stab himself with his own obsidian dagger.
-
Proof:
-
““Who dug this, the Veiled Alliance?” asked Stravos, a wiry, gray-haired human.” (Page 119)
-
“Kalak stepped to Stravos next. “This one is frightened.”” (Page 125)
-
“…handing the weapon to Stravos.” (Page 126)
-
“The hilt slipped from between Stravos’s hands and plunged deep into his stomach. The gray-haired templar grasped at the dagger, then pitched forward…” (Page 126)
-
6. Larkyn
-
Description: A high-ranking templar appointed by King Kalak to oversee security for the ziggurat games, a role that overlaps Tithian’s authority. He is described as stout with a lined, leathery face. He confronts Tithian in the gallery during the games. Agis assassinates him with a stiletto while he is seated.
-
Proof:
-
““I’ve placed Larkyn in charge of that. You are to coordinate with him…”” (Page 129)
-
“A stout templar with a lined, leathery face stormed into the gallery… “The meaning of what, Larkyn?” Tithian asked.” (Book 2, Page 44 / Overall Page 244)
-
“Tithian glanced at the chair where Larkyn’s body sat slumped.” (Book 2, Page 54 / Overall Page 254)
-
7. Orel
-
Description: A subordinate templar serving under Tithian. He expresses concern about Tithian speaking too openly to the noble Agis.
-
Proof:
- ““High One!” clucked a subordinate templar, “Is it wise to tell this to a noble?” Tithian spun on the man savagely. “I decide what is wise and what isn’t, Orel,” he snarled…” (Page 134)
8. Styan
-
Description: A templar commander in Rikus’s legion after Kalak’s death. He is weary-looking, with sunken eyes and unbound gray hair. He carries a magical olivine crystal for communication, presumably with Tithian, suggesting he is a spy. He clashes with Rikus over command and strategy, particularly regarding the safety of his own templar troops versus Rikus’s plans. He is revealed (or strongly implied) to be Maetan’s spy, is publicly humiliated and punished by Rikus, but later appears to die fighting alongside the legion against Hamanu’s forces at Urik’s slave gate.
-
Proof:
-
“…the templar Styan…” (Book 2, Page 29 / Overall Page 229)
-
“The templar was a weary-looking man with sunken eyes and unbound gray hair… he wore a black cassock…” (Book 2, Page 32 / Overall Page 232)
-
“…Rikus noticed him slip a small crystal of green olivine into the pocket of his black cassock.” (Book 2, Page 32 / Overall Page 232)
-
“As Drewet took the first stroke, the crowd began to turn away.” (Styan being lashed, Book 2, Page 86 / Overall Page 286)
-
“…picked out Styan’s long gray hair, crowning a lifeless body sprawled across one of the few half giants that had fallen in the battle.” (Book 2, Page 272 / Overall Page 472)
-
Unnamed Templars (Notable Groups/Individuals):
-
Templar Tax Collector (Shadow Square): Collects taxes at the public fountain in Shadow Square, assisted by half-giants. (Page 84)
-
Templars rounding up beggars (Shadow Square): Use whips and ropes, work with half-giants, take bribes. (Page 90)
-
Templar fighting sorcerers (Shadow Square): Uses magic missiles granted by Kalak. (Page 91)
-
Tithian’s Subordinate (Mindbender): Young, emaciated, with bulging brown eyes. Used psionically by Tithian to verify Rikus’s thoughts. (Page 145)
-
Templar at Ziggurat Tunnel: Ordered by Tithian to stay guard at the first trapdoor. (Page 119)
-
Templar at Stadium Entrance: Sour-faced, carries a glaive, initially denies Agis entry. (Page 132)
-
Female Templar Guide: Mid-thirties, leads Agis into the stadium. (Page 133)
-
Templar Guard in Tunnel: Stands guard in stadium entrance tunnel, flees when gate drops. (Page 133, 134)
-
Female Messenger Templar: Brings an urgent message to Tithian in the stadium tunnel. (Page 135, 138)
-
Templar Commander (UnderTyr Pursuit): Leads the initial chase into UnderTyr, killed by Sadira’s spell. (Page 160, 163, 165)
-
Templars (UnderTyr Pursuit): Pursue Agis, Sadira, Ktandeo into UnderTyr; twelve are killed by Ktandeo’s magic. (Page 160-161, 163-166, 171)
-
Half-Elf Templar Ambushers (UnderTyr): Two half-elves (one tall, one stocky) ambush the group in UnderTyr using a net and magic. The stocky one is killed by Agis; the tall one flees. (Page 166, 167)
-
Templar Supervising Back Gate (Makla): Human with a beard, questions Rikus and Neeva, allows them to pass. (Page 153, 154)
-
Templars Levitating Pyramid: Group working under Tithian to move the obsidian pyramid for the games. (Page 242)
-
Templars Guarding Stadium Gates (Post-Games): Stony-faced, prevent nobles/crowd from leaving. (Page 253)
-
Templars Arresting Rikus/Neeva: Work with half-giants to escort the gladiators after the games. (Page 253)
-
Templar Commander (Mob Control): Subordinate to Larkyn, takes orders from Tithian after Larkyn’s death. (Page 254)
-
Larkyn’s Templar Guards: Two assigned to guard Rikus and Neeva in the gallery, disarmed by Tithian. (Page 255, 256)
-
Lower-Ranking Templars (Gallery Stairs): Two dozen stand guard below Tithian’s gallery. (Page 244)
-
Urikite Templars: Serve King Hamanu, wear yellow robes, use magic (fireballs, lightning). Several groups encountered. (Pages 245, 271, 272, 275)
-
Urikite Templar (Rasia): Templar of Toil, female, carries a golden staff of office. Addresses the slaves in Urik after the Tyrian capture. (Page 265)
Based on the provided text from “The Verdant Passage” and excerpts of “The Crimson Legion,” here are further details and nuances about the Templars and the Templarate:
- Dual Role (Priests & Bureaucrats): Templars serve not only as the priests enforcing the Sorcerer-King’s divine status but also as the primary administrators and bureaucrats of the city-state. They handle civic tasks like collecting taxes, policing, overseeing public works (like the Ziggurat), commanding guards, and managing the gladiatorial games.
- “The templars served the king both as bureaucrats and priests. They performed all of Tyr’s civic tasks, such as collecting taxes, policing the streets, supervising public works, and commanding the city guard. They also coerced the populace into venerating Kalak as a deific sorcerer-king…” (Page 48)
- Source of Power: Their limited magical abilities are explicitly granted by the Sorcerer-King they serve. This power seems distinct from psionics (“The Way”) and the type of sorcery practiced by Sadira (drawing from plant life). Killing the Sorcerer-King (Kalak) removes this source, as noted by Maetan regarding Tyr’s templars after Kalak’s death.
-
“In return for their worship, the king invested the templars with the ability to use a certain amount of his magic…” (Page 48)
-
“They held their hands forward and high, making it clear that they were ready to deal with any resistance by casting the spells granted to them by the king.” (Page 58)
-
“With Kalak dead, the templars had no sorcerer-king to grant them spells…” (Book 2, Page 5, Overall Page 209)
- Strict Hierarchy: There’s a clear hierarchy, with “High Templars” holding significant power and specific portfolios (e.g., High Templar of the Games, High Templar of the King’s Works). Below them are subordinate templars and assistants, down to those performing routine guard duty or slave oversight. Rank seems important, influencing interactions and authority.
-
“Tithian of Mericles, High Templar of the Games…” (Page 3)
-
“The High Templar of the King’s Works, a woman named Dorjan…” (Page 6)
-
“One of the assistants, a half-elf named Gathalimay…” (Page 119)
-
“The low-ranking templars had discovered it…” (Page 119)
-
Larkyn is introduced as High Templar of the King’s Safety. (Page 254)
- Appearance and Equipment: The standard uniform is a black cassock. Higher rank might be indicated by items like metal pendants (Pegen), which are noteworthy because metal is scarce. They use various weapons, including whips for slaves, obsidian-tipped spears, obsidian daggers, short swords, and occasionally steel weapons (like glaives for gate guards), reflecting the rarity and value of metal.
-
Multiple references to black cassocks. (e.g., Pages 3, 5, 46, 60)
-
Pegen’s metal pendant. (Page 60)
-
Various weapons mentioned. (e.g., Pages 4, 15, 33, 126, 132)
- Motivation & Loyalty: While ostensibly loyal to the Sorcerer-King, ambition, political maneuvering, fear, and self-preservation are strong motivators (especially evident in Tithian). They receive salaries but supplement income through bribery and extortion. Loyalty can be fragile and subordinate to fear of the ruler’s wrath or desire for personal gain (like freedom, in Caro’s case).
-
“He was too shrewd to relish standing taller than the king.” (Page 3)
-
“…supplement their income through bribery and extortion.” (Page 48)
-
Tithian’s fear and maneuvering. (Pages 48, 129, 141, 233, 257)
-
Caro’s betrayal for freedom. (Page 121, Book 2 Pg 191)
- Relationship with Nobility: The Templarate is distinct from the traditional nobility. Joining the templars can be seen as a betrayal by noble families (Tithian). While the Senate of Lords theoretically advises the king, the templars often wield the real political power, and the Senate’s influence seems minimal. Templars can be ordered to confiscate noble property/slaves.
-
“Tithian was so furious that he had committed the ultimate class betrayal and joined the ranks of the templars.” (Page 53)
-
“The Senate of Lords was an assembly of noble advisors… In reality, the body was little more than a paper assembly…” (Page 49)
-
"If the high templars have spies in the Senate,” Agis responded evenly, “it stands to reason that the Senate has spies in the High Bureaus.” (Page 51)
-
“You don’t have the authority to confiscate my slaves,” Agis said… ‘The king issued a decree giving me that authority this morning,” Tithian replied.” (Page 59)
- Ruthlessness and Methods: They are tools of the Sorcerer-King’s often brutal regime. They oversee slaves harshly, use magic for enforcement, can be ordered to perform executions or confiscations, and employ psionic specialists (“Mindbenders”) for interrogation. Their lives are also precarious, subject to the Sorcerer-King’s deadly whims.
-
Overseers whipping slaves. (Pages 4, 5)
-
Kalak executing Dorjan, Gathalimay, and Stravos. (Pages 11, 125-126)
-
Templars using magic against escaping slaves/populace. (Pages 91, Book 2 Pg 87, Book 2 Pg 133)
-
Tithian using a Mindbender. (Page 145)
- Templars in Other City-States: The text confirms that other city-states, like Urik, also have templars who serve their own Sorcerer-King (Hamanu). Urikite templars wear yellow robes and use similar magic (lightning, fireballs).
- Mentions of Hamanu’s templars. (Book 2 Pg 38, Book 2 Pg 219, Book 2 Pg 265)
In essence, the templars are a powerful, hierarchical order serving as the administrative, priestly, and enforcement arm of the Sorcerer-King, wielding magic granted by their ruler, and often driven by complex motivations including duty, fear, and personal ambition.