Contains the main hierarchy titles of the sects and church ranked from lowest to highest so that you, my dear reader, may have a less chance of being confused. (Might have minor spoilers)

  Church of Decay

  Novice - New initiates of the Church and fresh recruits who have recently joined the cult. They have no authority. Novices are expected to obey higher ranks without question and prove their loyalty through gruesome trials, including self-mutilation, desecration of holy sites, or carrying out executions.

  Acolyte of Decay - Basic members who have gained enough merits from the higher ranks to advance past the Novice rank. They assist in rituals, maintain shrines to Meirkien, and spread decay through sabotage, poisoning wells, or defiling sacred places. They have minor authority over Novices but are still considered expendable. Many die before advancing further.

  Condemned - Acolytes who have proven their devotion through extreme sacrifice, usually by willingly infecting themselves with a blight or curse tied to not even a fraction of Meirkien's power. They are substandardly known for their rotting flesh, missing limbs, or necrotic wounds that never heal. Some see them as martyrs, while others see them as mindless zealots. The Condemned are somewhat respected, but hardly have any more authority than the Acolytes of Decay. They are often assigned suicidal missions or serve as "living weapons," charging into battle with contagious afflictions.

  Justiciars - The enforcers of the Church. Justiciars carry out public executions, sacrifices, and purges of heretics (usually meaning anyone who opposes the Church). Their ranks are handpicked, usually by an Esoteric, and sometimes even a Harbinger, otherwise, it would be impossible to ascend to this rank. They oversee the Novices, Acolytes and Condemned, ensuring that no one within the Church falters in their faith. They are feared both inside and outside the cult. Their word is law, and their power is terrifying.

  Wretched - The Wretched are those who have lost their former selves to decay and madness, yet remain powerful. They are often hideously deformed, their skin peeling, bones exposed, or even growing unnatural limbs. However, they have not yet lost their minds, and their intelligence makes them deadly commanders on the battlefield. Their authority lies a little under the Justiciars. The Wretched are considered sacred warriors.

  Esoteric - The Esoterics are the cult’s scholars and ritualists, dedicated to uncovering ancient texts and forbidden knowledge. They study necromantic magic, lost prophecies, and are the ones in charge of the initiation processes. While they rarely fight, they command immense respect, even from warriors. They answer only to the Harbingers and higher ranks.

  Harbinger - The high generals and prophets of the Church of Decay. Each Harbinger is a legendary figure, responsible for spreading Meirkien’s influence in different parts of the world. They are unstoppable warriors, necromancers, or sorcerers who have reached a level of inhuman power. Harbingers lead entire legions of the Church.

  Archdeacon of Decay - There are only a few Archdeacons, and each one is second only to the High Priest. They oversee the largest cathedrals and grand rituals. They are responsible for maintaining the core doctrines of the Church. Archdeacons of Decay answer only to the High Priest of Decay and act as rulers of vast cult territories.

  High Priest of Decay - Supreme Leader of the Church.

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  Sect of Resonance

  Convert - Converts are those who have only recently initiated into the Sect of Resonance. They come from various backgrounds, including reincarnated individuals, or people seeking redemption. Converts undergo intense training to attune themselves to the sect’s teachings. They have no authority, Converts are expected to obey their mentors and prove their worth before ascending in rank.

  Fledgling - Those who have successfully passed the initial trials and gained a deeper connection to the natural and magical forces the sect embodies. Fledglings specialize in combat, magic, or diplomacy, depending on their strengths.

  Acolyte - Fully inducted members who have developed their combat skills, magical abilities, or strategic intellect. Acolytes are given greater responsibilities, such as scouting, training Converts, and safeguarding sacred sites. They oversee Fledglings and are considered the foundation of the sect’s military and scholarly forces.

  Adherent - Dedicated warriors, scholars, or tacticians who serve the sect in specialized roles. Adherents can be battlefield healers, arcane strategists, or elite warriors wielding the sect’s strongest weapons. They proved themselves capable of this rank by gaining the respect and merits from the higher ranks. They can lead small groups of Acolytes and are often deployed on missions of high importance.

  Devout Knight - Devout Knights are highly skilled warriors and spellcasters who uphold the sect’s code with unwavering faith. Many are responsible for defending sacred places, leading battles, or hunting enemies of balance. They lead strike forces and are seen as protectors of the sect’s ideals, and have complete authority over any rank lower than theirs.

  Luminary - Luminaries are enlightened sages, strategists, or master combatants who have reached a near spiritual connection with the world’s magic. They wield great wisdom and power, often acting as advisers or teachers. They command Devout Knights and lower ranks and have influence over sect decisions.

  Magister - The highest-ranking scholars and magical prodigies of the sect. Magisters have unlocked deep arcane knowledge, specializing in holy magic, nature spells, and spiritual resonance. They oversee entire libraries, magical studies, and research on the Church of Decay. Magisters work alongside the Arbiters and have immense say in how the sect operates.

  Arbiter - Arbiters are the military commanders and grand tacticians of the sect. They lead armies, oversee magical operations, and carry out the will of the Verdant Echo. Arbiters have the final say in wartime strategies and sect security. They command entire battalions and hold authority over all lower ranks.

  Verdant Echo - Supreme Leader of the Sect of Resonance.

  Raiders Sect

  Initiate - New recruits who must undergo brutal physical and mental conditioning. They are taught combat, survival, and the sect’s philosophy of unyielding strength. Weak Initiates either die or are expelled. They have no authority, Initiates are at the bottom and must earn their place.

  Vanguard - Warriors who have passed their initial trials and proven themselves in battle. Vanguards serve as frontline fighters, hunters, or laborers. They take orders from higher ranks but can act independently in combat.

  Ranger - Skilled warriors specializing in stealth, tracking, and ranged combat. Rangers serve as the sect’s scouts, assassins, and hunters, ensuring enemies never see them coming. Their say in matters is limited however, they are respected for their skills.

  Strider - Elite warriors who have fought and survived countless battles. Striders are given more freedom and often undertake dangerous missions alone or in small groups. They can command Vanguards and Rangers in skirmishes.

  Titan - The Titans are the unstoppable war machines of the sect, possessing immense physical strength and endurance. They act as both defenders of strongholds and shock troopers in war. Titans are highly respected, but they primarily follow orders from Berserkers and Lords.

  Berserker - Fearsome warriors who have mastered both brute strength and battle instincts. Berserkers are known for their near unstoppable rage in combat. They also specialize in using magic or battle trances to enhance their ferocity. Berserkers command Titans, Striders, and lower ranks in battle.

  Lord - They oversee multiple warbands and have near-complete authority over their warriors.

  Commander - Supreme Leader of the Raiders Sect.

  There are more titles of course, but these are just the mains ones that will be commonly mentioned throughout the story.