Though the Theocrat wielded immense power, granted by the Godslayer, his life could only be preserved by the power of that sword û and the power of the sword demanded blood to fuel its appetite.
Taryn found that coating the blade in the blood of the line or Arkor - the blood of his own line - rejuvenated its powers. In order to delay his death indefinitely, he therefore required a constant supply of the blood of Arkor descendents.
He founded the Monks of the Sword, building for them a monastery to the north of Corwenth. These monks, exclusively male, were periodically bred with the TheocratÆs own courtesans. Male children were raised at the monestary. Female children were held captive until puberty, at which point they were sacrificed to the sword.
Thus the Theocrat maintained his vigour for an unnaturally long lifetime.
