Ossiarch Caste System

The Ossiarch Caste System

The Ossiarch Caste System is the hierarchical system of societal organization for the Ossiarch Bonereapers created by Nagash in the Age of Myth.^[1a]

Membership

Each Ossiarch Bonereaper is assigned to one of the castes upon creation. Membership in each caste is denoted by a cartouche on each Ossiarch, usually on their chest.^[1a]

While it is impossible to move up the hierarchy of castes, it is possible for an Ossiarch to move downward as punishment for failure. On the plains of Equuis Main, horse-like constructs that were once Bonereapers gallop endlessly in a futile attempt to outrun their sins.^[1a]{^[2a]

The Caste Hierarchy

Nagash

Nagash, creator of the Ossiarch Bonereapers and God of Death, sits above and outside the caste system. He wears no cartouche, for there is only one Nagash - and, should he have his way, eventually, there will be only Nagash.^[1a]

Mortarch

The royalty of Nagash's new order is the Mortarch caste. The cartouche denoting their station is, for now, worn only by Katakros, Mortarch of the Necropolis. The other Mortarchs predate the symbol or would be unwilling to wear such an overt symbol of Nagash's power over them.^[1a]

Emissarian

The Emissarian caste comprise the religious order who are devoted to the glory of Nagash. They are charged with levying the bone-tithe.^[1a]

The Emissarian Caste is overseen by Arkhan the Black, Mortarch of Sacrament, and its most famous member is Vokmortian, Master of the Bone-tithe. Mortisan Soulmasons and Mortisan Soulreapers are also part of this caste.^[1a]

Panoptic

The Panoptic caste comprise the commanders of the Bonereaper legions, such as the Liege-Kavaloi. The caste is equal in standing to the Emissarian caste.

Priad

The Priad caste are the specialists of the Ossiarch legions, and includes the towering Morghast Harbingers, Immortis Guard, and Necropolis Stalkers, as well as the cavalry of the Kavalos Deathriders and the artillery of the Mortek Crawlers.^[1a]

Thorac

The Thorac caste form the main body of the Ossiarch legions, such as the Mortek Guard.^[1a]

Ossifact

The Ossifact caste are the artisans, labourers, and harvesters who support the legions. This caste creates the Ossiarch Necropolises and the bodies of their fellow Ossiarchs. Members include the Mortisan Boneshapers, Mortisan Ossifectors, and the Gothizzar Harvesters.^[1a]

Mornial

The Mornial caste supports the other castes, with its members acting as servants, squires, and retainers. Members of the Aviarch order of spies and messengers and Gnosis scholars are among those in this caste.^[1a]^[2a]

Parrha

The Parrha caste forms the lowest caste of Ossiarch society, made of exiles and those whose failures have reduced them to the status of beasts. The name itself comes from the Ossian word for "outcast".^[1a]^[2a]