Kingpriest of Istar
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The Kingpriest of Istar is the title given to the spiritual and political leader of the Empire of Istar in the fictional world of Dragonlance. He is the representation of Paladine, highest God of Light, in Krynn. He is leader of the entire nation of Istar, as well as a major priest or cleric of Paladine, making his title Kingpriest complete.
Though there were several kingpriests, the best known is the last one, Beldinas Pilofiro. If it is not specified, any reference to the Kingpriest in Dragonlance books most likely refers to him.
Beldinas Pilofiro was a holy priest who moved into politics and became the ruler of Istar. He was a holy man, but he let himself become blinded by his own light. He lost his way and became arrogant, demanding from the gods what the true believers asked in humility. The folly of the Kingpriest and his followers led to the destruction of Istar and the devastation of much of the continent of Ansalon in the Cataclysm. The Cataclysm was preceded by a series of warnings, but the Kingpriest did not heed them. Instead he saw them as forces of evil working against him.
[edit] References
- Kingpriests of Istar: A list of all the Kingpriests to have ruled Istar, by Chris Pierson
