Priests of Piruw

The  are a religious order of Tamani, also in charge of governing the species.

History
The were formed by the Tamani, a species of beings native to the island of Piruw.

For years, the Tamani remained isolated from most of the universe. In a short time, they developed a cultural system based on the supernatural, being able to contact with spirits and assimilate their power for "witchcraft". The most powerful mages joined as the Priests of Piruw, and soon assumed political control of the island as well.

One day Piruw suffered a terrible catastrophe because of an attack of Nocturn, who broke the island in portions. The disaster prompted a general panic on the island and Zask, the leader of the organization at that time, was unable to handle the situation.

The Priests, in the face of Zask's inefficiency, declared another Tamani, Diguxx, as their new leader. With the control of the island in his hands, Diguxx took charge of organizing the reconstruction efforts and won the support of the inhabitants.

Corruption
When the League of the Six Kingdoms came to power, the Barraki Carapar intended to subject Piruw to his authority, but Diguxx negotiated with him to keep the island semi-independent. He also volunteered to the Barraki as a consultant and strategist.

In appreciation for his services, Carapar authorized Diguxx to collect taxes for all commercial activities on the island of Mazra Nui, making the Priests of Piruw incredibly rich.

While Diguxx and the Priests gained more wealth, however, the island of Piruw began to suffer from famine and poverty. Soon things got out of hand; the Priests of Piruw began to demand adoration and to take sacrifices. This represented the break point for the Order of Mata Nui, which went into action to stop the chaos.

Diguxx and the other corrupt Priests were defeated, collected by Botar, and imprisoned in the Pit. The Order then imposed one of its Tamani agents, Jemex, as the new leader of the Priests of Piruw. Under his leadership the organization was reformed and its political power towards the Tamani was reduced.

During the Reign of Shadows, Jemex was assassinated, leaving the Priests without leadership.

After the Teridax's death, the Priests settled in Spherus Magna. They eventually chose a new leader among their members.

Organization
The Tamani, as a species, usually establish close relationships with spirits, which makes them deeply religious: for them the universe is a consciousness, each spirit is an aspect of a greater whole, and death represents the return of one's energy to a greater universal consciousness.

The beliefs of the Tamani are administered by the Priests of Piruw, who take charge of worshiping the spirits and organizing rituals to communicate with them. The order also exercises political power over the species.

To join the Priests of Piruw, a Tamani must first demonstrate an affinity to the spirits. After being elected, the initiate must spend a full year in solitary confinement, separated from all distractions. The initiate is then presented to the leader of the organization, who will summon a spirit who wishes to possess the initiate and become their companion for life. If a spirit responds to the call and possesses the initiate, they officially become a member of the Priests.

Although not common, some species outside the Tamani with aptitude for the spiritual are admitted into the Priests.

After the corrupt leadership of Diguxx, the organization was reformed and several rules were imposed to avoid the abuse of power. In addition, the Order of Mata Nui began to secretly watch over the Priests for any sign of corruption.