Conduit

Conduit is the name given to any of the nineteen Voices of noble background who act as advisors, interpreters, and political agents for Eluli Ula in His capacity as Emperor of Khutu. Unlike non-Imperial saints, Eluli has never had his own cult lineage, as this would have threatened the power of the emperors during the Omban period, and would have come to resemble a hereditary monarchy afterward. While Eluli is, of course, able to talk to anyone He chooses, the Conduits are charged with maintaining close control on who may have access to Eluli as well as other revered Ancestors located in the great Mausoleum at Onighus, the heart of Khutuan political power. The role of Conduit grew out of the circle of attendants that Eluli had around Himself during the Imperial period. Conduits must strictly be ordained as Voices; however, their power and piousness varies greatly. After Eluli moved to Onighus in 334 IE, the role of Conduit became formalized and vested in the noble lineages of Khutu, who would compete to have their lesser sons become Voices deemed worthy enough to serve. Appointment as Conduit is a lifetime position, at Eluli's discretion, but only a small number of conduits ever retire or resign.