Keeper of Myrkul
The Withering Lords are a special rank of priest that have been blessed with the knowledge of a spell known to the Church of the Bone Lord, Wither. This spell is used in a ceremony celebrating the appointment of a new Elder Doom. Withering Lords and the Wither spell were originally part of the Faithful of Skulls, and were brought into the Church of the Bone Lord to augment the prestige of its most senior clergy.
It is a common belief in the Savage and Moonsea North that anyone who harms a priest of Myrkul can expect death to come to them quickly, with whispers that Myrkul sends his agents to exact vengeance upon transgressors, this belief has spread south over time and as of the 14th century Dalereckoning it is common knowledge in most places in Faerun.
This belief originates from the 11th century Dalereckoning conflict between the Harpers and the Faithful of Skulls, wherein scores of Lich Lords and their servants attacked Harpers and their allies in retaliation for the destruction of a group known as the Wearers of the Skull which were allied to the Faithful of Skulls.
Withering Lords are the keepers of arcane and divine spells, as well as extensive chronicling and archiving. Deep in the annals of the Church's history are many events that show what the consequences for such a small population of the devout worshippers can be when public opinion deems to scapegoat them as the cause of natural events or does not fear retribution for attempts of annihilating the faithful.
Thus Withering Lords encourage the spread of the belief that merciless vengeance shall be visited on any that impede a disciple of Myrkul's practical and necessary work. This has served to provide protection to the faithful as they often travel alone.