Listener of Myrkul
The Deep Elder Doom was the highest-ranking member within the church of Myrkul up until the mid–14th century DR. They served as the head of the Conclave of Doom within the Skullspire in southern Faerûn.
The Withering of Elders: This sacred ritual is performed in secret at the top of Skullspire in Tulmon on the night of a full moon following the death of one of the Elder Dooms of the Conclave of Doom to appoint a replacement. The prospective Elder Doom undergoes many ceremonies involving sacred oils, relics, robes, chants, etc.
The final ceremony of the ritual involves 3 Withering Lords in attendance casting the spell Wither and placing their hands upon the head of the recipient. If the recipient survives, the skin on his head is withered and thinned until it resembles little more than a skull with some greying skin stretched over it, and he may rise as one of the Elder Doom of the Conclave of Doom.
Those that perish are viewed as being unworthy in the judgement of Myrkul. In very rare instances, such as happened relatively recently with Elder Doom Kalia, the recipient is completely unaffected by the Wither spells and retains their vigour, these individuals are viewed as favoured by Myrkul and their voices hold greater weight within the Conclave of Doom and the Church of the Bone Lord
Know me and fear me. My embrace is for all and is patient but sure. The dead can always find you. My hand is everywhere - there is no door I cannot pass, nor guardian who can withstand me.Myrkul